MAY 4-5

WILLOW CREEK COMMUNITY CHURCH
SOUTH BARRINGTON, ILLINOIS

In-Person & Live Stream Tickets Available

REGISTER NOW

PRICING

TESTIMONIALS

FAQ

FIRST IN, LAST OUT

It's more than a phrase, it's a calling you live out every Sunday.

At the FILO Conference, you’ll gather with others who get it: the early arrivers, the problem-solvers, the behind-the-scenes leaders making Sundays happen. Together we’ll learn, laugh, worship, and grow through breakout sessions taught by leading experts and main sessions that speak straight to the heart of Church Technical Artists. 

Created for Church Technical Artists, by Church Technical Artists, the FILO Conference is your chance to step away from the booth, participate in worship instead of producing it, and be poured back into for your next ministry season. 

The best way to serve your church well is to lead from a healthy, renewed and inspired place. Come be reminded why you do what you do, alongside hundreds of other Church Technical Artists.

FILO CONFERENCE WILL START IN

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
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WHAT TICKET SHOULD I GET?

IN-PERSON

  • Participate in Worship without Managing the Tech
  • Meet our Partners
  • Get Hands-on Experience with New Gear
  • Make New Church Technical Artists Friends
  • Tour the Willow Creek Production Areas
  • Offsite VIP Parties 

LIVE STREAM

  • Attend from Anywhere 
  • Build Community Through Live Chats
  • Exclusive Stream Only Interviews
  • Access to All Main Sessions, Breakouts, Lunch & Learn Events
  • Easier Access for your Whole Staff & Volunteer Team
  • Host a Watch Party with Your Team in Your Own Space

Pricing

In-Conference Bird

May 6, 2026 – May 31, 2026
$ 169 IN-PERSON
  • Best price
$ 79 LIVE STREAM
  • Best price

Super Early Bird

June 1, 2026 - Feb 9, 2027
$ 199 IN-PERSON
  • $169 / Group 4+
$ 99 LIVE STREAM
  • $49 / Group 10+

Early Bird

Feb 10, 2027 - April 6, 2027
$ 249 IN-PERSON
  • $229 / Group 4+
$ 109 LIVE-STREAM
  • $54 / Group 10+

Regular Bird

April 7, 2027 - May 5, 2027
$ 299 IN-PERSON
  • $269 / Group 4+
$ 129 LIVE STREAM
  • $64 / Group 10+​​

Available Ticket Add Ons:

$99
Donate a Ticket

Help us provide streaming tickets for under-resourced technical artists in South America, The Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.

$30
Video on Demand

Access all of the content from FILO 2027 for two months after the Conference is over. It will include: full Main Sessions, Breakouts, and Lunch & Learn Events.

$0
Meals (Lunch & Learn)

Sign up to attend Lunch & Learn Events and receive free meals at the Conference!

REGISTER NOW

Our desire at FILO is to provide all church technical artists with the opportunity to be developed through the Conference. Special pricing is available for students.

Please contact the FILO team at hello@filo.org

Schedule

In-Person times are listed in Central Time (CT).
Live Stream times are displayed in your device's timezone.

Details subject to change.

In-Person

Live Stream

Day 1​

8:00 A.M. – 9:45 A.M.

Check In; Trade Show Open

9:45 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.

Main Session 1

11:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.

Trade Show Time

11:30 A.M. – 12:45 P.M.

Breakout A

12:45 P.M. – 1:15 P.M.

Lunch & Learn Meal Pick Up

Registration Required

1:15 P.M. – 2:15 P.M.

Lunch & Learn Class

Registration Required

2:15 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.

Trade Show Time

2:45 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Breakout B

4:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.

Trade Show Time

4:30 P.M. – 5:45 P.M.

Main Session 2

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Main Session

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Lunch & Learn

Registration Now Closed


Next‑Gen Connectivity: Innovations in Network, Cloud & Cellular Communications
Vic Lombardi

Fundamentals of Networked Audio & Loudspeaker Systems
Zach Brady

Succession-Proof Your Tech Ministry: Designing Systems That Outlast You
Justin Geoghegan

Mix From Anywhere: The New Standard for Live Audio Control
Gordon Daily

Turning Urgency Into Excellence for New Campuses
Rick Russell, Greg Bacus

Knobs & Faders: Understanding Audio Console Controls & Finding the Desk You Need
Kent Morris

LED System Design & Workflows That Unlock Creative Flexibility
Barry Carpenter, Jonah Johnson

Stream Smarter: Resi Automations & AI That Save Your Week
Steve Kaminsky

7:15 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

VIP Events

Day 2

8:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M.

Trade Show Open

9:00 A.M. – 10:15 A.M.

Breakout C

10:15 A.M. – 10:45 A.M.

Trade Show Time

10:45 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Main Session 3

12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M.

Lunch & Learn Meal Pick Up

Registration Required

12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Lunch & Learn Class

Registration Required

1:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.

Trade Show Time

2:00 P.M. – 3:15 P.M.

