Hello friends,
In part 1 of this two part review of the evaluations for Extravaganza 2024, I wrote about the demographics of our event – who was present at the event. In this post, I want to reflect a bit on what we learned from your evaluations about the content of the event.
The Extravaganza team leaders just finished meeting yesterday to review the findings and to do a deep dive into planning for 2025.
Overall, we are thrilled with how Extravaganza 2024 went. It was a great event. When asked (on a scale of 1-10) if you’d recommend this event to a friend or colleague, the average score was 8.71, which is a very solid score.
We asked the question “What did you value most from the general sessions?” We got great feedback:
The general consensus highlighted a deep appreciation for the diverse elements incorporated into the experience. Attendees valued the worship sessions, with special mentions of the speakers, especially Dr. Michael Chan, whose theological insights were particularly impactful.
The musical aspects were consistently praised, with the band and the inclusion of jazz music noted for adding an emotional depth to worship. The play “Jabari Dreams of Freedom” was also a significant highlight, enriching the general session.
The variety of speakers and topics, especially around the tAble event, was noted for their educational value and for broadening perspectives.
Overall, the general sessions were celebrated for their inspirational content, inclusive worship, and the opportunity they provided for attendees to envision and work towards a more inclusive, diverse, and dynamic church.
We also asked you to “share any comments or feedback regarding General Sessions that would be helpful for us to know:”
We heard that you desire sessions more tailored to the needs of youth workers, alongside requests for logistical improvements such as enhanced lighting for notetaking and screen visibility in the ballroom area.
We heard mixed reactions to the content on the main stage and in workshops, with some appreciating the focus on social justice, while others felt it overshadowed content directly relevant to youth ministry. I really don’t believe this is an either/or situation. I think we can provide opportunities to learn together practical things about ministry and faith formation while still being true to our commitment to welcome and inclusion. That being said, I need to acknowledge that this can be a difficult line to walk. We heard in these evaluations that we may have focused on issues of justice and inclusion at the expense of talking practically about the ministry in which we share.
Evaluations mentioned the technical challenges and the event’s seating layout occasionally obstructed participation. We heard that you want more spacious seating arrangements and better visibility.
We also heard concerns raised about the use of fog/haze machines and specific lighting choices, which affected comfort and accessibility.
Despite these issues, the diversity of speakers and quality of music were praised, though there was a longing for sessions that offered more spiritual renewal and practical ministry tools.
Please know that we have heard these concerns and are addressing them in our planning for 2025.
We asked you about workshop topics, and to “share with us what future workshop topics would be helpful to consider and/or possible workshop leaders to invite to lead:”
We heard you say that you want a diverse range of topics for future Extravaganza workshops focusing on the evolving challenges in children’s and youth ministry.
Key areas of interest included a stronger focus on youth mental health, particularly anxiety and trauma-informed care, and strategies for engaging youth in and outside of church settings, including digital and social media ministry. There was a call for workshops that cater to veterans in ministry, advocacy for better compensation and work conditions, and effective church staff models across congregations of various sizes.
You also expressed a desire for workshops offering practical tools and ideas directly applicable to youth ministry, focusing on areas like technology use, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment and retention.
Some folks wanted more workshops focused on preparation for the ELCA Youth Gathering while others thought the event had too much of a gathering focus as it was.
Some thought that there was a disconnect between how a workshop was advertised and what actually took place in the workshops. We will continue to work on this with workshop leaders.
Other requested topics included updates on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ministry, transitioning youth out of high school, and strategies for dealing with special needs, grief, and danger in youths’ lives.
Furthermore, there was a wish for more opportunities for inter-sharing and collaboration among peers, as well as sessions that provide fresh perspectives on ministry challenges. The feedback reflects a desire for workshops that are not only informative but also provide space for personal and spiritual growth, offer practical applications, and embrace inclusivity and diversity in addressing the needs of all youth ministry workers.
We asked you about the “kind of resources you’d like to see in the Exhibit Hall.”
You told us that you enjoyed the diversity of tables and organizations, valuing the chance to gather ideas and information.
However, the layout, with exhibitors spread across two floors, presented challenges for many, causing some attendees to miss out on visiting certain tables or finding them unattended.
If you’ve been to the E before, you know that we have always had all the exhibits in one area. The floor plan at the Sheraton made that impossible in 2024. We will be back to the “single space” exhibit hall in upcoming years.
There was a desire for a wider variety of resources, including more curriculum options from outside the denomination, mental health resources, and specific ministry tools like Vacation Bible School materials and Christian books. The presence of more tangible items for purchase, such as games, crafts, and modern Christian music resources, was also requested, alongside workshops demonstrating how to use these resources effectively.
Lastly, we asked if there is “‘anything else we should know’ about your experience at the E.”
You highlighted several areas for improvement and appreciation. While you appreciated the opportunities for renewal, education and connection the E provided, you suggested better communication regarding meals and snacks to help with budgeting, as some attendees were unaware of provided food options.
Concerns were raised about the app’s functionality, with requests for a more user-friendly and reliable tool for scheduling and accessing workshop resources. Some attendees suggested more explicit focus on worship and theological discussion in general sessions, rather than lectures on social issues, to cater to a broader range of spiritual needs.
The cost of attending, especially in relation to travel and lodging expenses, was a recurring concern, with some suggesting more scholarships or budget-friendly options to make the event more accessible.
Finally, appreciation was expressed for the hard work and dedication of the E team, with many looking forward to future events, while also hoping for adjustments based on the feedback provided to enhance the overall experience.
I want to echo the appreciation you voiced for the work of the E-Team. These tremendous (volunteer) leaders pour their heart and soul into this event and create a space of welcome, of grace and of love. I learn from them every single time we are together.
Thanks to all of you for your feedback. We take it very seriously. And we are already making changes for 2025 that I think will draw us back to the center of faith formation and strengthen our event.
In future posts, I will outline some of these changes and the reasons we are making them.
If you have further feedback, please feel free to email me directly at todd@elcaymnet.org.
God’s peace,
Todd
Network is a Verb 
Hat’s off and humb