Back to Events

ACP 2026 Annual Membership Meeting

Register for the ACP's 2026 annual meeting on May 28-29. 2026!

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 3:00 PM (CDT) to Friday, May 29, 2026 at 12:00 PM (CDT)

Join us for the 2026 ACP Annual Membership as we explore current topics in Catholic publishing and celebrate the best people and titles in Catholic publishing.

  • Keynote Speakers: Hear from industry leaders and researchers who will inspire, educate and challenge you.
  • Workshops: Gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and techniques for Catholic publishing.
  • NEW! Reverse Exhibit: Sit down with a drink and find out the newest and best in publishing resources as company representatives travel from table to table to help meet your needs and solve your most pressing problems.
  • Sponsors and Exhibitors: Engage with a wide variety of company representatives sharing their expertise.
  • Peer Group Meetings: Join discussions with people in similar roles as yours about your common joys, challenges and problems to be solved.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues from across the industry over food, beverages, and during your free time.

Agenda

May 27
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM ACP Board of Directors Meeting
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ACP Board of Directors/Heads of Houses Dinner Sponsored by knk Software
May 28
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Special Meeting with USCCB Secretariat for Divine Worship Led by Fr. Dought and Mary Sperry
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch and Opening Session/Keynote Lunch sponsored by Nord Compo
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Networking Break Sponsored by ColorHouse Graphics
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM Workshops: Round A
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM Networking Break
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Afternoon General Session: Keynote Speaker
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM Networking Break
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM Workshops: Round B
5:15 PM - 6:45 PM Beer and Wine Are Served!
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Reverse Exhibit
6:45 PM - 8:00 PM ACP Dinner with Awards Presentations
May 29
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Morning Prayer
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM Continental Breakfast with Keynote Speaker
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Peer Group Meetings

Bridget Ritz, Ph.D., from the University of Notre Dame will open the 2026 ACP Membership Meeting, talking about Christian Smith's latest book on religious obsolescence.

Bridget's research is animated by the desire to understand culture and how it changes. Her theoretical work seeks to bridge insights from pragmatism and critical realism, and develop sociological theories of cultural change. Empirically, her work examines culture though qualitative or mixed methods research about science, religion, abortion, and parenting. Bridget is co-author of Religious Parenting: Transmitting Faith and Values in Contemporary America (Princeton University Press, 2020). Her articles have been published in the Journal for the Theory of Social Behavior, the Journal of Critical Realism, and Science Advances. Bridget completed her PhD in Sociology at the University of Notre Dame (2022) and her MA in the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago (2015).


Jason Malec from Gloo will offer a virtual presentation on using AI in creative, innovative, and productive ways.

Jason helps organizations accelerate mission by streamlining objectives, strategies, and storytelling. He works with Gloo AI, an AI-powered trustworthy source for spiritual growth. (ai.gloo.us) He’s served in executive leadership at Living on the Edge, American Bible Society, New Denver Church, ExploreGod, and North Point Ministries.


Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis, co-hosts of the Jesuitical podcast will talk about what they are seeing and hearing about the intersection between the world, faith, and culture.

Ashley McKinless is an executive editor at America.

Zac Davis is an associate editor and the senior director for digital strategy for America. 

Chicago Naperville MarriottThe 2026 ACP Annual Membership Meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn O'Hare (5615 N. Cumberland Ave., Chicago, IL 60631). The hotel is conveniently located 10 minutes from O'Hare International Airport and near I-90, I-94, and I-294. The Holiday Inn also offers free parking and wi-if to meeting attendees. 

Our special meeting room rate is $129++. The hotel reservation cut-off date is 5/5/26. There are 2 ways to register:

  • Go online to www.hiohare.com and use the group code "ACP."
  • Call 1-800-HOLIDAY (1-800-465-4329) or 773-693-5800 and use the group name "Association of Catholic Publishers."
Credits Price
Registration (Early-Bird)
This registration rate is available through 4/17/26. Registration Ends 4/17/26 at 11:59 PM CDT
$159.00
Registration (Regular)
This registration rate is available from 4/18/26 to 5/8/26. Registration Opens 4/18/26 at 12:00 AM CDT
$179.00
Registration (Late)
This registration rate is available from 5/9/26 through onsite registration. Registration Opens 5/9/26 at 12:00 AM CDT
$199.00
Credits Price
Registration (Non-Member)
Registration Ends 5/30/26 at 3:59 AM CDT
$219.00
Credits Price
Speaker Registration
Please select this ticket if you are speaker and you are ONLY attending for your session.

