October 13-14 • Clearwater, FL

Session Descriptions

Traditional Sessions - (Click Here For Hands On Session Descriptions)

Advanced Aviom

     Craig Sibley / Aviom

This segment is for the Aviom experienced!  Those who have attended previous classes on the virtues of lowering stage volumes, or are familiar with (or use) the Aviom Personal Monitoring System will find useful information on integration, aux/sub/group channel assignment, the use of Ambient Microphones, and even the utilization an In Ear Intercom system.  Aviom Product Specialist Craig Sibley will be available to assist you and answer specific questions regarding this popular Audio System. (Friday 12:45 - 2:15) (Saturday 12:00 - 1:30)

Calvary Baptist - Meyer Installation

     Bill Thrasher, Sr. / Thrasher Design Group Inc.

This session will provide an overview of the Calvary Baptist System Story.  Included will be a description of design goals, equipment used, and much more.

(Friday 4:15 - 5:15) (Saturday 2:00 - 3:00)

Dichroic Filters - Color Scrollers in a S4 Spotlight

Dichroic Color Changers in Worship Lighting Applications

     Jim Lane / Seachanger

Effective lighting in a worship environment has many specialized requirements – from the primary goal of smoothly variable projection of pale pastels or deeply saturated hues suitable for each phase of the service, to low cost of ownership, dependability, and simple, infrequent maintenance needs.  As necessary as it is for a color changer to meet these objectives, it is equally necessary that the fixtures operate silently so as not to intrude on moments of quiet introspection or great exaltation.  The session will concentrate on how dichroic color changers such as the SeaChanger xG Color Engine meet these challenges, while providing a quick background on color theory and color mixing.

(Friday 10:45 - 11:45) (Saturday 2:00 - 3:00)

Exhibit Hall

     Self Guided Session

Select the Exhibit Hall in place of your session.  Use this free time to browse the exhibits, ask questions, and see the latest products available to meet your needs.

(Friday 8:00 - 10:30 & 11:30 - 5:30) (Saturday 8:00 - 12:15 & 1:00 - 2:00)

Fundamentals of System Design, Implementation, & Optimization

     Steve Bush / Meyer Sound

The Fundamentals of System Design seminar will present an overview of a variety of topics in sound system applications. Key issues and methods for dealing with them will be identified. Practical information will be presented in a real-world context to provide useful background. Topics will include theory and practice of line arrays, and tools for system optimization, including equalization, delay, loudspeaker management systems and measurement with the SIM 3 audio analyzer system.

(Friday 12:45 - 2:15) (Saturday 12:00 - 1:30)

How Much Can You Really Expect From Your Church's Audio System & Tech. Crew

     Bill Thrasher, Sr. / Thrasher Design Group Inc.

We all hear complaints about the sound in Church, as well as many other public assembly and performance places. The question is how much can you realistically expect from your Church’s audio system & it’s operators, and how do you know if you are expecting too much, or accepting less than you should?  (Friday 1:00 - 2:00) (Saturday 12:15 - 1:15)

It's Not My Fault, It's the Acoustics

     Chuck Walthall / Walthall & Associates

Gain understanding of room acoustics and how sound pressure waves behave in a performance space.  Explore the basic principals of acoustics that make or break the best of audio systems.  It’s a battle that can be won!

(Friday 2:30 - 4:00) (Saturday 9:45 - 11:15)

Keynote Address:

     Bill Thrasher, Sr. / Thrasher Design Group Inc.

(Friday 9:30 - 10:15)

LED Lighting: Myths & Uses

     Tony Hansen / Techni-Lux

(Friday 4:15 - 5:15) (Saturday 10:00 - 11:00)

Lighting 101

     Tony Hansen / Techni-Lux

(Friday 1:00 - 2:00) (Saturday 12:00 - 1:30)

Live Sound Mixing Techniques for Worship (Advanced)

     Kent Margraves / Digidesign

This session will discuss what it takes to go beyond simply operating a sound reinforcement console and what it means to achieve great sound in modern worship.    We’ll also discuss some of the audio challenges that often appear in our worship environments, and we’ll review a number of proven mixing techniques.    This session is optimal for those who are comfortable with the basics and already mix for worship at an intermediate level, but want to discuss how to get to the “next level” toward a more polished house sound.    Questions welcome!     Attendees with a specific request or suggestion on this topic are welcome to share it at atyr67@yahoo.com – we’ll try! (Friday 2:30 - 4:00) (Saturday 1:45 - 3:15)

