Each year as the National Convention comes to an end, our staff takes time to debrief, evaluate, and review the feedback we receive from attendee surveys. Some common questions and suggestions are voiced each year by attendees.
Why don’t we meet in a smaller city? While our denomination may be small compared to some groups and denominations, our convention is still a large one. When I submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to cities, many respond with, “We simply cannot accommodate a meeting your size.” For instance, the National Convention and Vertical Three Conference used over 600,000 square feet of Tampa’s meeting space in 2024. Couple that with our need for 900 hotel rooms (most with two beds) within walking distance to the convention
center, and it presents a challenge most small-to-midsized
cities cannot meet. In addition, we use cities in states or regions with a strong Free Will Baptist presence and within driving distance of most of our people. That leaves a smaller pool of cities from which to choose.
Why don’t we have more “affordable” hotels in the convention block? For many of the reasons listed above, we are also limited in the hotels we offer convention attendees. When a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) bids on the convention, they want to know the meeting will boost their downtown economy. By filling hotels near the convention center, we often receive a discount on convention center rental costs. While the rates at these downtown properties may seem high, they are far less expensive than the “rack rate” those hotels usually charge. Convention hotels work with us to offer rates attractive for attendees who stay close to the center. In a sense, we reach agreements that benefit everyone involved.
Where are all the eating places? What about offering food trucks? Our convention planners visit the host city three times throughout the year to meet with officials. Each time we visit, we make it clear we have 4,000-plus people looking for quick, convenient, and walkable food options. The CVB often puts out a city-wide bulletin letting all businesses in the downtown area know we will be there. How restaurants respond to that information is in their hands. Obviously, food options near the convention center are critical to the success of our convention. However, we have very little control over them. Some cities have great options, while others are more challenged to meet the demands of our convention. Regarding food trucks, convention centers often have “exclusive” catering/concessions contracts, meaning food trucks cannot be on (or near) the center. Combine that with the challenges of downtown parking and sale minimums required by food trucks, and this option is nearly impossible.
Why don’t we offer a nursery? Or a room for mothers with infants and toddlers? This is probably one of the most frequent comments we receive. I’m proud to be part of one of the youngest denominations in the U.S. and to have a true family convention like ours. I also understand it is a major challenge for mothers with young children to attend and participate in convention events. Regrettably, challenges like space costs and availability, Internet expenses (livestreaming), staffing, liability, security, and other factors keep us from being able to offer this accommodation for mothers.
The feedback we receive during and after the convention has provided valuable insight regarding ways we can continually improve. We have changed various processes and methods thanks to your suggestions, and we always welcome discussion about ways our convention can continue to be the best Free Will Baptist event of the year.
About the Writer: Ryan Lewis serves as executive administrator for the Free Will Baptist Executive Office, where he plans and manages the annual convention.
