Church Solutions Conference & Expo
Feb. 16-18, 2010
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center – Dallas/Fort Worth

Application for Speaking Opportunities

Do you have innovative ideas or experience in church management, design or ministry? Are you more focused on the burgeoning future of the church than the often-tired methods of the past? Will your knowledge benefit a wide range of churches, regardless of their attendance numbers or budgets? Then this is the conference for you.

The Church Solutions Conference & Expo is a national event like no other. Geared toward pastors, church business administrators, lay leaders, facility managers and other church executives, this business-focused conference provides real-world tactics for churches to thrive amidst today’s real-world challenges.

We’re committed to providing attendees with the most relevant educational environment possible. We aren’t interested in presentations that are repeatedly given at other church conferences. Our education sessions are specifically targeted to help foster strategic growth – not to pitch individual products, companies or services. And the inclusion of church leader speakers, church case studies and Q&A time provide added opportunity for attendees to maximize their learning experience.

The following kinds of speakers are preferred:
–Pastors or other church leaders who will share how their churches are addressing any of the challenges faced by the church community. Transparency is appreciated: what worked, what didn’t, specific concerns and plans for the future, etc.
–Knowledgeable experts describing strategies for handling important new facets of today’s church.
–High-profile executives who can present a compelling vision of the church.

All submissions to speak must be submitted online using the form below. Proposals must be submitted by July 15, 2009. Below are some guidelines to keep in mind when drafting your submission:

• Presentations CANNOT be used to sell or market products or services. All presentations are to be vendor-neutral, objective and educational in nature.
• Submissions will be judged on relevancy of content, originality, knowledge and experience of speaker/company, and timeliness of topic.
• Preference will be given to proposals submitted by professionals directly involved in or serving the church market.
• We encourage and favor the use of church case studies, particularly if a member of the church is able to participate in the session with you.
• All sessions need to allow for at least 10 minutes of audience Q&A, either throughout the seminar or at the end.
• Speakers who participated in our 2008-2009 conference are welcome to apply; however, a different topic should be proposed.
• Potential topics are not limited to but can include the latest on: church growth, legal or financial issues, campus design, conflict resolution, HR, technology (advanced concepts are preferred to basic), Internet campuses, church transitions, facilities, emerging church, alternative worship, futurist ideas, multicultural, creative budgeting, ministry management, multisite, marketing and communication, leadership, strategic planning, church identity, church planting, green, and motivating others.
• We are also planning several panel discussions. If you’d like to take part in – or plan your own – panel, please indicate it on your application form where noted.

Due to the large number of submissions received, we will notify you by Sept. 1, 2009, regarding whether your proposal has been selected.

Please note: All speakers are responsible for their own expenses.

For questions regarding the following, please contact:
Your topic – Karen Butler, 480.990.1101, ext. 2251; kbutler@vpico.com.
The online form – Amy Reed, 480.990.1101, ext. 1082; areed@vpico.com.
Vendor presentations – Katherine Kennedy, 480.281.6786; kkennedy@vpico.com.

Please fill out all fields. Put "n/a" where necessary.

SPEAKER INFORMATION