“Echo Hub” Poster hangs from the ceiling showing the Keynote Speakers

The warm night air blows through the outdoor lounge area of the Watermark Community Church, causing the reflecting pool to ripple ever so lightly. People with one common purpose are gathered, talking in groups or pairs and engaging in day-to-day conversation and epic analysis of what it means to be a storyteller, geek or media specialist inside and outside of the local church.

I HAD to be here! I knew I had to be here! Echo Hub 2012 in Dallas, Texas.

As I write this article, I’m just blown away by the beautiful stone flooring, carved out rocks made to serve as seats, wood furniture and rocking chairs and reflecting pool.

So, why am I even here!? I HAD to be here!

Inside the “Echo Hub” Main Conference Lobby

Here’s why…a long time ago, I almost gave up blogging and writing. I almost gave up the idea of writing commentary, especially Christian commentary about cartoons and animated programming. But, my Mom suggested I try to do it again. I went back into it again and I ran into random blogs and websites being operated by individuals like John Saddington, Scott Williams and Jonathan Malm. I’ll be honest, I had no idea how I found the sites. I was searching for bloggers and for how to properly do it. Next thing I know, I’m constantly visiting these three guys sites.

Months later, I find out about something called “Echo Hub” on Twitter, and about a conference called “Echo Hub” that takes place in Dallas, my hometown!

Who are speaking and running sessions in the Echo Hub conference along with others: John Saddington whose doing a session, Scott Williams whose a keynote speaker on Friday and Jonathan Malm whose also doing a session or two.

I knew this was no coincidence that God allowed me to run into these sites and learn so much from them via online only to find them at a conference in my hometown. I knew I needed to be here.

I anticipate God showing me a lot of things at this conference and am looking forward to make new connections, learn new things and grow in Christ…and excitedly so…with other like-minded geeks and storytellers such as myself!