NASHVILLE, TENN. (NRB) — The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) association welcomed more than 5,700 Christian media professionals—including 272 international attendees representing 43 countries outside the United States—to the NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention, held February 17–20 in Nashville, Tenn. The leading global convention and trade show for Christian communicators featured 56,000 sq. feet of exhibits with more than 240 exhibitors.
Speaking to the room full of Christian broadcasters and media professionals at the Opening Session of NRB 2026, Troy A. Miller, NRB president & CEO, said:
“A new era of Christian media starts now, and it starts right here. … NRB is actively working for the people in this room, clearing the way for you to do the ministry God has called you to, … not merely to create content, but to call the church to obedient, public, visible faith. Faith that bears fruit. Faith that is in it to win the game. And the end goal of the game is eternity with God.
…Our calling is to speak with clarity where the culture is confused, and to bear witness where institutions demand silence. The question is whether we will steward this moment.”
NRB thanks its 2026 Convention top-level sponsors Gloo (Diamond Sponsor), Equipping the Persecuted (Silver Sponsor), Elijah Streams (Bronze Sponsor), Ignite America (Bronze Sponsor), and Great American Pure Flix (Bronze Sponsor). For a full list of NRB Convention sponsors, click here.
NRB 2026 officially opened Tuesday, Feb. 17, as Christian communicators from around the world gathered for a full day of connection, collaboration, and vision-casting. The Intercollegiate (iNRB) Challenges launched the next generation of media leaders, while members convened for the annual NRB Membership Meeting. Attendees participated in specialized gatherings and networking moments such as the Industry Reception and TV Showcase.
The Opening Session began with virtual remarks from President Donald J. Trump, who addressed attendees and underscored the vital role of Christian media.
“I want to thank all of you as Christian broadcasters, influencers, and communications professionals,” President Trump said in the exclusive video to NRB attendees. “You really are great professionals. Your voice lifts up and inspires countless people around the world. America was founded on faith and religious liberties, and under this Administration we are once again defending your rights and restoring our historic identity as One Nation Under God.”
The evening also included spirit-filled, moving worship led by Michael W. Smith, Nicole C. Mullen, and Lipscomb University Choir and a stirring message from H.B. Charles Jr.—setting a tone of unity and expectancy for the week ahead.
The NRB Board of Directors also voted on new resolutions for 2026, helping chart the association’s course for the year to come. Read all 2026 resolutions here.
That afternoon, the World by Media Forum & Reception highlighted how Christian media and ministry are advancing the Gospel across borders. Attendees heard firsthand accounts of the transformative work taking place internationally, including insights from keynote speaker Brad Brandon of Across Nigeria. The session also featured music from Christian artist Sean Rodriguez. Later that evening, NRB President’s Council members and guests mingled at a special VIP reception.
Throughout the week, NRB hosted a full slate of panels, talks, and networking opportunities, including discussions on artificial intelligence and ministry innovation, religious liberty and censorship, digital evangelism and the “information war,” mental health and human flourishing, engaging Gen Z and Alpha, and the future of podcasting, broadcasting, and Christian filmmaking. New this year,
On Wednesday morning, Feb. 18, the Exhibit Hall burst to life with a ribbon-cutting, opening the doors to a sprawling floor where attendees explored hundreds of booths, discovered the latest innovations, and connected with top exhibitors across cutting-edge media, technology, film, ministry, education, and more. This year, NRB debuted three immersive training labs on AI, new media, and church media, staged on the Exhibit Hall floor to equip ministries with practical skills, actionable insights, and the tools they need to thrive.
The Media Awards Luncheon recognized this year’s recipients of the digital media, international, radio, and TV industry awards, honoring excellence and innovation across Christian communications. Newly added this year, the Veteran’s Ministry Initiative Luncheon brought focused attention to ministry efforts serving veterans and their families, featuring keynote remarks from Lt. Col. Allen West.
Wednesday evening featured the annual Media Leadership Dinner with keynote remarks from Bill Abbott and Shannon Bream of Fox News Channel. The day concluded with a Worship Service led by Journey Worship Co. and a message from Samuel Rodriguez, followed by the Intercollegiate NRB Awards and Members-Only Ice Cream Social. The New Media Reception convened prominent voices shaping today’s independent and faith-based media, featuring NRB representatives Lucas Miles of TPUSA Faith and Billy Hallowell of CBN News.
Thursday, Feb. 19 began with the annual, sold-out Breakfast to Honor Israel, presented in partnership with the American Friends of Magen David Adom, Combat Antisemitism Movement, and International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, featuring musical guest Omer Netzer.
Thursday evening’s NRB Freedom 250 Celebration opened with a formal Color Guard procession and drum cadence from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Band, followed by the National Anthem sung by Alexis Wilkins. Pastor and author John Amanchukwu opened in prayer before the Honorable Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered keynote remarks.
“As religious communicators, you give voice to the average person in the pew,” Secretary Hegseth said. “Once you serve and strengthen their communities, it impacts every area of life, including serving in the military. We people of faith must not back down. We will continue to praise Christ and exalt God. And if we did back down, as it says in Luke 19, the very rocks will cry out to praise Him.”
A “Timeline of Freedom” segment featured a cultural commentary video from Coral Ridge Ministries, an interactive “Pragerdy” game show led by Marissa Streit, and an “America Prays” moment in partnership with Pray.com. Shine of Liberty University led a cappella patriotic hymns and David and Tim Barton of WallBuilders spoke on the historical, spiritual heritage of our nation. The evening concluded with remarks from Seth Dillon of The Babylon Bee, worship led by Matthew West, and a closing spoken-word prayer from Lorenzo Sewell declaring “One Nation Under God.”
On Friday, Feb. 20, NRB hosted its annual Pitch-A-Thon, providing a platform for creators to present film and television concepts to industry leaders and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The Convention culminated Friday evening with the Closing Gala and Special Service Awards, celebrating excellence and faithful service in Christian media. Attendees enjoyed a time of worship led by Clark Beckham and an inspiring keynote message from Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth.
The next Convention will be held February 23–26, 2027, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
Recipients of the NRB 2026 Special Service Awards included:
President’s Award
Charlie Kirk (Posthumously)
Chairman’s Award
Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
Hall of Fame Award
Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer
William Ward Ayer Award for Distinguished Service
June Hunt
Dr. Robert Jeffress
Billy Graham Award for Excellence in Christian Communications
Real Life Ministry
Board of Directors Award
Pat Boone
Milestone Award
Dr. Jack Graham
Terry Meeuwsen
Dr. Randy Weiss
NextGen Award
Sadie Robertson Huff
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About NRB
NRB is a nonpartisan, international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent millions of listeners, viewers, and readers. NRB’s mission is two-fold: To protect the free speech rights of our members to speak Biblical truth by advocating those rights in governmental, corporate, and media sectors; and to foster excellence, integrity, and accountability in our membership by providing networking, educational, ministry, and relational opportunities. Learn more at www.nrb.org.
About the NRB Convention
The annual NRB International Christian Media Convention is the largest nationally and internationally recognized event dedicated solely to assisting those in the field of Christian communications. The dynamic and award-winning Exposition consists of hundreds of organizations and is an active marketplace for those seeking products and services to enhance their organization. The next Convention will be held February 23–26, 2027, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C. For more information, go to www.nrbconvention.org.
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