2026 Annual Conference | Conferencia Anual
Artwork by Shelley Walters, Director of Faith Development, St. John’s United Methodist Church, Austin
Conferencia Anual
Rio Texas 2026
17–20 de junio de 2026
Hilliard Center*, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX
Únase a la Conferencia Rio Texas para un tiempo de adoración, conexión y santa conferencia durante la Conferencia Anual 2026.
*El American Bank Center ahora se conoce como Hilliard Center.
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.
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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 (Registration coming soon)
• Iglesia Hispana Dinner (Cost: $17 • Registration Deadline: May 31)
• Gather: Young Adult Meetup (Appetizers provided • Registration encouraged)
• Extension Ministries Breakfast (Free • Registration Deadline: May 25)
• Huston-Tillotson University Annual Luncheon (Registration coming soon)
Kids’ Camp & Childcare
Bringing your children to Annual Conference? We’re excited to offer a Kids’ Camp experience for infants through 5th grade during the conference.
Registration deadline: June 8
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.
Conference Offerings
During Annual Conference, we will receive offerings as part of our worship together, supporting opportunities for connection, participation, and formation across the Río Texas Conference.
You are invited to give anytime between now and Annual Conference—whether in advance, during worship services, or through the Annual Conference app or online.
CONFIRMATION RALLY 2026
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)
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.
Robing & Stoles
Clergy are invited to robe in a color of your choice for all worship services during Annual Conference.
• Memorial Service: Thursday, 5 pm at FUMC Corpus Christi — White stoles
• Ordination Service: Friday, 6:30 pm at FUMC Corpus Christi — Red stoles
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