Katie Hornor opens Author Elevate with message to Christian authors

Katie Hornor delivered the opening keynote at the Author Elevate Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Sept. 12, 2026, urging Christian authors to stop shrinking their message. The event also underscored a growing partnership between the International Christian Book Awards and the National Christian Association of Professional Speakers.

Why it matters: - Katie Hornor’s message targeted a common challenge for Christian authors: how to pursue visibility without feeling self-promotional. - The conference focused on helping faith-based communicators reach more readers and audiences through books, media and live speaking. - The event also reflected closer coordination between two Christian professional organizations working to raise standards and expand reach.

What happened: - Hornor delivered the opening keynote at the Author Elevate Conference on Sept. 12, 2026, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. - The International Christian Book Awards hosted the conference. - Hornor spoke on “When God Owns the Business: Why Christian Authors Must Stop Playing Small.” - Her talk challenged the idea that promoting a God-given message is inherently self-centered. - The conference gathered Christian authors for professional education, networking, encouragement and a black-tie gala.

The details: - Hornor used biblical principles, personal stories and her flamingo metaphors to frame marketing as stewardship. - She described excellence as worship and visibility as obedience. - Hornor urged authors to embrace their distinctive voices. - She encouraged authors to take responsibility for connecting with readers who are ready for their message. - The conference highlighted the partnership between the International Christian Book Awards and the National Christian Association of Professional Speakers. - The two organizations share a goal of elevating Christian communicators and strengthening professional excellence. - Their shared aim is to help faith-centered messages reach wider audiences through books, media and live presentations. - Hornor is the founder and CEO of NCAPS. - Hornor is also the founder of The Flamingo Advantage and the author of more than 90 books. - Hornor has received numerous publishing, business and leadership awards. - The release directed follow-up stories and speaker inquiries to Tresa Salters. - More information is available on Hornor’s LinkedIn profile, Instagram account, Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Between the lines: - The keynote positioned marketing and visibility as part of Christian service rather than a conflict with humility. - The partnership language suggests a broader effort to professionalize Christian speaking and publishing. - Hornor’s role as both speaker and NCAPS founder reinforced the conference’s emphasis on leadership, not just authorship.

What's next: - The collaboration between the International Christian Book Awards and NCAPS is likely to keep shaping future programming for Christian authors and speakers. - Hornor’s message may continue to be used as a call for faith-based communicators to expand their public reach. - Tresa Salters remains the contact for speaker inquiries and follow-up coverage.