If you would like to eat lunch and/or dinner with the participants, please select one or both of the other "Speaker Plus" ticket(s).
Registration Ends 5/30/26 at 3:59 AM CDT
FREE
Speaker Registration PLUS Thursday Dinner
Your registration as a speaker is free. 

However, use this ticket if you would like to attend Thursday evening's dinner and awards reception.
Registration Ends 5/30/26 at 4:00 AM CDT
$55.00
Credits Price
Thursday Box Lunch (by preorder only)
Purchase this ticket ONLY if you are a sponsor, exhibitor, or other guest who has not registered as a member or non-member for the full membership meeting. Registration Ends 5/30/26 at 3:00 AM CDT
$40.00

Sponsorship/Exhibitor Information

Download the complete letter and list of opportunities!

Join us in Chicago on May 28, 2026 for the Association of Catholic Publishers’ (ACP) annual Membership Meeting—the premier gathering for leaders across the Catholic publishing industry.

This year’s meeting offers fresh, dynamic ways to connect with publishers and decision-makers, making it the most valuable sponsorship and exhibiting opportunity yet.

Why Sponsor or Exhibit?

The ACP Membership Meeting is designed to maximize engagement between attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors. We’re adding more networking touchpoints—especially around shared meals and social gatherings—to help you build meaningful connections.

  • Over 100 managers and key staff expected
  • From more than 60 Catholic publishers
  • Representing books, music, periodicals, liturgy, curriculum, and trade publishing

What’s New in 2026

Reverse Exhibit (First Ever!)

Instead of waiting for attendees to stop by, you’ll have structured, focused time with every publishing member present. Meet directly with decision-makers at their tables for highly targeted, productive conversations.

All-Year Marketing

Your sponsorship doesn’t end in May. We’ll provide extended marketing support to keep your brand in front of ACP members throughout the year.

Sponsorship Opportunities

We’ve created a variety of sponsorship packages to fit diverse budgets and goals, including:

  • Exhibit space with prime visibility
  • Event sponsorships featuring food, drink, and networking
  • Year-round exposure to ACP members
  • Custom opportunities to match your strategy

View Sponsorship Opportunities & Register

Key Details

Event Date: May 28, 2026

Location: Chicago, IL

Reservation Deadline: February 28, 2026

How to Register

To become a sponsor or reserve an exhibit space, please register online at: catholicpublishers.org/products/membership-meeting

Or mail your completed form and payment to:

Association of Catholic Publishers
Attn: ACP 2026 Membership Meeting
4725 Dorsey Hall Drive, Suite A, PMB #709
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Questions?

Contact Therese Brown, Executive Director
Email: tbrown@catholicpublishers.org
Phone: 410-988-2926

We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!

Thank you to our 2026 Annual Conference Sponsors!

This conference wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors

ACP Board of Directors and 
Heads of Houses Dinner

Thursday's Lunch

Networking Break

Name Badge Lanyards

For More Information:

Association of Catholic Publishers Logo 4725 Dorsey Hall Drive Suite A, PMB 709
Ellicott City, MD 21042
410-988-2926

Key Info

  • Hotel Reservation Cut-Off Date: 5/5/26
  • Hotel Room Rate: $129++
  • Registration (Early-Bird): $159 (deadline is 4/17/26)
  • Registration (Regular): $179 (deadline is 5/8/26)
  • Registration (Late): $199 (deadline is 5/29/26 including onsite registration)
  • Sponsor Forms Due: 2/28/26

Cancellation Policy

  • Registration may be cancelled at any time.
  • A partial refund minus a $25 cancellation fee will be charged for cancellations made on or before May 7, 2026.
  • No refunds will be given after May 7, 2026.