First Impressions Live!
The First Impressions Live Conference is an experiential learning event for church leaders to see and feel the kind of hospitality that they can bring to their own churches. Our vision for First Impressions Live is for pastors and leaders to connect with God, connect with others, and have a new strategy they can implement. First Impressions is all about leading people into connection. So, come and see for yourself, we've been planning for YOU!
What's Happening at First Impressions Live?
Powerful Keynote Speakers
Learn from church leaders who have worked in hospitality and guest care for decades. Church planters to Large Church Pastors will be there to talk about how to practice radical hospitality at their context.
Connection
Our vision for the First Impressions Live Conference is for every attendee to connect with God and connect with others. You'll have ample opportunities for worship, collaboration, prayer and relationship building!
Experiential Learning
Join breakout sessions based on strategy you are looking to implement or church size you want to learn with. Everything from software and tech tools to a biblical understanding of hospitality will be ready for you in these breakout sessions
Implementable Breakout Sessions
Join breakout sessions based on strategy you are looking to implement or church size you want to learn with. Everything from software and tech tools to a biblical understanding of hospitality will be ready for you in these breakout sessions
First Impressions Live
September 9-11, 2025 at Plattewoods Church in Kansas City, MO
Plan Your Trip
If you are traveling to KC, the event is just a short 10 minute drive from the airport. There are also hotels in the same area, making it convenient for you to come and stay. For a full list of travel recommendations, click here.
Pick Your Break Outs
Take a look at our conference agenda and strategize with your team on who wants to attend what session. For a full line up of all sessions, click here.
Other Questions?
check out our FAQ sheet for answers to some of the most common questions. If you need anything, reach out to us at info@firstimpressionsconference.com
Pray
Join us in praying for our time together this fall. We are eager to see what God will do when we gather to connect with Him, connect with others, and strategize on how to grow His Church.
Check Out Our Academy
We have a community of church leaders who are collaborating weekly on these topics in our online Academy
Evaluate Your Processes
What are you currently doing for guest care and hospitality? How is it working? How many guests are you seeing each week? How many return? How are your volunteer teams? Take some time to evaluate how things are going at your church so that the wisdom you learn from the conference can be applied to the right areas.
Connect with Us
Check us out on social media
Connect with Other Leaders
Connect with our Speakers
Follow some of our speakers on social media or check out their websites. Come prepared with questions; they are excited to gather with you!
Plan Your Trip
If you are traveling to KC, the event is just a short 10 minute drive from the airport. There are also hotels in the same area, making it convenient for you to come and stay. For a full list of travel recommendations, click here.
Pick Your Break Outs - take a look at our conference agenda and strategize with your team on who wants to attend what session. For a full line up of all sessions, click here.
Other Questions? - check out our FAQ sheet for answers to some of the most common questions. If you need anything, reach out to us at info@firstimpressionsconference.com
Pray
Join us in praying for our time together this fall. We are eager to see what God will do when we gather to connect with Him, connect with others, and strategize on how to grow His Church.
Check Out Our Academy - We have a community of church leaders who are collaborating weekly on these topics in our online Academy
Evaluate Your Processes - what are you currently doing for guest care and hospitality? How is it working? How many guests are you seeing each week? How many return? How are your volunteer teams? Take some time to evaluate how things are going at your church so that the wisdom you learn from the conference can be applied to the right areas.
Connect with Us
Check us out on social media
Connect with Other Leaders
Connect with our Speakers
Follow some of our speakers on social media or check out their websites. Come prepared with questions; they are excited to gather with you!
Keynote Speakers
Alex Howell
Alex Howell is the Lead Pastor of Vine Hill Church, which was planted in September of 2024. Born and raised in the Kansas City metro area, Alex grew up playing football and, in 2014, felt called by the Lord to return home from college to pursue ministry. Over the past decade, He has gotten married to his wife Karina & they have 3 kids. Alex has completed Bible classes through Global University, a year-long church planting residency, a six-month apprenticeship program, and served as both a Kids Director and Family Pastor.
Faith Eury Cho
Faith has been a gospel preacher since she was 19 years old. Currently, she is an international speaker, pastor, church planter, author, and CEO of a nonprofit. The mission of her life is for all to know and enjoy the gift of the gospel, which is thePresence of God.
Muta Mwenya
Muta Mwenya is a speaker, entrepreneur, pastor, and coach. He is the founding and lead pastor of Relevant Church and also the founder and director of Relevant Leadership College. In addition to leading these two organizations, Muta speaks and coaches individuals, pastors, and entrepreneurs to overcome limitations and experience the abundant life Jesus promised.
Yvi Martin
Yvi Martin is the Pastor of Plattewoods Church in Kansas City, MO. She has pastored United Methodist Churches since 2009. She chaired the Mozambique Initiative for the Missouri Annual Conference for 8 years, and currently serves on the Congregational Development Team to continue to strengthen Methodist congregations in Missouri. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Della Lamb Community Services, a ministry partner of Platte Woods Church. Yvi loves reading (literary fiction, mostly), hiking, jigsaw puzzles, jellybeans, and exploring Kansas City to discover its obscure hidden gems.
Rommel Manio
I have been the Experience Pastor at Saddleback Church for over 12 years overseeing what the guest experiences from "street to seat" with our volunteers and the look and feel of our campus. One of the things I love most about my job is knowing we get to be a part of pointing people towards Jesus with how we serve.
Breakout Speakers
MaryAnn Sibley
Mary Ann’s passion is helping churches build real teams, not just gather pools of people because “Volunteers are not here to just further the mission, volunteers are the mission!” Today, Mary Ann works with many churches ranging from 200 in attendance to over 5,000 in building and re-igniting their volunteer culture.
