2021 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

CHRISTIAN RAY & TINA JENKINS CRAWLEY

ANIMATING CREATIVES

ALLEN GOWER

FOUNDER @

ANIMATE CONFERENCE

Allen is an evangelist and worship leader in Dallas, Texas. He has led ministries in California, Colorado and Texas. From the age of four, when he was bribed to sing at church with an ice cream cone, Allen has hardly been off stage. Allen has recorded with two different A Capella groups and has led or worked with bands and worship teams all over the country. 

"Whether you're a seasoned veteran in music ministry, or new to serving the church in this way, the Animate Conference will move and stir your heart to worship and action. I can't wait to hear the voices of those who understand and love music ministry!"

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TINA J CRAWLEY

QUEEN OF GOSPEL

Recently featured on the FOX TELEVISION hit show “EMPIRE” & EMPIRE Films Soundtrack....Tina Jenkins Crawley is a National and International Touring Recording Artist, and Singer-Songwriter. She was recently featured on the FOX Television’s hit show “EMPIRE.” She was named “Best Gospel Entertainer” by Chicago Music Awards. Tina is a Worship Leader, Conference Speaker and Teacher, Vocal Director and Artist. Her CD “The Longest Journey” went #1 not he UK Soul Charts. Tina is a happy wife to Mark, a happy mother to Andrew and Alyssa, and a believer and disciple of Christ. She resides in Chicago where she is a Band Leader and Chicago Jobbing and Orchestra Member.

"Some of us might be feeling flat-lined or un-inspired in our own personal praise or church worship. I am asking GOD to resuscitate our hearts at Animate, and re-birth a fresh inspiration inside of all of us. I pray our adoration for him is multiplied and renewed!" 

CHRISTIAN RAY

FOUNDER @

ANIMATE CONFERENCE

Christian Ray is an evangelist, recording artist, enterpreneur and co-founder of venture development company Third Drive. He has led churches in Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. 

"All of us long to be inspired, feel connected and, above all, find deep meaning in all we do in life. Our ambition with Animate Conference is that all of the above happens with every person who attends. We hope Animate can be a sanctuary, a slice of heaven and a spiritual feast we can look forward to and bring back to our churches."

EMILY MORRIS

SOUL WHISPERER

Emily Morris leads the worship at Tribe in Austin, Texas. She works as a Neurologic Music Therapist at the Center for Music Therapy where she also runs the business operations. Emily is currently completing her Master's in Business Administration from Texas State University and in her free time loves to gig around town solo and with local bands. 

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“Studying and exploring Worship has opened my mind and my life to a better understanding of who God is and the magnitude of His grace. All I want to do is help others see and feel that grace in brand new ways. Leading others in worship is my way of trying to do just that. Animate is a safe place to explore and worship our God without hesitation. Hope to see you there!”

PANELISTS

DAVE STOVALL

AUDIO ADRENALINE

SHERWIN MACKINTOSH

THE SAGE

MALEE HUGHES

SINGER/SONG WRITER

MICHAEL BRINGARDNER

ELECTRO FREAK WIZARD

ALEESHA SOLANO

WORSHIP LEADER

ROSS LIPPENCOTT

WORSHIP LEADER

WAYNE GERAMI

AV GURU

JAY MINOR

PIANO MAN

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BUSINESS TRACK

BRANDON KNICELY

BUSINESS JEDI

Brandon Knicely has been successful at building companies in the tech space for thirty years. Brandon is passionate about developing a global network of entrepreneurs to advance God's Kingdom. He is the co-founder of Third Drive. 

"As a parallel track to Animate Worship, called Animate Business, we thought we could have a few entrepreneurs get together to explore how to use our gifts as worship to advance the Kingdom. And, we get to enjoy all of the musical worship while we are at it!"