FAQs

General Conference Information

Are refunds available?

In-Person Ticket Refunds

In-person ticket refund requests before February 15, 2024, qualify for a 50% refund which includes digital access. 

Beginning February 16, 2024, no refund will be issued for in-person tickets. You will have the option to either:

• Transfer the ticket to someone else before April 29, 2024
• Attend the conference via digital access

Digital Access Ticket Refunds

Digital access tickets are not transferable or eligible for a refund.

Why do you charge what you charge for the conference?

We strive to keep ticket prices as low as possible during a time of inflation while ensuring the sustainability of the Festival of Homiletics. We partner with wonderful host churches and seminaries as venues that help us keep our costs low. We also believe in paying our speakers, artists, and musicians equitably and justly. 

Are there scholarships available?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer scholarships this year.

Are installment plans available?

Unfortunately, our platforms do not allow us to offer installment plans this year.

What if my flight gets canceled or delayed?

Your in-person registration includes digital access so you can catch up on any content you missed. No refunds will be processed for delayed or canceled travel.

Is there a discount available for those currently enrolled in seminary?

Active seminarians qualify to receive a 50% discount on the registration fee for the in-person event. Please email festival@luthersem.edu with documentation showing you are an active seminary student to receive a coupon code you can apply at registration. 

Are group discounts available? 

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer group registrations in 2024. During the registration process, you will have the option to select multiple tickets. You may register as many people as you wish, but you must enter a valid email address for each registrant. This allows us to create a unique registration for each person, and each registrant will receive an email with login information.

Are CEUs awarded to participants?

There will be a Verification of Contact Hours document showing the contact hours for the week available after the event that is emailed to all of the participants. Typically, one CEU is equivalent to ten contact hours.

Digital Access Tickets & Recordings

What is included in the digital access ticket?

With the digital access ticket, you can livestream events at both venues as well as watch recordings of all of the lectures, sermons, and worship services through August 30, 2024. Please note that only the sermons from the full worship services will be included; musical events will not be included.

How do I upgrade my ticket from digital access to in-person?

Contact festival@luthersem.edu if you have purchased a digital ticket and would like to attend in person.

Are refunds available for a digital access ticket?

No refunds will be issued for digital access tickets, but you’ll have access to the recordings until August 30, 2024.

How do I access my recordings?

All 25 recordings from the Festival of Homiletics are available to paid registrants. Follow the instructions on this blog post.

When will the recordings be available?

All 2024 recordings are available on the platform through Aug. 30, 2024.  

How long will the conference recordings be available?

Until August 30, 2024.  

Can I purchase one digital access ticket and stream to a group?

We ask that all members of a group purchase the digital access ticket so that they have access for the entire year.

In-Person Tickets

Are meals included? 

There will be light snacks and coffee available in the morning and afternoon. Please make arrangements for your meals.

Visit the Festival blog to find out more about local restaurants.

Can I bring my kids? 

We ask that you arrange your childcare. Childcare will not be offered by the Festival of Homiletics. 

Travel

Which airport should I fly into?

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/plan-your-trip/transportation/pittsburgh-airport/

Travel Tip: Please note that depending on traffic, Pittsburgh International Airport can be a 45-55 minute drive from our venue locations.

Where are our host venue locations?

This year we have three locations. All together, they range one mile apart. Our third location is at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, which will be our location for our workshop locations.

Should I rent a car?

The three venues are within a mile of each other and Pittsburgh has Uber, Lyft, and taxicab services available. Parking at each venue is quite limited, so consider using alternate forms of transportation if possible. 

For those interested and able, you can rent a bike, like https://pogoh.com/how-it-works/.

For more information about transportation, visit:

https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/plan-your-trip/transportation/around-town/

Where should I stay?

We are pleased to be working with Connections Housing once again for your hotel reservations. They compile a list of area hotels with courtesy blocks or discounted rates. The hotels offer a variety of prices and amenities. The rooms have been reserved at a special rate and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. You can book a hotel room here.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the hotels available to participants. Utilize all resources when looking for a hotel or vacation rental to fit your budget or expectations. A list of local hotels can be found at Visit Pittsburgh. Additionally, you can all use the many travel sites to look for the best option, such as Airbnb or Kayak.

I’m traveling from outside of the country. Does the Festival of Homiletics provide a Letter of Invitation?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide Letters of invitation for the Festival of Homiletics. 

Troubleshooting

How do I upgrade my ticket from digital access to in-person?

Contact festival@luthersem.edu if you have purchased a digital ticket and would like to attend in person.

How do I change my in-person ticket to digital access?

Your in-person ticket includes digital access to the Festival, both livestreaming and recordings. Before February 15, 2024, you can request to downgrade from in-person to digital access for a partial refund. 

Beginning February 16, 2024, no refund will be issued for in-person tickets. You will have the option to either:

• Transfer the ticket to someone else before April 29, 2024
• Attend the conference via digital access

Streaming

The livestream is down. What next?

Email festival@luthersem.edu with the subject line “Livestream is Down” and we will promptly address the issue.

Upgrading free livestream to digital all-access

What if I have to miss a session of the livestream? Can I watch it later? 

Livestreamed sessions will not be rebroadcast. Purchase an online access pass at https://festivalofhomiletics.com/ for exclusive live sessions, bonus material, and the ability to re-watch sessions on your own time. Be sure to purchase before May 16, 2024, because once the Festival of Homiletics concludes, the price goes up to $150!