About our Main Speaker
We are excited to welcome Daniel Ritchie as our main speaker for the UBC Youth Conference 2026. As stated by Daniel himself,
“I was born without arms. But God is glorified in my difference and has given me a thriving life.”
Daniel studied at The College at Southeastern in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he began to travel and speak while still a student. After 13 years serving as a student pastor, he felt God’s call to step into full-time evangelism and writing. Today, Daniel speaks to more than 200,000 people every year, carrying the gospel to churches, schools, conferences, college campuses, seminaries, and even professional sports teams. He is a published author of two books — My Affliction For His Glory and Endure — and in June 2025 was elected First Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Daniel lives in North Carolina with his wife Heather and their two children.
His message is simple and powerful: if God can bring a man born without arms to a place of deep contentment, joy, and purpose — He is most able to do the same for anyone. We are honored to have him bring the Word to dive into what it truly means to be Made for More.
What to expect:
The Word
At the heart of the UBC Youth Conference is the Word of God. Expect powerful, life-changing preaching that challenges you, moves you, and points you to Christ.
Worship
Worship at this conference is reverent and purposeful — a genuine response to God, not a performance. Come ready to sing, reflect, and encounter the presence of the Lord.
Main Speaker & Breakout Sessions
Daniel Ritchie will be bringing the main sessions, with additional breakout sessions covering topics relevant to where you are in life and faith. Every session is designed to send you home with more than you came with.
Food & Fellowship
Good food and real community go hand in hand. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with young people from across the UBC network, share meals, and build friendships that last beyond the weekend.
Friday, April 24th
6 PM – Arrival, Registration, Coffee
7 PM – Session #1
9:30 PM –Bonfire & Fellowship
Saturday, April 25th
10 AM – Session 2
11:15 AM – Coffee Break
11:30 AM – Breakout Session 1
12:30 PM – Breakout Session 2
1:30 PM – Lunch
2:30 PM – Activities/Volleyball Tournament
6:30 PM – Dinner
7:30 PM – Session 3
9 PM – Evening Activities/ Fellowship
Sunday, April 26th
11:30 AM – Session 4 (Lunch to Follow)
Things to do!
Cafes
- Bakery & Cafe Kazka (5 min)
- Vanilla Café (10 min)
- Café Carmela (10 min)
- Be Well Bakery and Café (12 min)
Activities
- TopGolf (5 min)
- Philly SkatePlex (10 min)
- Flyers Skate Zone (10 min)
- Bowlero (20 min)
- Reading Terminal Market (30 min)
- Philadelphia Art Museum (30 min)
- Franklin Institute (30 min)
Sights
- Bryn Athyn Cathedral (15 min) – A stunning medieval-style cathedral with breathtaking grounds and gardens. Free to walk the grounds.
- Art Museum Steps (30 min) – Iconic steps made famous by Rocky.
- Morris Arboretum & Gardens (30 min) – 92 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, trails, and tree collections. Peaceful and scenic.
- Cira Green Rooftop Park (35 min) – A free public park on top of a 12-story parking garage with panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline. A hidden gem.
