2025 graphic

Where students and leaders encounter God and transform our region for the Kingdom!

June 18 - 20, 2025
Victory Family Church, Cranberry Township, PA

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What To Expect

2025 Keynote Speakers

Our speaker lineup is filled with impactful leaders who are ready to share what God has put on their hearts and inspire the next generation.

Bubba Massey

Bubba Massey

Church of the Highlands

Jill Windham

Dino Rizzo

Executive Director of ARC (Association of Related Churches)

Charoltte Gambill siting in a chair, smiling, wearing a suit.

Charlotte Gambill

Church of the Highlands

And many more!

Conference Features

Food

Registration price includes meals throughout the conference on June 19 & 20.

Fun

Students (and leaders!) will have free time to check out a range of activities including sports, inflatables, games, and more.

Connection

Learn, worship, and grow alongside others from across our state as you build lasting connections.

For Students

Students going into 5th – 12th grade as well as 2025 graduated seniors will experience engaging live worship, practical table talks, and dynamic messages from our conference ministers.

Wednesday

  • 5:15 pm: Doors Open / Registration
  • 6:30 pm: Main Session
  • 9:00 pm: Dismissal

Thursday & Friday

  • 9:30 am: Main Session
  • 11:00 am: Breakouts
  • 12:30 pm: Lunch
  • 1:30 pm: Group Activities
  • 3:00 pm: Main Session / Group Activities
  • 5:30 pm: Dinner
  • 6:30 pm: Main Session
  • 9:00 pm: Dismissal
Family with whipped cream on their faces after playing game at Encounter Conference

For Leaders

Leadership Collective sessions are designed specifically for the Pastor, Youth Pastor, and Leader. In addition to attending the main conference sessions, the Leadership Collective sessions gives the pastors and leaders an opportunity to learn about practical steps in ministry, and to connect with other leaders attending the conference.

Pastor Ben Archer and a speaker talking at the Leadership Collective.

Wednesday

  • 5:15 pm: Doors Open / Registration
  • 6:30 pm: Main Session
  • 9:00 pm: Dismissal

Thursday & Friday

  • 9:30 am: Main Session
  • 11:00 am: Leadership Collective Session
  • 12:30 pm: Lunch & Leadership Collective Session
  • 1:45 pm: Leadership Collective Session
  • 3:00 pm: Main Session
  • 5:30 pm: Dinner
  • 6:30 pm: Main Session
  • 9:00 pm: Dismissal
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Ticket Details

Student Ticket:
$29 through April 30
$49 starting May 1

(For students going into 5th – 12th grade + 2025 graduated seniors)

Includes:

  • Access to all Encounter Conference breakouts, main sessions, and group activities
  • Meals on June 19 & 20
  • Merch bundle

Leadership Collective Ticket:
$29 through April 30
$49 starting May 1

(For youth leaders, & pastors)

Includes:

  • Access to all Encounter Conference breakouts, main sessions, and group activities
  • Access to exclusive Leadership Collective sessions specifically for YOU as the leader
  • Meals on June 19 & 20

Location

Victory Family Church

21150 Route 19
Cranberry Twp., PA 16066

Get Directions

Phone Number: 724-453-6200

Email: Encounterconference@lifeatvictory.com

Where to Stay

If you’re joining us from out of town, we’re excited to see you! We have partnerships with local hotels to provide blocks of rooms for students and leaders.

Accommodations will be revealed closer to the conference registration date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grades are eligible to attend?

2024 graduated seniors and any student entering into 5th – 12th grade in the 2024-2025 school year are welcome to attend.

I'm a parent whose student is interested in Encounter Conference. What do I need to know?

We're so glad your student wants to be part of Encounter Conference! You can find the Parent Handbook here with all the safety information and details about the conference and their time at Victory Family Church.

What grade do I put down during registration?

Enter their grade for the 2024-2025 school year. i.e. if your student is currently in 6th grade you will put 7th grade.

I didn’t receive my confirmation email. Can I still get a copy?

