Four days. That’s the length of the Simply Youth Ministry Conference, which pretty much means we’re “off” the other 361 days a year.

Not.

Just like youth ministry, there’s so much more ministry that happens behind the scenes than just showing up on Sundays and Wednesdays. And just like mission trips, a lot of real ministry happens on the roadtrip to get there. Real ministry happens one conversation, one relationship at a time. And God isn’t waiting for a cue to appear on stage or in a sanctuary. God shows up in the messy details and mishaps along the way.
Our crew at Group & SYM is passionate about ministry to youth workers. For us, the process of creating and planning SYMC has just as much significance as the event itself. That’s why we’re resurrecting this blog–to invite you along for this wild ride to the 2012 Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Louisville. We want you to know the real people behind the scenes, to share in the stories and conversations that shape the event. And we want to hear from you along the way.
So join us—jump onboard and roadtrip to SYMC with us. We can’t promise a comfortable ride without a few detours, breakdowns, mysterious odors and random conversations, but at the end of the journey we’ll know the real people who shared this journey.

Buckle up.

SYMC Louisville Promo from Matthew Wheatley on Vimeo.

Matty had a cow when he learned we were considering Louisville for SYMC 2012. But after a few visits by our team to check it out, we were convinced this place felt like home. Even Andy Brazelton, our cosmopolitan-elitist, has fallen in love with this Midwestern gem.

Here’s why:

1. Louisville is clean, safe, friendly and way cooler than you think! SYMC will be hosted at the Galt House Hotel & KY Convention Center, in the heart of downtown entertainment district (4th St. LIVE) amidst more than 2,000 restaurants and fun attractions. (and the largest Panera we’ve ever seen)
2. Louisville is centrally located within a day drive for 50% of the US and has a convenient, affordable airport 7 minutes from downtown.
3. Louisville is affordable—the 3rd most affordable convention city in the US where hotel, food and parking won’t kill your budget.
4. Louisville is a romantic city. The Historic Galt House Hotel overlooks the waterfront where couples can stroll the banks of the Ohio River, walk to a nice restaurant, and check out numerous art galleries, shops and museums in the same block.
5. Louisville is warmer in March than Chicago!

The other 3 most important things about Louisville:

• 90% of the United States’ disco balls are produced in Louisville each year.
• The song “Happy Birthday to You” was written in Louisville by two locals. There is currently a parking lot in Downtown Louisville named after the song.
• The replica of Babe Ruth’s 34-inch Louisville Slugger bat weighs 68,000 pounds, is made of steel, stands 120 feet tall and is located at Louisville Slugger Museum.
Louisville. It’s not as lame as you think. (we tried to convince our new buddy, Zach, at the Louisville CVB to change their official slogan to this, but he’s not convinced)