Case Study: Aldersgate Renewal Ministries

Planners: Jonathan Dow, Executive Director and Pamela Dow, Event Registrar

Organization: Aldersgate Renewal Ministries

Event: ARM’s annual Aldersgate National Conference on Spirit-filled Living has taken place for more than 30 years. The family conference educates attendees through concurrent programming for children, youth and adults. “Attendees have the opportunity to be refreshed, encouraged, inspired and equipped to minister to the world in the power of the Holy Spirit,” says Pamela Dow.

Assignment: Jonathan coordinates a team of approximately 18 conference staff who oversee the event, which had almost 1,400 attendees in Charleston, W.Va., July 14-18. Programming includes worship celebrations, workshops and a community impact outreach, and meal functions must be coordinated for staff, clergy, donors and intercessors. Pamela is responsible for a team that serves in registration and helps with the needs of attendees, exhibitors, volunteers and leadership throughout the conference.

Special Challenges: “Attendance was up 26 percent from the previous year, so we are faced with great opportunities for creativity in usage of space,” says Pamela. “Concurrent programming for multiple age groups also requires significant care in scheduling and safety considerations.” Keeping the conference new and different after more than 30 years is an additional challenge for the team.

Solutions: In order to keep the conference fresh, the excuse that it’s never been done that way before is not used by the planners. They also “bring younger voices with fresh eyes to the table in planning,” says Pamela.

Advice for fellow planners: “Communicate your timeline early,” advises Pamela. Other events likely are being held in the city where you are meeting, so getting the information to the CVB will help your planning process run more timely and be more thorough.