April 11-15 I was able to successfully complete my Event Planner checkoff event at the Weekend to Remember in Kalamazoo. I had a trainer/observer traveling with me taking notes and making sure everything went well. This event for me was the culmination of a three month checklist and learning that covered everything from logistics with the hotel, arranging volunteers to work during the weekend to making sure the speakers have the correct pictures/videos they want while speaking and countless other details. Below is a day by day run down of some of my activities and to the right are the top guest comments from the weekend.

• Wednesday - Arrive in Kalamazoo. Upon my arrival to the hotel, meet my hotel contact and confirm that our equipment, manuals and resources have arrived. Pray for the work that needs to be done, for all who will work, speak and attend the weekend. 

• Thursday - Lead meeting with hotel team to make sure we have what we need and when—covering everything from parking for the guests, room temperature during the event, to security contacts and procedures. Later that evening I am able to get access to the ballroom, begin to unpack some of our equipment and meet with my Associate Planner and Resource Center Coordinator. 

• Friday - Start working with my Production Assistants to set the stage backdrop, sound, lights in the ballroom and oversee the hotel staff setting the stage and 700 chairs. After lunch I meet with the speakers making sure we have everything they need as they present during the weekend. Then I meet the volunteer workers who are helping and check off the final details before the guests arrive for the first session at 7 pm. After the evening session secure the equipment and get some rest. 

• Saturday - Make sure ballroom is open and ready for the first session at 8:30 am. Keep an eye on things throughout the sessions to make sure everything is running smoothly. After the sessions are over for the day we split the ballroom in 1/2 for the separate mens and women’s session for Sunday morning. 

• Sunday - After split sessions, bring the ballroom back together during the break and prepare for the last session. Once the guests clear the ballroom, we begin to break down, inventory and pack all the equipment so it is ready to be picked up Monday.

• Monday - Meet with hotel contact once more to go over what went well and what could be improved. Travel home and see my family!

The comforting thing about the details above is all of it was covered in prayer by our staff, the local city team and many others. It was encouraging to see couples connecting with the messages, being encouraged and challenged in their marriage relationships. Now I prepare for my first solo event in Charolette, NC. Angie and Brandon will be joining me for this one to help and see first hand how God uses FamilyLife to strengthen marriages.

Wife - "This experience has given me hope and understanding of my role in our relationship. It has allowed me to see a side of my husband that I have not seen before!"

Husband – "I think that this event may have saved our marriage and gave me hope for the future! It made me see my wife in a brand new light as not just a wife but my best friend. I’ve gotten closer to her than ever before and appreciate her more than ever!"

Married 3½ years

"This has opened the lines of communication and has helped us to focus our relationship on God. We prayed together for the 1st time!"

Married 11 years

• • • • • • We praise God for His continued provision! 

          • Praise for a good, new team that has prepared me well for my new role! 

          • Angie and I are taking a class called Bible, God and Holy Spirit in May.  Please pray for all the reading that needs to be completed before we take the class. 

          • Pray for us as we parent Brandon and as he begins to visit colleges.  The three of us visited a college this week.

          • Pray for us as we continue serving in our local church as small group leaders. 

Put one of these on your calendar and join us this spring at a Weekend to Remember, use our group code thebarbers to save $100. 

Weekend to Remember Getaways

• • • Anchorage - Marriott - April 26 -28

    • Austin - Renaissance - May 3 - 5

    • Baton Rouge - Marriott - May 17 - 19

16 more events this Spring and more information at familylife.com/events.