OC
Meet Ups
With thousands of leaders gathering from a variety of contexts around the globe, Orange Conference Meet Ups are your BEST opportunity to make a big conference feel small.
Why
MEET UPs?
With thousands of leaders gathering from a variety of contexts around the globe, Orange Conference Meet Ups are your BEST opportunity to make a big conference feel small. Over the course of the three days, choose from several options based on your role, background, or affinity like NextGen, Start Up Church, Women in Youth Ministry, Black Church, Special Needs Ministry, and many more! All conveniently located in the Upper Level of the Westin Hotel this year, you’ll want to join a Meet Up if you’re looking for:
Networking opportunities with other leaders in your ministry area or context
Guided discussions around strategies, resources, and solutions with your peers
Hangtime with leading ministry voices
First dibs on the latest conference releases, exclusive giveaways & more!
Sessions
Church Type & Size
Multi-Site Church Meet Up
Every ministry requires flexibility, but being a ministry leader for a start-up church is like being in the flexibility Olympics. Join other leaders who understand what it’s like to have mobile environments, build ministries from the ground up, and lead when everything is new. You’ll not only connect with other leaders but also get answers to some of the questions you are asking.
Start Up Church Meet Up
Every ministry requires flexibility, but being a ministry leader for a start-up church is like being in the flexibility Olympics. Join other leaders who understand what it’s like to have mobile environments, build ministries from the ground up, and lead when everything is new. You’ll not only connect with other leaders but also get answers to some of the questions you are asking.
Small Church Meet Up
If you have ever only had one kid or teenager show up to programming or you single-handedly lead the kids ministry as a volunteer, this Meet Up is for you. Connect with other leaders who understand what it’s like to lead in congregations of 150 or less, so you can problem-solve and encourage each other to keep leading.
International Partners Meet Up
You are traveling anywhere from hundreds to thousands of miles to go to Orange Conference Conference. Join ministry leaders from around the world who are partnering with Orange as they lead the next generation! Connect and encourage each other as we learn to lead in the international space.
Cultural Communities
Black Church Meet Up
The Black Church Meet Up is an opportunity to connect with other leaders who lead in predominately Black churches and encourage each other as you lead the next generation.
Hispanic & Latino Church Meet Up
The Hispanic and Latino Church Meet Up is an opportunity to connect with other leaders in predominantly Spanish or Portuguese-speaking congregations and find support, encouragement and practical wisdom for reaching your community.
AAPI Leaders Meet Up
Multi-Ethnic/Urban Church Meet Up
Ministry & Leadership Roles
Kids Ministry Leader Meet Up
Connect with other kids ministry and preschool ministry leaders who do what you do and are asking the same questions about what leading kids ministry looks like in the future. This is the place to be if you want to make new friends in kids ministry and get new ideas for your ministry.
Youth Ministry Leader Meet Up
Few people understand what it’s like to constantly be doing pizza math or buying items like 100 pool noodles. The Youthmin Meet Up is an opportunity to connect with other people who understand the day-to-day realities of youth ministry and be encouraged so you can keep being here for students.
NextGen Leader Meet Up
NOTE: This Meet Up is designed only for those that lead ALL of Birth-High School Ministry. Kids-only or Student-only leaders should attend those specific Meet Ups.
Leading those who lead the next generation can be complicated. At the Next Gen Meet Up, join other next gen leaders to encourage one another and spur conversations about how to keep leading in the future.
Special Needs Ministry Meet Up
The Special Needs Ministry Meet-Up will give you a chance to connect with other ministry leaders who understand the importance of creating inclusive environments for kids and students with disabilities.
Specialized Ministry Focus
Ministry to Parents Meet Up
If the faith of the next generation is what matters most, the church should be supporting and equipping parents and caregivers. The Ministry to Parents Meet Up is for any leader in parent ministry seeking connection, encouragement, and new strategies for partnering with parents in 2024.
Women in Youth Ministry Meet Up
Youth ministry can be a lonely place, but it doesn’t have to be. At the Women in Youth Ministry Meet Up, you can connect with other women who do what you do and get inspiration and encouragement to keep leading.
Creatives Meet Up
From art to music, to architecture, the church and its creatives have been at the center of cultural renaissance for hundreds of years. Today is no different. Whether you’re in charge of streaming Sunday’s service, managing a social media account, considering starting a YouTube channel or designing sets for the next gathering, this Meet Up is for church creatives of all types. Find like minds, share tips and tricks, and discover new inspiration.
Customer Success "Porch Party"
As a curriculum partner, one of the most important things you can do at Orange Conference is connect with your Orange Specialist. At this Meet & Greet, you can spend time in person with the OS you email and Zoom call with all year and connect with other Orange curriculum partners who get it.
Buy now and save.
FAQ
How do I pick my PreConference lab?
For now, purchase your ticket to lock in your rate. When the Orange Conference agenda launches — you’ll be able to go in and select one of four labs and save your seat.
Does PreConference cost extra?
Yes, PreConference is an optional add-on to your Orange Conference ticket. At registration — select the add-on PreConference ticket after you’ve selected your in-person ticket. Already purchased? Reach out and we’d love to help add it to your ticket!
Will I miss out on meetups if I attend PreConference?
We love meetups, and you don’t have to miss a thing! This year, meetups are intentionally spread throughout the three days. You can attend PreConference and still join a meetup during the event.
Schedule
Schedule
April 29, 2025
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Check-in
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Pre-Con Block 1
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Pre-Con Block 2
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Meet Up Block 1
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Meet Up Block 2
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Dinner
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Main Session 1
April 30, 2025
Wednesday
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Doors Open
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Main Session 2
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Workshop A
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Meet Up Block 3
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Workshop B
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Dinner
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Main Session 3
9:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Late Night
May 1, 2025
Thursday
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Doors Open
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Main Session 4
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Workshop C
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Meet Up Block 4
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Workshop D
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Main Session 5
