A recent post on the value of face-to-face meetings on Lifeway’s Ministry Serving Ministry blog supports the responses we gathered at a series of advisory council meetings held with meeting planners around the country in the past two months. Many of the participants were past attendees at our own conference and show, Rejuvenate Marketplace, which is dedicated to planners of faith-based conferences and events.

They all confirmed the value their members receive from their own face-to-face meetings. While education is a very important component, most agreed networking opportunities provide the greatest satisfaction and inspiration to attendees.

People want to get together. They want to gather, share stories and gain bits of wisdom in an environment that supports their common interests, respecting their experience and values.

Rejuvenate Marketplace, the brainchild of family-owned Collinson Media & Events, was created to provide that opportunity to faith-based planners. Its mission statement is to serve the industry through innovative education and powerful networking with the goal of helping our partners exceed their expectations.

The educational seminars, which range from boot camps geared to both novice and veteran planners to ethics discussions, feature many Rejuvenate columnists and contributors. Faith-based planners get a special perspective from presenters like Tommy Keown of LifeWay and keynote speakers. (George Barna of the Barna Research Group and Andrew Young, elder statesman and pastor, spoke at previous Rejuvenate Marketplace events.)

The reverse trade show features 6-minute appointments.

Our signature “reverse” trade show is a welcome alternative for both planners and suppliers who don’t want to walk a trade show floor. They meet in 6-minute, pre-set appointments, arranged by our “matchmaking” staff based on each party’s requirements and needs. Past attendees say they are very satisfied with the results; many come away with future event sites set or, at least, excellent prospects.

Entertainment also fits the bill for this faith-based audience. Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, the high-energy, horn-driven big band group, brought their special perspective on Christian music to last year’s Rejuvenate Marketplace. Gospel singer CeCe Winans provided a rousing ending to the 2008 event, bringing the audience to their feet. This year, Grammy-award winning gospel and soul singer Kirk Franklin will close out the 2010 Rejuvenate Marketplace, Oct. 21, in Louisville, Ky.

We invite faith-based planners looking for their own opportunity to meet with their peers to join us for inspiration, learning and networking at this year’s Rejuvenate Marketplace, Oct. 18-21, in Louisville. It’s an event created just for you from a company that shares your values.

Visit the events page for registration information, videos and testimonials about the event.