What can you gain from NOC 2010?

hello kim, greetings in the most precious name of our Lord Jesus! first of all I would like to say that it would be my pleasure to meet you people there at conference.

Hi Kim,

I am excited to be returning to NOC after missing last year. I am also a bit nervous. I have been attending conferences as a means of renewing, learning and networking for years. I have been to good conferences and not-so-good conferences. NOC was above and beyond incredible two years ago (I don't know about last year's). That is why I am returning and believe it will be worth even coming from Ohio.

However, most conferences I have attended (with some of the same speakers) have been about books. That wasn't the purpose of the conference, but I have seen a trend of conferences moving towards the concept of "buy my book". It is as if the speakers are saying, here are a few nuggets, but if you really want to learn, buy my book. This I believe is very disappointing as people spend a lot of money to learn and grow and hear the message - not a promotion of a product.

I realize there will be bits of this, and times are hard for the authors, but please pass the word along not to sell out (no pun intended). I am really looking forward to this conference and that is not at all what this conference was about two years ago when I attended.

I hope I won't be disappointed as I know Outreach does a great job. I am looking forward to hearing great ideas, networking with other people, finding ways to balance many hats in a church and finding time to incorporate outreach - and most of all - seeking ways to develop a strategy for outreach in our church (how to begin, what is best to begin with, who to reach, etc.).

Thanks Kim for listening to my expectations.

Brian,

You bring up an important point - and one I certainly hope the speakers/authors take note of. NOC is about getting both resources and content - but I have always resisted making it so commercial and product focused that attendees like yourself feel overwhelmed. In our selection of speakers - Magazine Editor, Lindy Lowry, and myself work hard at inviting practitioners, leaders, credible voices in the arena of outreach and evangelism. Speakers are encouraged to only have product available in the convention bookstore (not in their breakouts) and we, in turn, set up book signings and free books for new publications - with the help of the publishers.

All that said, there is a fine balance between sharing of great resources and over-promotion - I agree! One of the "filters" we apply in speaker selection is that if a church leader can't implement an idea or system in their own church, without purchasing the "product" -chances are that we will not add the session. NOC is about equipping and re-tooling - giving you new ideas and inspiration to make outreach successful in your church - no matter where you are, what size you are, etc. Having access to the very latest publications is important - but not the primary focus. Our breakouts and general sessions give attendees a solid SIXTY HOURS of content! That content is always focused on meeting the perceived needs of leaders like yourself - struggling with the challenges, but called toward the vision and mission.

I hope that you will once again have your expectations exceeded at NOC 2010. Since you haven't been with us for a couple years, I would be interested in your specific feedback on changes we've made to the schedule - creating more "breathing room" and more time for networking.

I look forward to meeting you and Barbara!

blessings,  Kim