Breakout D

3:15 P.M. – 3:45 P.M.

Trade Show Time

3:45 P.M. – 5:15 P.M.

Main Session 4

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Breakout C


ADVANCED
Audio Automation with Snapshots & Timecode
Mike Smith

AUDIO
Mixing for Broadcast Audio
Scott Ragsdale

CONTENT CREATION
Turning Creative Ideas & Inspiration into Action: Practical Ways to Go from Dreams to Reality
Austin Allen

FOUNDATIONS
One Console, Every Mix: Audio Fundamentals for Mixing Monitors & Broadcast from FOH
Bryan Goode

LEADERSHIP
Becoming a 360-Degree Leader
Sarah Gerald

LIGHTING
Lighting Control Protocols: What They Are and Why We Use Them
Jeremy McKee

SYSTEMS
StreamDeck, Companion & Automation
Jason Olson

VIDEO
Creating Next-Level Sermon Visuals
Ryland Russell

Day 1​

9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Main Session 1

11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Breakout A

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Lunch & Learn Class

2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Breakout B

4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Main Session 2

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Breakout A


ADVANCED
Managing Advanced AVL Networks
William Schaefer

AUDIO
Beyond the Console: Mentoring Skills, Attitudes & the Future of Church Audio
Gene Kim

CONTENT CREATION
The Creative Partner You Didn’t Hire: Using AI to Go Further Without Losing Your Voice
Rob Laughter

FOUNDATIONS
Building a Live Video Team with Purpose
Josh Nassar

LEADERSHIP
Clarity, Communication & Kindness: Creating a Culture Your Team Can Feel
Alec Rees

LIGHTING
Special Events: From Inspiration to Reality
Alex Fuller

SYSTEMS
Setting the Temperature: Leading & Producing Services Through the Chaos
Lyndsey Hull

VIDEO
Understanding & Implementing the Blackmagic Ecosystem
Brandon “BT” Thompson

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Main Session

Day 2

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Breakout C

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Main Session 3

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch & Learn Class

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Breakout D

3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Main Session 4

12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Lunch & Learn


Building a Better Sound for Worship: Understanding Your Room Before Upgrading Your PA
Dax Pogue

Cinematic Broadcasts: Production That Brings People into the Room
Chad Vegas

One Team, One Workflow: Using Riedel’s Ecosystem to Simplify Sunday Production
Jeremy Pellegrine

Try This: Breakthrough Creative Solutions for Teams & Leaders
Phil Bowdle

From Burnout to Buy-In: Leading Volunteers Who Stay
Dennis Choy

Mixing for Worship with Waves Plugins & the LV1 Classic
Jeff Sandstrom, Jeremiah Clever

LOCATION

The South Barrington Campus of Willow Creek Community Church has been an ideal place for FILO to grow and expand since 2018. We are thrilled to be back for another year!

Address:


Willow Creek Community Church – Entrance D
 67 Algonquin Road – South Barrington, IL 60010

WHAT PAST FILO ATTENDEES SAY

“The FILO Conference is one of those rare events that fully delivers on it's promise. They promised inspiration...I left deeply encouraged. They promised equipping...I left with so much knowledge. They promised community...I left with new friends and a reminder that I am not alone in this work.”
“FILO has evolved into THE event for production teams to attend. It is now an annual tradition for my team.”
“An excellent event for learning, inspiration, and especially community. Geared toward enabling teams of all sizes to help their local church execute on the great commission.”
“FILO is an epic and encouraging conference that gives space for tech and production folks to build community, develop spiritually, and just participate in worship! It’s such a blessing!”
“I have been attending FILO since the beginning. It has only gotten better every year, the community aspect is the most important thing to me and it just completely recharges me. My year runs FILO to FILO and it's the best way to end our super busy season.”
“FILO is like a family reunion. You get to catch up with friends all across the country who understand and share in the challenges and excitement of church tech production.”
"Beyond growing professionally as a church tech, FILO pours into its attendees what is missing at every other professional convention - the fresh Word of God the Father, meaningful worship, and fellowship with other believers -- things which are essential as we continue to offer our talents in worship, and serve our local communities."
“Attendees can expect to receive practical advice on everything from gear selection to team management, along with inspiration and encouragement to pursue excellence in their craft.”
“Loved it! As a worship pastor and someone who oversees a production team - I want them to come every year if possible! On top of that, I've actually found it's one of the best conferences for worship leaders that I've been to!”
"From a small local church to a larger congregation, the benefits of attending FILO reaches all platforms. From specialized breakout trainings, to inspirational main sessions, to the distraction free, powerful worship, there is a space and place for everyone."
"FILO 2024 was exactly what I needed. As a technical artist, it's easy to feel like an island. FILO provided the encouragement and equipping I need, and the community surrounding FILO filled with people that come from the same walk of life that I do reminded me that I'm not alone, what we do is important to the Kingdom, and above all else to keep my eyes on Jesus."