Live Sound Mixing Techniques for Worship (Basic)

     Kent Margraves / Digidesign

In this session we’ll start with the basics of mixing sound reinforcement for worship.   The format is designed for those who are new to mixing, or those who are managing the basics but just want to know more.   Not sure what some of those knobs do on the church mixing console?   We’ll break down what your mixer does and discuss it in sections.  We’ll also discuss the role of the mixing console and its operator in worship and review ways the sound person can improve his or her skills – at any level.   As always, questions are welcome.  Attendees with a specific request or suggestion on this topic are welcome to share it at atyr67@yahoo.com – we’ll try! (Friday 10:30 - 12:00) (Saturday 9:45 - 11:15)

Loudspeaker Design for Music & The Spoken Word

     Blair McNair / JBL

What makes for a great music support system?  What makes for a great speech reinforcement system?  Are the two one in the same?  Join us as we address the requirements, demands, physics and psychoacoustics that drive the needs for each of these systems.  We’ll address the design approaches and equipment choices that are available to properly address the need and debunk some common myths and misconceptions that surround this subject.  If effective communications to the people that come into our churches is important to you; you will want to attend this session. (Friday 10:30 - 12:00)

Loudspeakers, Ribbons, & Line Arrays

     R Bob Adams / SLS

What makes a loudspeaker work?  What is the "right" loudspeaker for my room?  What is a real line array?  When is the time to use Line arrays and when should they NOT be used?  This class is for any church considering building or renovating their worship space.  R Bob welcomes discussions about your specific needs or wants in your church's system.

(Friday 2:30 - 4:00) (Saturday 1:45 - 3:15)

Microphones Respect No One

     Chuck Walthall / Walthall & Associates

Explore, define and grasp the basic fundamentals of microphones, including practical applications and DDHT;

(do, don’t & how to) (Friday 10:30 - 12:00) (Saturday 1:45 - 3:15)

PANEL DISCUSSION: Getting Volunteers to Work

     Blair McNair & Staff of Idlewild Baptist Church

(Friday 4:15 - 5:15)

Projection Technology - Which is Right for You?

     Chuck Collins / Digital Projection

A review of current projection technologies - which is better? DLP, LCD, or LCoS?  A description of how they work and how they relate to the typical sanctuary. (Friday 10:45 - 11:45) (Saturday 10:00 - 11:00)

Sound, Acoustics, Loudspeakers & The Listening Experience

     R Bob Adams / SLS

What is really heard when a person listens?  Why is some sound too loud, yet still not understandable?  What must be considered to properly “fix” bad sound?  This class examines the relationship of the room to noise in the room to the system, and how they each affect what is heard by the listener.  This class is an absolute MUST for everyone involved with music, worship, or sound. (Friday 10:30 - 12:00) (Saturday 9:45 - 11:15)

The Basics of Video Taping a Church Service

     Jay Edgerton / Calvary Baptist Church

We will discuss the basics of video production in a church setting. We’ll talk about the video production team, cameras, lenses, lighting. This information will allow you to take a giant step toward improving your video / TV production.

(Friday 4:15 - 5:15) (Saturday 2:00 - 3:00)

The Big Dance

     Ryan Kindle / Idlewild Baptist Church

This session will discuss how to truly support worship from Music to Sermon.  Along the way we'll touch on: Who is in charge of the service (should I lead or follow), My pastor won't get his notes to me early enough, When to use Live video and when not, How PowerPoint and EasyWorship are still the heart of our support ministry, and What to do when things go wrong.

(Saturday 12:15 - 1:15)

The Wireless Way to Great Sound

     Cris Tapia / Shure

This 90-minute session will examine ways to get great results from wireless microphones and wireless personal monitor systems. Topics discussed will include wireless principles, optimum antenna placement, frequency selection, and the tools available to put it all together.  (Friday 12:45 - 2:15) (Saturday 1:45-3:15)

Unraveling Video: From Editing to Streaming to HD

     John Broadhead / Edirol

Are you wondering how to get started using video? Perhaps wondering how to use video more effectively?

Where does the Internet fit in? What should we do about the wave of Hi-Def and is it even affordable?

This class will help you unravel questions dealing with how to create content with an easy-to-use Editing System, tips for creating music videos, various ways to distribute video, video podcasting, and whether you should consider Hi-Def options.

A great session to help you understand how to effectively impact your church with video.

(Friday 12:45 - 2:15) (Saturday 12:00 - 1:30)

Using Video Clips, Backgrounds, & More

     Jesse Lewis / Worship Films

We will discuss the best ways to use video in a worship service, and see examples of videos from a number of Christian video producers. We will also have a brief discussion on making your in-house video production better.

