Welcome to ManUP Conference 2027
Cathedral of St. Mary
7525 NW 2nd Ave.
Miami, Florida 33150
Friday Evening, February 12th 6:30PM - 9:00PM
Saturday, February 13th 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Save the Date!
The 2026 ManUp Conference will be held on Friday evening, February 12, 2027, and Saturday, February 13, 2027.
7525 NW 2nd Ave.
Miami, Florida 33150
ManUP 2027 Conference Speakers
Mike Piazza
Mike Piazza played 16 seasons in the big leagues from 1992 to 2007 and in 2016 was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Although a Hall of Fame career, success did not come easy for Mike and required countless hours of hard work and dedication, perfecting his baseball skills while remaining grounded and devoted to his Catholic faith. Mike played most notably for the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers and entered Cooperstown as a New York Met.
Mike was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, grew up in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania and attended Phoenixville Area High School.
Mike is the second-oldest son of an Italian father named Vince and a Slovak mother named Veronica, with brothers Vince Jr., Dan, Tony, and Tom. Mike grew up a Philadelphia Phillies fan and a fan of Philadelphia sports in general while having a special admiration for Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt.
On January 29, 2005, Mike married actress Alicia Rickter at St. Jude Roman Catholic Church in Miami Florida. He and Rickter have three children.
Mike is known to be a devout Roman Catholic. Mike’s faith was instilled in him by his Catholic mother and was featured in Champions of Faith, a DVD documentary exploring the intersection of Catholic religious faith and sports. Mike also appeared in the follow-up video Champions of Faith: Bases of Life.
Mike’s message of hard work, overcoming failure, all while remaining rooted in his faith and as a Husband and Dad, instilling that faith to his family as well as to others is a message that goes far beyond that of a Major Leaguer or Hall of Famer.
Deacon John Clarke
A former SWAT Law Enforcement Officer, Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, Business Owner and Ordained Catholic Deacon.
Deacon John was ordained a permanent deacon in 2014 in the Archdiocese of Miami. A St. Thomas University graduate and parishioner of Nativity Parish in Hollywood, FL before relocating in 2019 to the Diocese of Charlotte and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point, NC. A passionate Pro-Life supporter and dynamic speaker who will challenge us to love the Lord and live & share our faith daily. Deacon John, wife Dawn and their 6 children reside in High Point, NC.
Father Matthew Gómez
Father Matthew Gómez is a Roman Catholic priest serving the Archdiocese of Miami. Ordained on May 12, 2018, Fr. Matt serves full-time on the administration and faculty at Saint John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, holding roles as the Dean of the Propaedeutic Program, Registrar, IT & Media Coordinator. Fr. Matt moved into this full-time formation work after concluding his term as the Archdiocesan Director of Vocations.
Fr. Matt served as a Parochial Vicar at St. John Neumann Catholic Church as his first priestly assignment. He is a co-host of The Anchor & Flame Podcast along with his brothers, Alexander and Mark, broadcasting on Radio Paz 830 AM and 96.1 FM every Monday evening.
Born on September 4, 1990, in Hialeah, Florida, Fr. Matt grew up in Immaculate Conception Parish. Attended Immaculate Conception School and Monsignor Edward Pace High School, and went one year to St. Thomas University before entering St. John Vianney College Seminary and then St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. Prior to entering seminary, Fr. Matt actively coordinated Encuentros Juveniles, a major youth movement in the Archdiocese of Miami.
A favorite whenever he speaks, Fr. Matt combines his wisdom and wit while demonstrating his love of God, faith and his vocation as a priest.
Deacon John Clarke
A former SWAT Law Enforcement Officer, Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, Business Owner and Ordained Catholic Deacon.
Deacon John was ordained a permanent deacon in 2014 in the Archdiocese of Miami. A St. Thomas University graduate and parishioner of Nativity Parish in Hollywood, FL before relocating in 2019 to the Diocese of Charlotte and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in High Point, NC. A passionate Pro-Life supporter and dynamic speaker who will challenge us to love the Lord and live & share our faith daily. Deacon John, wife Dawn and their 6 children reside in High Point, NC.
Who Can Attend?
All men, including fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, father figures, uncles, coaches, mentors and sons (ages 16 and older).
What to Expect
World renowned motivations speakers addressing real-life challenges
Praise and worship led by the ManUp Band
Time for reflection and spiritual growth
Fellowship with other men
Delicious food and refreshments
Dress Code
Casual and comfortable—come as you are.
Pre-registration is required. Space is limited.
Celebrating 15 Years of Impactful Voices
For 15 years, the ManUp Conference has featured dynamic speakers who challenge, inspire, and equip men to live with purpose and faith.
Below is a showcase of some of the impactful speakers from past conferences—each one delivering a powerful message rooted in truth, personal experience, and a heart for reaching men right where they are.