There is probably a better way to title this post, but I have so many exciting things to share, I wasn’t sure how to squeeze it all in. 😉 But as you all know by now unless you’ve been hiding in a Hobbit hole somewhere (an activity I slightly envy), Diamonds 2020 is just around the corner. I’m up to my ears in details as I try to synchronize time zones, nail down cover designers and book formatters, and keep up with my amazing conference staff.
But you didn’t come here to hear my to-do list. Even Google calendar is probably tired of hearing about it. You came here for some much more exciting stuff that I can’t wait to share with you. (I need someone else to squeal and dance around the room with me so my family stops looking at me like I’m crazy!)
Announcing the Surprise Diamonds 2020 Speaker!
I still get people commenting on Joni Eareckson Tada’s conference session from last year, and I know a lot of people were hoping she would be able to speak again in 2020. But I didn’t know if it was going to work out because of so many details outside of my control.
But our God is pretty awesome. And He worked it out so that Joni and her team were able to record a short session for Diamonds 2020!! Seriously, all credit to Him! So if you’re not yet registered for the conference and want to hear Joni speak about relationships in the midst of long-term illness, go sign up here!
Diamonds 2020 is Going to Be Even Bigger!
Numbers aren’t my strong suit. Or apparently estimating time. You see, Diamonds 2019 had 10 speakers. Diamonds 2020 is going to have 16 (with Joni, 17) speakers. And when you choose a conference theme like “relationships in the midst of chronic illness,” people have a lot to say.
So I am pleased to announce that instead of the original two days the conference was supposed to run, it will now run three days, from Thursday, January 23rd through Saturday, January 25th!
It’s gonna be awesome.
Are You A Blogger?
On our end, there is still a lot of work to do, but things are coming together as we prepare this conference for your encouragement. But we want this conference to be able to encourage as many people as possible, so we need your help to spread the word.
Even if you don’t think you know anyone who has a chronic illness, the chances are high that you do. They call it “invisible illness” for a reason. So even sharing a graphic on your Instagram story so that your circles and decide if it’s for them is a huge help.
If you want to join the street team to do 5-minute easy missions like that once a week, you can do so here. No qualifications necessary except the ability to be excited. 😀
But today, I’m calling the bloggers. We are officially opening sign-ups for the Diamonds 2020 blog tour team, and this is your opportunity to jump on board. The blog tour will run from January 20th to January 25th.
We will provide all the info and graphics and content you need, so if you’re running low on inspiration or time, this might be an easy way to share something with your readers.
You will also have the opportunity to interview some of the Diamonds 2020 speakers and let me tell you, there are some pretty awesome people in the lineup. (You can see who is speaking this year here.) However, interview slots are limited, so you’ll want to sign up ASAP.
Joining the blog tour team is a huge blessing to me and to your chronically ill readers (trust me, they’re there even if you don’t know they’re sick). So often, illness is a private invisible battle, but through Diamonds 2020, we want to let them know that they are no alone. We want to come alongside them and offer encouragement because we’ve been there.
Sharing about the conference on your blog is such a helpful way to serve your chronically ill brothers and sisters in Christ. So thanks in advance!