(Friday 10:45 - 11:45)

What Are We Doing Here?

     Blair McNair / JBL

Why do we do the things we do in the technical ministry of our churches?  What is our motivation and purpose?  Who are we doing this for?  Are all of these musicians out of their minds?  These are some of the questions all of have asked ourselves at one time or another.  It is so very important that we have a clear understanding of our role and purpose within the leadership of the church if we are to avoid burnout and devastation.  What lies in the balance is effective communications to the lost who come into our congregations seeking God and our own personal relationship with Him.  Come and explore ways to avoid becoming crispy crunchy finger food for the devil and how to maximize the potential of your ministry.

(Friday 2:45 - 3:45) (Saturday 10:00 - 11:00)

Why Patience Pays - New Technologies

     Ryan Kindle / Idlewild Baptist Church

This session will discuss the implementation of new technologies, and how to pace yourself to keep from being run over.  From live video to webcasting to podcasting, we will discuss the steps to get there, which is not usually an overnight process.

Also included: Training your volunteers properly, When to jump & when to walk, 2 Years of Training for Camera Operators, and Training Students for a Future in Your Ministry. (Friday 1:00 - 2:00)

Wireless & Microphone Solutions for Houses of Worship

     Gary Gunn / AKG

A look at the current technology of RF wireless microphone and monitoring systems, and how they apply to contemporary worship services. We'll study what it takes to employ an excellent multichannel RF system, and discuss how to avoid many of the challenges that come with the use of wireless systems. Bring your wireless questions!

(Friday 2:30 - 4:00) (Saturday 9:45 - 11:15)

Worship Software Comparison

     Jesse Lewis / Worship Films

(Friday 2:45 - 3:45) (Saturday 12:15 - 1:15)

Hands On Session Options (Space is Limited Register Early!)

Aviom

This hands on session will provide you with experience using personal monitor mixers in a live worship environment.  Presented at the "Silent Stage", learn how you can reduce your stage volume and improve your ministry.

(Presented in 30 minute sessions throughout Friday and Saturday, by pre-registration only)

(This will also be a part of the interactive pavilion for browsing during published hours)

Crown Truck

Offering complete, self-contained training and demonstration facilities within its well-outfitted trailer, the Crown Truck features an array of products from Crown's full amplifier and microphone lines, as well as working components for demonstration of Crown's IQ Network, Crown's computer-control audio system. The truck's controlled environment provides a unique opportunity for hands-on training of the full line of Crown audio products.

(30 Minute presentation may be scheduled as part of the Hand On Sessions)

(The truck will also be available for browsing during exhibit hall hours)

EasyWorship

Would you like a hands on tour of EasyWorship?  This session will include a quick tour of the software, an opportunity to test drive it,  as well as an opportunity to find answers to your how to questions.

(Presented in 30 minute sessions throughout Friday and Saturday, by pre-registration only)

(This will also be a part of the interactive pavilion for browsing during published hours)

Exhibit Hall

Select the Exhibit Hall in place of your session.  Use this free time to browse the exhibits, ask questions, and see the latest products available to meet your needs.

Facility Tour

This session will provide a walking tour of the technical areas of Calvary Baptist Church.

(Presented in 30 minute sessions throughout Friday and Saturday, by pre-registration only

FSR

Presentation switcher featuring the FSR Eagle.  Come receive training on the operation of this state of the art switcher.  See how you can take your services video to the next level using the advanced features found in the Eagle.

(Presented in 30 minute sessions throughout Friday and Saturday, by pre-registration only)

(This will also be a part of the interactive pavilion for browsing during published hours)

HANDS ON: Digital Consoles - Using the Yamaha M7CL

The Yamaha M7CL is a top-performance, easy-operation digital system.  Receive a guided tour through the many features sported by this console.  Don't miss out on your chance to use the latest technology!

(Presented in 30 minute sessions throughout Friday and Saturday, by pre-registration only)

(This will also be a part of the interactive pavilion for browsing during published hours)

Soundcraft / Studer Truck

Offering complete, self-contained training and demonstration facilities within its well-outfitted trailer, the Soundcraft/Studer Truck features an array of products from the Soundcraft & Studer product lines.  Featuring the Studer Vista 8 digital live production console.

(30 Minute presentation may be scheduled as part of the Hand On Sessions)

(The truck will also be available for browsing during exhibit hall hours)