A conference stage with many purple lights taken from the floor of an arena. How to get the most out of your conference title card

Image from the Orange Conference 2019

One of the best things you can do for your ministry and leadership growth is go to a conference. Whether it’s a small regional conference like the Orange Tour or a large national conference like Kidzmatter, you can find something that will make your ministry better.

But how do you get the most of your experience? Going to a national conference can be one of the biggest line items in your ministry’s budget. You don’t want to squander the opportunity.

I've been to many ministry conferences, and I've learned a thing or two about getting the most out of them. Here are my top tips:

1. Talk to people

This point is more the introverts out there, but it’s essential. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in your own thoughts or with your group. But if you do, you'll miss a wealth of information and wisdom from the people around you. The other people at the conference are there to learn as well. Sharing your experiences can build lifelong friendships. In that sharing you realize you’re not alone. Other people have your problems and others may have the answers.

So, when you’re standing in the food line, waiting for the bathroom, or sitting next to someone in a breakout, introduce yourself and start a conversation. You’ll never know what you’ll learn. You may find that key solution to the problem you’ve been struggling with for years.

2. Go to breakouts but don’t be afraid to sidebar

Many conferences have smaller breakouts on a host of interesting topics. As a breakout speaker myself, this is a great opportunity to share what I’ve learned with a larger audience. I’ve sat in many breakouts where I found the answers to my burning questions from leaders with way more experience.

Just because it’s breakout time doesn’t mean its time to grab Starbucks or head to the local outlet mall. You’re missing out on some of the best stuff.

That said, there are sometimes when you’ll start a longer conversation than what time allows. If you think that a conversation can bring value to you, your leadership, or your ministry, then don’t be afraid to miss the next breakout.

At the last AGKidmin conference I attended, I met a wonderful children’s ministry veteran who specialized in teaching kids about the Holy Spirit. I really needed help in this area, so we spent the next breakout session talking about my situation. By the time we were done, we’d developed a plan. It was far more valuable than the breakout I missed.

A similar conversation may do the same for you.

3. Ask the speakers questions

Whether they’re doing a breakout, or a keynote, pay attention and write down questions. Then when the time is over go to the front and ask them. I’ve spoken at many conferences before, and I can tell you, I love it when people ask me questions about what I just shared.

Similarly, I’ve learned so much and made quality connections from this practice. It shows you’re interested and thinking deeply about their content. The speaker is doing their best to reach a general audience, but they can’t speak to your specific situation. However, if you ask a question afterwards, they can get in the weeds with you and really help.

When I was first starting out, I was really struggling with leading worship. I attended a worship breakout and afterwards asked the speaker about my situation. She gave me solid advice that I implemented almost immediately. A few years later, I saw her again at another conference. I was able to share with her how her advice had changed my ministry for the better. With tears in her eyes, she thanked me. I’m getting choked up writing about it now.

Don’t be afraid. Speakers are people too. They’re there because they want to help, so go ahead and ask.

4. Talk to vendors

Similar to breakout speakers, vendors are there to help you. Yes, they want to sell you something. But their products are there to meet a need. So go talk to those vendors, sign up for their stuff. They have frequently have freebies for an email address. You can always unsubscribe later if you don’t find their products valuable. However, those vendors may have the exact solution you’re looking for.

I’ve written frequently about my Kids Lead Team. As much as I love that program, I needed something that went beyond just 6 weeks of training. I met a vendor at a conference that had exactly what I was looking for.

You never know what’s out there unless you look.

5. Stay the whole time

I’ve been to so many conferences where the last session is a fraction of the total attendance. I’ve seen people flooding out of the auditorium just to “beat the crowd.” Yes, you need to get home or catch a flight or whatever, but there is valuable information that you’re missing. It’s like walking out in the final 20 minutes of a movie because you want an easy exit.

You may miss the best part.

By staying the whole time, you get to “suck the marrow” out of the conference. There are final conversations, prayers, teaching, and/or connections that you’d miss out on otherwise.

So, when you plan to go to the conference, go to the conference. Don’t put your flight so close that you have to leave early. Give yourself some time to finish the conference and get to the airport in plenty of time.

Bonus Point: Find spiritual renewal

One final point before I end. For me many conferences have been a time of spiritual renewal. I’ve heard from God, rested, and worshipped. As Mark Batterson says a change of pace and a change of place, can change your perspective. (quote) Going to a conference can break you out of that spiritual stupor you’ve been stuck in.

At one very stressful time in my ministry, I went to the Orange Conference. They started playing Oceans by Hillsong United and by the time the chorus hit, I was a puddle. God broke something in me that night preparing me for what was next. If I’d never gone to that conference, I don’t think I’d be here today.

Going to a conference is a ton of fun. I always come back energized and exhausted at the same time. Exhausted because I just drank from a fire hose and energized because I have all new ideas to try and implement.

Enjoy your conference time and get the most out of it. It may change your ministry, but it could also change your life.