What You Should Look For When Attending A Conference

I was reluctant to attend the first conference I ever attended. I was busy with ministry and not in the mood to learn anything that would force me to change my strategy. That attitude only lasted half a day. My first conference changed the way I approached ministry and sent me on this crazy adventure. If you’ve never been to one you need to make it a priority. That’s because conferences are a huge part of your professional development. They are also a great way to be inspired and refueled in your faith. But, picking the right one can be tough, especially when you don’t have a budget that allows you to make mistakes.

So, what does one look for in a conference? For me there has to be at least these FOUR COMPONENTS:

PLENTY OF NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Many of my friends in ministry have been made at conferences. A great conference will provide network opportunities that can be based on the region you represent or the type of ministry you lead. It’s important to use them as an opportunity to learn from what others are doing and possibly find a group of people who can sharpen your ability to lead. Bring business cards or get ready to share contact information. The people you’ll meet in these gatherings will not only inspire you but walk with you through some of your biggest ministry moments.

BREAKOUTS THAT CHALLENGE YOU WITH PRACTICAL WISDOM

Finding a good breakout can be tough. While a good speaker matters you also want to find someone who can offer practical wisdom. Basically, what they are saying isn’t just based on theory, but research and real-life experience. Don’t just be persuaded by breakout/workshop titles, look into the speakers, check out their background before signing up to go.

You want content that’s going to force you to think about what you are doing differently. Make sure you take notes to bring back to your team, and coworkers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, if you feel like something wasn’t clear or didn’t make sense. If you want to connect further with them don’t be afraid to go up afterward and introduce yourself. Most speakers I know like to connect with their audience.

INSPIRING, AND ENGAGING MAIN SESSIONS

I’ve been to several conferences where the networking was great, the breakouts were challenging, but the main sessions fell flat. The main session is so important because it sets the tone for the conference, that means having a great emcee, inspiring speakers, and engaging music.

It’s hard to determine if a conference offers this until you attend, or if you know someone who’s gone before that can give you some information. Look at the personalities involved and again do the research. If there is someone you’ve never heard of, don’t take it as a negative, look at it as an opportunity for a fresh perspective. Again, look at what they are passionate about and determine whether that’s going to challenge, empower or frustrate you.

FUN, LAUGHTER AND POWERFUL MEMORIES

There are a lot of conferences that focus too much on the content that they forget it’s an opportunity to grow stronger as a community. Even if you aren’t attending a youth ministry conference there needs to be some form of entertainment. The reason this matter is because it will break down any barriers someone might be feeling walking in. It will help you process all the heavy information that you are receiving. Lastly, it’s going to release any tension, or frustration you’ve been experiencing in the trenches. Conferences aren’t just a place to be inspired, they are also opportunities where you should feel loved.

Conferences are big investments and many of their organizers recognize what you give up to join them. The conferences that address the journey you go on are the ones worth attending each year. Whether you are joining me at NCCYM this year or going on attending something else in the future, make sure you aren’t going because everyone else is, but because it’s a place where you can grow and keep growing.

If you are coming to NCCYM be sure to swing by booth 113 for Marathon Youth Ministry and 111 for Project YM. We’ve got some incredible things planned for everyone who stops by. Lastly, if you can’t join us in person, be sure to watch Michael Marchand and I on CYMLIVE Thursday night from the conference. To learn more visit our Facebook page or go to CYMlive.com.

What are some of the qualities you look for in a conference?

Join The Conversation On Facebook