2026 Pitch Kit

We know getting time away and budget approval can be a challenge.  Budgets are tight and congregations are nervous.  But we also know that right now, more than ever, it is important that we gather.  

  • We gather for spiritual renewal
  • We gather to learn best practices, new models, and important skills
  • We gather to connect, and to be a part of a community of support

We also know that there may be others in your congregation who hold the keys to future growth.  And we want to equip you to have conversations with them about the value of Extravaganza.

To help your decision makers understand the event, we have resources that you can share:

We have also created a pre-written letter that you can send to your boss, your committee or your council.  It highlights the benefits of attending Extravaganza, what you'll bring back to your congregation, and how your community will see lasting impact.  All you need to do is customize it with your name and theirs, and hit send.

The Letter:

Subject: Request to Attend The 2026 Extravaganza

Hi [Leader’s Name],

I’d love to talk with you about my attending the Extravaganza in early 2026.  The Extravaganza is a highly practical and engaging event designed to support and grow our children, youth and family ministry.  The Extravaganza is put on by the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, which is the partner organization of the ELCA that focuses on training and preparing adults who work with children, youth and young adults.

The Extravaganza will be held from January 30 to February 2, 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Here’s why I believe this conference is worth the investment:

  • It is designed to help congregations just like ours grow and deepen their ministry with young people.  
  • It provides 30+ workshops tailored to real challenges, from recruiting volunteers to addressing mental health in kids and teenagers.
  • The large group general sessions (over 600 people) are designed to inspire creativity and to help us develop a culture of grace and love in our congregation.
  • I will have lots of opportunities to meet and talk with participants from all over the country.  When I have questions about ministry, I will have a support network I can call who can give me advice and support.
  • There will be over 70 different exhibit tables with resource providers ranging from publishing houses, to camps, to training organizations that I can meet and talk with about how they might be able to help us.  
  • When I come home from this event, I will have action items that we can put in place right away that will make our ministry with young people better.

If we register by October 15, here’s a cost estimate for our team:

  • Registration: $350
  • Travel: [Estimate from where you live]
  • Lodging (if I have a roommate): $250 for 3 nights

Total: [Insert Total]

I really believe that this would be a worthwhile investment of the church into our ministry with young people.  The Extravaganza will help us better serve the families in our church, build our ministry and make me a stronger leader.  

Could we set up a time to discuss this further?

Thank you,
[Your Name]

 

Quotes from last year's participants:
"I feel like I learned so much on how to continue in my ministry, learning about how as a large church we're adapting to societal changes, and feeling like I wasn't alone in all of the "challenges" I face. I came home with a notebook full of data and new ideas, and a mind feeling very refreshed."
 
"I've only been two years, but it's gotten better each time. Thanks for the time for connection and renewal, and for the opportunity to share."
 
"This was my first opportunity to attend an Extravaganza event, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. We were blessed to have six individuals attend from our Children's and Youth Ministry Team. I was fortunate to participate in engaging and meaningful workshops and general sessions."
 
"The workshops had great variety and relevance and were led by respected/respectful and knowledgeable people. I appreciated the centering of often marginalized voices and justice narratives alongside less-often referenced scripture passages in the general sessions. The general sessions were also well-produced (go sound and video team!!) & thoughtfully planned but still felt organic, fun, and authentic (millennial here, haha) and not over-sensationalized or preachy."
 
"This was my first time attending as I am very new to youth ministry. I found the conference to be very well organized, focused, and meaningful. I am both excited for what I’ve learned and nervous to what I now have to face. (However, now I'm much better equipped)"