Methodist conference to bring economic boost to Queen City

The Queen City will see an influx of Methodists and, with them, a roughly three-quarter-million dollar bump to the economy this weekend.

The Springfield Expo Center, 635 St. Louis St., will host the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church June 5-8, bringing an estimated 1,400 people to town.

According to a news release from the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, clergy and at least one layperson from 855 churches in Missouri plan to attend the conference that includes educational sessions and information about best practices. Retiring clergy also will be honored and new clergy ordained.

The CVB estimates convention attendees in Springfield spend an average $125 to $150 per person per day, equating to an estimated economic impact of $700,000 to $840,000 for the Queen City.

With the theme, “Discipleship: Growing in Grace,” speakers for the four-day conference include the Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey, director of Missional Church Initiatives of the West Ohio Conference; the Rev. David Gilmore with Centennial United Methodist Church in Kansas City; the Rev. Alice Fowler with Trinity United Methodist Church in Bloomfield; and the Rev. Jeff Brinkman with Woods Chapel in Lee’s Summit.