Frequently Asked Questions

The FILO Conference was started in 2014 with a small group of church technical artists gathered together by Todd Elliott, formerly of Willow Creek Church, to help equip and encourage people who serve their church as technical artists. Today, the FILO Conference is part of the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, FILO Community NFP, dedicated to equipping and encouraging local church technical artist to become more effective so that the local church is more effective.

Anyone involved in technology in his or her local church. Audio or lighting, video or systems, staff or volunteer, beginner or expert, everyone is encouraged to attend. There will be something for everyone. While technical artists are the focus of FILO, worship pastors, music directors, lead pastors, creative directors or anyone who works with technical artists is more than welcome to attend.

It will be both! Join us In-Person at Willow Creek in South Barrington, IL or join us online.

Livestreaming Best Practices

Your registration helps us produce an event worth coming to! We bring in top-notch faculty, who are veterans at getting their hands dirty in the nitty-gritty of production life. Our goal is to create an experience that will refresh and inspire those who come!

Registrations are nonrefundable unless Spot Protection was purchased at the time of checkout. Spot Protection can not be added after the initial purchase. If you are unable to attend, you can transfer your registration to another individual.

 

FILO 2027 would not be possible without our amazing partners! Their financial investment improves the quality of the conference and assists with being able to offer meaningful content, inspiring moments and tangible training. FILO has built partnerships with organizations that offer high quality products and services that can be a great resource to you, the church technical artist. You can learn more about our FILO Partners at filo.org/partners.

By entering the premises of the FILO 2027 event, you consent to having your image captured by FILO photographers and videographers. The resulting materials, including still photographs, video and audio recordings may be used by FILO without restriction or financial compensation, in marketing or promotional materials, on the web and other properties.

If you do not agree with this policy, please do not enter the premises or the event.

FILO’s Attendee Privacy Policy ensures that all interactions with guests of the event are in line with current legislation. While we collect personally identifiable information from our users at several points on our website, this information is used solely for internal marketing purposes and for the production of our events and services. 

FILO has pledged to protect the individual privacy of each guest, and consequently, FILO will not provide any automatic lead generation tools or resources to our partners without individuals agreeing to share their information with the intent of being contacted by that third party. 

If you have any questions related to FILO 2027, please reach out to the FILO Team at hello@filo.org. The team will respond within 48 business hours.

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Live Stream Best Practices

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How to Stream
  1. We recommend using a laptop or desktop computer. You can also use a phone or tablet.
  2. We recommend using a video cable to send the video signal to a projector or television. You can also use Apple TV or Google Chromecast, but this may slow your connection speed.
Internet Connection
  1. Use a hardwired internet connection, and minimize the number of steps between your computer and the network switch. Only use WIFI if you do not have access to a hardwired network port or switch.
  2. We recommend a minimum connection speed of 10-25 Mbps. Check your internet connection speed by visiting ​fast.com​.
  3. Limit other devices (phones, tablets, computers, etc.) from using the network that you are using for the web stream. Do not start large downloads or uploads while streaming, and only have one internet tab open on the computer you are using for the web stream.
Video Troubleshooting
  1. Ensure you have clicked the Play button on the video player.
  2. Ensure your computer is connected to the internet by visiting another website that you know works.
  3. Ensure your internet browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) is up to date. You may check your browser version by visiting ​whatsmybrowser.com​.
  4. Refresh the webpage and try again. Be sure to click the Play button on the video player.
  5. If you are still experiencing issues after trying the above steps, try using a different browser on your computer (we recommend Chrome or Firefox) or use a different computer all together.
  6. Manually select a lower bandwidth by clicking the gear at the bottom of the video window.
  7. If you are experiencing video issues due to slow internet, try selecting the “audio only” option by clicking the gear at the bottom of the video window. This will allow you to still listen to the audio until your internet improves.
Audio Troubleshooting
  1. Ensure the audio on the web stream player is at 100%, your computer audio is not muted, and your speakers are turned up.
  2. If on a laptop or desktop computer, unplug the video and audio cables to see if sound will play directly from your computer’s speakers. If on a phone or tablet, play a video on your device to see if sound will play directly from the device’s speakers. This will ensure that the audio from the web stream is working.
Still Need Help? Email the Stream Team
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MAY 4-5 WILLOW CREEK COMMUNITY CHURCH SOUTH BARRINGTON, ILLINOIS In-Person & Live Stream Tickets Available REGISTER NOW PRICING TESTIMONIALS FAQ FIRST IN, LAST OUT It’s more than a phrase, it’s a calling you live out every Sunday. At the FILO Conference, you’ll gather with others who get it: the early arrivers, the problem-solvers, the behind-the-scenes […]

Advent can feel like a sprint for Church Technical Artists—long days, tight deadlines, and the pressure to make every service flawless.

But while you’re pouring yourselves out, who’s pouring into you?

This season, we’ll send short, soul-filling encouragements to help you pause, breathe, and refocus on the One this is all about. You’re doing holy work, but you’re not meant to do it on empty. Let this be your reminder to slow down and spend a few quiet moments with Jesus. You need it—and you deserve it.

Subscribe to Advent Devos

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