Steve Chai's Apology

This post is solely my (Steve Chai’s) opinion and in no way represents the views of anyone else I know.  Hmm… I’ve never had to preface a blog post with a disclaimer before.  Probably not a good sign.

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I like going to conferences.  My favorite part of conferences is being as shameless as possible with regards to  free stuff.  My second favorite part of conferences is connecting with like-minded  people with similar interests and passions.  My third favorite part is listening to speakers because the main hall is usually air conditioned, and no one is looking at you while you fall asleep.
Don’t get me wrong: I love listening to passionate people share their passions.  My personal problem with large plenary sessions is that (1) normally the person sharing is a fairly well known individual whose ideas are also well known, (2) their speech/talk is a re-hashing of said ideas or something that has already been spelled out in their book, and (3) there is no opportunity to debate or disagree with the speaker on stage.  In light of these points, a late morning or late evening nap  is a far better use of time.  Sure I’d like to see these individuals in person; however, I think all of us would agree that sitting in a 10,000 person auditorium and watching the speaker on a video monitor is an awful lot like watching them on video or online.

I am positive that most of the people at conferences profit more from networking with people and meeting them face to face than from plenary sessions with speakers (Again, just read their book.  It’s probably why they are there in the first place).  Conferences should be a place where people can share ideas, have their ideas challenged, and find the right people to get their ideas implemented.

All of the above climaxes in this one issue: these conferences, especially Christian conferences, and especially Christian conferences geared to pastors, and in particular Christian conferences geared towards YOUTH pastors, should not cost money.  Okay, okay.  Should not cost very much money.  $350??  For a conference?  Are you kidding me?  $100 a day??  $35 for ONE session, and you don’t even get to walk the exhibit hall to pick up free pens???  This is outrageous and, dare I say it, wrong.

While I can’t expect much to change, I will say this: if you believe it is impossible to have a quality conference with the free exchange of ideas, face-to-face networking, quality speakers, and have it all for free, think again.  I will direct you to theideacamp.com.  I have so much respect for major leaders in both faith-based and non-faith based organizations, that have made/legitimized the idea of a purposeful (and free) conference for people that want to be inspired and encouraged to move forward with their ideas for the betterment of the church and the world.

So, in conclusion, do what it takes to create a meaningful conference for everyone.  Don’t let flash replace substance, or allow cost compromise collaboration.