Top 10 In-Person Conferences for Church Leaders & Nonprofits in 2026

Church leaders and nonprofit organizations thrive when they invest in learning, networking, and spiritual growth. Attending the right conference can provide fresh vision, practical leadership tools, ministry strategies, and valuable connections with other leaders across the country. Below are the 10 best in-person U.S. conferences for 2026, carefully selected to help pastors, ministry teams, and nonprofit professionals grow stronger and more effective in their mission.

1- Church Conference 2026 (formerly Orange Conference)

Ticket Price: In-person tickets from ~$310 (early online rates around $150)
Location: Dallas, Texas – Preston Trail Community Church
Registration: Reserve your spot online via the official conference site (early group discounts and VIP add-ons available)
Website: Church Conference 2026 – Official Site

2- Global Leadership Summit (GLS) 2026

Ticket Price: $199–$259 per person (range varies by registration date)
Location: South Barrington, Illinois – Willow Creek Community Church (main host site)
Registration: Register through the GLS website or a local host-site; main in-person venue is Willow Creek (simulcast to 400+ locations)
Website: Global Leadership Summit 2026

3- Exponential Conference 2026 (Global)

Ticket Price: Approximately $149 per person (early/overflow rate for in-person)
Location: Orlando, Florida – First Baptist Orlando
Registration: Sign up on the Exponential website (main conference is sold out, overflow tickets available)
Website: Exponential 2026 Global Conference

4- Christian Leadership Alliance Outcomes Conference 2026

Ticket Price: $899 (members) / $1,099 (non-members) for full conference pass
Location: Dallas, Texas – Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport
Registration: Register via the CLA official site; includes 100+ workshops across leadership, fundraising, HR, etc.
Website: Outcomes Conference 2026 by CLA

5- Watermark Church Leaders Conference (CLC) 2026

Ticket Price: $279 per person (groups of 6+ at $259 each)
Location: Dallas, Texas – Watermark Community Church
Registration: Secure tickets via Watermark’s registration portal (two identical 2-day sessions offered: Apr 27–28 or Apr 29–30)
Website: Watermark Church Leaders Conference 2026

6- ARC Conference 2026

Ticket Price: $199 per person (Charleston, SC event; pricing varies by location)
Location: Charleston, South Carolina – (ARC also hosts 2026 conferences in Edmonton and Liverpool)
Registration: Register through ARC’s website for the Charleston gathering (April 21–22, 2026) – designed for pastors, leaders, and church planters to connect and grow
Website: ARC Conference 2026

7- Thrive Conference 2026

Ticket Price: $329+ per person (base rate, with group discounts)
Location: Roseville, California – Bayside Church (Granite Bay campus)
Registration: Sign up on the Thrive conference site; an optional advanced leadership training day is available as an add-on
Website: Thrive Conference 2026

8- RightNow Conference 2026

Ticket Price: TBD (to be announced; previous years ranged around $199–$249)
Location: Dallas, Texas – Bent Tree Bible Fellowship (venue for 2026)
Registration: Opens May 1, 2026 via RightNow Media’s site – a 3-day event focused on equipping pastors and church staff in discipleship and small-group ministry
Website: RightNow Conference 2026

9- VOUSCon 2026

Ticket Price: $211+ per person (starting price; group and VIP options available)
Location: Miami, Florida – hosted by VOUS Church (conference theme “Born to Live”)
Registration: Register through the VOUSCon website; experience includes worship, keynotes, breakouts, and unique add-ons like Lunch & Learns
Website: VOUS Conference 2026

10- SALT Conference 2026

Ticket Price: Contact for pricing (pricing available upon request sign-up)
Location: Dallas, Texas – (exact venue TBA; creative arts & tech ministry conference)
Registration: Reserve via the SALT 2026 website – an immersive 3-day event for church creatives, tech teams, and worship leaders (offers main sessions, workshops, and optional masterclasses)
Website: SALT 2026 Creative Conference

Each of these conferences is confirmed for 2026 and offers in-person experiences tailored to church leadership, faith-based nonprofits, ministry growth, and organizational development. Make sure to check the official websites for the most up-to-date registration details and any early-bird discounts. Each event is backed by reputable organizers and features well-known speakers to help you and your team grow in vision, skills, and spiritual vitality.