MACUCC Webfest '09

Saturday, January 24, 2009
9 AM - 3 PM

Framingham Conference Center,
1 Badger Road, Framingham, MA

Who is this for?

This event - the fourth Webfest sponsored by the Massachusetts Conference Commission on Communication - is designed for lay volunteers and church staff members who have responsibility for their church's websites - be it design, content, management, or all of the above.

What will happen?

This Webfest will start with everyone together for a panel presentation and discussion on Building Community using many online tools, including social networking. This will be followed by a series of break-out groups dedicated to helping us all make improvements to our sites. The panel will be moderated by Associate for Communication Tiffany Vail and will feature members and friends of the Conference Commission on Communication.

Please note that one break-out group is designed to give less experienced website editors the chance to learn in groups of 2 or 3 from more experienced website editors. We would really encourage our more experienced users to volunteer for this session, to help those at our neighboring churches. Those who volunteer will be given a $5 discount on the $25 registration fee.

Break-out Groups

We're offering the following break-out groups in reponse to feedback and our recent survey. Attendees will be able to participate in two groups, one in the morning and one in the afternoon:

1. How to optimize your website so people can find you.
   Learn some techniques for embedding keywords and titles on your website that will make you easier to find, get ideas for encouraging links to your site and share in discussion about the the importance of a good URL. Led by Nancy Johnson of the Pleasant Street Congregational Church in Arlington.
   
2. Facilitating internal church communications
   Learn how to use email appropriately in your church, and join a discussion on how online groups, networks and blogs can build bridges and open up communication in your church. Led by Werner Griesshamme of the Topsfield Congregational Church, and others.
   
3. Website sharing.
   Come gather with your colleagues from other churches, check out one another's sites and share ideas for for next steps and improvements. (This is a repeat of a popular group from the May Webfest)
   
4. 10 things you need on your home page.
   We’ll talk about the 10 most essential things to have on your homepage to make visitors feel welcome, plus other must-haves for an effective church website. Led by Tiffany Vail, Massachusetts Conference Associate for Communication. (This is a repeat of a popular group from the May Webfest)
   
5. Video Part 1 - 5 rules for making a great video
   Interested in adding video to your website or other church communication? We will demonstrate simple rules for producing video content that can add a new dimension to your internal and external messaging. We’ll also provide tips on how to make your video footage look and sound its best and how to use release forms for your participants. Led by Rob Cooper of the First Congregational Church in Cambridge. (This is a repeat of a popular group from the May Webfest)
   
6. Video Part 2 - Getting your video from camera to website
   We'll walk you through the process of transferring your video to your computer, editing it, uploading it and embedding it on your website. Led by Victor DeRubeis of the East Weymouth Congregational Church.
   
7. 1 (or 2)-on-1 sessions
   A coaching session where we will pair up our more experienced webmasters with those who need some assistance. Experienced webmasters will receive a $5 discount on registration for volunteering their time for this session. Please help us help our brothers and sisters at neighboring churches.

The registration fee is $25 and includes lunch and materials. Registration deadline is Monday, January 19, 2009.

Questions?
Contact Tiffany Vail at vailt@macucc.org or 508-875-5233, ext. 229