Have questions as you prepare for Annual Conference? Start here. This page includes answers to common questions, helpful links, and key reminders as we prepare to gather in Corpus Christi.

Quick Links

General

What is Annual Conference?
Annual Conference is the yearly gathering of clergy and lay members of the Rio Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. It includes worship, business sessions, voting, and opportunities to connect with others across our Conference.

Who attends Annual Conference?
Clergy members and elected lay delegates attend as voting members. Guests, volunteers, and observers are also welcome.

What if this is my first Annual Conference?
You’re not alone. Many people are attending for the first time, and there will be staff and volunteers available throughout the week to help you navigate your experience.

What happens during plenary sessions?
Plenary sessions are where the full body of the Conference gathers to worship, hear reports, engage in conversation, and conduct the work of the church, including voting and decision-making.

Registration & Check-In

How do I register for Annual Conference?
Registration is available through the Rio Texas Conference app. Registration closes May 31. We encourage you to complete your registration ahead of time.

Where do I check in when I arrive?
Check-in will take place at the Hilliard Center in the Garrett Pre-Function area. It will be available Wednesday from 2:00–7:00 p.m., with additional opportunities Thursday morning.

When should I plan to arrive?
We encourage you to arrive in time to complete check-in before Opening Worship on Wednesday evening.

What is the Hilliard Center?
The Hilliard Center is the new name for the American Bank Center—same location, just a new name.

Schedule & Events

What does a typical day look like at Annual Conference?
Each day includes a rhythm of worship, plenary sessions, teaching moments, and opportunities to connect through meals and gatherings. You can find the full schedule on the website and in the app.

Where can I find the full schedule?
The full schedule is available on the Annual Conference webpage and in the app.

When is Opening Worship?
Opening Worship will take place Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilliard Center. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with gathering music.

When are the clergy and laity sessions?
This year, clergy and laity sessions will take place at separate times in the same location. The Laity Session will take place Thursday morning from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., followed by the Clergy Session from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m.

What is the Mission Breakfast?
The Mission Breakfast will take place Friday morning and is a time of storytelling and conversation as we reflect on building the Beloved Community together. Registration is required.

When is Juneteenth Worship?
Juneteenth Worship will take place Friday morning during plenary as a time of reflection, thanksgiving, and commitment to the work of justice and the beloved community.

Reports & Conference Materials

Where can I find the Pre-Conference Reports?
Pre-Conference Reports are available on the Annual Conference webpage and in the app. These include reports related to finance, pensions, nominations, Standing Rules, and other key areas.

What are Standing Rules?
Standing Rules guide how we do our work together as an Annual Conference, including how decisions are made and how proposals move forward.

Will there be opportunities to ask questions?
Yes. There will be a Standing Rules Q&A on Thursday from 1:00–1:30 p.m. and a Finance Q&A on Friday from 1:00–1:30 p.m.

Worship

Are worship services open to everyone?
Yes. Worship services are open to all who would like to attend.

When are the Worship Services?
• Opening Worship: Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. (Hilliard Center, Henry Garrett Ballroom)
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with gathering music from Mariachis Mexicanisimo
Music led by Bethany UMC, Austin
• Service of Remembrance: Thursday at 5:00 p.m. (First UMC Corpus Christi)
Music led by Travis Park UMC
• Juneteenth Worship: Friday from 9:00–9:45 a.m. (during plenary)
• Service of Commissioning & Ordination: Friday at 6:30 p.m. (First UMC Corpus Christi)
Music led by First UMC Brownsville

Why isn’t there a separate Retirement Service this year?
Given the number of retirees this year, we will not hold a separate Retirement Service. Instead, we will honor and celebrate our retirees during the Service of Commissioning and Ordination, where they will be invited to participate in this meaningful moment in the life of our Conference.

What should clergy wear for worship services?
Clergy are invited to vest and process for certain services:
• Service of Remembrance: robe (any color) with white stole
•  Service of Commissioning & Ordination: robe (any color) with red stole

Clergy participating in the ordination service should plan to line up prior to the service.

For all other attendees, we encourage you to dress comfortably while also honoring the sacred setting of these services, which will take place in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church Corpus Christi.

Who is leading music during Annual Conference?
Music throughout the week will be led by congregations and musicians from across the Rio Texas Conference, including:
• Bethany United Methodist Church (Austin)
• Travis Park United Methodist Church (San Antonio)
• First United Methodist Church (Brownsville)

Offerings & Giving

Will there be offerings during Annual Conference?
Yes. Offerings will be received as part of our worship throughout the week, supporting shared ministry across the Rio Texas Conference.

What do the offerings support?
• The Opening Worship Offering supports the Gift of Attendance for retired clergy and youth who may otherwise be unable to attend due to cost.
• The Service of Commissioning and Ordination Offering supports Confirmand Day, where youth gather with the Bishop for worship, learning, and connection.

How can I give?
You can give during worship services, through the Rio Texas Conference app, or online.

When giving online, please select one of the following options:
• “Retired Clergy & Youth”
• “Confirmand Day”

Giving is one way we participate in the shared ministry and mission of our Conference.

Meals & Food Options

Will food be available during Annual Conference?
Yes. There will be a variety of food options available throughout the week.

Attendees can explore nearby restaurants in the surrounding area, and for those who prefer to stay onsite, food trucks and tables will be available in the downstairs gathering area at the Hilliard Center.

Meals are also a great opportunity to connect with others across the Conference throughout the week.

Some meals and gatherings may require advance registration.

Travel & Logistics

Will there be a shuttle?
Yes. A free shuttle service will be available throughout the week between key locations.

Where can I find maps and location information?
Maps and location details are available on the Annual Conference webpage and in the app.

Where are the main locations for Annual Conference?
The Hilliard Center will serve as the primary gathering space for plenary sessions and check-in. Some worship services and events will take place at First United Methodist Church Corpus Christi.

App & Communication

Why should I download the app?
The Rio Texas Conference app is your primary tool for Annual Conference. You can register, check in, view the schedule, access reports, and receive real-time updates throughout the week.

Where should I go for the most up-to-date information?
The Annual Conference webpage (riotexas.org/ac2026) and the app are your primary sources for schedules, updates, and important information.

Where can I find all the links shared in the Pre-Conference Webinar?
All links and resources mentioned in the webinar can be found on this page.

Can I ask questions during the Pre-Conference Webinar?
Yes. Members of our Conference team will be available in the chat during the premiere to answer questions and engage with you in real time.

Additional Information

Will services be livestreamed?
Yes. Worship services will be available on the Rio Texas Conference YouTube channel.

Will translation be available?
Yes. Spanish translation will be available during worship and business sessions.

Will childcare be available?
Yes. Childcare will be available for infants through 5th grade. Registration is required.

We look forward to gathering with you in Corpus Christi.

Still have questions?

We encourage you to review the information above first. If you’re unable to find what you need, you’re welcome to email us at communications@riotx.org.

We’ll continue updating this page with common questions we receive.