NACPA Annual Convocation 

NACPA Convocation Overview
NACPA 2026 Attendee & Speaker Registration
Plenary Speakers
Agenda & Sessions
Accommodations
Recertification - HRCI / SHRM
Exhibitors & Sponsors
Past Convocations

 


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 

 

2026 Program

The Conference will 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 2026 Registration

NACPA 2026 will be held April 19-21 in New Orleans, LA at the Loews New Orleans Hotel, 300 Poydras Street, located in the heart of the city. NACPA Block Room rates will be $199 per night.
Membership dues for the 2025_2026 fiscal year are: $205 Individual / $805 Group (up to 5, $125 ea. addt'l group member)
2026 Attendee / Speaker Registration
 

2026 PRICING

NACPA Members

  • Full One-time Payment: Early Bird: $725 (Oct - Dec 31, 2025)
  • Layaway Plan: $250 (Oct - Dec 31, 2025), $250 by 12/31/25, $225 by 2/28/2026. ($725)
  • Regular: $775 (Jan 1, 2026 - March 31, 2026) 

Non-Members:

  • Regular: $850 (Oct, 2025 - March 31, 2026)
  • Late: $875 (April 1, 2026 onward)

Speakers:

  • $725 (This price available to members through Dec 31, 2025.)

CANCELLATION POLICY
Attendee Reservations may be canceled with a refund of fees paid less $250 upon receipt of cancellation prior to March 1, 2026. Due to contractual and other commitments made by NACPA, no refund will be made for cancellations received after March 1, 2026.

2026 Attendee / Speaker Registration

 Accommodations 

We are pleased to be hosting NACPA 2026 at the Loews New Orleans Hotel in Downtown NOLA.

From the moment you lay eyes on the beautiful stained glass in the lobby and take in the comfortable and stylish décor, you'll feel surrounded in all the elegance the Crescent city has to offer. At Loews New Orleans, you’ll find amenities and services that make you feel like you’ve just checked into an oasis of tranquility in a city that never stops.

The NACPA Room Block Rate is open for reservations at $199/night

2026 Program Agenda and Sessions



2026 Sessions

 2026 Plenary Speakers

Rev. Prof. Philip Larrey, Ph.D

Professor of the Practice
Department of Philosophy
Boston College
Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences

Monday April 19 8:45-10:30am

Fr. Philip Larrey, Ph.D., is a Catholic priest and professor of philosophy at Boston College. He previously held the Chair of Logic and Epistemology at the Pontifical Lateran University in the Vatican, where he also served as Dean of the Philosophy Department. His scholarly work focuses on the philosophy of knowledge, critical thinking, and the impact of the digital era on society.

Fr. Larrey has authored several influential books, including Futuro ignoto (IF Press) and Connected World (Penguin), which explore the profound effects of digital advancements on modern life. The latter was translated into Italian as Dove inizia il futuro by Mondadori in 2018. His most recent book, Artificial Humanity, published in 2019, offers a deep philosophical analysis of AI's significance for humanity. It has recently been translated into Chinese and was featured at the Hong Kong Book Fair in July.

A notable aspect of his work is his engagement with the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence. Fr. Larrey actively engages with industry leaders and scholars at the Vatican, fostering discussions on how technology influences societal structures.

Fr. Larrey is a sought-after speaker who travels globally to share his expertise at universities, forums, and conferences. His engaging presentations highlight his thought leadership and deep understanding of the intersection of digital advancements and ethics. Notable organizations he has collaborated with include the United Nations, Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the World Congress of Philosophy. Fr. Larrey's insights make him a compelling choice for organizations aiming to deepen their understanding of the ethical implications of AI.

Based in Boston, Fr. Larrey is an avid bridge player and a passionate fan of the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.

** NEW SESSION OFFERING ** Sunday Stand-Alone Session

Sunday, April 19 - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM 

An HR Beginner's Guide to
Church Terminology and Governance

Speakers:
Maureen Fontenot, PHR, SHRM-CP Chancellor / Director of HR, Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana
Sarah Fogler, SPHR SHRM-CP, HR Officer, Diocese of Richmond, Virginia

Do you ever wonder what a particular term means in relation to the Catholic Church, or why the Church follows certain practices? Have you asked yourself what the proper way is to address a member of the clergy? This session is designed to answer those questions and more—providing HR professionals with a practical introduction to the language and governance of the Catholic Church.

We will explore the structure of dioceses, chanceries, parishes, and religious orders, and explain how administration in the Church differs from other organizations. Participants will learn how canon law influences Church administration and HR practices, and why it matters for their daily work. By the end, attendees will walk away with a beginner’s understanding of Church terminology, governance, and administration—equipping them to engage more confidently and effectively in HR roles within the Catholic context.

  • This session is included in the price of registration.

  • This session is not mandatory in order to receive the M/T HRCI/SHRM accreditation.

  • This session will earn a separate accreditation for attendees.

  • The schedule has been built so that you ARE able to attend this session as well as the morning tour and the afternoon orientation.

  • There will not be any food served during this session. (Another great reason to enjoy the morning Queen Creole River Cruise Jazz Brunch!)

  • There is a 15 min break between this session and Orientation.

  • It is suggested that if you plan on attending this session, you plan to arrive Saturday.

 

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).

This year there will be two separate recertifications available.

  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).

  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.

Below: NACPA 2025 Recertification - to serve as an example for what may be achieved in 2026.
Recertification credit hours will be released in early 2026.

NACPA 2025 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 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.

Convocation Exhibitor Information, Rules and Regulations

Convocation Sponsorship Information

 


 

 

 2025

2025 On-Site Exhibitors

ACELA Solutions
BAS MyEnroll360, Benefit Allocation Systems
Catholic Benefits Law
Catholic Mutual Group (Electric)(Full Ad)
Checkwriters  NEW 2022 (1st Ex sign up!) (Electric)
Christian Brothers Services 
Christ Medicus Foundation - HOPE Program (CURO)
Clergy Care a Service of Meta Care 
Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Co.
Gallagher
Investing for Catholics
Key Benefit Services
Lockton
Matthias Group, LLC 
Milliman, Inc.
Mutual of America
MyCatholicDoctor
Paylocity
Reta Trust
Saint John Vianney Center
Sterling Wellness Solutions
SGIA Medicare Consulting
USI Consulting Group
Villanova University
VIRTUS Programs 
Voya
                                   

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

 

Convocation 2024 Full Program

Opening Liturgy at Visitation Catholic Church, Kansas City, MO. Celebrated by Bishop Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

NACPA 2024 Plenary Speakers: Marvelless Mark Kamp, Deacon Larry Oney


Convocation 2023 ~ Baltimore, MD ~ April 30 - May 2, 2023

NACPA 2023 Full Program

 

Convocation 2022 ~ Albuquerque, NM ~ May 1-3, 2022

 NACPA 2022 Full Program
NACPA 2022 Closing Awards Banquet Slide Show

 

Convocation 2021 ~ VIRTUAL ~ Baltimore, MD ~ 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. 

NACPA 2021 Program

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

 


 Convocation 2020


Read the Letter from NACPA President regarding NACPA 2020 Convocation

We would like, again, to thank Archbishop Gregory Aymond, of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and NACPA's Episcopal Moderator, for his blessing over our members and his words of hope and grace during the Half-Hour Happy Hour and each of the VEH Sponsors (below) and Exhibitors for their time, talents and continued support and commitment to NACPA Members.




Convocation 2019 San Antonio


Convocation 2018 Niagara Falls


 Convocation 2017 Nashville

 

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