About Elevation
Events and Conferences
At Elevation Events and Conferences, we are passionate about empowering the next generation of Christian hip hop artists and music entrepreneurs. Our mission is to create safe, productive spaces where young artists can grow not only in their craft but also in their faith. We believe that the intersection of artistry and belief is a powerful place, and we are committed to helping young creatives navigate the music industry without compromising their values. Founded in 2015 by a team of industry professionals and faith leaders, Elevation Events and Conferences was born out of a deep desire to address the unique challenges faced by young Christian artists. Too often, these talented individuals are ill-prepared to navigate an industry that promotes values in conflict with their beliefs. Pressures from both within and outside the church can lead to artists being reshaped, recategorized, and disconnected from their congregations. Our goal is to provide mentorship, training, and community support to help these artists thrAbout Elevation Events & Conferences Mission Our mission is to equip emerging artists and creative entrepreneurs with mentorship, community, artistic development, leadership training, spiritual foundation and professional formation so they can build sustainable creative careers while contributing positively to culture and community. Who We Are Founded in 2015, Elevation Events & Conferences has been dedicated to transforming creative passion into sustainable life work. Founded on the conviction that art, faith, and leadership intersect to shape culture, we bridge the gap between creative expression and career longevity. Many emerging creatives and leaders face significant barriers—ranging from lack of industry access and financial constraints to limited training in business acumen, financial literacy, and sync licensing. Elevation exists to remove those obstacles. Through dynamic gatherings, intensive mentorship, and collaborative spaces, we provide a structured path from raw talent to established creative leadership. Key Initiatives •The Elevation Conference: Our flagship multi-day conference brings together emerging creatives, youth leaders, industry executives, and faith leaders. Featuring business panels, hands-on masterclasses, live showcases, and community networking, the conference equips attendees with actionable blueprints for creative and professional growth. •The Elevation Project Intensive: A dedicated cohort program designed for hand-selected emerging artists. Participants receive direct access to elite industry mentors, hands-on instruction in music and media production, and specialized training in financial management and distribution strategies. Elevation Events & Conferences Mission •Community & Pastoral Leadership Outreach: We actively connect creative entrepreneurs with regional faith leaders and youth ministry networks, fostering partnerships that support artistic expression while driving positive social impact within local communities. Core Pillars 1.Artistic & Professional Formation: Mastering the fundamentals of craft, release strategies, sync licensing, and rights management to turn artistic skill into a viable career. Elevation Events & Conferences Mission 2.Mentorship & Leadership Training: Connecting emerging creators directly with industry veterans who offer guidance on navigating professional spaces while maintaining integrity. Elevation Events & Conferences Mission 3.Community & Culture: Creating inclusive, accessible environments where creators, youth leaders, and faith organizations collaborate to enrich local culture. Elevation Events & Conferences Mission Board of Directors •Michael McPherson — President & Founder •Anna Louise Aguiar — Chief Financial Officer & Budget Officer •Chris Theodat — Board Member & Project Director •Mykaliah Best — Artist Coordinator •Lawrence Wyche — Pastoral Liaison ive—both as creators and as people of faith.
Elevation Conference
The Elevation Conference is our flagship event, an annual weekend-long gathering held in Boston. It brings together young artists, music entrepreneurs, faith leaders, and community members for a transformative experience. The conference features:
- Panels on topics such as the purpose of music in faith, industry success tips, music production, and songwriting.
- Artist brand and financial consultations.
- A brunch for local pastors to network and learn about the industry.
- A final evening concert showcasing up-and-coming artists.
We intentionally support local congregations by offering discounted group rates for youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that the conference is accessible to as many young artists as possible.
Elevation Project
Launched in 2024, the Elevation Project is an annual weeklong intensive program designed to guide 10 Christian hip hop artists aged 18 to 32 through the fundamentals of their craft and the music industry. This program covers:
- Financial literacy.
- Marketing and branding.
- Sync licensing.
- Peer-to-peer networking.
- Meetings with established Christian influencers in the industry.
All participant expenses are covered, allowing artists to focus entirely on learning and building lifelong bonds with their cohort members. Moving forward, we plan to offer a prize package to one artist from each cohort, including sponsorship for their next project—a major boost for any emerging artist’s career.