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 SAMPLE 

NACPA 2026
The Conference begins on Sunday, with several optional activities throughout the day, before our Opening Ceremony and Social in the evening.

NEW  this year - Sunday, Stand-Alone, Session 1PM - 3PM - An HR Beginner's Guide to Church Terminology and Governance

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 Lowes Hotel in New Orleans, LA. 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.

NACPA 2027 Registration

NACPA 2027 will be held April 18-20 in Savannah, GA at the DeSoto Hotel.

Pricing will be available July 2026 ~ Registration Opens October 2026

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Convocation Recertification

NACPA Convocation is a wonderful opportunity for Church HR Professionals to gain recertification credit hours from both HRCI and SHRM! Registrants must attend both Plenaries, and one session from each session block of Monday and Tuesday, including the Live OnDemand (Formerly Roundtables) to receive recertification (seven sessions).

NACPA 2026 offered two separate recertifications:

1. The usual, as below, achieved by attending both plenaries, two workshop sessions Monday and Tuesday and a Roundtable/Live OnDemand Hot Topic session (seven sessions). 11 PDCs / 11 HR General / 7 HR Business
   
   
2. The second can be achieved by attending the HR Beginner's Guide Workshop - Sunday, April 19th, 1PM-3PM. This session is not mandatory to attend in order to achieve the usual recertification offered. 2 PDCs / 2 HR General

NACPA 2026 has been approved for 11 recertification credit hours of which 7 are business credit hours toward a PHR®, 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 2026 is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. This program is valid 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.

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Exhibitors & Sponsors 

Exhibitors for NACPA 2027 will be required to contain their booths/displays within and behind the 6 foot border of their table.

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 12 PM - 2 PM. Exhibits can be assembled Sunday from 12 PM - 4 PM and can be dismantled after the Tuesday concurrent sessions begin, post lunch, on Tuesday (lunch not provided as many off-campus options). All exhibitors are warmly invited to attend our closing Social (6:30) and Annual Awards Banquet that evening at 7 PM - 9 PM, as well as the 3rd Annual NACPA Karaoke afterparty 9:30 - 11 PM.

Exhibitor Information        Sponsorship Information

NACPA IS GRATEFUL TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS