Here is a list of the top ten annual conferences for Christian business leaders and entrepreneurs throughout North America and beyond. We’ve created a list to help you choose the best events to learn and grow in your business and your faith. Here is a starter list of the top 10 based on longevity and impact.
The ELO Forum (conference) in Toronto started in 2012. The Forum has developed a reputation over the years as the single most important annual event for Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders in Toronto and southern Ontario. Keynote speakers over the years have included: John C. Maxwell, global leadership expert, Atlanta, GA; Mart Green, Director, Hobby Lobby Group, Tulsa, OK; Pat Williams, Co-Founder, Orlando Magic, FL; Jordan Raynor, Called to Create, FL; and Promod Haque, leading venture capitalist, Palo Alto, CA. The ELO Forum Toronto allows peers of kindred spirit to connect. Attendees get outside of their usual circles and make new contacts. Relationships are created, renewed, and strengthened.
The ELO Forum (conference) Vancouver traces its roots back to 2005. The Forum has developed a reputation over the years as the single most important annual event for Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders in Vancouver and BC. Keynote speakers over the years have included: Mark Burnett, #1 Hollywood Producer, Malibu, CA; Richard Blackaby, Co-Author, God at Work; Peter Daniels, Australia; Larry C. Farrell, Phoenix, AZ; Lord Robert Edmiston, London, UK; and Bobby Gruenewald, You Version Bible App, Tulsa, OK. The ELO Forum Vancouver has had about 10,000 attendees since its inception.
The ELO Forum (conference) in Singapore began in 2019 and happens annually every April. The Forums feature a long list of a who’s who of Christian business leaders and entrepreneurs in Singapore. It is a time for Christian business leaders and entrepreneurs from throughout southeast Asia to gather. There is ample time to connect with other attendees and network while taking in the ambiance of beautiful Singapore. Entrepreneurs and executives from Singapore and beyond have been coming back annually to learn more about their businesses, NPOs, churches, and their own faith.
The ELO Forum (conference) in Winnipeg began in 2018. The Forum has developed a reputation over the years as the single most important annual event for Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders in Winnipeg and southern Manitoba. Keynote speakers over the years have included: Peter Legge, a well-known international speaker; Phil Geldart, Founder/CEO, Eagle’s Flight Global Training, Guelph, ON; Mark Chipman, Owner, Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club and Steve Chipman, CEO, Birchwood Automotive Group. The ELO Forum Winnipeg reflects a tight-knit community of believers who come together each year and learn about how they can positively impact the world around them.
5. Leadercast Live
Leadercast is for more than just church leaders—their target audience includes any business or industry leader. And the speaker lineup reflects that, featuring the likes of author Angela Duckworth and TV actor Levar Burton. There is a live event, but there are also several host sites where attendees can watch the broadcast in large groups together. The Leadercast Live website notes that each of their participants walks away inspired, better equipped, and motivated to lead in new ways. The ripple effects from hearing world-class leaders, athletes, disruptors, innovators, and teachers are invaluable.
6. The Global Leadership Summit
The Bill Hybels summit, driven by Willow Creek Church in Chicago, IL, is similar to the Leadercast Live event. This wider-reaching leadership conference is simulcast live to several host locations around the nation. The audience for the event is salespeople, support staff, junior financial planners, business leaders, CEOs, pastors, teachers, entrepreneurs, and more—essentially anyone looking to grow their leadership in their current role. Their website reads that they are passionate about the positive difference people can make through their influence and leadership. It is this passion that drives them forward on a mission to ignite transformation globally.
7. Faith Driven Entrepreneur
Faith Driven Entrepreneur events are relatively recent and focus on watch parties rather than live and in-person events. They have various locations where entrepreneurs can gather to watch the conference as a group. Their focus is on helping entrepreneurs learn about the combination of business and faith. They want to connect with others virtually so that Christian business leaders don’t have to feel alone in their positions, no matter where they’re located.
8. Fellowship of Companies for Christ International
Fellowship of Companies for Christ International (FCCI) hosts an annual conference. The five-day long conference includes speaker sessions, breakout times, and musical worship. Their focus is on empowering others to serve - inspiring business leaders to be working while worshipping, for human flourishing, and the Lord’s glory. It’s not about slowing down but gearing up.
9. Truth at Work Conference
The Truth at Work Conference is an annual event where world-class speakers address the unique challenges of integrating faith and business. The Truth at Work mission is to provide its members with a "Life & Business Changing Experience.” This conference helps business leaders to understand that they are not alone in running their business, they are taught how to grow and lead their business based on Biblical principles and practices, which brings exponential value to their business and personal life.
10. C3 Conference
The C3 Conference is a two-day event in Texas for world changers ready to do church differently. Community, coaching, creativity, collaboration, and the challenge to do whatever it takes to reach the world with the hope of Jesus. A large majority of their speakers are staff from churches. The focus is on faith and growth in the world today as Christians.