#OC16 - An Irresistible Environment!

16 May #OC16 – An Irresistible Environment!

Posted at 07:51h in 2016, Environment, Once by lisa 0 Comments

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Since the main focus of this blog is about creating irresistible environments, I felt I would be remiss if I did not post about the amazing environments at OC16! After all, the Orange Team has inspired my love of environments over the years and fueled my desire to create fun, engaging environments for kids and families each week.

Environment Matters

Perry Noble talked about this during the last session of the conference. As he spoke about Psalm 23 vs. 2, he said, “Jesus really does care about the environments we put ourselves in.” Of course, this was in reference to us as ministry leaders making time to be quiet and still before God so He may refresh us and restore our soul. It is in that environment, that we receive guidance, direction, and the strength to keep doing what we do as ministry leaders. But then Perry made a statement that might have been my favorite quote of the entire conference: “We will not create great environments if we have not spent time in great environments.” As someone who loves set design, event planning, themes, decor, and the like, I can get pretty focused on the nitty-gritty details of what I’m creating and forget all about spending time in the best environment – time with the One who has entrusted this work to me in the first place. Perry Noble’s message was an incredible reminder to not let my work and service to God trump my relationship with God. I need to spend time with my Creator and develop my relationship with Him if I am going to do His work well.

Orange Conference is an environment where I get to do just that. For three days, I get a chance to “sit and soak.” The environment that Orange Conference creates is beautiful, fun, amazing, creative, and incredibly connected. Each element is purposefully and intentionally tied to the main theme and a common thread is woven throughout the three days that continually points us back to that theme, all the while pointing us to Jesus. I am so grateful for the creators of Orange. I think they are some of the most creative minds on the planet and I often wish I could be a fly on the wall during their creative meetings and planning sessions. Oh, how I would love to watch them work through the creative process and see how it all comes together. For now, I will be grateful as the recipient of their genius. I spent 3 days in some incredible environments and am refreshed and restored as a result.

Environment Staples

I do believe there are a few things that are a part of everything Orange does. These mainstays help create the amazing environments we get to enjoy each year at the Orange Conference. They are also a part of the products they create. Here is what I see over and over again as I attend the Orange Conference each year and utilize their products in our ministry:

Talent
Quality/Excellence
Artistry
Creativity
Beauty
Humor
Attention to Detail
A love for Jesus and a desire to give Him their best

Environments Create Experiences

Each of the components above help create wonderful environments. In turn, those environments create wonderful experiences for all in attendance. Isn’t that what great environments do? They support everything we do in the process of teaching content, engaging listeners, connecting people, and having fun.

Below, you will find galleries of photos depicting the physical environments at the Orange Conference. But the beauty of these environments lies not only in their physical creation but in their ability to create an experience for the people who attend. I loved my experience at OC16 and am thankful for the environments that were designed to create that experience for me. Here is a peek at both; the environments that were created and the experiences that they provided. Enjoy!

Experience #1 – Inspiration!

At the Orange Conference, we hear from wonderful speakers. People who are experts in their field come and share all that they can about leadership, motivation, service, and faith. From main stage speakers to break out sessions, the wealth of knowledge in amazing.

Experience #2 – Fun & Laughter!

From the moment you step foot on the parking lot, you can hear the DJ outside playing music, encouraging people to dance and sing and have fun. Humor abounds once inside. Sometimes, my stomach hurts from laughing so hard. I am grateful for the reminder to not take myself too seriously and have the opportunity to have fun!

Experience #3 – WOW Factor!

The beauty of the artwork, graphics, set design, production elements, and products that are offered truly lead me to those “Wow!” moments. In the photo gallery below, take note of the screens as a backdrop. Each session had multiple images projected on the screens giving life to what was happening on stage and creating the feel of a set. Sometimes, the use of video on the screen during worship or transitions allowed for a 3-D experience.

Experience #4 – Reminders!

The Phase Gallery offers inspiration, beauty, and wow factors all in one. As you walk through, you are reminded of the children in your care – whether in your own family or the kids in your ministry. You are reminded that phases are a part of growing up, that time flies and that you want to make the most of it.

Experience # 5 – Connections!

Walking from the main arena to the convention center on Day 2, some of the characters from the sketch in the main sessions were outside along the sidewalk. They handed out fun giveaways that connected to what we were learning. People stopped for photos with or without their teams and just enjoyed connecting with each other. The arena and convention center are also set up to help teams connect with one another and with Orange team members.

Experience #6- Care!

There are comfortable seating areas to hang out, free coffee galore, food trucks abounding – complete with a popsicle stand, and people who greet you and help you find your way through the sea of 8000 people who converge on the property each April.