If each of us can become more effective as not only a technical artist, but also as a Christ follower, we can help our churches become more effective at accomplishing their mission. Bring your team to experience community with other technical artists from around the world to learn new skills and to be reminded that what you do matters. Being first in and last out isn’t for everyone, but for those of us who live and breathe it, the FILO Conference is the perfect place to feel connected to people who get you and want to see you succeed in this noble calling of FILO.
Help us provide streaming tickets for under-resourced technical artists in South America, The Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.
Attend two-hour, in-depth, skills-based learning opportunities before the conference even begins!
Sign up to attend Lunch & Learn events and receive free meals at the Conference!
Access all of the content from FILO 2025 for two months after the Conference is over. It will include: full Main Sessions, Breakouts, Intensives and Lunch & Learn events.
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 and attendee groups of 25+.
Learn new skills from people who are doing church production at a high level. These aren’t just classes in the theory of what we do, these are based on practical, week-in and week-out working in the local church from the people who are doing it, just like you.
FILO covers so much great content, but what if we were able to go even deeper into topics that you wanted to learn more about? Our pre-conference Intensives do just that! With extended sessions you’ll get the opportunity to take a deeper dive into relevant topics in the church world. More content, more time, and more Q&A! Don’t miss out on the chance to take your skills to the next level!
What’s better than a free lunch? How about getting a free lunch while learning more about critical concepts that are central to your role as a technical artist! Join several of our FILO partners for topic-specific sessions led by some of the industry’s most knowledgeable veterans. We’ll take an in-depth look at different disciplines that will leave you with enhanced knowledge, practical takeaways, and a full stomach!
Be sure to add Intensives and Lunch & Learn to your ticket when you register for FILO 2025! Specific class selections will be provided closer to the event date!
7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Intensives
Registration Closed
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch & Learn Check-In
Registration Closed
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Registration Closed
Designing AVL Systems for Your Church: What You Need Today, What’s Next Tomorrow
Presented by CCI Solutions
How to Work with Different Personalities and Still Be Friends
Presented by House Right Production
Willow Creek PA Design Deep Dive (IN-PERSON ONLY)
Presented by L-Acoustics, Inc.
Engaging Your Audience Through Intentional Video System Design
Presented by Resi Media LLC
Making Rehearsals Work: How Worship and Tech Can Collaborate to Help Each Other Win
Presented by FILO
The Advantages and Pitfalls of Immersive Audio for Church
Presented by FILO
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
AUDIO
Mixing Techniques for Immersive Audio
Mike Smith
VIDEO
Capturing Your Community’s Story Through Creative Visual Storytelling
Jon Peake
LIGHTING
Lighting for Small Churches and Small Budgets
Jeremy McKee
SYSTEMS
Syncing Up: Strengthening the Connection Between IT and Production
Ryan Eads
LEADERSHIP
Worship First, Production Second: Leading from a Place of Identity
Chad Vegas
CONTENT CREATION
Leading Effective Creative Meetings
Nicole Lucas
BASICS
Visual Ministry Made Simple: Canva Tips for Time-Strapped Leaders
Roger Coles
ADVANCED
Why Shading Really Matters
Craig Harper
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
AUDIO
Implementing and Using Virtual Soundcheck
Debbie Keough
VIDEO
Budget Livestreaming Tips & Tricks
Josh Nassar
LIGHTING
Lighting for Broadcast
Michael “Shortie” Short
SYSTEMS
Creative Planning and Communication to Be an Effective Service Producer
Mandy Polster
LEADERSHIP
Building Strong and Healthy Production Volunteer Teams
Dylan Hofmann
CONTENT CREATION
Content That Connects: How Design, Video, and Words Build Engaged Social Media Communities
Blair Reynolds
BASICS
The Perfect Blend: Shaping MultiTracks to Fit Your Unique Style
Gene Kim
ADVANCED
Live Cinematic Color Grading and HDR
Zack Pittman
5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Main Session 2: Worship & Communion
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
VIP Events; Offsite
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8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
AUDIO (ACTIVITY CENTER)
Understanding When and Why to Use Plugins and Inserts
Gene Kim
VIDEO (F-360)
Make Your Screen Visuals Matter
Jonathan “Mendo” Mendoza
LIGHTING (THE STUDIO)
Raising Up the Next Generation of Lighting Designers
Lara Rodriguez
SYSTEMS (F-392)
Getting Comfortable with Ableton and Playback
Biscuit Ratliff
LEADERSHIP (ATRIUM)
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Nicole Lucas
CONTENT CREATION (WTAERFALL 1)
Humor: The Church’s Secret Weapon
Eric Bramlett
BASICS (WATERFALL 2)
How to Survive as a One-Person Team
Brad Zimmerman
ADVANCED (THE GARAGE)
Post-Production Immersive Audio
Rob Burrell
12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Registration Closed
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Registration Closed
“The Mix!” A Connection Event (IN-PERSON ONLY) (ATRIUM)
Presented by House Right Production
Cost-Effective Intercom Solutions for Churches of Any Size (WATERFALL 2)
Presented by RIEDEL Communications Inc.
