If you’re looking for a great overview of worship technology and building technology, you can’t beat the Worship Facilities Expo. I’ll be in Houston next week for this year’s version. WFX is a great investment for anyone who is getting ready to build a building. You will have an opportunity to look at all of the worship technology bells and whistles.

As a bonus, you’ll have people there showing security systems and playground equipment and all kinds of stuff. It’s big enough to have the major vendors represented, but not so huge they don’t have time to meet with you.

That’s also why I like the NRB convention. Even if you are not a broadcaster, consider the National Religious Broadcaster’s convention, if you are planning a major upgrade to your A/V/L systems. The show is pretty big… with ALL of the major vendors there. But… it’s not a monster like NAB. You won’t be able to talk for long with a Sony rep at NAB. They are busy talking with people who buy cameras by the dozen. At NRB, they have time to talk to you.

I would also highly recommend MinistryTECH to you. It’s a small gathering. The content at the first gathering last year was very good. The best part though, is that it is so small you can’t help but network! You will meet peers and that has huge, huge value.

Trade shows and conferences are a big investment. Travel isn’t cheap. But from my perspective, I can’t get where I need to go without making that investment. The ROI from a good conference is just huge.

dj