Jason Moore
Co-founder of Midnight Oil Productions, Jason is an author, speaker, and hospitality consultant specializing in secret worshiper consultations and training that empowers churches to create transformative, welcoming environments.
Nina Hampton
Nina Hampton is a wife, mom, and ministry leader with 15 years of experience helping churches connect people to faith in Christ. As the Church Communication Strategist at Text In Church and Connections Director at Vine Hill Church, she’s passionate about building community and creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and draw closer to Jesus.
Quit Striving Alone;
Learn with leaders like you
Hospitality and first impressions can feel like a constant uphill battle. New guest gifts, more greeters, digital connect cards, connect booth, donuts… you get the idea.
However, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Hospitality is not a copy + paste ministry from the church down the road. Hospitality is a reflection of your church’s heart. So the pressure for it to look and feel just like another church can go away.
First Impressions Live is a how-to event
How to create hospitality moments that spur people toward connection
How to host people in a way that genuinely reflects your church’s mission
How to follow-up with guests and invite them back
How to care for yourself and your team in the midst of a very busy role
This is not an event you can miss. The stakes are too high. People are showing up at your church and vowing to never come back. The busyness of Sunday morning is pushing people away.
It’s time to reclaim hospitality.
Intentional. Relational. Sustainable.
Join us at First Impressions Live and we’ll walk through it, together.
First Impressions LIVE! FAQ
September 9–11, 2025 | Kansas City, MO
Welcome to the First Impressions LIVE! We’re thrilled you’re considering joining us for three incredible days focused on creating life-changing guest experiences in your church. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
General Information
What is First Impressions LIVE!?
The First Impressions Conference is the premier event for church leaders who are passionate about hospitality, guest services, and creating a lasting impact on every guest who walks through their doors. Through engaging sessions, compelling stories, and hands-on workshops, you’ll walk away with practical tools to build welcoming environments that foster connection and growth.
We’re beyond excited to host our first in-person conference since 2018! After years of connecting virtually, we can’t wait to gather face-to-face, share stories, and experience the power of community together. This year’s event in Kansas City will feature dynamic live sessions, interactive workshops, and countless opportunities to build meaningful relationships with fellow church leaders.
Don’t miss this exciting return to in-person collaboration and inspiration!
When and where is the conference?
Dates: September 9–11, 2025
Location: Platte woods Church, 7310 NW Prairie View Rd., Kansas City, MO
Who should attend?
This conference is perfect for:
Guest Services & Hospitality Teams
Pastors & Church Leaders
Volunteer Coordinators
Communications & Creative Teams
Anyone passionate about helping their church make a great first impression!
Will there be worship at this conference?
Yes, we have incorporated worship moments into some of our main sessions. While this is primarily a working conference with practical teaching, and our audience spans multiple denominations and backgrounds, we believe it is important to gather as a collective and diverse body of Christ to worship our savior together.
Registration Details
How do I register?
You can register online by visiting our registration page here.
What does the registration include?
Access to All Keynote Sessions & Breakouts: Immerse yourself in transformative insights from top hospitality and church growth experts.
Workshop Materials & Resources: Walk away with practical tools and templates to implement immediately in your church.
Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Connect with vendors, pastors, and ministry leaders who share your passion for creating welcoming environments.
Complimentary Refreshments: Enjoy light snacks and beverages during breaks to keep you energized throughout the event.
Are group discounts available?
Yes! We love seeing teams attend together. Discounts are available for groups of 5 or more. Contact us at info@firstimpressions.church for more information.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand things come up and plans change. You can get a full refund up until August 1, 2025. Just reach out to info@firstimpressionsconference.com and we can get that processed.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably! Most attendees opt for casual or business casual attire. Kansas City weather in September is typically mild, but we recommend bringing a light jacket for indoor sessions.
Will there be childcare available?
We love families, but childcare will not be provided during the conference. We encourage attendees to make arrangements in advance if needed.
Travel & Accommodations
Where should I stay?
There are two hotels really close by the church, WoodSpring Suites Kansas City Airport and the Springhill Suites Kansas City Airport. However, there are many other options in the Zona Rosa shopping area that are also convenient. If you need assistance finding a hotel, reach out to info@firstimpressionsconference.com
Which airport should I fly into?
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the closest airport, located about 15 minutes from the church.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available at Platte Woods Church!
Will meals be provided during the conference?
While we will provide light refreshments during breaks to keep you energized, meals will not be included with your registration. However, Kansas City is known for its incredible food scene—from world-famous barbecue to delicious local eateries. We’ll provide a list of nearby restaurants, cafés, and quick-bite options so you can easily enjoy a meal with your team or new friends during lunch and dinner breaks.
Conference Experience
What can I expect at the conference?
Inspiring keynote speakers who are experts in hospitality and church growth
Practical breakout sessions covering everything from volunteer training to digital engagement
Real-life hospitality stories that will move and motivate you
Opportunities to network with like-minded leaders from across the country
Will sessions be recorded?
Yes! Replay access of all main stage sessions will be available for purchase after the event.
Can I volunteer at the conference?
Absolutely! We love our volunteers and couldn’t do this without you. email us at info@firstimpressionsconference.com to sign up as a volunteer.
How can I stay updated about the event?
Follow us on social media and subscribe to our email list for the latest updates, speaker announcements, and event resources.
Contact Us
Still have questions? We’re happy to help!
Email: info@firstimpressions.church
