2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Since 1965, ICSC has hosted annual conferences in cities across North America. Hundreds of pastors, diocesan directors of stewardship and development, parish leaders, professional firms, Catholic associations and religious congregations from around the wold come together each year for presentations, workshops, liturgies and major addresses. Participants experience the Catholic vision of Christian stewardship as a way of life.
Timely topics by knowledgeable and experienced speakers fill a comprehensive program. Experts share practical information and experiences that have proven successful. Inspiring liturgies, annual award presentations, networking luncheons, engaging receptions and specialized exhibits supplement this worthwhile event.
New Learning Tracks
Build a firm foundation for the next generation. This year's conference features first-ever track for Catholic school development.
Pastoral Letter Anniversary
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the U.S. Bishop's pastoral letter on stewardship and discover it's ongoing relevance for today.
Inspiration For Your Parish
From Hispanic ministry to young adults, learn targeted stewardship techniques achieving success in other parishes across the nation.
Download Conference Brochure
Pre-Conference Workshops
Stewards of Our Strengths
ICSC and Catholic Life and Faith are again partnering to present the 2017 Stewards of Our Strengths* pre-conference workshop before the 55th Annual ICSC Conference. Only available to ICSC conference registrants, this session builds on the great response and feedback from the last two year’s preconference workshops! Given by Leisa Anslinger, attendees at this preconference will learn how parish and diocesan leaders are leading their people to be good stewards of their strengths, and leave equipped to start or sustain strengths development in their communities.
Catholic Foundations Forum
All Catholic Community Foundation directors, officers and board members are invited to a preconference gathering in Atlanta before the 55th annual conference of the International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC)! The Forum is based on feedback from the last two events, and promises to be even more lively and interactive.
FAQ's
How can I register for the conference?
Online registration is available on our website by clicking one of the links above. You may also complete and return the registration form on the brochure to our office, or call our office at 800-352-3452.
What are the payment options?
Checks, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. Please make checks payable to ICSC. Your registration will be confirmed when payment is received. Conference registration and payments must be received prior to the conference. Payments cannot be accepted during the conference.
How can we take advantage of the early bird registration discount if we do not yet know who will be attending?
You can purchase registration “spots” on or before July 31, 2017, and submit the name of the attendee to us by August 31, 2017.
What all is included in my registration fee?
• Inspiring keynote speakers each day of the conference
• Thought-provoking presentations given in ten separate tracks
• Valuable how-to resources and ideas to take home and implement immediately
• Inspiring liturgies
• Welcome reception on Sunday evening with full bar and appetizers
• Continental breakfasts on Monday and Tuesday mornings
• Luncheons and plenary sessions on Monday and Tuesday afternoons
• Multiple networking opportunities with peers
• A chance to be enriched both personally and professionally
• Opportunities to learn more about a wide variety of products and services from professional organizations in the ICSC conference exhibit hall
Are there any registration discounts?
Yes, we have two discount options for ICSC member parishes, dioceses, and organizations:
1. Early bird discount ($499): Register before July 31, 2017
2. Member rate of ($599): Any member registrations received on or after August 1.
All registrants from a member parish may register at the member rate, and all diocesan staff from a member diocese may register at the member rate.
Can I become a member and register for the conference at the same time to save money?
Yes, you have the option of joining ICSC during the registration process! In fact, there is a membership section on the conference registration form. For membership benefits, please visit our website at http://catholicstewardship.com/membership or contact the ICSC office at 800-352-3452.
My parish is not yet a member of ICSC, but my diocese is a member. May I register for the conference under the diocesan membership?
Yes. If your parish has never sent anyone to an ICSC conference before, for one time only, you may take advantage of the diocesan membership to register as part of a “Come and See” invitation. However, a discounted registration rate to the conference is only one of the benefits to an ICSC membership, and the parish wouldn’t be eligible to receive the other benefits without becoming a member itself.
What is the cancellation policy?
Any registration cancellation received by August 1, 2017 will be eligible for a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. Without exception, all refunds must be requested in writing. PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO REFUNDS AFTER AUGUST 1, 2017. Postmark determines cancellation deadline.
Can I send someone in my place if I can no longer attend?
Yes, please be sure to contact us as soon as possible (must be before September 8, 2017) with your replacement’s name and contact information so they will have proper credentials and information once they arrive at the conference.
Is there a single-day registration fee?
No, ICSC does not offer single-day or single session registrations for the annual conference.
What is new at the conference in 2017?
This year ICSC is pleased to introduce, in response to requests from our members, a track specifically for Catholic school advancement professionals! Principals will find this of interest too. Also, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the publishing of Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, we have a track focusing on the Pastoral Letter, its history, and the impact it continues to make on the Catholic Church throughout the world.
My staff and I will be looking at changing some of our service providers in the coming year. How many firms will be represented in the Exhibit area for us to speak with?
At this time, 59 firms offering a variety of parish, school and/or diocesan products and services have committed to join us as exhibitors. Several will be sharing their expertise with us in session presentations. In addition, several parishes will be exhibiting their materials used for stewardship education and annual commitment.
May I bring a guest to the luncheons?
Yes, lunch guest passes are available for $50 for each luncheon if purchased on or before September 1. Please contact the ICSC office at 800-352-3452 if you would like to purchase guest passes for this meal.
May I bring a guest to the exhibit hall?
For security purposes, only registered attendees are allowed entrance to the exhibit hall. Regrettably, we are unable to accommodate children as well.
Do I have to attend all the sessions in one specific track, or can I attend a session in another track if it is more applicable to my parish or diocese?
You do not have to attend every session in one specific track, and are free to attend the sessions that are most beneficial to you. You also do not need to pre-register for the conference workshops you want to attend. We do limit the sessions designated as clergy-to-clergy to attendance only by clergy and religious.
Are you offering a special lodging rate for the conference? How do I make my hotel reservation?
Special conference lodging rates have been secured at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, Georgia. The hotel is blocks away from the city’s major attractions including the College Football Hall of Fame, the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, Center for Civil and Human Rights, Georgia World Congress Center, and the Georgia Dome. A block of rooms has been reserved from September 15 through September 21, 2017 at the rate of $199 single or double occupancy, plus taxes. Reservations must be madethrough our conference coordinator, Plaza Meetings at https://www.plazameetings.com/icsc/ by August 15 to receive the conference rate. Because the room block sells out quickly, we encourage you to reserve your room early!