Breakthrough Ideas for Teams and Leadership (F-360)
Presented by Slingshot Group
Ultimate Guide to LED Walls (THE STUDIO)
Presented by THOR AV
Introduction to the new Waves LV1 Classic Console (ACTIVITY CENTER)
Presented by Waves Audio Ltd.
Working Smarter with Vendors and Integrators (F-392)
Presented by FILO
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
AUDIO (ACTIVITY CENTER)
Defining Your Vocal Mix and Use of Vocal Effects
Jonathan Basquez
VIDEO (F-360)
Camera Robotics in Church Production
Bryan Bailey
LIGHTING (THE STUDIO)
Scalable Planning and Leading of Set Design Changes
Jacob Scaife
SYSTEMS (F-392)
Navigating Outside Events Without Overextending Your Ministry
Madison Macklin
BASICS (WATERFALL 2)
Video Switching Foundations: Making the Most of Your ATEM
Ryland Russell
ADVANCED (THE GARAGE)
QSYS Administrator Automation
Matt Kotthoff & Jacob Hoppe
10:05 AM – 10:30 AM
Welcome to FILO 2025!
11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
Interview with Mr. FILO, Todd Elliott!
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch & Learn
Designing AVL Systems for Your Church: What You Need Today, What’s Next Tomorrow
Presented by CCI Solutions
How to Work with Different Personalities and Still Be Friends
Presented by House Right Production
Engaging Your Audience Through Intentional Video System Design
Presented by Resi Media LLC
Making Rehearsals Work: How Worship and Tech Can Collaborate to Help Each Other Win
Presented by FILO
The Advantages and Pitfalls of Immersive Audio for Church
Presented by FILO
1:00 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.
Breakout Presenter Deep Dive with Chad Vegas
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
AUDIO
Mixing Techniques for Immersive Audio
Mike Smith
VIDEO
Capturing Your Community’s Story Through Creative Visual Storytelling
Jon Peake
LIGHTING
Lighting for Small Churches and Small Budgets
Jeremy McKee
SYSTEMS
Syncing Up: Strengthening the Connection Between IT and Production
Ryan Eads
LEADERSHIP
Worship First, Production Second: Leading from a Place of Identity
Chad Vegas
CONTENT CREATION
Leading Effective Creative Meetings
Nicole Lucas
BASICS
Visual Ministry Made Simple: Canva Tips for Time-Strapped Leaders
Roger Coles
2:55 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.
Conversations with Our Global Community
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
AUDIO
Implementing and Using Virtual Soundcheck
Debbie Keough
VIDEO
Budget Livestreaming Tips & Tricks
Josh Nassar
LIGHTING
Lighting for Broadcast
Michael “Shortie” Short
SYSTEMS
Creative Planning and Communication to Be an Effective Service Producer
Mandy Polster
LEADERSHIP
Building Strong and Healthy Production Volunteer Teams
Dylan Hofmann
BASICS
The Perfect Blend: Shaping MultiTracks to Fit Your Unique Style
Gene Kim
5:10 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Your Questions Answered with Main Session 1 Speaker Megan Fate Marshman
5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Main Session 2: Worship & Communion
6:15 p.m. – 6:20 p.m.
Closing Out Day 1
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8:50 a.m. – 8:55 a.m.
Welcome Back to Day 2!
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
AUDIO
Understanding When and Why to Use Plugins and Inserts
Gene Kim
VIDEO
Make Your Screen Visuals Matter
Jonathan “Mendo” Mendoza
LIGHTING
Raising Up the Next Generation of Lighting Designers
Lara Rodriguez
SYSTEMS
Getting Comfortable with Ableton and Playback
Biscuit Ratliff
LEADERSHIP
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Nicole Lucas
CONTENT CREATION
Humor: The Church’s Secret Weapon
Eric Bramlett
10:20 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Panel: How to Lead the Next Generation of Technical Artists
12:00 p.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Trade Show Recap
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Media Servers & LED Walls: Snapback Productions’ Behind the Scenes of Bad Omens’ Tour
Presented by AV Stumpfl Inc.
