Spark at the Ark

May
6
2025
to May 07

Williamstown, KY

Ark Encounter

Ignite Your Creativity for Kingdom Impact!

Are you a Christian who works as a creative?

Maybe you work in the entertainment industry—for a theme park, museum, theater, or as part of a film team. Or perhaps you are part of a creative ministry at your church, or you’re a college student pursuing a related field for your career.

This is THE event for you! Gather with fellow creatives to learn from experts working in these fields and experience special sessions and tours designed to spark your imagination and ignite your creativity for kingdom impact.

As part of this event, you will enjoy:

  • Inspiring speakers
  • Practical breakout sessions
  • Fellowship with other creatives
  • Four customized tours:
    • Answers in Genesis Attractions Design Studio—Take a tour of our design studio and fabrication shop, with a behind-the-scenes look at the Jerusalem Model project.
    • Ark Encounter—This after-hours dessert tour will be led by our Ark Encounter Attractions Design Team.
    • Ark Encounter Welcome Center—Take a construction tour of our new welcome center.
    • Radiance exhibit—This behind-the-scenes construction tour will take you through the new exhibit coming to the Creation Museum.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives and be inspired by Christian leaders in the entertainment industry!

Sponsored by:

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Registration

Register online to ensure your place at this conference!

Register Now

Includes:

Free Admission to Creation Museum and Ark Encounter

Includes a 3-Day Bouncer Pass

Event Cost

Price: $99

Location

1 Ark Encounter Dr.
Williamstown, KY 41097
May 6, 2025
Location: Ark Encounter
9:00 a.m. Doors Open
9:45 a.m. Faith-Based Attractions: Without Faith, It Is Impossible | Ken Ham
11:30 a.m. Inspiration on Demand: Mastering the Art of Keeping Your Creative Reservoir Full | Theron Skees
12:30 p.m. Lunch Break
1:30 p.m. Breakout Session 1

From Wilderness to Wonder: Embracing God’s Preparation for Your Next Journey | Doug Henderson

Excite Your Visitors & Viewers with Interactive, Real-Time 2D Animated Characters | Brannon Hollingsworth & Layne Laughter

Digitally Upgrade Your Experiences | Joel Leineweber
2:30 p.m. Breakout Session 2

“Spark Your Team, Achieve Your Goals”: It’s Not Who You Are, It’s Who You Influence | David Zellner

Reclaiming the Arts for Christ | Noah and Nicole Stratton

The Art of Storytelling | Pat Roy
3:15 p.m. Free Time at Ark Encounter
3:45 p.m. Optional Welcome Center Construction Tour

Optional Horticulture Tour

Optional Ararat Ridge Zoo Animal Encounter Tour
5:00 p.m. Ark Tour with Attractions Design Team
May 7, 2025
Location: Attractions Design Studio & Creation Museum
8:00 a.m. Attractions Design Studio Tour
11:00 a.m. “I Know His Hand Is in It” – The Lord’s Guidance in My Entrepreneurial Journey Through Imagination | Garner Holt
12:30 p.m. Lunch Break
1:30 p.m. Faith-Based Attractions: Reaching Today’s Culture | Ken Ham
2:45 p.m. Current/Upcoming AiG Projects | Allen Greene
3:15 p.m. Breakout Session

Tech Talk—Storytelling AND . . . ? | Glen Brodersen

Never Let an Engineer Name Your Roller Coaster: Thoughts on a Journey of Failures, Faith & Fun | Korey Kiepert

The Spark of the Story Arc | Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears
4:00 p.m. Free Time to Enjoy the Creation Museum
4:30 p.m. Optional Radiance Exhibit Tour

Optional Plants of the Bible Conservatory Tour

Optional Creation Zoo Animal Encounter Tour
7:00 p.m. Event Concludes

Session Descriptions

The Art of Storytelling | Pat Roy
You were so captivated by the message that for a brief moment the rest of the world seemed to fade into the background. The story being told not only communicated truths but so touched your emotions that the message will stay with you forever. As creatives, our biggest obstacle is capturing the mind and heart of our audience, whether it be a theme park adventure, museum display, theatrical performance, a video project, or other ministry opportunity. But the power to grab your audiences’ attention is found in telling a compelling story.

Digitally Upgrade Your Experiences | Joel Leineweber
The majority of your guests are now digital natives with digital expectations. Learn how to augment your guest experience with excellent digital experiences throughout the whole customer journey.

Excite Your Visitors & Viewers with Interactive, Real-Time 2D Animated Characters | Brannon Hollingsworth, Layne Laughter, Brainy Pixel
Want your visitors and viewers really engaged with your exhibits, products, or media? Then how about creating branded 2D characters that they can talk to, interact with, and learn from? Just like secular media is doing on shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Loud House, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, you, too, can utilize cutting edge 2D animation and have your audiences carrying on a real-time conversation with a fully animated 2D character. Does this sound like science fiction? If so, don’t miss the Brainy Pixel presentation or come by the Brainy Pixel booth to see just how easy it is!

Faith-Based Attractions: Reaching Today’s Culture | Ken Ham
These unprecedented times, in which we live like Daniel as aliens in a foreign place, call for unique and creative approaches to designing attractions that honor God and make him known in our culture that’s far from God.

Faith-Based Attractions: Without Faith, It is Impossible | Ken Ham
Walking by faith in Red Sea moments and in times of battling giants, learn about the inspiring and often tumultuous spiritual journey that led to the creation of two faith-based attractions that still influence millions.

