The LEArning Curve

The day has come. You made it to the 2025 LEA Convocation! What’s next? Paul and Denise (longtime Convocation members and now LEA staff members) have a wealth of information to help you through the first day. Here are some helpful hints for a stress-free experience at the convocation.

Check-In

LEA is changing what was formerly known as “Registration.” It is now called Check-In and will speed up the process of receiving your credentials.

• Check-in is from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the America’s Center and is located on the main level. 
• Go to any kiosk labeled Check-In. On the iPad, type in your name, and your registration information will appear. After you confirm the information, your name tag will be printed. A volunteer will hand you your badge and lanyard and direct you to pick up your bag and Convocation book. That’s all there is to it.
• Be sure to wear your name badge throughout the Convocation, as you will need it to enter the events, sectionals, and exhibit hall.
• After checking in, if you pre-ordered lunches for Thursday and/or Friday, please go to the Food Kiosk to obtain the necessary tickets for these lunches. Also, if you listed food allergies during the registration process for the banquet, please visit the Food Kiosk to obtain the necessary card to hand to your server at the banquet. 
• If you have never attended the LEA Convocation, look for the First Timers kiosk in the Check-In area, where you can get additional information and support (and a welcome gift).
• If you are a speaker, after receiving your credentials, please visit the Speaker Kiosk to confirm the information about your sectional.
• If you have any Check-In issues, visit the Help Desk kiosk, where a staff member will be happy to assist you. Assistance is also available if you encounter any issues with hotel reservations.
  • PRO TIP: Did you know the number one issue with obtaining your credentials is not having paid your registration fee?
  • What’s the number two issue? Having registered using a placeholder, such as ‘1st Grade Teacher’ instead of your specific name, or registering under a nickname or maiden name.

Exhibit Hall

Your convocation experience will include two days with over 100 vendors who provide resources and services to support your ministry.

• The Exhibit Hall is a fun place to spend some time on both Thursday and Friday. In addition to exhibitors, you may enjoy time in the TEC21 Playground, where you will learn about the latest tech items available for your school.
• The Exhibit Hall is the location of the receptions on Thursday and Friday nights. Be sure to stop by after the last sectional and grab a complimentary drink.
• Looking for free popcorn? Wanting to take a selfie or group photo? Need a comfy place to rest your feet? You can find this and much more in the LEA Central area in the Exhibit Hall. Here, you can learn about all the resources LEA provides to its members to enhance your ministries. It’s also where you will meet some of your LEA staff and board members.

Events and Activities

The first day of the Convocation has a variety of events and activities to uplift and engage attendees.

• Our opening event is worship at 1:00 p.m. Leading us in worship will be Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz, Executive Director for the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, and Rev. Dr. Lee Hagan, President of the Missouri District-LCMS. Music will be provided by a variety of Lutheran schools and churches from the St. Louis area. Concordia Publishing House is sponsoring worship.
• Onstage hosts for the 2025 Convocation will be Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson, Senior Development Director for Church Relations at Concordia University St. Paul, and Laura Piel, middle school teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Roselle, IL.
• The first group of sectionals is from 3:00-4:00 p.m. The reception follows beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall.
• A banquet celebrating our shared ministries begins at 6:00 p.m. This is the only assigned-seating event at the Convocation. Your table number will be printed on your name tag. Christian comedian Mike Goodwin will provide entertainment.

Additional Information

• Be sure to download the app for this year’s Convocation to enhance and get the most out of your experience.
• If you need some quiet time, the second floor will have an area called “The Upper Room”. It will feature chairs, pillows, blankets, devotional books, and Bibles to provide a comfortable space for you to rest and rejuvenate.
• The convocation will also have a Care Team from the Missouri District available if you would like to have someone to talk to or pray with during your time at the convocation. If there is a need for pastoral care, Rev. Ryan Peterson is serving as the chaplain for the convocation. Contact information for both will be provided closer to the convocation.

We have given you a lot of information about Thursday. Next up is Friday and more helpful hints. Look for our next blog about that in a few weeks.