2009 5th Annual CMN Convention!

Believe it or not, we need to start talking about next year's convention. Next on this list of locations is Orlando. It just so happens that InfoComm is in Orlando in June next year. I talked with Barry Cobus of Technologies for Worship at NAB last week and he is interested about the possibility of teaming up with them on next year's convention. We could combine our event with their worship training track at InfoComm. This would take a TON of pressure off of us as we would mainly be in charge of putting together the extra-curricular activities. We could still hold our own general sessions to keep with the convention traditions, but the breakouts would be the InfoComm classes (which I'm sure some of our CMNers could teach). There would be the added benefit of the trade show aspect. Marketing would be substantially beefed up because TFWM would be doing most, if not all, of it.

Thoughts? Any problems? Suggestions? TFWM needs us to start working out details with them now if we want to team up. I personally think it's a good idea and if it dilutes our event in any way.... we just won't do it again.

[[Admin] osborn4]

Sounds like an interesting possibility. Seems worth pursuing.

[[Admin] skstarkiller]

I am all for it. It may lead both organizations to have a better event. The Bible tells us that two are better than one and a three cord strand is not easily broken.

[[Admin] osborn4]

Originally Posted by skstarkiller

I am all for it. It may lead both organizations to have a better event. The Bible tells us that two are better than one and a three cord strand is not easily broken.

Amazing. I was thinking of the same verse.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

[[Admin] skstarkiller]

Great minds, Joel. Great minds...

[[Admin] osborn4]

Originally Posted by skstarkiller

Great minds, Joel. Great minds...

And ours, too, evidently.

[[Director] Joseph B]

Originally Posted by skstarkiller

I am all for it. It may lead both organizations to have a better event. The Bible tells us that two are better than one and a three cord strand is not easily broken.

Does that mean we have to get a third group in on this too?

Sounds good to me, I get two conventions for the cost of one.

[kbob]

Cool-we've been wanting to have you guys down here more than one or two at a time!!!

What would you want for outside/after hours activities? Tours of some of the local churches? Theme Parks? And of course, coldstone! (there are two or three, but all are around 4-5 miles from the conference center).

Given the lead time, I'm sure we can do some really nice stuff. Just let me know!

It depends on what people want, I guess. TFWM will probably have a tour of a church like they just did in Vegas. Touring churches (especially mega-churches) puts me to sleep, personally. As far as our general sessions, if we can have them at the convention center I would prefer that - so that everything is in one place. That's what I've told Barry. If not, we'll look for a church. I know some people at FBC Orlando - some people in Clearwater - and some dude named kbob who runs his computer in weird configurations. I'm sure we can find something, but the closer to International Drive, the better. I don't want people to have to drive around in Orlando traffic if they don't have to.

As for theme parks, you won't be able to keep me away from Islands of Adventure. Monica and I went there almost every week for 3 months when I worked for Digital Juice and it's by far the best park (if you really like roller coasters). We'll probably take the kids to Disney. If we can go as a group it would be really cool. The more the merrier! The downside is that it will be June - hot, humid, rainy and crowded.

[kbob]

FBC would be good due to it's proximity-not to mention they've got every nice piece of gear I've ever read about! It's also very simple to get to from the convention center-they're right by the interstate and John Young Parkway.

What might be nice is running through the Digital Juice studios, if they're ready for visitors by then. Lot further away, but it would make for a fantastic tie-in for CMN, given the high rate of DJ addicts around here.

I wonder if we could get a concert to show up at that time-again, the tie ins would be great, and there might be a tech or two available to help with-sound/lights/video/projection, I'd think...maybe tie it into a workshop at the convention (something that I did once with a Carmen for a TBN Christmas special way back in the late 80's).

Just kicking around ideas at this point-you guys tell me how high to jump, and I'm in God willing!

One thing to keep in mind-convention parking is around $10 per visit (not even per day, last I checked). There are some shuttles, but just be aware. Of course, there are a ton of hotels near there too, and almost all have convention center shuttles available.

You would have to tie me to a car and DRAG me to Ocala to see the DJ studio. Besides, I've seen it -- it's not that big unless they've expanded it. Basically a lot of computer workstations, a render-farm in a climate-controlled room and (when I saw it) only one video studio. I'd love for some DJ guys (including Dave) to come down to Orlando and do something, though.

[kbob]

Actually Tim, DJ is in Lake Mary now, and it has expanded from what I've been told. Ocala's a long way and they still ship from there, but the studios are local to here. Lake Mary is essentially an Orlando suburb, and isn't that far-even less if you fly into Orlando-Sanford instead of Orlando International Airport (not recommending that unless you find a better flight deal/time-it's further from I-Drive and all, but there are deals to be had sometimes).

I agree, I'd love to see them involved. Strang might be a good fit as well-Charisma's publisher is located in the area, and while they're mostly print media, still couldn't hurt.

Plus, on another track, both Wycliff Bible Translators and Campus Crusade for Christ are in the area. Wycliff actually has a tour, if I remember correctly. I'll ask some of our church members that have gone. And of course Campus Crusade has their own media efforts.

Oh yeah-there are also two Christian TV stations, and one Christian FM station, located in the Orlando area that might be a good trip for some.