Resources for 2026 Watch Party Hosts
What Is a Watch Party?
A Watch Party is an in-person community gathering where local attendees come together at your site to watch and discuss the Annual Environment & Spirituality Summit keynote address live via Zoom. This year’s keynote will feature Bill McKibben, author and founder of Third Act, on the evening of September 29, 2026.
Hosting a Watch Party is a meaningful way to bring people together in your community for reflection, learning, and conversation around environmental awareness, sustainability, and justice.
Download the Watch Party Toolkit to Learn About the Opportunity
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 (view sample timing below)
Speaker: Bill McKibben, author and founder of Third Act
Format: In-person gathering with a shared livestream and facilitated discussion
Guests will register through the main Annual Environment & Spirituality Summit registration process and select your Watch Party site. Faith in Place will send you confirmed registration information so you can prepare for your event.
Resources to Promote Your Watch Party
Tech Rehearsal
At least one tech-savvy person from your organization should attend the rehearsal session. During this time, you will confirm sound and video from the livestream, test the screen or projector and Wi-Fi, and practice submitting a Q&A question. Please check your emails from Elena for the time and link to join these sessions.
Resources for the Day-Of
Sign In Sheet
Print this sign-in sheet so those that haven’t registered already can complete the form and get all the Summit recordings and resources.
Sample Agenda for September 29
4:45–5:30 p.m. CT
Set up your space to host the event.
5:30–5:50 p.m. CT
Welcome guests as they arrive, have them sign in using the provided sign-in sheet, and allow time for people to mingle and visit any local sponsors if applicable.
5:50 p.m. CT
Invite guests to take their seats, share welcoming remarks, and allow in-person sponsors to greet the audience if that fits your site.
6:00–7:00 p.m. CT
Stream the keynote session live. Guests will receive instructions for how to submit questions during the Q&A.
7:00–7:30 p.m. CT
Facilitate discussion using the printable discussion questions or projected discussion slide.
7:30 p.m. CT
Close the event.
7:30–8:00 p.m. CT
Clean up and depart.
Watch Party Discussion Guides
Bill McKibben’s Keynote address will run from 6-7pm CT/ 7-8pm ET and then we invite Watch Parties to facilitate about 30 minutes of discussion in person with your attendees.
Resources for facilitating the discussion are provided below:
Here is the template version if you would like to adapt the questions for your audience.
Here is the template version if you would like to adapt the questions for your audience.