Selective List . . .

​

Fountains 2018 — Pensacola, FL, May 2018

Mark's Copy Editing II class worked with authors to edit their pieces and assemble a final manuscript. Students also generated interest and operated a sales table at the book launch of the 29th edition of Fountains (PCC's literary journal). Check it out.

​

Publishing Strategy Session — Chicago, IL, October 2017

The Emmaus Worldwide director, several colleagues, and Mark met with key Chicago personnel / representatives to discuss networking opportunities, collaboration, and publishing projects.

 

Publisher Representative at “Prison Pack” Church Service — Chicago, IL, December 2016

For the 4th year, Emmaus Worldwide partnered with Willow Creek Community Church to develop Bible study resources that are distributed to nearly 75,000 prison inmates across Illinois (as a Christmas care-package initiative).

 

Bible Conference — Bethany Bible Chapel — Cedar Falls, IA, October 2016

At this church-leader conference, Mark represented Emmaus Worldwide by promoting the publisher's publishing activities. He also met with key individuals / organizations to explore potential collaboration.

 

Life of Christ (BT 247) — Emmaus Bible College — Dubuque, IA, September 2016

Professor David A. Glock invited Mark to guest teach his class of 105 college freshmen about Emmaus publishing resources and their use in a wide variety of ministries.

 

Christian Ministry Seminars — Dubuque, IA, February 2016

Mark co-led a classroom seminar to encourage students to serve the Lord both now and in the future. The Emmaus Bible study resources provide excellent tools for use in prison / jail ministry, camp ministry, small group Bible studies, one-on-one mentorship, evangelism, etc.

 

Verso Paper Corp. — Paper Mill Tour — Wisconsin Rapids, WI, September 2015

Mill staff (of this 11th largest paper mill in the world) provided Mark a tour and unique insight of pulp and paper manufacturing. Mark also learned about sustainability practices and overseas competition.

 

Book Launch — Dubuque, IA, May 2015

To build excitement and generate sales, Mark worked with Amy Hernandez, the author of UnStuck: Moving Beyond Defeat, to develop a successful book launch. The book signing included live piano music, specialty coffee, and desserts. For over 90 minutes, the author was busy signing books.

 

Filming / Interviewing — Ypsilanti, MI, March 2015

After traveling to Detroit, Mark interviewed Edwin Wolff. His story of finding Christ inside prison is not only inspirational, but also an encouragement to prison ministry workers. With the footage collected, Mark and his team developed three videos. He also wrote an article for The ECS Connection based on Ed’s story.

 

Strategic Planning — Dubuque, IA, October 2014

Board members and department managers from Emmaus Worldwide gathered for several days of strategic planning. Mark and the publishing team accessed SWOT and STEEP variable before developing specific, implementable plans. 

 

Filming / Interviewing of Prison Inmates — Patosi, MO, May 2014

To promote prison ministries, Mark obtained government security clearance to interview and film 12 Christian inmates inside a Max 5 security prison. I then helped develop videos and related marketing campaigns.

 

ECPA 2012 PUBu — Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL, October 2012

PUBu provides an educational and networking opportunity for those within Christian publishing. Sessions are developed around major publishing-related communities and led by industry experts.

 

Publications (CS 380) — Emmaus Bible College, Dubuque, IA, April 2012

As a guest instructor, Mark taught junior and senior level students the program tools needed in importing, designing, typesetting, and exporting publications for print and online formats.

 

International Christian Retail Show — CBA Convention, St. Louis, MO, June 2011

At the St. Louis CBA convention, Mark evaluated exhibit opportunities for Emmaus Worldwide. Roaming the exhibit floor also proved useful in analyzing Christian publishing trends.

 

Developing an Email and Social Media Marketing Plan — Dubuque, IA, April 2011

Hosted by the NICC Center for Professional Development, this forum offered practical insight into developing and implementing an email and social media marketing strategy.

 

Publishing Executive & Book Business Seminars — January 2011

Your Future On-demand: Exploring the Future in POD/Digital Book Printing

Finding Direction as New Market Dynamics Take Hold of the Book Industry

 

2010 Publishers Institute — Christian Small Publishers Association, St. Louis, MO, June 2010

During the International Christian Retail Show, the CSPA hosted the Publishers Institute, discussing pre-publication book promotion, legal publishing rights, social media strategy, etc.

 

Publishing / Printing Industry Forum — Dexter, MI, November 2009

Industry professionals from the book production business gathered to network and learn about color management, marketing, advertising, graphics and halftones, proper PDF creation, etc.

 

Printer Visitation — Nappanee, IN, April 2009

Mark visited Evangel Press’ production facility to view equipment and discuss upcoming projects.

 

Xpedx Paper Summit — Grand Rapids, MI, June 2008

This conference explored the array of papers available and discussed sustainability issues / prices. Representatives included International Paper, Abitibi/Bowater, Fraser, and Glatfelter.

 

Printer Visitation — Chelsea, MI, November 2006

Representatives of Sheridan Books, Inc. walked Mark through their printing facility in Chelsea, Michigan. They discussed printing options such as foil stamping, embossing, and cloth covers.

 

Printer Visitation — Dexter, MI, August 2006

For development of a casebound devotional book, Mark met with printers from Thomson-Shore at their manufacturing plant where they together evaluated options and strategies. 

 

Printer Visitation — Grand Rapids, MI, May 2005

In visiting several book manufacturers (Dickinson Press and Color House Graphics), Mark developed business relationships and learned printing technology.

 

Christian Publishing Institute — Colorado Springs, CO, June 2004

This week-long course (hosted by David C. Cook Publishing) offered an intensive learning experience to managers and publishers pursuing editorial excellence.

 

Guest Speaker — Wewak, Papua New Guinea, August 2002, August 2003

During National Book Week, Mark visited local schools to encourage children to enjoy and participate in reading and writing. He emphasized the theme of “Read to Lead.”

 

International Publications Visit — Gospel Literature Service, Mumbai, India, May 2003

For three days, Mark met with GLS representatives in Bombay to discuss their strengths and weaknesses. Together, they explored solutions and networking strategies for work within Southeastern Asia.

 

Guest Instructor — Tangugo, Papua New Guinea, July 2002

Mark taught 25 workshop participants the fundamentals of effective writing and publishing.

 

World Journalism Institute — Ashville, NC, June 2001

For four weeks, prominent journalists from across America taught Mark and a select group of emerging writers the methods and importance of communicating truth within the framework of today's media.

 

Writing Finalist — Graduate Research Symposium & Exhibit, Abilene, TX, April 2001

Mark's short story "Voidinmi's Transformation" (written entirely without use of the letter "e") was nominated by Dr. Albert Haley (award-winning author) for inclusion in this symposium recognizing exceptional talent.

 

Journalism Writing Judge — Trent Independent School District, Trent, TX, March 2001

As an Independent School District writing judge, Mark evaluated students’ news, feature, and editorial articles according to specific criteria to determine winning selections.

 

International Symposium on Faith & Literary Art — Baylor University, Waco, TX, February 2001

This regional conference explored the infusion of religion and the arts, particularly writing. Keynote speaker: Anne Lamott.

 

Southwest Conference on Literature — Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK, September 2000

These workshops focused on teaching and writing trends within contemporary social culture.

 

Christian Booksellers Association — CBA International Convention, Orlando, FL, July 1999

Although Mark has attended numerous CBA conventions, this year’s banquet presentations and performances involving prominent authors and artists were especially memorable.