Desperation exists to help sculpt a generation that desires to live a life in desperate pursuit of God. We believe that when we unite and pray, God brings change to our generation as we intentionally make disciples of Jesus. We challenge every student to consecrate their lives before God, passionately seeking His presence, interceding for their generation, and living beyond themselves as missionaries in their communities.
WATCH THE 2020 PROMO VIDEO
LINE UP
REGISTER
Register before January 1st, 2020 (aka by 11:59pm on 12/31/2019) for $75 per person and you can be a part of every main session of Desperation PLUS a late-night concert with Cory Ard. Don't wait! Come and worship with Passion, The Belonging Co, Jon Egan, Robert Madu, Local Sound, and so many others! Trust us, you'll regret it if you don't.
Can’t join us for the whole conference? Don’t worry! There are Day Passes and Session Passes available. You can also just come for Cory Ard’s concert if you want!
WATCH THE 2019 RECAP VIDEO
THE SCHEDULE
TUES/JULY 14TH
12pm - REGISTRATION OPEN
6pm - DOORS OPEN
7pm - MAIN SESSION ONE
: Band - Jon Egan // Speaker - Daniel Grothe
10pm - LATE NIGHT CONCERT
: Band - Cory Ard
WED/JULY 15TH
8am - EARLY MORNING PRAYER (World Prayer Center)
9am - MAIN SESSION TWO
: Band - NLS Worship // Speaker - Tim Shepard
11:30am - DESPOx with Mack Brock
12:30pm - LUNCH BREAK
2pm - MAIN SESSION THREE
: Band - The Belonging Co // Speaker - Coming Soon!
4pm - DINNER BREAK
7pm - MAIN SESSION FOUR
: Band - Passion Music // Speaker - Coming Soon!
THUR/JULY 16TH
8am - EARLY MORNING PRAYER (World Prayer Center)
9am - MAIN SESSION FIVE
: Band - Hideaway Music // Speaker - Megan Marshman
11:30am - DESPOx Breakouts
: Students - Aaron Olson // Youth Leaders - Brady Boyd
12:30pm - LUNCH BREAK
2pm - MAIN SESSION SIX
: Band - Local Sound // Speaker - Robert Madu
4pm - DINNER BREAK
7pm - MAIN SESSION SEVEN
: Band - Jon Egan // Speaker - Glenn Packiam
LODGING
Soon we will have a list of hotels within a short walk or driving distance of New Life Church. We partner with these hotels to provide the best value to our attendees. Please make your reservations at one of the official contracted host hotels coming soon. If you need any assistance with your reservation please email Chris Tharaldson at ctharaldson@helmsbriscoe.com. See you in July!
MEAL TICKETS
Our Meal Ticket option is $39.99 and includes 2 lunches, 2 dinners, access to Despo Games, and a complimentary Desperation water bottle. Don't wait in line at a restaurant or drive-thru with 4,000 other students! Get comfy and eat with us.
Restaurants require our final meal counts a few days before Desperation begins, so we are not able to sell meal tickets at the conference. The deadline for purchasing Meal Tickets is July 9th, 2020.
For more information about Meal Tickets, please contact us at info@desperationonline.com
DESPO GAMES
Not sure how to stay busy between the Main Sessions while at Desperation? We've got you covered! Get unlimited access to all Despo Games during session breaks throughout Desperation Student Conference for only $10. Enjoy hamster ball racing, obstacle courses, inflatable games, 9-square, music, and more!
For more information about Despo Games, please contact us at info@desperationonline.com
DESPERATION LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
The Desperation Leadership Summit is our way of equipping and encouraging today's youth workers. On March 5-7, 2020, join hundreds of youth leaders from across the country for three days of worship, prayer, training, and resourcing.
Registration is 100% FREE for you and your entire team! And just for attending, you will receive FREE reserved seating for your entire group at the 2020 Desperation Student Conference!
F.A.Q.
GENERAL
Who can attend Desperation?
Anyone can attend Desperation, but the sessions are aimed at middle and high school-aged students and their youth leaders.
Will there be childcare available?
No, Desperation is not able to provide childcare.
I'm a parent of a local student. When should I pick up my child from Desperation at night?
The Tuesday and Wednesday sessions end between 9:00 - 9:30p, and the late night concerts end between 10:45 - 11:00p. The Thursday evening session usually ends between 9:30p - 10:00p.
Is there interpretation of the sessions for the hearing impaired?
Upon special request we can make arrangements for those who need deaf interpretation. Please email info@desperationonline.com for more information.
REGISTRATION
What does the registration fee cover?
The registration fee covers admission to all main sessions of the Desperation Conference including all late night events.
What methods of payment can I use?
Online we accept credit card payments only. If you wish to pay by check or cash, please email us at info@desperationonline.com.
Are refunds available if one of my students drop out or I am unable to attend?
No, unfortunately we cannot give refunds after tickets have been purchased.
I have young children. Do I need to purchase a wristband for them?
Ages 5+ are required to purchase a wristband for the conference.
Do I have to register now, or can I register at the door?
We recommend registering for Desperation as soon as possible. We have several pricing tiers (Pre-Registration, Super Early Bird, etc.) that increase as the year goes on. You will be saving significantly on the price of your registration by registering early as compared to waiting until you get to the door.
Do I need to have a complete list of students before I purchase my group's tickets?
No, we do not require groups to submit a list of students to purchase their tickets.
Is there a way to reserve seating for larger groups?
Yes. Reserved seating is availble for $10 per attendee. If a youth leader attends the 2018 Desperation Leadership Summit from your group you will receive a voucher that gives you free reserved seating when requested before June 30th, 2018.
WRISTBANDS
When will I receive my wristbands?
When you arrive for the Desperation Student Conference you will go straight to Registration in the main lobby where you will receive your wristbands. You will need to have your order ID number located on your receipt that was emailed to you after purchase. If you have lost your receipt, please contact us at info@desperationonline.com.
What should I do if I lose my wristband at Desperation?
If you lose your wristband during Desperation you can go to Registration in the main lobby and receive a new wristband. There is a $2 fee for any lost or broken wristband to be replaced.
MEAL TICKETS
How much is a meal ticket and what meals does it cover?
Our Meal Ticket option is $39.99 and includes 2 lunches, 2 dinners, access to Despo Games, and a complimentary Desperation water bottle.
Where do I pick up my meal ticket?
Meal Tickets will be available for pickup at Registration. You will need to bring your order ID number located on your receipt that was emailed to you after purchase. If you have lost your receipt, please contact us at info@desperationonline.com.
Can I purchase a meal ticket when I arrive at Desperation?
No. Restaurants require our final meal counts a few days before Desperation begins, so we are not able to sell meal tickets at the conference. The deadline for purchasing Meal Tickets is June 30th, 2018.
Are there other food options available at Desperation?
Yes. The New Life Church cafe sells sandwiches, small snack items, coffee, and drinks.
LODGING
What airport should I fly into for Desperation?
You can fly into the Colorado Springs airport (COS, approx. 30 min from New Life Church) or Denver International Airport (DEN, approx. 70 min from New Life Church).
Does Desperation help arrange transportation?
No. Due to the large number of groups that attend Desperation each year, we cannot help groups arrange transportation.
Are there special hotel rates available?
Yes. Desperation has partnered with several hotels close to New Life Church to offer special rates. You can get more information by clicking Lodging