Dear friends,
It’s time to address the elephant in the room…
Things are still uncertain with regard to Covid, Omicron, and the world generally.
And as someone who is organizing an in-person event, there’s just no way to avoid talking about it.
I’d hoped that by now the pandemic would be far behind us. I’d hoped that we wouldn’t have to think about it ever again. I’d hoped that there would be no chance that Covid could disrupt the Festival of Homiletics for a third straight year.
And yet, we’ve experienced enough by now to know that there are no such guarantees.
Here’s what I can tell you: There are indications that once this current Omicron wave recedes, there is more hope on the horizon than we’ve had in a couple of years now.
Things might even be able to get back to something more or less resembling normal.
But after all we’ve been through, I know that registering for an in-person event can still feel risky.
If I may, could I offer the following points for your consideration?
First, if Covid disrupts either the in-person Festival OR your ability to participate in the Festival, you can get your money back.
If you or a close contact test positive or if travel restrictions return, just contact us. You can decide whether you want to get a full refund OR convert your ticket to our premium virtual experience (and get a refund of the difference)—no questions asked.
Of course, the same policy applies if we have to move the Festival totally online again.
Second, we’re taking care to make sure the in-person experience is as safe as possible.
Everyone will be required to show proof of vaccination upon entry to the Festival, and we will have in place the safety policies the CDC/local authorities are recommending at the time. Plus, we’re limiting attendance to just 1,200 people to accommodate physical distancing.
Third, our virtual experience is here for anyone who can’t travel or doesn’t feel comfortable traveling.
We know that some folks won’t be able to travel regardless, so we’re offering a premium virtual experience with full access to the Festival—as well as all the recordings after the fact—for just $95. (There’s a free stream of one of our venues available, too.) Our team has been learning and working to make the online experience as connective as we can, so that you don’t feel like you are attending the Festival alone.
Early bird pricing for the Festival ends in just a couple of weeks, and I want you to feel confident registering, knowing that whatever happens, you’re protected. If you’ve wanted to come, but have been unsure because of Covid, my hope is that this gives you the peace of mind you need to register now.
Thank you for all your support– it’s our deepest prayer that we will be able to be together in Denver this May.
Peace,
Dawn Alitz, Managing Director
Festival of Homiletics
