I have spent numerous Friday nights at our front desk to watch groups check-in, one of the first concerns of arriving guests is where am I going to sleep? where to I take my stuff? who's going to be my roommate? I have watched several processes, some are very organized and work well. Others create massive problems that distract people from the purpose of the event...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

To plan a great ministry event takes a lot of time and effort from your whole team.  I know there have been many times when I have planned events for my church when I wasn't home one night during a week long period.  It takes a lot of dedicated people to pull of any type of event.  But all of that planning takes a toll on your team.  Let's face it, many of us have full time jobs and then on the side plan and participate in ministry.  ...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

The larger your event, the more important it is for your planning team to be well-organized. Once your event location and dates are set, its time for the team to PLAN and PROMOTE. Last week I discussed important timelines to keep in mind throughout the planning stages, so lets discuss some of the stategies for planning and promoting your event...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

Identification badges hold value on a number of levels.  First, the obvious, using other peoples names personalizes conversations and helps build relationships. Second there is a security measure built in. For example, a student ministry event, all the couloirs and support staff have lanyards and then students a special wrist band... The guy without either identification piece doesn't belong.  He ought to be checked in or asked to leave. Third you can include a quick reference for you staff on the back...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

Today the temperatures are going to hit in the 90s here in the Midwest!  It may just be the beginning of May, but it sure feels like it is June! With that being said, your summer event is probably either coming up real soon or a couple months out.  You should be checking your registration and making sure everything is lined up and ready to go.  But don't forget about your next event...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

Each property may name this role slightly differently, but the conference services coordinator is the person on the property who helps each group plan the details of their event. We're talking about the nitty gritty stuff like hour by hour schedules, dietary issues, meeting space set up (number of chairs,  microphones, even the width of the esille). These details are generally worked out closer to your day of arrival when you're well aware of who is coming to your event, their needs, and the ministry needs of your event. The staff who handle these details are also handling the same details for any other groups who will be on property so they can give you insights to make small adjustments that will greatly enhance the guest experience...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

Retreat Planner and Event Coordinator are all-encompassing titles, with pretty much the same job description. I have been that person a few times, as have many of you. But for those that sort of just fell into it, or volunteered (without even realizing it), I would like to make a few suggestions...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

Many churches and Christian organizations are preparing for their summer conferences and camps. Most of these events are going to be lead by volunteers. I can't think of any events that don't utilize a number of volunteers to pull off their events. The challenge with volunteers is that their time is limited, they need to be trained well and then put to work. As with all aspects of an event the best case scenario is to plan in advance...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

Fall may seem like a  long way off, especially considering that we have barley entered May but time flies when you're having fun... Fall events present some unique challenges for planners because of summer break. As different members of your planning team are on vacation that can limit the opportunities you have for team meetings. And often your ministries take a break in the summer time so getting the word out to your potential attendees may take a hit. All of these challenges are easy to overcome, the approach simply needs to be adjusted for the situation. You can create some great ministry opportunities for your church...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

Many of our best accomplishments in life are a result of teamwork. It takes a team to create a family, to win a baseball game, to run almost any business, to lead a church, etc...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

Have trouble getting ladies to sign up for those women's retreats? You probably won't get a lot of ladies signing up if the event features rope climbing or dodgeball- but how many women would turn down an opportunity for some spa time...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

I have been going to my church for 10 years now.  It is a small church with about 50 members. There are pros and cons being in a small church.  There is a great sense of unity at my church and I love that.  But the problem comes to people being committed to helping with ministries and events.  We have a select few that always do everything. It has come to the point where some of the people don't want to help anymore because they are getting burned out...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment