The Annual Clergy and Lay Leadership Conference is the premier international justice gathering hosted by the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. Attendees arrive at the four-day conference for inspiration, education, fellowship, and communal ingenuity. Through the power of prophetic preaching, informed teaching and social activism, clergy, and laity strategize together on behalf of those most vulnerable and marginalized in the world. Conference attendees hear from the foremost African American theological scholars, grassroots and political leaders, emerging leaders, and practitioners. 

This year, the 2026 Clergy and Lay Leadership Conference will take place in Chicago, IL!

Early Bird pricing for general registration to the Conference is available now for $380. We are trying something new with seminarian rates… they will remain in place at $380.00 for the entire registration period!

Registration can be paid for by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted).

Registration can also be sent by check if the registration guide/form is downloaded, filled out and mailed it into our offices, 4445 S. Martin Luther King Dr. Chicago, IL 60653

Registration includes access to all Conference sessions, including plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, worship services, and networking events. 

Cancellations and refund requests will only be accepted through February 9, 2026. Requests MUST be faxed or e-mailed. PLEASE NO CALLS. The following fees will be charged for cancellations and refunds. 15% for requests received by December 15, 2025;20% for requests received by January 12, 2026; and 30% received by February 9, 2026. Please allow a minimum of 4 weeks for processing. Our fax number is 773-548-6699 or email, conference@sdpconference.info.

While traditionally, Conference guests choose to attend in casual or business casual attire for convenience, there is no formal dress code. We strive to make our Conference as comfortable and accessible as possible to all who attend. 

Yes, our host hotel is the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 2233 South King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.

Register at https://bit.ly/2026HyattMcCormickReservations

Several options are available. Chicago, Illinois is accessible by car, bus (Greyhound and Trailways), train (Amtrak), or air (Midway International or O’Hare International Airports). Airline fares vary; search early for the best results.

Self-parking and valet parking are available at the Hyatt. There are other self-parking garages in the area and limited on-street parking.

Ride share and taxis are readily available and offer great pricing. Most, if not all activities, occur in the host hotel. The area around the hotel is very walkable, and we will have to keep an eye out on the weather… the 2024 Conference experienced quite mild temperatures!

Yes, exhibit tables are available! More information is coming!

Yes! Sponsorship package opportunities are available here.

The Conference is 100% accessible to persons with disabilities. If there are accommodations that can make to ensure you have the best possible Conference experience, do not hesitate to let us know by emailing conference@sdpconference.info. 

If you work for a news organization and are interested in covering the Conference, we would be honored to have you.

To get a Press Pass, email us conference@sdpconference.info with your name, the organization, and the topics you're interested in covering. Place “PRESS PASS REQUEST” in the subject. Once on site, please check in as Press.