FAQ

What is the cancellation policy?

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. If you are registering attendees other than yourself, you are responsible for conveying registration details and cancellation policies to each of them, and are agreeing to these policies on their behalf.

Without exception, we are not able to extend Early Bird pricing after October 31. 

You may cancel your registration and receive a full refund up until December 31st. Registrations cancelled on or after January 1 due to Covid-related exposure or illness will be refunded. You may also transfer your registration to someone else at any point up until the conference. It is your responsibility to find someone to whom you may transfer your registration. 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 need to cancel or transfer your registration, please email the national gathering team at nationalgathering@eco-pres.org.

What airport should I fly into?

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (30 minutes from hotels/church) 

Dallas/Love Field (10 minutes from hotels/church) 

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.

What about parking?

HPPC is a neighborhood church. If you are driving, there is parking in the new parking garage at the church. Entrance to the garage is from McFarlin Blvd. You may also park on side streets surrounding the church. Please adhere to all signs and be a great neighbor! 

When does the gathering start and end?

We will begin with pre-conferences on Monday, January 31. The gathering starts Tuesday February 1 at 9:00am and concludes with the Synod meeting Thursday February 3, ending no later than 3:00pm. See schedule for details.

Can I register for only 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!

Do you accept walk up registrations?

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

Can 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.

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 Pricing) cut off, may I still receive the early bird rate?

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.

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!

Who should attend the gathering?

Pastors, elders, lay leaders, spouses, seminarians and students, staff teams, covenant partners, and those interesting 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!

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 there be a Synod Business Meeting? Will commissioners vote on anything this year?

Yes.  There will be a Synod meeting starting at 9am on Thursday February 3, concluding no later than 3pm.  If you are a commissioner, you will receive a letter prior to the gathering with all pertinent information.  If you are not a commissioner, you are more than welcome to attend the Synod meeting and there will be a special seating section for you as an observer.

How do I know if I am a commissioner?

Only those approved by ECO presbyteries are able to vote as a commissioner. If you are unsure if you have been approved, please reach out to your local presbytery clerk. Please click here to obtain your presbytery clerk’s email.

How can I find a roomate to share housing expenses?

We encourage you to connect with others in your presbytery who may be interested in sharing housing. You may also post on our ECO Roommate Connections Facebook page and potentially find someone there!  Please note that ECO monitors the page, but all posting, connections, correspondence, and details following will be handled on your own.

I have more quesions, who do I ask?

We’re happy to answer any questions you may have! Please email us at nationalgathering@eco-pres.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.  

Please do not contact Highland Park Presbyterian directly with questions regarding the national gathering.