Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Checking the Charges

Ever see a registration fee for a dance or worship arts conference and wonder why? There are several factors that go into determining whether an event can be hosted free of charge or if registration fees are necessary. I want to share with you a little bit of the happenings behind the scenes to get a better understanding of the charges...

FREE CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
It is easier to host free events when the facility, speakers, and sponsors are able to support or eliminate any financial expenses tied to the event. For my first three dance conferences, I hosted the gathering free of charge (to attendees), but the truth is, I paid for them out of my own pocket as a love offering to the dance community.

For my very first conference in 2003, the church donated the building, although we returned 10 percent of the offering back to the church. The food was donated by members of the church and all of the teachers (three of us) donated their time to teach the participants. For the evening dance concert, we received a freewill offering. What may not have been as obvious were the other expenses that went into preparing: administrative costs (printing, postage, ink), and hotel accommodations (I lived outside of the immediate area and the event started early in the morning). Unfortunately, many of the participants were not big "givers" so there was no profit derived from this conference (and I operated it at a natural loss, but a spiritual gain!)

My second conference moved to a larger facility. Though the church was donated again, we still gave a love offering for participation. In addition, I had to pay for the food to feed the participants myself. Expenses also increased. I now had a website, more printing costs (brochures and registrations forms), postal expenses (mailing out information), decorating fees, and gave the janitor a cleaning fee. We again received a love offering for the conference, but it did not cover the expenditures of the event.

The third conference proved even more challenging. The location that was donated before now came with a rental fee. The conference was still free for participants, food was still included, and administrative costs continued to grow. Since I was working a full-time, well-paying job, this was not an undue burden. To make things even more interesting, I moved to Las Vegas and still hosted this conference in Los Angeles, CA. This meant that I had to travel to get there for meetings and for the conference. (Do you see where this is going?).

PAID CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
After relocating to Las Vegas, the ballgame changed completely for my 4th event. Venue rentals for hotels, churches, and community centers proved to be expensive in this city. Since most people visit Vegas for vacation, I decided to host the event at a hotel. Many hotels have large food and beverage minimums or require hefty fees for meeting room rental space. In addition, bringing speakers from out of town entails flights, hotel arrangements, and love offerings. This did not include sound, decor, administrative costs, or transportation! All of this had to be factored in and a registration fee was charged. Although the experience was phenomenal, the expense far outweighed the return! I learned to make adjustments for the future.

By my 5th conference, I'd learned how to budget more carefully. I scaled down the size of the venue, looked for cheaper meeting room space, and narrowed down the list of invited speakers. I raised registration rates that included food served by the hotel and offered a better conference overall. We ended up being able to meet all budgetary needs for the conference!

I will be hosting my 6th conference in two weeks. Over the years, I have learned that it takes an army of supporters behind the scenes to move into success. Although ministry costs when delivering on a level of excellence, the return on investment always outweighs the natural expenses. There are some hosts who are able to "sponsor" their own conferences and workshops. As value increases, others may buy ad space, make donations, or provide in-kind gifts that will reduce the overall cost of the gathering.

Next time you consider attending a conference based on price, consider all that takes place behind the scenes. There is great value to be found in gatherings of all levels. The key is to consult God concerning which events to attend and seeking Him for the provision. As is is often said, "Where God guides, He provides."

Join us at "Worship, Incorporated," National Worship and Dance Conference August 11th-13th in Las Vegas, NV.

For the exciting details, visit us on our site:
http://www.rainreinreign.com/conference.html

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Pre-Sale Copies of Rekesha Pittman's NEW Book!


SPECIAL OFFER for those who are registered for "Worship, Inc" National Worship and Dance Conference!

Reserve your personal copy of For This Cause I Bow My Knees: A Moving Testament TODAY!

You may buy your book online TODAY at the pre-sale rate of only $10.00 per book NOW through Saturday, August 6th! Those who purchase pre-sale copies online will be able to pick up your book during registration on Thursday, August 11th BEFORE it goes on sale to the general conference attendees!

HURRY---> The price of the book will increase after August 6th!

Rekesha Pittman and Reignaissance Publications will be hosting a Book Release Party in celebration on Friday, August 12th from 9:30pm -11pm at the Hampton Inn & Suites Las Vegas Airport where she will be available to sign copies of your book.


THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THE CONFERENCE.


Not registered for the conference or unable to attend? You may purchase your copy on Monday, August 15th!

Purchase your reserve copy of her NEW book TODAY by clicking the link!

http://www.rainreinreign.com/conference.html

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Go Where You Have Favor

Hearing the voice of God clearly will change your life forever! For at least a year, I have been exclaiming "Let GOD do it" in social media, to friends, and in my daily life. I had no idea how powerful those words would really be in my life and ministry.

Earlier this year, I was making plans to head to Chicago to be a vendor at a conference. After calculating the cost for airfare, hotel, food, and weighing it against the expected return, I heard the Lord say, "Go where you have favor." I decided not to take the trip. About a week later, I got a phone call to teach at a conference in Georgia on the same dates that I would have been in Chicago!

On June 4th, I was scheduled to preach at a worship service where Reign Dance Company was in attendance with me. The prophet of the house began to speak a word over our ministry and was accurate beyond belief. Then he said, "You are going to South Africa!" We all rejoiced, even though we were not sure when this was going to happen.

Three weeks later, I boarded my flight and headed to Georgia for the dance conference. I truly enjoyed teaching and sharing the company of so many dancers hungry for the Word of the Lord! On the final night, I participated in a group dance piece and received another prophetic Word from the Lord! In the audience were visiting pastors who were introduced to the congregation, but I did not catch where they were from.

After service, I was standing at my table and a minister approached me and introduced himself. He then said that he was from SOUTH AFRICA and that he would like to bring me and my dancers there! (My dancers had not taken this trip with me, mind you...) Not only was this invitation legitimate, we will be going to South Africa on a Missions Trip October 6th-17th, 2011! LET GOD DO IT!!!!

God is truly amazing!

If you would like to assist Reign Dance Company as we head to South Africa, your financial encouragement is needed. You may contribute on our website:

http://www.reigndancecompany.com

or send checks payable to

Reign Dance Company
Attn: Rekesha Pittman
4262 Blue Diamond Rd Suite 102-296
Las Vegas, NV 89139


We will be visiting schools and prisons, providing supplies and serving food to the homeless. Of course, we will also worship through dance and the Word! Our first deposits are due this month... Thanks in advance for your support!