Methodist conference could carry $900K economic impact

The Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church could carry an economic impact of $900,000 as an estimated 1,500 people converge on Springfield for the four-day event in June.

According to the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, convention attendees spend an average $125-$150 per person per day in the Queen City. The high end of the forecast represents some $900,000 coming into the city on hotel stays and other services.

Clergy members and at least one layperson from 855 Missouri churches are slated to attend the June 6-9 conference at the Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St. Louis St.

The event's keynote speaker is Adam Hamilton, author and pastor at Leawood, Kan.-based Church of the Resurrection, the largest United Methodist Church in the U.S. with over 20,000 members, according to a CVB news release.

The Leawood megachurch is planning a $90 million capital improvement campaign, about $75 million of which is estimated to come in through fundraising efforts. Church of the Resurrection is looking to build a new 3,500-seat sanctuary and renovate existing facilities.