Willow Creek Arts Conference
I found late on Tuesday night that I am able to go to the Willow Creek Arts Conference. I’ll be flying standby with Jay thanks to a wonderful donation by Aaron Soule. It is only because of that gift that we are able to go. Jay and I will be meeting up with another co-worker of mine, Janet. Not only did I find out Tuesday, but the thing starts next Wednesday and I leave in the early morning on Tuesday. Spontaneous and my traveling, are synonymous lately.
Growing up in Minnesota I never went farther east than an hour into Wisconsin, and this trip to Chicago will be the farthest east I’ve ever been other than a short trip to Orlando 5 years ago. It will also be the first time I’ve gone to a conference since middle school. 
I’m super pumped to have this opportunity. I have so so so much to learn and I think this will be a great environment to learn in. I can hardly believe how far God has taken this little life of mine. Seriously…I was a janitor not even 4 months ago. Say what you will about Willow Creek or any of the speakers, I get the chance to be around and learn from some of the best leaders in the world for 3 days. Here are a couple things I’m looking forward to:
- Robbie Seay- I remember seeing him in Salem, Oregon about 3 years ago. I love his unique voice and I love the sound he and his band have.
- Brian McLaren- I know I’ve ripped on him on this blog, but I’ve also said he is a brilliant man. I’m interested to hear his thoughts and to see if he crosses the line for me.
- Tim Stevens- He is leading a breakout session based on his new book which talks about how to use pop culture within church.
- Francis Chan- Fresh off his trip to Africa with Passion, I know he’ll have great things to say to end the conference.
- Chicago- I hate the White Sox, not a Bulls fan, and I hate the Bears even more. But, Chicago is one of the sweetest cities in the US and I’ve never been there.
If you are going, leave a comment and let’s find a way to connect there. I plan on posting while I’m there several times and hopefully I’ll even have some videos of me meeting “famous” people. Be sure to check back here next week as often as you can to stay up with the updates.
no… but i might be the oldest
oh, and the s l o w e s t typist
that’s so cool, have fun man
for those of you who do not know (most of you). janet and i are going to have a typing competition. she thinks she is a faster typer than me, and i think the other way. so in chicago we are having the battle. hence her typing comment.
> Chicago- I hate the White Sox, not a Bulls fan, and I hate the Bears even more. But, Chicago is one of the sweetest cities in the US and I’ve never been there.
Okay, but what about the Cubs? I’d love to get to see a game at Wrigley…
sold out….and really expensive to scalp.
Dude I am jealous!
Tammy and I went last year and had a blast. Enjoy yourself!
Definitely take some time to get into Chicago. It’s beautiful.
Seriously, this is such a great opportunity for you. There is something very inspiring about being in a room with so many creative people. You will have a great time. I am not jealous at all! Miss you guys next week.
It would be a cryin’ shame if somehow your office ended up plastered with McCain swag while you’re away… just sayin.
Thanks man for dropping by… not sure if I have told you this, but I like your blog. I’ve stopped by a couple of times.
Got ya linked (my “Link Love” section sucks, but we’re tweaking it out this month).
Peace
wow! very exciting for you, Ty!
Just don’t come home a ‘twitterer’ after hanging with Janet and Jay! Have fun!
Debbie
What break outs you gonna hit up.
Oh, and people have lots of ideas of what to do when you visit downtown, but whatever you do, don’t do something you can do at home…like going to a movie
Jill- You will be missed as well. I’ll miss the days without your sarcasm.
Jos- I haven’t even said that I don’t like McCain…
Chad- Thanks for the kind words. I’ll add you to mine momentarily.
Debbie- I was already asked to Twitter from the conference….I DID NOT give in!!!
Brent- They have the main breakouts that are already pretty sweet, but not necessarily focused on something that totally benefits me. They have this conversations thing for groups of 7 to meet with leaders. I am going to try and sign up for one of those. The other break outs cost extra money so I won’t be doing those.
They’re charging extra for the breakouts? I only paid one fee last year and it included the breakouts. That’s a bummer. I went to the main sessions, but also took a web 2.0, blogging and a bunch of media sessions for light and projection design.
If you want to see the cool media toys, see if you can sign up for a tour of Willow’s tech rooms, or head over to the tech display at the convention center. Very cool!
This year they have some skilled based break outs that are with the normal charge. But they’ve added some point leader breakouts that are extra. That is basically some of the main conference speakers are also doing some breakouts and those are extra. None of them look that amazing, so I’m not missing out on much. There are a few breakouts that look interesting outside of the main ones, but then I have to give up seeing a speaker that I have heard of. I’m still debating.