In this episode of The Comm Department Podcast, Phil Goodman and Libby Alvarez sit down with Levi Miller, Director of Marketing & Communications at Little Rock Christian Academy and a member of the Elevate Advisory Council, to reflect on Elevate 2026, the start of a new school year, and what they’re carrying forward from the conference. The conversation quickly moves beyond marketing tactics into one of the ideas at the heart of Elevate: community over competition. Phil, Libby, and Levi talk about the importance of relational equity, influence over title, building trust across campus, and creating a professional community where people are willing to share both what’s working and where they’re struggling. They also dig into some of the practical ideas coming out of Elevate 2026, including the continued shift toward authentic, student-centered social content; balancing cinematic storytelling with quick, organic content; and becoming more intentional about what marketing and communications teams say yes—and no—to. In This Episode What the beginning of the school year looks like at Brentwood Academy, Lipscomb Academy, and Little Rock Christian AcademyWhy relationships and trust are essential for school marketing and communications leadersWhy leadership is more about influence than titleReflecting on five years of ElevateHow Elevate has grown while maintaining a strong sense of communityWhy community over competition continues to shape the Elevate experienceThe value of hallway conversations, shared experiences, and relationships outside the formal conference sessionsThe shift toward more authentic, student-centered social media contentFinding the balance between highly produced cinematic content and quick, organic storytellingWhy communications teams need to become more proactive and intentional about what they prioritizeCreating space to celebrate great work through Elevate’s Celebrate the WinsThe launch of the new Elevate Advisory CouncilA first look at MyElevate, the new year-round digital home for the Elevate communityLooking ahead to Elevate 2027 at Santa Fe Christian Schools in San DiegoPhil also shares a preview of MyElevate, a new community platform designed to keep Elevate attendees connected throughout the year through member profiles, messaging, resources, events, podcast access, prayer requests, and more. Registration for Elevate 2027 will also live inside the platform. And finally, the group looks ahead to Elevate 2027 in San Diego at Santa Fe Christian Schools, with early bird registration opening November 2. The Big Idea Elevate has never been about gathering experts on a stage. It’s about bringing school marketing and communications leaders around the same table, recognizing that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and creating a place where people can learn, grow, encourage one another, and become better at the work they’ve been called to do. Community over competition. Growth over ego. Relationships that continue long after the conference ends.
