NACPA Annual Convocation 

NACPA Convocation Overview

NACPA's annual convocation allows members to learn from experts in HR and the world of HR in the Church; from those who have succeeded in creating a better and more prosperous environment, through the field of HR, within their communities. During the three-day meeting, delegates attend a spirited Opening Ceremony, uplifting prayer services, and networking opportunities. They will hear from outstanding Plenary speakers; select 4 compelling breakout sessions, from a choice of 12; participate in a hot topic round table (out of 3), welcoming forums, as well as post-session and speaker chats, and will be able to meet face-to-face with vendors specific to the fields of HR and HR within the Catholic Church.

Our Attendees

• All who work in HR-related fields for the Church
• Chancellors / CEOs / Religious Community Directors
• Finance Directors / Managers
• Human Resource Associates
• Human Resource Directors
• Pastors
• Parish Managers / Business Managers
• Principals / Heads of School
• Religious Community HR Directors & Associates / Business / Finance Managers 

Program Agenda

The Conference will begins on Sunday, with several optional activities throughout the day, before our Opening Ceremony and Social in the evening.

We begin each morning with breakfast, daily liturgy and morning prayer where all are welcome. Sessions then begin with an opening Plenary which is followed by a long break (a great time to stretch your legs and get to know our wonderful vendors!) the first of our four breakout session blocks (3 to choose from at each block), presented by experts in our field. Then NACPA Members convene for a plated luncheon while the NACPA Board presents their report to members and any open Board positions are voted on. One last breakout session block will end our official time that day and then we swing into a short Happy Hour, in the Exhibit Hall, where we begin to unwind and show our thanks to the local diocese- before people head out into the city for dinners and time to explore the town.

Tuesday begins in the same manner, but after the first breakout session block of the day attendees are welcome to explore the city for lunch (many close options). We then offer an afternoon breakout session block and then the concluding block of the day our attendees can choose between three sessions in the style of our OnDemand Discussion Series; an expert (or panel of) will introduce and present a short overview on a topic and then open the floor for discussions and questions - a great place to tie up any loose ends from the week!

Tuesday evening, we come together one last time to celebrate the week and reflect on our time together with our Closing Social and the Annual Awards Banquet. It's joyous time for attendees; members, non-members, supportive exhibitors and sponsors alike, to come together and recognize those in our community who have given graciously in the support of our members and community. Thanks to our gracious exhibitors and sponsors, we speckle the evening with fun and exciting raffles and prizes as well. For those who are still not ready to call it a night, we will host our 2nd NACPA Karaoke Party (back by popular demand), also at the hotel, to truly close out the week in rock n' roll style.

All registration, events, meals, sessions, and the Exhibit Hall will take place at the Salt Lake City Marriott City Center. Breakfast and breaks will also be hosted in the Exhibit Hall. The Ballroom (Prayer, Daily Liturgy, Plenaries, Banquet) and the Breakout Session Rooms are all within the Exhibit Hall.

SAMPLE AGENDA (2025)

SUN April 27

• 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Film Screening: Cabrini (onsite) <Film and Tour happening concurrently>
• 12:30 – 1:15 PM Cathedral Tour (45 Min, transportation provided depart and return to hotel by 1:45)
  <Film and Tour happening concurrently>
• 2 PM (1 Hour) New Member Orientation - Open to Members, Meet the NACPA Board
• 3 – 3:15 PM Divine Mercy Chaplet
• 3:30 – 4:15 PM (45Min) HR Certificate Program Alumni Reception
• 1 PM – 3PM Exhibitor Check in at the NACPA Main Desk and Setup, in the Exhibit Hall
• 5 PM Opening Liturgy (4:45 depart for Our Lady of Lourdes, transportation provided, 1 Hour)
• 6:15 PM Opening Ceremony/Happy Hour & Appetizers, Exhibit Hall (1 Hour)

MON April 28

• 7 – 8:30 AM Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall, NACPA Check in Desk Open
  
• 7 – 7:30 AM Daily Liturgy
• 7:30 – 8 AM Morning Prayer
• 8:30 – 10:15 AM Opening Plenary - SR. NORMA PIMENTEL Creating a Culture of Compassion and Kindness in the Workplace
• 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM Morning Break –
  
• 11:30 – 1:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions (1/5)
• 1:00 – 2:30 PM NACPA Member Business Lunch and Vote for Board Members
  (off-site lunch options are walkable for non-members)
• 2:30 – 2:45 PM Break
  
