by Layci Clifford

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If you’ve attended enough conferences, you know the drill.

You stop by a booth for a quick conversation and somehow leave with a handful of giveaways, three brochures, and a renewed conviction that this one resource is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

I know because I’ve done it myself.

One year, someone convinced me that a particular set of ministry books would change everything. The books came in a giant box. Despite every indication that I should ship them home, I carried them from California all the way back to Virginia.

I walked into the office excited to show everyone what I had discovered.

That’s when I noticed the exact same set sitting on a shelf in the corner.

The. Exact. Same. Set.

Not every conference discovery turns out the way you expect. But some of the best ministry ideas, partnerships, and resources begin with a simple conversation at a booth.

That’s why I love the Ministry Fair at the BGAV Annual Meeting.

This year, you’ll find traditional exhibitor booths, a Ministry Fair stage where you can learn more about participating ministries and organizations, and the Art for the Not Yet gallery. Whether you’re looking for resources, ministry partners, fresh ideas, or simply a chance to explore what’s happening across our BGAV family and beyond, the Ministry Fair is worth your visit.

A few tips before you come:

Browse the exhibitors in Whova before you arrive. A little planning can help you prioritize the booths and organizations you most want to visit.

Talk to people, don’t just look at tables. The best discoveries are often found in conversations, not brochures.

Don’t take things you don’t need. Trust me on this one.

Leave room for the unexpected. Some of the most valuable connections are the ones you weren’t looking for.

And if your ministry, organization, or business serves churches and ministry leaders, we’d love to have you join us as an exhibitor. You never know who might walk by your booth looking for exactly what you have to offer. To learn more about becoming an exhibitor, visit meeting.bgav.org/MinistryFair2026.

Whether you’re in the market for a new free hat, a new ministry idea, or a new ministry partner, the Ministry Fair is a great place to start.  

Rev. Layci Clifford is the event planner for BGAV’s annual meeting.

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