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

This is a topic that really scares me to bring up. Short term events tend to go very well or very bad, there is rarely middle ground. It is a great solution to cover an urgent need or to follow up on the recent stir that God has created within your church. But should be followed up with a long-term vision for the future of the event, be it an annual, semi-annual, or bi-annual offering. There are some ways to minimize the risks associated with short term planning. Here are a few thoughts regarding when to plan on the short term, some benefits, and essential strategies...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

As we work our way through spring and into summer, I find myself amazed at how fast time goes by. And I am sure those of you planning events find yourselves in the same spot at times. As a former event planner, one of the annual events I coordinated had to be started for the following year even before the current one was over. Whether it is a youth camp, couple's retreat, or family event - planning and promotion will impact the success of your 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

Over the last few weeks I have had the privilege of meeting with other leaders of retreat ministries. It's a huge encouragement to go to a meeting with other people who are involved in similar ministries around the country because you get hear all of the great things God has produced through ministry events. Hearing stories is nice but I'm not one for the good old day's, for one, I was around for the real old days.... But two, I believe the best is yet to come! I hope that is your sentiment as well. In order to make an impact though, we need people to attend our events...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

Gas prices have been the buzz word for the last several months and I don't believe that it will leave the news anytime soon.  The prices are likely to fluctuate some and they will go up, and while I hope they will go down but am not banking on that happening.  For planners who are gearing up for ministry events this summer, be ready to hear the excuse, "gas is too expensive, we're not coming." I don't just want to be calloused and brush the statement off as an excuse there is no doubt that going to the gas pump is a burden. But the experience your event is offering must be prove itself as valuable to gain more registered attendees...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

How are plans going on your upcoming event? Are you on track with anticipated registrations, activity schedules, etc? I recommend that early in the planning stages of your event...no matter now big or small, set up a checklist (schedule) with your committee. Include specific timelines,and be sure all committee members are on board with it and understand its importance. Include ideas to take care of the "what ifs"...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

Whether you are planning a youth event, couples retreat, or men's conference, and no matter how long the event is, you'll want it to be memorable and/or productive event. So as you finalize that event schedule, check it over one more time to be sure you are on target, working toward your goals. First and foremost, ask God for guidance in making certain you have all that He has planned included in the schedule...     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

Often we taut how beneficial long term planning is for a successful ministry event. But you can pull together a retreat on a short timeline and inject lots of spiritual energy into your attendees and church. There are a few keys you'll need to focus on...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

What goes into planning a successful ministry event?  I have been to events that were awesome and rewarding.  But I have been to a few events that didn't quite meet up to expectations. How do you make sure your event is going to meet its objectives?  You may think you have everything planned out, but how do you make sure you don't miss something...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment

It is essential that the first impression your guests have of the event is a good one! A chaperon checking in a group of 50 students is likely overwhelmed from the long drive and wants nothing more than to get everyone settled and started. Make it a priority to clearly communicate about anything that needs to be accomplished prior to arrival, important information like directions, and be adequately prepared to start registration early. The object of the game is to prevent people from having to wait and anything that would be frustrating or a let-down...     Continue Reading | Leave Comment