Essence 2023
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Curating the Virtual Experience
Joining virtually shouldn’t mean sacrificing quality in your experience. SDI has allocated additional resources to ensure everyone can find connection in a meaningful way.
A team of dedicated SDI staff will be participating virtually via Zoom and Whova to ensure the online portion of the conference experience is comfortable and welcoming to all participants.
SDI will tend to our Virtual Participants with:
- A professional A/V team onsite at the convention center, specifically trained in running hybrid Zoom sessions
- Dedicated SDI staff members who will participate live on Whova and Zoom, through video and chat
- Hosting of Spiritual Direction sessions
- Tech support and troubleshooting
Virtual Care Team
Ann Lancaster
Ann (she/her) grew up surrounded by spirituality and nature on an organic dairy farm in rural Wisconsin. She manifested a career in the tech industry after her graphic design studies took her from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to her new home in Seattle, where she spent years working as a contractor for companies such as Microsoft and Google. When not immersed in front of a computer screen creating websites or playing video games, she can often be found at various concert venues throughout the world, basking in the beauty of live music. Ann is also a certified Reiki Master with dreams of working as a life coach for those experiencing challenging spiritual awakenings. She brings a potent blend of open-minded wonder and down-to-earth practicality to the design challenges at SDI.
Ryan Hinson
Ryan (he/him) brings his skill and patience as a technology literacy professional to the Technology Support Position. He has two decades of experience in online teaching, educational writing, tutoring, and tech support, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Outside of this professional role, Ryan enjoys growing hot peppers and native fruits, foraging, cooking, and playing video games.
Phil Fox Rose
Phil joins SDI as editorial director with a diverse and rich background in publishing. He was director of content for Patheos, the huge online home of conversation on faith, with sections ranging from Catholic and Evangelical to Pagan and Atheist. Before that, he was the editor of book publisher Paraclete Press and manager of the Paulists’ site, Busted Halo. Phil’s own spiritual journey has ranged widely and that breadth of experience is reflected in his ability to relate to and respect all traditions. Phil was a member of SDI in the aughts and has been teaching and practicing centering prayer and other contemplative practices for three decades. His professional and personal journeys have been equally winding, from stockbroker to sheepherder, software designer to downtempo DJ. Phil will be the editor-in-chief of Presence, as well as handling Connections and SDI Press.Â
Register Now!
The best choice for flexibility and lower cost.
Registration is cheaper and attending virtually eliminates travel, dining out, and lodging expenses. Meanwhile, the conference app, Whova, allows you to connect with anyone at the hybrid conference. And you will be able to watch recordings at your convenience.