This year's big night out will be Tuesday, October 9th at the Henry Ford Museum. Dinner will be served on the premesis followed by a stroll through time.

Walking through the museum you'll experience the bus Rosa Parks rode, the Presidential Limousine of John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln's chair from Ford's Theater among many other fascinating exhibits. The sweeping, single-floor space with its soaring 40-foot ceilings covers nine acres dedicated to showcasing the finest collection of its kind ever assembled. It began as a simple yet bold idea to document the genius of ordinary people by recognizing and preserving the objects they used in the course of their everyday lives. It grew into the ultimate place to explore what Americans past and present have imagined and invented.

The best part of the evening? We'll have the museum all to ourselves!

This commercial, featuring the voice of Tim Allen, highlight's the states crisp weather, vibrant colors, and the pleasure of taking a breath of Pure Michigan's autumn air.

The Dearborn Inn is a Mariott hotel and is located just 12 miles Northeast of Detroit's Metro Airport (DTW). It is also right around the corner from the midwest's premier history attraction, The Henry Ford.

Frommer's review states: The Dearborn Inn opened its doors in 1931 as the world's first airport hotel, located right across the street from Ford Airport. The airport has long since closed, but this historic inn remains popular, known for its Georgian elegance, first-class service, and business amenities. Twenty-three acres of meticulously landscaped grounds and gardens make this hotel feel worlds away from the big city.

We're already very excited for the 2012 conference. We hope you'll make plans to join us during beautiful October in Michigan!

"This was my third conference and they just keep getting better.  My brain is on overload with great information!"  Denise Sinatra, Albuquerque, NM.

"I found the priests’ [track], website construction, and Parish IQ to be very practical and useful.  I’m enthusiastic to return to the parish with this information."  Fr. Michael Beers, St. Anthony of Padua, Easton, PA.

"The speakers and staff add a lot to how you use the products to do your job.  They uncover many points or processes you may not have found yet and help you to streamline processes."  Anne Good, Worcester, CA

"As a former computer instructor I know the best way to retain computer skills is by doing.  The hands on training classes were a great addition to the conference and the most useful."  Kathleen Gomes, Monterey, CA.

The ParishSOFT Team has been planning and preparing for this event the entire year and we're excited it is finally here. Twenty "blue shirts" will descend on the Crowne Plaza Anaheim Resort to host the conference. Some of us fly out of Michigan tomorrow to make on-site preparations in Anaheim. The rest will join us on Sunday afternoon and will help us kick off the Conference with a reception on Sunday night. Monday we embark on three days of learning what it means to build engaged churches.

If you're joining us, we can't wait to see you!

The Magic of James Lantiegne on Tuesday Evening

James Lantiegne has been entertaining audiences across the country for over 25 years. James does more than just perform magic tricks, he entertains! He has performed for organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Port Hueneme Naval Base, Our Lady of Peace Parish, and many others. He is a welcome addition to Catholic Comedy Night at this year's conference.

James will perform 45 minutes of magic beginning at 8:30 P.M. on Tuesday evening, November 8.

Learn more about James and his magic, including The House of Magic, at his webiste: jlmagic.com

Super Shuttle 

Karmel Shuttle

Prime Time Shuttle

All three shuttles serve Los Angeles Airport (LAX), John Wayne, Orange County Airport (SNA), and Long Beach Airport (LGB).

Super Shuttle and Prime Time Shuttle also service Ontario International Airport (ONT) and Bob Hope, Burbank Airport (BUR).

Check out each shuttle service's website for information and to make reservations.

For more general information about travel to and from the conference, visit our travel info page.

We've got a great line up of keynote speakers and workshop presenters at our 2011 Conference in Anaheim. Clergy and staff leaders from the church and the executives and staff of ParishSOFT team up to deliver 41 workshops in 10 different tracks

Meet the Speakers: there are 26 parish and diocesan leaders presenting. See their photos and read their bios on the speakers page.

Meet the Staff: we're bringing 21 staff members to conference this year - look for the blue shirts! Staff photos and bios can be found on the staff page.

Check out the Workshops: Our complete workshop listing can be found here. We have them segmented into Parish, Diocesan and Priests' workshops.

Judy McDonald's Catholic Comedy on Tuesday Evening

An alumnus of University of San Diego, Judy has been performing stand-up since 1994. In college, she worked at KFMB studios in radio and television. She also worked for the Republican National Convention, the Commission on Presidential Debates and the Academy Awards.

Judy's professional comedic experience includes appearances on the Dennis Miller show and the Weather Channel and opening for such comedians as Paula Poundstone, Mark Curry, Caroline Rea and Mitch Hedberg. She performs at corporate and private events, universities, and is a regular at the La Jolla Comedy Store in San Diego.

For the past five years Judy has been touring nationally and internationally bringing her Catholic comedy to parishes, conferences, even Military bases. When she doesn't have a microphone in her hand, you might find Judy participating in adventure races, triathlons, surfing and an occasional sandbagging round of golf.

Learn more about Judy at her website: www.judymcdonald.net.