Yes! Please email us Encounterconference@lifeatvictory.com with the name of the student(s) whose confirmation e-mail you need!

I accidentally entered the wrong information for my student what can I do?

No worries – we can fix it! Email us at Encounterconference@lifeatvictory.com with what information needs to be changed!

Do I need to purchase my ticket before the start of the conference?

While we will be able to register students on the day of the conference, we ask that you make every effort to register by June 16th to ensure a quick and smooth check-in process on the day of the conference!

I can only attend part of the conference! Is there a discount I can get?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer discounts or day-passes at this time.

Is there any additional costs besides the ticket?

There will not be any extra fees. We will have additional merch available for students to purchase with cash or card at our merch store, but everything else is included in your ticket price!

Is there any financial assistance available to attend Encounter Conference?

Please email accounting@lifeatvictory.com with your scholarship request and our team will get back to you!

What kind of security measures do you take to keep students safe?

We have a security team on campus while the building is open. Students are not allowed to leave the campus at any time and all exits are monitored by our security team. Students are only permitted to bring in clear bags. All students will be given a clear bag at check-in! Bags that are not clear will be allowed for medical exception only. Bags are subject to be searched upon entry.

My student has special needs and wants to attend. Are you able to accommodate?

Yes! Please make arrangements with our staff by contacting us at Encounterconference@lifeatvictory.com

What does my student need to bring?

We encourage them to pack a few items to ensure they’re comfortable.

  • We recommend students keep personal belongings to a minimum. However, sunscreen, a Bible, pen, & notebook are encouraged to be brought into the conference with them. If they would like to bring a refillable water bottle, please ensure it is plastic with the students name and number written on it.
  • Students will not need a change of clothes, swimsuit, or towel.

Students will be given a lanyard and drawstring bag when they first check in. They’re required to wear their conference lanyard and drawstring bag each day. Their lanyard is required for check-in and used throughout the conference.

Can my student bring a refillable water bottle?

They can and are encouraged too! However, we ask that all refillable water bottles brought are plastic only!

My student needs medicine during the time they are at conference, what do I do?

We have nurses on site all day, every day! Labels for prescription medications will be available upon request. All prescription medications must be turned in to the nurse at registration on the first day. Our nurses are certified, and each nurse will make sure the students take their medication at the proper times. Please make sure the medicine is labeled with your student’s name and medication information.

What does my ticket include?

Your ticket includes all meals at conference, all activities, and sessions.

Are refunds available?

Refunds are not available for Encounter Conference 2025. When registering for the event, please ensure the conference dates will work for you!

My student has a food allergy and will be bringing their own food, can I get a discount?

While we cannot offer a discount on your ticket, we are happy to refrigerate any food that your student needs to bring to conference so that it is available to them during meal times.

Is Encounter Conference an overnight event?

It is not. Doors open at 5:15 pm on Wednesday, and pick-up is at 9:00 pm. On Thursday and Friday, doors open at 9:00 am, and pick-up is at 9:00 pm.

What if my student needs to leave conference early?

We want students to experience everything God has for them at Encounter. If possible, please only pickup and drop-off during designated times. However, if your student needs to leave early or in the middle of the day – please communicate those times with them and let us know when your student checks in for the conference! Our team will point you to a designated place for you and your student to meet for an early pickup/dropoff.

What does dismissal look like?

Dismissal varies by church and campus. Please reach out to your church or campus leader for more information!

  • All middle school students will be dismissed at 8:45 pm and High school students at 9:15 pm. This is to make dismissal less chaotic, and safer in the parking lot with less vehicles at the same time. If you are picking up a middle school and High school student you can do so at 8:45 pm.
  • Middle School Students (7th-8th grade) will be picked up in the North parking lot of the church. (Car Shop Side)
  • Students in 5th and 6th grade will need to be picked up by an approved parent/guardian at the Elementary Café, under the awning on the north side of the building. (Car Shop Side)
  • High School Students (9th - 12th grade) will be picked up in the South parking lot of the church. (Sheetz side)
  • If you are picking up both Middle School and High School students, please pick them up on the North side of the building. (Car Shop Side)
Can my student go out to lunch or leave the campus?

