2026 Annual Conference | Conferencia Anual

Artwork by Shelley Walters, Director of Faith Development, St. John’s United Methodist Church, Austin

2026 Rio Texas Annual Conference

June 17–20, 2026
Hilliard Center*, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX

Join the Rio Texas Conference for a time of worship, connection, and holy conferencing during the 2026 Annual Conference.

*Name changed from American Bank Center to Hilliard Center.

Esta página completa se puede traducir al español usando la opción
“Select Language” en la esquina inferior derecha.

Annual Conference 2026 Preview | Vista Previa de la Conferencia Anual 2026

Watch this online preview to help prepare for worship, schedules, conference business, logistics, offerings, and more ahead of Annual Conference 2026 in Corpus Christi.

Closed captions and automatic translation options are available through YouTube.

Annual Conference registration is now closed.

If you did not register by the May 31 deadline please report to the Concerns Table at the Hilliard Center (Outside of the Garrett Ballroom) for assistance.

To avoid delays, attendees needing assistance are encouraged to arrive early.

Having trouble with the app?

Visit our app page for download instructions, troubleshooting tips, and registration help.

Schedule

View the schedule below. The schedule will also be available on the app. A pdf printable version will be available once additional luncheons, dinners, and gatherings have been finalized.

Watch Annual Conference Online

Unable to attend in person? Join us online through our YouTube Channel and Facebook Page.

Livestream links to worship services, and session recordings:

Have questions about Annual Conference?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page where you can find lots of extra detials, quick links, and more!

Important Dates

Sunday, May 17 – 4 pm – Pre-conference Webinar (Virtual)
Wednesday, June 17 – 7 pm – Opening Worship & Episcopal Address (Hilliard Center)
Thursday, June 18 – 5 pm – Service of Remembrance (FUMC Corpus)
Friday, June 19th – 9:45 am – Juneteenth Worship* (Hilliard Center)
Friday, June 19th – 6:30 pm – Service of Commissioning & Ordination (FUMC Corpus)

Juneteenth Worship
Friday, June 19 | 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
During Annual Conference, we will have for a special Juneteenth worship service as we remember the story of freedom and the ongoing work of justice. This sacred time invites us to reflect on our shared history, give thanks, and recommit ourselves to building the beloved community through the work of equity, reconciliation, and hope.

Luncheons, Dinners & Gatherings

Various groups and organizations host gatherings throughout Annual Conference. Find ways to connect, share a meal, and build relationships.

Preview List:

• Mission Breakfast (Free • Registration deadline: June 5) 

• United Women in Faith Luncheon (Cost: $15, Registration required, Deadline: June 9)

• Clergy Spouse Luncheon (Registration Fee $23.18)

• Iglesia Hispana Dinner  (Registration Deadline: May 31)

• Youth Beach Party (Registration Not Required • Pizza & Beverages Provided)

• Gather: Young Adult Meetup (Appetizers provided • Registration encouraged)

• Extension Ministries Breakfast (Free • Registration Deadline: May 25)

• Huston-Tillotson University Annual Luncheon (Registration Required)

• SMU Perkins School of Theology Luncheon (Registration Required)

Meals & Food Options

A variety of meal options will be available on-site at the Hilliard Center.

Thursday & Friday | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Chick-fil-A (lobby)
Shoreline Market (lobby)
Food trucks on-site

Hilliard Center is cashless (card only)

Children will have opportunities to play, create, and connect through activities like crafts, games, outdoor time, and more, all in a safe and welcoming environment at First United Methodist Church Corpus Christi (just 1.5 miles from the Hilliard Center).

Flexible options are available, including full-day, partial-day, and Friday evening care during the Ordination Service.

Opening Worship Offering
Supports the Gift of Attendance for retired clergy and youth who may otherwise be unable to attend Annual Conference due to financial constraints.

Ordination Service Offering
Supports Confirmand Day, where youth from across the conference gather with the Bishop for worship, learning, and connection.

When giving online, please select one of the following options:
• “Retired Clergy & Youth” (Opening Worship Offering)
• “Confirmand Day” (Ordination Service Offering)

Lactation Space

Mamava Lactation Pods Available

Private lactation pods are available at the Hilliard Center for nursing and pumping parents. The pods provide a private, secure space with seating, electrical outlets, and surfaces designed for pumping. Access is available through the Mamava mobile app.

Location: First Floor, near the Plaza and Exhibit Hall B.

Q & A Sessions

Have questions about reports, actions, or proposals from the committees listed below? Join one of our Q & A sessions. These sessions are open to anyone and are designed to help participants better understand the proposals, ask questions, and receive clarification on the work being presented.
Thursday, June 18 – 1 pm - 1:30 pm – Standing Rules (Hilliard Center, Room Pending)
Friday, June 19 – 1 pm - 1:30 pm – Finance Table (Hilliard Center, Room Pending)

Conference Resources

Looking to prepare ahead of Annual Conference? Review key materials to better understand the reports, proposals, and decisions that will be presented, including materials related to the Standing Rules and Finance Q&A sessions.

Reports are available in English and Spanish.

A robing room will be available at FUMC Corpus Christi.

Hotel & Travel Information

Planning your trip to Annual Conference 2026 in Corpus Christi?
Information about hotel reservations, parking, transportation, and tax exemption forms is available on our Hotel & Travel page.

The Rio Texas Conference room block at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel opens March 13 and will be available through May 29, 2026, or until the block is full. We encourage participants to book early, as rooms may fill before the reservation deadline.

Need transportation during the conference?

A free shuttle service will be available throughout Annual Conference to help you get between key locations—available for all attendees.

Hilliard Center Map

To help you navigate the Annual Conference, view the Hilliard Center layout and key locations, including meeting spaces, worship areas, and main entrances.

Additional Announcements and Updates

Blueprint for Wellness Screening – 2026 Update

On-site Blueprint for Wellness screenings will not be offered during Annual Conference. Eligible HealthFlex participants may complete the screening January 1–August 31 at Quest Diagnostics locations.

Ministry Booth, Meeting Room & Catering Information

Booth space and meeting room requests for the 2026 Annual Conference are now closed. Thank you for the strong interest from our Conference and ministry partners.

If you still need access to related information, you can find details below:
• Ministry Booth Details
• Meeting Room & Catering Information