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EPN 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Smart Starts

Tuesday, March 3, beginning at 10:00 AM ET

Kick off your EPN 2026 experience with one of three Smart Start sessions-Communications, Endowment, or Stewardship.

Open to all attendees, these sessions offer deep dives into best practices, strategies, and practical tools you can immediately apply in your ministry.

Whether you’re new to these areas or looking to sharpen your expertise, Smart Starts are a great way to begin your conference week with focus and inspiration.

Pre-Conference Sessions

Tuesday, March 3, 2:00 PM ET – Wednesday, March 4, 12:00 PM ET

Pre-conferences are immersive, role-based gatherings for clergy and lay leaders. They combine focused learning with meaningful networking among peers who share similar responsibilities and ministry contexts.

Some pre-conferences are tailored for specific roles:

  • Rectors & Deans: For rectors, deans, priests-in-charge, interim rectors, and others serving as senior clergy in congregations.

Others are open to all interested participants:

  • Volunteer Lay Leaders: For vestry members, wardens, committee chairs, and others serving in volunteer leadership roles.
  • Lay Church Staff: For lay employees serving in parishes, cathedrals, and Episcopal institutions.

Pre-conferences begin Tuesday afternoon, include a shared dinner and conversation that evening, and conclude Wednesday morning. They’re an ideal opportunity to form lasting connections and gain insights from others engaged in similar ministry work across the Church.

Workshop Tracks

The six workshop tracks at EPN 2026 are designed to inform, inspire, and equip you for ministry. Sessions will explore leadership, financial resiliency, innovation, inclusivity, property management, and more.

You’re welcome to mix and match sessions to build an agenda that best fits your interests and ministry focus.

Women Clergy Gathering

Wednesday, March 4, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET

Sheraton & Le Meridien Charlotte

EPN is honored to again host the Women Clergy Gathering (WCG)-open to women, women-identified, and non-binary clergy.

This in-person event includes lunch and opportunities for connection and conversation.

A pre-conference virtual gathering will also be held in late January; details will be shared with registrants.

The WCG is offered at no cost, and registration is open even if you are not attending the full conference.

Breakfast Presentations

Thursday & Friday, March 5-6, 7:30-8:30 AM ET

Start your morning with good company and thought-provoking discussion.

Grab your breakfast and join us for engaging presentations before the day’s main sessions begin.

Details for each presentation will be announced closer to the conference.

Sponsored Lunches

Thursday, March 5, 12:00-1:30 PM ET

Lunch will be provided for all conference attendees on Thursday, March 5.

Several sponsored lunches require registration and are available on a first-come, first-served basis for registered participants.

Hotel Parking

Please note that you’ll need a physical key card from the hotel to exit the parking structure.

The system will not work with the mobile app key.

BACK to Conference Information

“CCS Fundraising has proudly supported the Episcopal Parish Network (EPN) as a Presenting Partner for over 10 years. Each year, we look forward to connecting with new and familiar faces at our exhibit booth and engaging in EPN’s outstanding programming. Sponsoring and exhibiting at EPN continues to deliver strong value, and we encourage others to take part.”

Luke Driscoll, Managing Partner and Director, CCS Fundraising

“For parishes thinking about becoming an EPN member, I say give it a try! Take it to your vestry and show them how it can change your ministry. It’s changing mine.”

The Rev. Tommy Thompson, Rector, Washington Memorial Chapel: The Episcopal Church at Valley Forge

“You ask the question what’s in it for me?
You’ll only meet 700 amazing Christians who will transform and inspire your ministry for the rest of your life. Oh! I might try that.”

The Rev. Dr. Sam Wells, Vicar, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and 2023 Conference Keynote Speaker

“Educational Opportunities Tours has enjoyed being a sponsor of the EPN Conference for many years. It is a great time each year to reconnect with leaders we already know and meet new people interested in Christian travel. It is an anticipated time of fellowship, learning, and business networking.”

Mark Yeh, Director, Ministry Partnerships, Educational Opportunity Tours

“EPN is an excellent conference that we attend every year. We’ve always felt very welcome, our Watts vestments are consistently well received, and we’ve made great contacts with leaders from across the Church.”

Robert Hoare, Watts and Co., London (UK)

“EPN membership helps us talk to other people from other parishes who are struggling with the same things...great pollination of what’s going on in the Episcopal Church and a renewal being with other Episcopalians.”

Ms. Rosie Thompson, Sponsor, Watts and Co., London (UK)

“I’m slightly worried about where the church is going … but EPN is helping me stay informed about the future and how to navigate it.”

The Rev. Elizabeth Ivell, Associate Rector, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Morristown, NJ
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