• 2:45 – 4:15 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions (2/5)
• 5:00 – 5:30 PM Thank You Salt Lake City Happy Hour, Exhibit Hall (30 Min)

TUE April 29

• 7 – 8:30 AM Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall, NACPA Check in Desk Open
  
• 7 – 7:30 AM Daily Liturgy
• 7:30 – 8 AM Morning Prayer
• 8:30 – 10:15 AM Opening Plenary - ZIP RZEPPA Building a Discipleship Culture: Strategies for HR Professionals in the Workplace
• 10:15 - 10:30 AM Book Signing - Zip Rzeppa at the NACPA Desk
• 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM Morning Break 
  
• 11:30 – 1:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions (3/5)
• 1:00 – 2:30 PM Open Lunch – Off-site, walkable options available
• 2:30 PM Exhibit Hall Closes 
• 2:30 – 4:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions (4/5)
• 4:00 – 4:15 PM Break
• 4:15 – 5:45 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions/Roundtables (5/5)
• 6:30 PM Social (30 Min)
• 7 PM Closing Awards Banquet (2 Hrs)
• 9:30 PM - 11PM Karaoke After Party (onsite)

Convocation Recertification

NACPA Convocation is a wonderful opportunity for Church HR Professionals to gain recertification credit hours from both HRCI and SHRM! Below were the credit hours an attendee could submit from attending NACPA 2025.  Registrants must attend both Plenaries, and one session from each session block, including the Live OnDemand (Formerly Roundtables) to receive recertification.

NACPA 2024 was approved for 11 recertification credit hours of which 9.5 are business credit hours toward aPHR®, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®). Full Registration Attendees will receive the activity ID after the program concludes. For more information about certification, please visit the HR Certification Institute website at www.hrci.org.

NACPA 2025 was recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits(PDCs) for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. This program was approved for 11 PDCs for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit https://www.shrm.org.

Attendees receive the activity ID after the program concludes.

Exhibitors & Sponsors 

Our annual convocation is the perfect place to make a true connection with our members. NACPA is proud to be able to offer this annual event, not only as a space for members to learn, commune and connect with each other, but as a space where our members can meet with vendors who offer exemplary solutions for their specific Church Human Resources needs.

As a close-knit community, our members rely on each other for advice and referrals when choosing new vendors. When you attend NACPA convocation, you not only have the opportunity to create a bond with our attending members, your organization will also be represented, via attendee experiences and recommendations throughout the year, as other members come in need of your services.

Included in the exhibit fee is a 6’ x 30” skirted table, two chairs, full participation in non-breakout session event offerings, for two representatives; including the opening reception, opening liturgy, daily prayer, daily liturgy, two plenary sessions, Monday evening happy hour, two continental breakfasts, and the closing social and Awards Banquet Tuesday night.

On-site exhibitor check-in and table assignments are open Sunday from 1-3 PM. Exhibits can be assembled Sunday from 1 PM 1-4 PM and can be dismantled after the Tuesday concurrent sessions begin post lunch on Tuesdays (not provided as many off-campus options), all exhibitors are invited to attend the Social (6:30) and Banquet that evening at 7 PM and the afterparty.

Convocation Exhibitor Information, Rules and Regulations

Convocation Sponsorship Information

2025 On-Site Exhibitors

PAST CONVOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

Convocation 2025 - Salt Lake City, UT - April 27-29, 2025

Convocation 2025 Full Program

Convocation 2024 - Kansas City, MO - April 14-16, 2024

Gratitude for a Joyous NACPA 2024!

 

Convocation 2024 Full Program

Convocation 2023 ~ April 30 - May 2, 2023

NACPA 2023 Full Program

Convocation 2022 ~ May 1-3, 2022

 NACPA 2022 Full Program

NACPA 2022 Closing Awards Banquet Slide Show

Convocation 2021 ~ April 26-28, 2021

We wish to thank the Archdiocese of Baltimore, our Speakers and Sponsors for a beautiful and fulfilling convocation!

#NACPA2021 kicked off our 50th anniversary — it was indeed an occasion for celebration and charting a course for the next 50. 

2021 Session Package Available
through September 15th

50th Anniversary Giving Campaign

NACPA 2021 Program

2021 Virtual Exhibit Hall

(Please note the SHRM number within the program is incorrect)

 Convocation 2020