As churches and annual conferences begin preparing their 2027 budgets, now is a great time to plan for professional development opportunities—including the United Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC) Gathering, taking place February 25–26, 2027, at Bethany United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas.

Whether you serve on a conference communications team or help tell your local church's story, UMAC offers practical training, networking, and inspiration for United Methodist communicators from across the connection.

Preliminary Budget Information

While registration has not officially opened, the planning team wanted to share a few details to help churches budget ahead:

Registration: The registration fee for the 2023 and 2025 UMAC gatherings was $375, which included three meals. The planning team is actively working to reduce the registration cost for the 2027 gathering, though final pricing is still being determined.
Hotel: A discounted hotel room block has already been secured, with rooms expected to cost approximately $100 per night.

Registration is expected to open this fall, with additional details to be announced as they become available.

UMAC 2027 Gathering

Who Should Attend?

You don't have to have "communications" in your job title to benefit from UMAC.

This gathering is for anyone who helps share the story of their church or ministry, including:
• Pastors
• Church staff
• Volunteers
• Social media managers
• Newsletter editors
• Website managers
• Photographers and videographers
• Livestream volunteers
• Graphic designers
•Anyone who helps communicate the mission and ministry of their local church or conference

If you're responsible for helping people connect with your church—whether through words, images, video, technology, or storytelling—you'll find valuable ideas, practical skills, and meaningful connections at UMAC.

Save the Date

If your church is currently finalizing its 2027 budget, now is an excellent time to include funding for this opportunity. We hope communicators from across the Rio Texas Conference will join colleagues from around the connection as we gather to learn, collaborate, and strengthen our ministries together.

Watch for registration information coming this fall.

If you haven’t already, be sure to join UMAC! Membership is currently free!

Join UMAC Membership