From Wilderness to Wonder: Embracing God’s Preparation for Your Next Journey | Doug Henderson
What are some practical ways we can look back at the art we’ve created, the hobbies we’ve loved, or the seemingly unrelated jobs we’ve worked (whether in delight or in drudgery) to not only see how the Lord has shaped us for the work he has put in front of us right now but also to look with anticipation at how he is preparing us for what’s next?

Inspiration on Demand: Mastering the Art of Keeping Your Creative Reservoir Full | Theron Skees
Are you struggling to keep your creative spark alive amid the relentless pace and daily demands of your projects? Theron Skees’ keynote may hold the answer, offering practical techniques to consistently refresh your creative well. Drawing from personal stories, a global career in themed experience design, and a commitment to balancing work, life, and faith, you’ll learn how to overcome creative burnout and turn challenges into opportunities for lasting impact.

“I Know His Hand Is in It”: The Lord’s Guidance in My Entrepreneurial Journey Through Imagination | Garner Holt
Every day, my company—Garner Holt Productions, Inc.—makes magic for our theme park clients all over the world. Since 1977, we’ve been designing and building animatronics for Disney, Universal Studios, Herschend, Merlin, Cedar Fair, and many more. Throughout that time, my faith in Christ’s guidance has been the sustaining force in helping my business to grow, to reach new audiences, and to weather the real roller coaster of an industry in themed entertainment.

Never Let an Engineer Name Your Roller Coaster: Thoughts on a Journey of Failures, Faith & Fun | Korey T. Kiepert, P.E.
Engineers can be creative too! Ride along with roller coaster engineer Korey Kiepert as he shares the story of how he landed in the amusement industry and reveals his thoughts on walking with God as he designs rides and helps to lead a company.

Reclaiming the Arts for Christ | Noah and Nicole Stratton
Many Christians sadly do not recognize the power of the arts on our world. Meanwhile, the devil has masterfully used media and the arts to shape much of our culture for evil. Come hear how the Lord is working to reclaim this vital form of storytelling to bring the culture back to Christ!

The Spark of the Story Arc | Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears
There is only one kind of story that will last forever—stories that point us to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In this session, we will talk about the origins of the new animated short film Forevergreen and the importance of telling quality stories with eternal weight and purpose. We also invite you to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse of Forevergreen, followed by a Q&A with the writers and directors of the film, Jeremy Spears and Nathan Engelhardt.

“Spark Your Team, Achieve Your Goals”: It’s Not Who You Are, It’s Who You Influence | David Zellner
My 30 years of experience building and developing teams using biblical principles and leadership examples focused on advancing God’s kingdom.

Tech Talk—Storytelling AND . . . ? | Glen Brodersen
Throughout the creative process, we often encounter many voices competing for their influence in telling a great story. How can teams collaboratively navigate this space where all voices, including technology, can carry the appropriate weight in the storytelling experience?

In this breakout session, Glen will discuss Sight & Sound’s approach to this creative challenge, providing technology-based examples of how they use LED screens, automation, and other technologies throughout their productions. A portion of this session will also include time for Q&A with Glen.

Additional Information

FAQ

Q: Can I register by mail and/or pay by check?
A:
Online registration and credit card payment is the only method by which we can process registrations.

Q: Will I receive registration confirmation through the mail?
A:
When you complete your registration, you should receive immediate confirmation on the screen (with an order number); this will be followed by an email confirmation. Be sure to keep your confirmation email for your records.

Q: When and where do I check in?
A:
Plan to arrive each day by 8 a.m. The event will start at 9 a.m. When you arrive at the Ark Encounter (1 Ark Encounter Dr., Williamstown, KY 41097) on May 6, make your way to the ticket booth area. Show the Guest Services staff your email confirmation, and they will direct you to the shuttle bus that takes you to the Answers Center. More information about arrival on May 7 will be provided at the event.

Q: How do I get my free Ark Encounter and Creation Museum pass?
A:
Your registration includes a three-day Bouncer Pass, good for admission to both attractions for three days. If you desire to visit the Ark Encounter or Creation Museum the day before the Spark at the Ark event, you will need to show your registration confirmation upon arrival. Your Bouncer Pass is valid May 5–10, 2025.

Q: What is the closest airport to the Ark Encounter/Answers Center?
A:
The Greater Cincinnati/N. KY Airport (CVG) is located about 10 minutes from the Creation Museum and 45 minutes from Ark Encounter.

Q: Are there any discounts on hotels?
A:
Our partner hotels offer special rates to Ark Encounter guests. To receive these rates, please book your hotel at ArkEncounter.com/places-to-stay.

Q: Is there a shuttle from the airport to the museum or the Ark?
A:
There are no shuttles provided from the airport or hotels to the Creation Museum or Ark Encounter. If you fly in, you will need to rent a car. Also, you may check with your hotel to see if they have a shuttle to and from the airport.

Q: Does registration for the conference include meals?
A:
Registration does not include meals. Both the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter have food vendors where food will be available for purchase.

Q: What if I need to cancel?
A:
All sales are final and there are no refunds except for health reasons. Cancellations requested in writing 60 days prior to the event will be refunded, minus a 25% cancellation fee. Refunds requested less than 60 days prior to the event will be refunded, minus a 50% cancellation fee.

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