Cost-Effective Intercom Solutions for Churches of Any Size
Presented by RIEDEL Communications Inc.
Breakthrough Ideas for Teams and Leadership
Presented by Slingshot Group
Ultimate Guide to LED Walls
Presented by THOR AV
Introduction to the new Waves LV1 Classic Console
Presented by Waves Audio Ltd.
Working Smarter with Vendors and Integrators
Presented by FILO
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Panel: Women of FILO
2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
AUDIO
Defining Your Vocal Mix and Use of Vocal Effects
Jonathan Basquez
VIDEO
Camera Robotics in Church Production
Bryan Bailey
LIGHTING
Scalable Planning and Leading of Set Design Changes
Jacob Scaife
SYSTEMS
Navigating Outside Events Without Overextending Your Ministry
Madison Macklin
BASICS
Video Switching Foundations: Making the Most of Your ATEM
Ryland Russell
ADVANCED
QSYS Administrator Automation
Matt Kotthoff & Jacob Hoppe
3:55 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
An Exclusive Conversation with Main Session 4 Speaker Brian Taylor
5:30 p.m. – 5:35 p.m.
Closing out FILO 2025
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
Room blocks, just for FILO! A limited quantity of rooms are available.
$139 Standard Room
3407 Algonquin Road
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 259-5000
Book online or call (847) 259-5000 to book and mention FILO 2025 to receive this rate.
Available until April 5, 2025.
$114 Standard Room / $144 Double Queen Suite
5235 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60192 (847) 450-6170
Hot breakfast included. Book online or call the hotel to book and mention the FILO 2025 Conference block to receive this rate.
Available until April 1, 2025.
$101 King / $110 2 Doubles
2750 Greenspoint Parkway
Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60169
(847) 839-1800
Breakfast included. Book online or call (800) 304-5504 to book and mention the FILO 2025 Conference block or rate code G-FC25 to receive this rate.
Available until April 11, 2025.
The FILO Conference is made possible by a large group of volunteers, many of whom serve in the technical arts ministry of their local church. With FILO continuing to grow, we need more teammates who can join us in equipping and encouraging local church technical artists around the world!
After the Gurus of Tech conferences came to an end, there was no other event that was laser-focused on the technical artist in the local church. Todd Elliott, the former Technical Arts Director at Willow Creek Community Church, rounded up a team of people to help fill the void and bring you the First In Last Out Conference.
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.
Refunds are not offered for FILO 2025 registrations.
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!
FILO 2025 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.
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.
By entering the premises of the FILO 2025 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.
If you have any questions related to FILO 2025, please reach out to the FILO Team at hello@filo.org. The team will respond within 48 business hours.
Yes! The only way an event of this size is made possible is by a large group of people serving as the FILO crew! Check out the opportunities and apply here.
If you have any questions about FILO 2025, please contact us directly. We will respond within 48 hours.
10:00 AM – 10:05 AM (CT)
Stream Is Live
10:05 AM – 10:30 AM
Live Event Coverage
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch & Learn
1:00 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
2:55 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
5:10 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
6:15 p.m. – 6:20 p.m.
Template Parts
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8:30 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
8:50 a.m. – 8:55 a.m.
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
10:25 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. – 12:10 p.m.
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
3:55 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m. – 5:35 p.m.
$139 King or 2 Queens
3407 Algonquin Road
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 882-4301
High speed internet included. Book online or call the hotel to book and mention the FILO Conference block to receive this discounted rate. Available until April 15, 2024.
$109 King or 2 Queens
5235 Prairie Stone Parkway
Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60192
(847) 450-6170
Hot breakfast included. Book online or call the hotel to book and mention the FILO Conference block to receive this discounted rate. Available until April 1, 2024.
$105 King / $115 2 Doubles
2750 Greenspoint Parkway
Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60169
(847) 839-1800
Breakfast and internet access included. Book online or call the hotel (800) 304-5504 to book and mention the FILO 2024 Conference discount and Group Code “G-FIL4” to receive this discounted rate. Available until April 5, 2024.