Students are not permitted to leave campus at any time unless they are picked up early by parent/guardian.

I’m coming from another church or campus! Is there carpooling available?

Please contact your local church or campus leader for more information on carpooling to and from Encounter Conference.

Can I serve at conference?

Absolutely! We would love for you to serve with our team! Please sign up at myvfc.info/serve under the opportunity finder and search “Encounter Conference”. You will be required to pass a complete background check to serve at Encounter Conference.

What is the attire?

Come as you are! It’s a youth conference! Please dress modestly and get ready to rock your conference merch!

Are the T-shirt sizes student or adult?

They are adult sizes! We do not offer youth sized T-shirts.

Can my student have their phone?

While students are allowed to bring a phone to conference, we encourage phones to stay home so they can be fully present for everything God has in store for them!

I would like to donate to Encounter conference and/or help to scholarship a student. How do I do that?

Thank you for your willingness to give towards Encounter Conference! All monies given will go towards covering the overall cost of Encounter Conference including scholarships for students who request financial aid. Monies can be given via check. Please put "Encounter Conference" in the memo field. Checks can be dropped off during any Victory Family Church service, our can be mailed to the following address: 21150 Route 19, Cranberry Township, PA 16066.

How can I make sure Victory Family Church and Encounter Conference’s vision and values line up with my church?
This is a great question and we’re glad you’re asking it! Please check out Victory Family’s What We Believe page to ensure that your students and leaders are comfortable with the beliefs of Victory Family Church.
I have more questions! Help!

We’d love to connect with you! E-mail us at Encounterconference@lifeatvictory.com

Will meals be provided?

Meals will be provided on June 19 & 20 during the conference.

Can I attend if I don’t go to Victory Family Church?

Absolutely! We would love to have you!

I didn’t receive my confirmation email. Can I still get a copy?

Yes! Please email Encounterconference@lifeatvictory.com with the name of the leader whose confirmation e-mail you need!

I accidentally entered the wrong information for my ticket, what can I do?

No worries – we can fix it! Email us at Encounterconference@lifeatvictory.com with what information needs to be changed!

What does my ticket include?

Your ticket includes all meals at conference, all Leadership Collective sessions, and Main sessions.

What does Leadership Collective look like? How does it differ from the student track?

Leadership Collective is built with the youth leader and pastor in mind! You will attend all main sessions and attend leader-only Leadership Collective Sessions. They will be jam packed with tips, tools, and training to help you as a youth leader!

What is the attire?

Come as you are! It’s a youth conference! Please dress modestly and get ready to rock your conference merch!

I can’t make it all the days – is that okay?

Absolutely! You are welcome to come and go during the conference as you please! However, we are not able to offer discounts or day-passes.

Are refunds available?

Refunds are not available for Encounter Conference 2024. When registering for the event, please ensure the conference dates will work for you!

How can I make sure Victory Family Church and Encounter Conference’s vision and values line up with my church?
This is a great question and we’re glad you’re asking it! Please check out Victory Family’s What We Believe page to ensure that your students and leaders are comfortable with the beliefs of Victory Family Church.
I would like to donate to Encounter conference and/or help to scholarship a student. How do I do that?

Thank you for your willingness to give towards Encounter Conference! All monies given will go towards covering the overall cost of Encounter Conference including scholarships for students who request financial aid. Monies can be given via check. Please put "Encounter Conference" in the memo field. Checks can be dropped off during any Victory Family Church service, our can be mailed to the following address: 21150 Route 19, Cranberry Township, PA 16066.

Serve at Encounter Conference

We’d love to have you be part of serving our region through Encounter Conference! Sign up below.

Encounter Conference is hosted by and a part of

21150 US Rt. 19
Cranberry Twp., PA 16066
724-453-6200

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