Apprentice Gathering
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Apprentice Gathering (TAG)?
What is the address of Friends University?
Does TAG 2024 have a theme?
This year, the conference theme is Glory, Grace, and Truth.
What is the conference program?
The conference has four main components: pre-conference intensive sessions, all-conference ‘A Talks’, small group workshops, and a casual Friday night event.
1. Preconference Intensive Sessions
Half-day, small group intensive sessions are held on Thursday from 9:00-12:00 and 1:30-4:30, with 90 minutes for lunch. Attendees are invited to select two topics of interest. Because not everyone is available to attend the all-day intensive, it is an add-on to the general registration and enrollment is capped at a specific number to allow for participant interaction.
2. All-Conference A-Talks
Throughout the gathering, a diverse presenter line-up, including Heather Thompson-Day, Emily P. Freeman, Brian Zahnd, Ken Shigematsu, and Skye Jethani, will present plenary talks designed to inform and challenge attendees in the area of Christian Spiritual Formation. Seasoned worship leaders will start each plenary session, helping participants prepare their hearts and minds to hear each message. Each talk is followed by a Q&A conducted by James Bryan Smith. The A-Talks are held in Davis Hall’s 3rd-floor Alumni Auditorium.
3. Friday Workshops
General conference registration includes two (2) Friday workshops held in the afternoon. These 75-minute sessions allow for smaller group, interactive sessions with the presenters. Attendees register for desired workshops on a first-come basis, and sessions are capped to ensure that informal participation can occur.
· Workshop #1 Time-2:00-3:15 pm;
· Workshop #2 Time- 3:45-5:00 pm.
4. Friday Night Fun, Food, and Fellowship-2024 Style!
From 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., attendees are invited to an informal gathering on Friday evening at Rose Window Plaza, located outside Davis Hall. Sandwich boxes will be available for purchase, and authors will mingle with attendees while signing books. (Sandwich Boxes cannot be purchased at the event, they must be purchased online before the event).
Tables/chairs and quilts will be scattered throughout the lawn for this casual event, providing the opportunity to connect with each other.
From 7:00 to 7:45 p.m., Jim Smith will lead a panel discussion with the five A-Talk speakers in the Alumni Auditorium.
Where do attendees typically stay while attending the conference?
If I drive, where should I park at the university?
Where do I go when I arrive on campus?
If you are coming as a ‘general registration participant’, you will go directly to the limestone clock tower building known as Davis Hall. It is in the middle of campus. There is an elevator on the north side of the building, or you can climb the steps in front. Volunteers will be on second (2nd) floor to check you in. Doors to the Alumni Auditorium on 3rd floor will be unlocked at 6:30, and the opening session will start at 7:00 Thursday evening.