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Forget what you knew about traditional conferences; this year, it’s all about the power of CONVERSATIONS. Say goodbye to endless note-taking and hello to engaging dialogues that will leave you inspired, equipped, and deeply connected with fellow youth workers who truly get it.
At Download Youth Ministry’s Roundtable, you have the power to shape the agenda. We’re flipping the script and putting the focus on YOU and what you’re going through in your unique context. Meaningful conversations will take center stage, providing a platform for sharing experiences, seeking advice, and finding solutions to the challenges you face in youth ministry.
But it doesn’t stop there. DYM Roundtable is all about CONNECTING. You’ll have the chance to connect with other youth workers who share similar journeys, passions, and struggles. Prepare to engage with individuals who will challenge your thinking, broaden your perspectives, and push you to new heights of creativity and impact.
Expect a refreshing experience that will leave you energized and rejuvenated. Get ready for laughter—a LOT of laughter—because that’s just how we roll with Doug, Josh, and the entire DYM team. As you bask in the Southern California sunshine, you’ll be welcomed into the warm embrace of one of the most beautiful and spacious churches in the country. I can’t imagine we do this event without going to a Round Table Pizza™ buffet somewhere in there, too, right?
This event is not just another checkbox on your ministry calendar; it’s a must-attend experience that you and your youth ministry need. We did this event last year for the first time, and it was one of the highest rated events we’ve ever done! So take this opportunity to invest in yourself, your well-being, and your ministry’s future. Youth ministry thrives when you are healthy, challenged, and refreshed, and DYM Roundtable can be the centerpiece in this season to do just that.
Spaces are limited, and trust us—it will sell out! Don’t wait to secure your spot. This FAQ below has the most up to date and specific information and details about this extraordinary event that will leave a lasting impact on your journey as a youth worker.
Get ready to ignite conversations, foster connections, and experience a level of refreshment like never before. DYM Roundtable awaits you. It’s time to take youth ministry to new heights together.
WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR?
You… if you’re a youth worker. Full-time, part-time, volunteer… if you’ve got some time under your belt and you want to learn from others, this is for you!
WILL IT ALL BE DISCUSSION?
No. The foundation of the conference will be dialogue, but there will also be some teaching elements from Doug, Josh and some friends. Some listening and note-taking, but the uniqueness will be the conversations and connections time.
WHAT WILL THE DISCUSSION CENTER AROUND?
Mostly “youth ministry” and “you”. Prior to arriving, you will fill out a survey about the topics that interest you (i.e. conflict, evangelism, church staff, programming, teaching, sexual issues in youth ministry, volunteers, etc…). We’ll compile and curate and make sure we get to discuss what most interests you. In addition, we’ll have several veterans who will be available for “coaching moments” where you can get personalized one-on-one feedback to something you’re struggling with.
WHAT’S THE COST?
$349
Includes: Tuesday dinner, Wednesday lunch/dinner, Thursday lunch
Please note that transportation and lodging are NOT included in the conference fee. However, to assist you in making your travel arrangements, we’ll invite you to join our private Facebook page exclusive to DYM RoundTable attendees. This page serves as a platform for you to connect with others attending the event, giving you the opportunity to seek out potential ride-sharing or room-sharing options.
WHERE IS THIS EVENT BEING HELD?
At our church (the one where both Doug/Josh work)… Mariners Church. It’s 10 minutes away from SNA airport or 90-120 minutes away from LAX. It’s an amazing property and will serve all of our needs and we’ll take over the Youth Building (seeing the property is worth coming to the conference)
HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM PAST DYM100/200 CONFERENCES?
If you’ve been before, it will have the same vibe (that’s all we know)… but, there won’t be a parade of speakers. Doug & Josh will drive the content and organize the discussions. It’s less note-taking and more discussion.
WHAT’S THE SCHEDULE?
Here are the broad strokes of timing to give you an idea of what we’re doing, but not specific enough to spoil any surprises.
Session = a general gathering, a breakout, a discussion group, or a coaching time (we reserve the right to change any of these, but this will be our starting and ending times).
Tuesday Nov. 12th
1pm Registration
2pm Session 1
4pm Session 2
6pm Dinner (provided)
7pm Optional event/activity
Wednesday Nov. 13th
9am Session 3
11am Session 4
12:30 Lunch (provided)
2pm Session 5
4pm Session 6
6pm Dinner (provided)
7pm Optional event/activity OR observe our youth ministry in action!
Thursday Nov. 14th
9am Session 7
10:30am Session 8
12:00 Lunch (provided)
1pm Session 9
3pm DONE!
You’re 10-15 minutes away from SNA (super easy in/out local airport) or 90-120 minutes away from LAX (major airport, may be cheaper but a mess)
CAN I BRING MY TEAM?
Ummm… sure. Our only hesitation would be that we wouldn’t want you to sit at the same table. We want everyone to be safe to talk and not hold back. Our experience is that when teams come together they are typically more stand-off-ish and don’t engage as quickly. So, short answer “yes” to teams… “no” to cliques. 🙂
WHAT SHOULD I SAY TO MY SENIOR PASTOR TO CONVINCE THEM TO LET ME ATTEND?
Good question. It’s definitely a stewardship issue because fees, travel, lodging are a big investment from your church.
Our weekly observation is that it’s really expensive for churches to try to replace youth workers–much more expensive than a conference. In today’s church-world, healthy youth workers are difficult to find. We want to send you back healthier.
Our experience has been that those who attend our DYM Conferences are inspired, refreshed, and recharged with help, hope and contacts to make them more effective. We don’t have the magic answer to speak to your senior pastor in your context, but you could have them read these reviews or hear from another senior pastor who is a big fan of DYM.
I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS… HOW CAN I FIND THOSE ANSWERS?
Perfect. Send those questions to [email protected] and we’ll answer them and then add them to this list.
ARE THERE REFUNDS?
DYM English: “Nope!”
Spanish: “No”
French: “Non”
German: “Nein”
Italian: “No”
Japanese: “いいえ” (Pronounced as “iie”)
We’ll pass your registration fee to someone else if you can’t attend, but we’re not staffed to play the refund-game. Our encouragement would be to be 100% sure you can attend before securing a spot. Again, sorry we don’t do refunds.
IS CHILDCARE AVAILABLE?
While we cannot provide childcare during training events, we do our best to remain flexible while being considerate of the other attendees’ learning experience. Our goal is to be as accommodating as possible while ensuring all of our guests have the best experience!
We have periodically had attendees bring their young children with them to conferences (the added cuteness on campus always brings a smile to our faces)! Since we do not provide childcare, attendees can find seating in the back of the room so they can have an easy exit in case their little one gets restless/loud and needs to leave the room for a bit. Luckily, the audio from the meeting room can be heard over the speakers throughout the building we host the event at, so even when people need to leave the room, they can continue to listen to everything that is going on in the room. There are several spaces in the building (booths, couches, etc.) where parents can move and continue to listen in on the training.