2026 Annual Convention: April 16-18 in Cincinnati

Act Now – “Early Bird” Rates Available Until Feb. 28

Several registration options are offered for both RCC members and non-members, including the full convention, single day, and group rates. Details and the online registration form are posted at Register – Religion Communicators Council

The convention is a great way for people to learn from one other, share best practices, and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups.

General information about the convention, including hotel reservations and speakers’ bios, will be posted below, as they are finalized.

Convention Schedule

Wednesday, April 15


Wednesday, April 15
All Day		Arrivals, Check into Hotels
1:00 – 5:00 PM		Optional Site Visits

Thursday, April 16

Thursday, April 16
1:00 PM	Marriott RiverCenter	Check in/Mingle (Conference Participants)
1:30 PM		Welcome Opening
2:00 PM		Local Religious Landscape in Cincinnati
2:30 AM		Plenary Speaker
3:00 PM		Break
3:15 PM		Panel – Media Relations
4:45 PM		Closing of the First Day
5:00 PM		Break
6:00 PM		DeRose-Hinkhouse Memorial Awards Banquet

Friday, April 17

Friday, April 17
8:00 AM		Annual Business Meeting/Light Breakfast
9:00 AM		Break
9:15 AM		Welcome, 2nd Day
9:45 AM		Panel
10:45 AM		Break
11:00 AM		Workshop – Crisis Communications
12:15 PM		Break
12:30 PM		Lunch w/ Panel/Featured Speakers – Religious Literacy
1:45 AM		Break/Load Buses
2:00 PM	American Sign Museum	Travel to the American Sign Museum
2:30 PM		Plenary Speaker
3:30 PM		Instructions for Wilburs/Sign Museum Time
4:30 PM		Load Buses/Back to Hotel
5:00 PM		Arrive Back at Hotel

6:30 PM	Wenzel Distillery	Wilbur Awards Pre-Dinner Reception
7:00 PM		Wilbur Awards

Saturday, April 18

Saturday, April 18
9:00 AM		Light breakfast
9:15 AM		Welcome – Day 3
9:45 AM		Opening Plenary/Panel/Interfaith Work
		Religion and American Democracy
10:45 AM		Break
11:00 AM		Workshop
12:30 PM		Lunch with Panel/Featured Speaker
2:00 PM		Closing remarks

Most of the convention will take place in the Cincinnati Marriott RiverCenter, 10 West RiverCenter Boulevard, Covington, Kentucky – just across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati.

We’ve secured a special rate of $169/night, plus fees and taxes – browse rooms and hotel amenities and make your reservations at this link so that you receive the convention rate: https://book.passkey.com/event/51145712/owner/1475/home

The hotel is about 13 miles (about an 18-minute drive) from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. For those flying in, several ground transportation options are available, including rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, taxis, or private shuttle services) and the TANK bus service. Parking at the hotel is available for those driving; self-parking in attached garage ($20.00/day for one exit) or valet parking ($20.00/day w/ in-and-out privileges or $42.00 overnight w/ in-and-out privileges). Note: pricing is subject to change.

More information about the hotel, along with a photo gallery and area map, are posted here: Cincinnati RiverCenter – Riverfront Hotel with Direct Access to NKYCC (Note: don’t book through this general info page as you will not receive the special RCC convention room rate.)

Adventures in Cincinnati tour guide

Need an insider’s take on the places around Cincinnati that should be on your “must do” list? Check out this tour guide, put together by RCC member and Cincinnati area resident Tami McMann.