Annual Conference Registration

Registration for the 187th Northern Illinois Annual Conference will open on April 1 at 10 a.m. and close on May 22 at 9 a.m. 

There will be NO LATE REGISTRATIONS. Payment must be made at the time of registration. 

PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER TWICE: You can check who is registered here. (It is listed alphabetically by last name and then by first name within each letter group.) 

Register for Annual Conference here

Cost:

• Voting Members (clergy and laity):
  • April 1-30: $160
  • May 1–22: $175
    NOTE: Payment will be accepted only via credit card. We are no longer able to accept check payments.
• Guests
  • Guests are welcome to attend, but may not vote.
  • Guests must also register. 
    • There is no cost for guests to attend services and plenary sessions, except on Monday, when registration is $25 for those interested the box lunch.
  • If guests wish to have conference meals (including the box lunch on Monday), they must register. 
  • The conference will be streamed live on the NIC YouTube channel.
• Volunteers
  • Volunteers may serve in a variety of roles, including at the check-in or information desk, as guides or worship ushers, on Lunch-and-Learn assistance teams, or as part of the set-up and clean-up crews.  Each role helps ensure things run smoothly and efficiently, while also giving volunteers a behind-the-scenes look at how Annual Conference works.
  • Volunteers can choose to serve for the entire conference, one day or even part of a day. No previous experience is necessary. 
  • Volunteers need to be at least 16 and cannot be voting members.
  • Those interested in volunteering should fill out the volunteer form by May 4.
  • Volunteers must also register as a guest.
    • There is no cost for registration, except on Monday, when registration is $25 for those interested the box lunch.
  • Please contact Debbie Rogers via email or call 872-810-0901 if you have any questions. 

If you have questions about your registration or if you need assistance completing it, please contact Ariel Alonso by email.

Registration includes the following items:

• Accessibility
  • Indicate any accommodations you need (for vision, mobility, hearing, etc.) when registering. Large-print programs will be available near the hall entrance.
  • Scooters: The conference committee will again make scooters available for those with mobility limitations. Members must reserve these in advance and there is an additional cost. No extras will be available onsite. If you or someone you know might benefit from a scooter, please urge them to reserve one.
• Meals, including Lunch-and-Learn choices 
  • Meals for special occasions or gatherings require prior registration and may require an additional fee.
  • On Mon., June 15, from noon to 1:30 p.m., all registered participants will receive a box lunch. Box lunches are available for guests as well, but they need to have registered to attend the conference.  Click here to learn more.
• Sessions (Clergy or Laity)
  • Clergy Session will be Sun., June 14, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Convention Center. 
    *Note this is a change from the past few years: Clergy Session will once again be held during Annual Conference.
  • Laity Session will be Sun., June 14 , 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Convention Center.

Notes:

• Clergy:
  • All clergy are required to attend the Clergy Session on Sun., June 14, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Convention Center. Please make the necessary arrangements at your local church to ensure you can attend on time.
  • Active clergy who are not attending Annual Conference must send their reason for absence in writing to Episcopal Administrative Assistant Marva Andrews either by e-mail or by postal mail to Northern Illinois Conference, Attn: Marva Andrews, 303 E. Wacker Dr, Suite 2020, Chicago, IL 60602
• Laity: If a church's Lay Member is going to be different from those currently listed in the portal, s/he must contact the Conference office to be included.
• Payment

  • Payment must be made at the time of registration.  You will not be registered for the 2026 Annual Conference if we do not receive payment. 

  • Payment will only be accepted via Credit Card. We are no longer able to accept check payments.

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Childcare 

The Northern Illinois Conference is pleased to offer safe, nurturing, and reliable childcare during Annual Conference, helping parents and caregivers participate fully in worship, learning, and connection.

Childcare for Annual Conference 2026 will be hosted by Schaumburg: Our Saviour's UMC in conjunction with Schaumburg: Our Redeemer's UMC. Children will enjoy meaningful, age-appropriate activities in a caring, faith-centered environment led by trained staff and volunteers. Advance registration is required, and space is limited

New for 2026, childcare hours are extended over scheduled breaks, basic meals are provided, and the age range has been expanded to include children and youth from 1 to 17. These updates are designed to better support families throughout the conference.

Registration link and more information here.

Registration will open April 1 at 10 a.m. and close May 22 at 9 a.m.

*Note:
Only registered members of Annual Conference will be able to use Annual Conference Childcare.
There will be NO drop-in childcare available for anyone during any part of Annual Conference. 

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Display Table

Display Tables will be set up in the ballroom foyer and hallway. Table displays will be open on Sunday afternoon, Monday, and Tuesday morning.

Display Table Registration

Display Tables registration will close on May 4, or when the slots we have available are filled. Assignments will be made one week prior to AC. 

View the guidelines here.

Send questions to Erica McIntosh or Craig McGregor

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Hotel Reservations

Reservations with a group discount are again available at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. 
Room reservations are available to be reserved Sat., June 13 - Mon., June 15.

Cost: $195 per night + applicable state and local taxes

How to Reserve Rooms:

• Web: Online Reservation Booking Link
• Phone: 866-204-0549.  Ask for Northern Illinois Conference Special Group Rate.
• The deadline to book a hotel room is May 25 at 5 p.m.

Note:  The dates listed on the hotel's reservation page are those reserved for our block. You may choose to make overnight reservations for any of these nights: June 13, June 14 and June 15. There are limited rooms available for Sat., June 13. Check in is at 4 p.m. on your selected dated. Checkout is Tues., June 16 at 11 a.m.

Click here for a list of near by hotels.

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Media and Video Requests

Announcements during AC will be projected on the screen after approval. Completed slide submissions can be sent to Lisa Smith.

Media and Videos to be projected on the screens during AC will need to be submitted and preapproved.

• Final decisions regarding scheduling are made by the Daily Proceedings Coordinator in conjunction with the Annual Conference Committee.
• We will do our best to schedule presentations as time and agenda permit.  Most presentations will be shared as pre-recorded video via the NIC website and/or possibly during breaks at the annual conference.
• The Presentation Request Form is available here. Requests are due April 15. Please be ready to provide a short 200 word description of your request.
• An email from the Director of Connectional Ministry by April 20 with the answer to presentation requests.
• Videos are due to Lisa Smith in video file by May 8. No links - only original videos. Videos WILL NOT be accepted on site.

Print Materials will have limited distribution as we continue to be good stewards of the environment.

• The Annual Conference Secretary, Randy Hayes, must preapprove any material to be distributed on the AC floor. Submissions can be sent to Randy Hayes.
• Only ushers may distribute materials.
• Groups may provide handouts at their display tables.

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Blueprint for Wellness 

Blueprint for Wellness Health Screenings are planned for Tuesday, June 16 at the conference center. The screenings are available for those who participate in the conference health insurance plan. Testing involves one blood draw and a few measurements. The results provide valuable information about several common health risks. Learn More.

Register through the Personify App or Wespath Benefits Access by June 3. If you need help registering, contact Rev. Cheryl  Weaver at (608) 478-4609.

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