faq | ECO National Gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions not answered in the below FAQs, feel free to email us at nationalgathering@eco-pres.org.

General

Registration and Cancellation

Accommodations & Travel

General

When does the gathering start and end?

We will begin with pre-conferences on Monday afternoon, January 29th.

The gathering starts Tuesday, January 30th at 9:00 AM and concludes on Wednesday, January 31st at 5:30 PM (unless you are attending the Global Engagement Dinner, which ends at 8pm).

If you are a commissioner, or are interested in attending the Synod Business Meeting (all are welcome!), that will take place on Thursday, February 1st and conclude at 12 PM. See schedule for details.

Will there be child care available?

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide childcare. If you are bringing your child(ren) to attend any parts of the gathering with you, please let us know so we can make them feel welcome!

Will you have a room available for nursing moms?

Yes! There are two private cry rooms available in the new Worship Arts Center.

Do you offer scholarships?

We do not offer scholarships through our national office. Please connect with your local church and/or your presbytery to see if they may have some funds set aside to help!

Will you be taking an offering?

Yes we will be taking an offering and will let you know what it will go toward as soon as possible.

Who should attend the gathering?

Pastors, elder, lay leaders, spouses, seminarians and students, staff teams, covenant partners and those interested in learning more about ECO. We have designed this year's gathering to be beneficial for your entire leadership team and anyone involved in your local church.

There is an immense opportunity for growth and bonding when you come to the gathering with others from your congregation! Take free time during the week to plan and pray, get to know others serving in similar church settings, or just hang out, have fun and make memories together!

What is the dress code?

We are casual. Wear whatever you are most comfortable in! Be sure to check the weather before you pack.

Will there be a Synod business meeting this year? Do commissioners need to vote on anything?

Yes! The Synod Business Meeting will take place Thursday morning, February 1. Anyone is welcome to attend. See schedule for details. Commissioners will receive a packet with info on the meeting around the new year.

Registration and Cancellation

What is your cancellation policy?

You may cancel your registration and receive a full refund up until December 31, 2023. Late cancellations for reasons including family emergency or weather-related travel delays/cancellations will be reviewed by the National Gathering registration team and may not necessarily result in a full or partial refund. If you have registered attendees other than yourself, you are responsible for conveying registration/cancellation policies to each of them, and are agreeing to these policies on their behalf by checking the box below.

Anyone is welcome to attend the gathering, but please note that anyone who attends any part of the gathering including main sessions, breakouts, and meals MUST be officially registered, paid in full, and have a name badge. We do not prorate registrations.

Without exception, we are not able to offer Early Bird pricing after October 31. Registration closes on January 20th. If we are reaching capacity prior to January 20th, we will communicate in advance via email that we will be closing registration and beginning a waiting list. If you need to register after this date, please email nationalgathering@eco-pres.org for access. The cost will be $325 after Jan 20th.

Transfers: You may transfer your registration to someone else if needed. It is your responsibility to find someone to whom you may transfer your registration. It is your responsibility to find someone to whom you may transfer your registration. You have until Jan 1st to transfer your registration to someone else. To start the transfer process, please click here. If you would like to transfer your registration after Jan 1st, please email us at nationalgathering@eco-pres.org.

Can I register for one day of the conference?

Unfortunately, no. You must register for the entire gathering. Clear your schedule for a few days - it will be worth it!

Will you accept walk up registrations?

You need to pre-register for the gathering. We are not able to accommodate walk up registrations.

If my church was not yet in ECO and/or I was unaware of the possibility to attend the National Gathering until after the October 31st early bird cut off, may I still receive the early bird registration discount?

Unfortunately, without exception, we are not able to offer early bird pricing after October 31. If you are unsure if you have registered, please search your email for your confirmation or send us a message at nationalgathering@eco-pres.org well before the early bird cut off and we can check for you.

May my spouse attend the gathering with me?

Anyone is welcome to attend the gathering, but please note, anyone who attends any part of the gathering including main sessions, breakouts, and meals MUST be officially registered, paid, and have a name badge.

May I change the breakouts I originally signed up for?

Of course! You do not need to do anything “official” ahead of time. Just show up and attend the breakouts you are interested in, even if they are different than what you registered for.