Accordance Users Conference
The schedule is set for the inaugural Accordance Users’ Conference, and it’s packed with opportunities to learn more about Accordance Bible Software and the field of Biblical studies.
The conference will take place at Centerpoint Church, 1355 East Kearney Street, Mesquite, in the Dallas, Texas area on September 24-25, 2010 from Friday morning until Saturday afternoon. We plan to reserve a block of rooms in a nearby hotel at a reduced rate ($60 to $70 per night, double room), more details to follow. We will help coordinate for any users who wish to share a room, or carpool from the airport.
Our keynote speakers are Dr. Martin Abegg of Trinity Western University and Dr. Daniel Wallace of Dallas Theological Seminary.
Dr. Abegg is the Ben Zion Wacholder Professor of Dead Sea Scroll Studies at Trinity Western University. He is an active Accordance user and developer of all the Qumran and Dead Sea Scrolls modules used in Accordance. He will give a presentation on the relationship of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible, and will be present during the entire conference for anyone who would like to meet with him.
Dr. Wallace is Professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and the Executive Director of the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts. He will give a presentation describing the Center’s work of discovering and photographing New Testament manuscripts in order to further New Testament textual criticism.
Both men are renowned scholars on the cutting edge of Biblical studies who nevertheless communicate well with a non-scholarly audience. And, of course, both men depend heavily on Accordance for their work.
The rest of the conference will consist of presentations and workshops on how to use Accordance. These will be divided into a “Light” and a “Heavy” track. The “Light” sessions will offer instruction in how to use Accordance to prepare a sermon, present a lesson, or engage in various kinds of study. The “Heavy” sessions will focus on original languages, automation, and in depth study.
The Users’ Conference will also include a couple of panel discussions. We’re pleased to be joined by Olive Tree Bible Software, makers of Bible software for a variety of mobile devices, for a discussion of the impact and future of mobile Bible software. We’ll also have an open discussion time and a chance to hear from a panel of Accordance “experts.”
As you can see, we’ll be covering a lot of ground in a day and a half! But we’ll also be allowing plenty of time to socialize, network, and discuss what you’ve learned with other Accordance users. This is also your chance to get to know the creators of Accordance. Experience Dr. J’s unusual sense of humor, enjoy Helen’s lovely British accent, or ask David about his new book.
The cost of the conference will be $70 for all who preregister by August 31, 2010. Those who are full time students in seminary or in a university can register for only $35, After August 31 the registration fee will be $100, or $50 for students. This fee will include admission to all sessions and refreshments during the conference. This fee does not include meals, hotels, or transportation. (In case of cancellation by Sept. 17th, a credit towards future purchases of Accordance modules will be offered, less $10 to cover administrative expenses.)
