We will gather under the theme of Practicing Hope at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center from June 14-16, 2026.

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Special observances 

• Celebration of Ministry: Sunday evening, June 14     
  The mass choir will return for the Celebration of Ministry, with more information coming soon.  
• Memorial: Monday afternoon, June 15 
• Retirement: Tuesday morning, June 16 
   

Childcare

Childcare will once again be offered during session times. This ministry is hosted by Schaumburg: Our Saviour’s UMC in collaboration with Schaumburg: Our Redeemer’s UMC, providing a safe and welcoming environment for children so parents can fully participate.

Meals

Back by popular demand, the Lunch-and-Learn sessions offer a chance to enjoy a meal while connecting with others around meaningful topics in mission and ministry. On Monday, all registered participants will receive a box lunch and choose a sessions highlighting a particular ministry area or emerging topic within the conference.  

Conference-related organizations and groups are encouraged to hold their group meals at the hotel. Plated meals, buffet, and reception style food station options are available. For more information, please contact Ariel Alonso, conference events planner.

Hotel Rooms  

A block of hotel rooms will again be available with a group discount at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. Rates and registration link to come.

Bishop's Appeal

The 2026 Bishop’s Appeal is for Education for Central Conferences, supporting two key initiatives: a high school in Tanzania led by NIC missionary Christina Kim, and broader theological education efforts identified by the Council of Bishops. This year’s appeal is not about charity; it is about justice, empowerment, and partnership. As a connectional church, we believe that every child deserves an education, and every community deserves well-trained spiritual leadership.  More information including how to give and resources for sharing to come.

Theme information

Under the theme “Practicing Hope,” the Bishop invites participants to explore how hope shapes ministry, mission, and the future of the church.  

“Hope allows for newness. Hope allows that God will call us forward. Hope allows us to say yes to whatever call is placed on our lives,” said Bishop Schwerin.

Grounded in Romans 5:3–5, this year’s theme encourages us to remember that endurance builds character, and character builds hope, pouring love to us through the Holy Spirit.  Guided by this spirit, participants will engage in opportunities to practice hope, build stronger bonds, and discern God’s call in their lives.  

“As we gather this year, my prayer is that we rediscover hope not as an idea, but as a discipline that shapes how we love, lead, and serve in every corner of our Northern Illinois Conference" said Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, Director of Connectional Ministries. 

For questions or more information, please contact Ariel Alonso, conference events planner.