reflections on CPC

I'm in Orlando, at the Children's Pastors Conference (that's CPC for short or #CPC11 on twitter). My experience has been quite interesting.  Here are a few observations about exhibitors, myself, and #kidmin (that's Children's Ministers or Kids Ministry Leaders) from the Exhibit Hall, or Resource Center at CPC:

• People don't like to make eye contact...unless they want to talk about the resources you have to offer at your booth.
• I am not a salesman, at least deep down in my heart.  I'd rather just talk to you. 
• #kidmin people need time AWAY!  It is great for them!
• Many are looking for solutions.
• They have a BIG job!!! Most of them don't get paid enough for it.
• They enjoy talking with other #kidmins who can share in their pain... like having volunteers not show up, or being understaffed at their church, or having too many chiefs in their ministry and not enough servants. 
• They want free stuff.  They'll take anything... a button, a silly band, you name it!
• Deep down, they REALLY just want their kids to be taught well with solid biblical truths.  
• It's awesome to LOVE where I work and to talk to folks about the Bible content in what we do!
• I love camp ministry. I want to tell everyone about CentriKid, even though that's not what our booth is designed to do. 
• #kidmins expect to see the same thing every year.  I know, you're thinking, "No way!" but the #1 topic of conversation is how our size/type of booth changed from last year, and how they want the old one back!
• Exhibitors at conferences can really become great friends.  Our "neighbor" exhibitors did card tricks from some folks in our group today - like, legit card tricks that even adults can't figure out!  How cool is that?!?!
• The GOSPEL is way more important than my method or your method, our curriculum or your curriculum... I pray that more than anything, we would develop a true passion for seeing kids "get it!"
• Within #kidmin culture, it's a SMALL world... there are tons of connections!