What is a hybrid convention?
A hybrid convention includes in-person programming and virtual programming. Participants may join in person or virtually, but not both. The virtual schedule will closely follow the in-person schedule. Click here for schedules.
What do I get with in-person programming?
In-person programming will be similar to previous conventions:
- Worship services
- Seminars
- Networking Opportunities
- Exhibit Hall
- Recreation
- Receptions
- Virtual Delegate Sessions
- Lunch
- T-shirt
What do I get with virtual programming?
Virtual programming will be available through an online site. The following components of convention will be offered in the virtual programming:
- Worship Services
- Seminars
- Virtual delegate sessions
- Networking Opportunities
- Exhibit Hall
- Receptions
- Interactive Fun
- T-shirt
Do I have to register for the virtual programming?
Yes, everyone must register to participate. Registration for virtual programming will be $99 while in person registration is $325. Registration opens on April 6, 2021.
What will the worship services look like in the virtual experience?
The virtual audience will join a live feed of the in-person worship service. The virtual audience will see what in-person participants see in the worship hall. Virtual hosts will interact with participants before and after the worship service. Worship services will remain available to registrants on the virtual site for a month following convention.
What will virtual seminars look like?
Virtual seminars will be pre-recorded sessions with the presenter joining the virtual presentation to interact with participants. Virtual seminars will only be available to the virtual participants. Virtual seminars will remain available online to all registrants for a month following convention..
What are virtual networking opportunities?
Virtual networking will be a chance for participants to join a meeting on a specific topic. These meetings will be hosted by someone with expertise in that topic.
What will a virtual exhibit hall look like?
Virtual exhibitors will have a presence in the online platform. Participants will be able to view content from each exhibitor. Participants will also be able to communicate directly with a representative from the exhibiting organization during specific time periods.
Will delegate sessions be accessible to registrants joining virtually?
The Executive Board (EB) of Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) voted during its Jan. 22-23, 2021 meeting to hold its biennial Delegate Assembly online due to uncertainty around COVID-19 gathering restrictions. Originally scheduled to meet in person on July 6-10, 2021, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Delegate Assembly will meet virtually on Saturday, July 10 from 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. ET.
The online 2021 Delegate Assembly will feature a limited agenda, addressing simple and organizational resolutions. Decisions regarding church statement resolutions, such as those related to the Membership Guidelines, will be postponed until a future in-person delegate gathering.
What is interactive fun?
Each evening, a host will lead a fun, virtual activity, specifically for youth. On Thursday evening, youth and adults are invited to join an evening of trivia.