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WHAT IS IT?

The 2026 Global Young People’s Convocation (GYPC) is a worldwide gathering for United Methodist Youth that takes place every four years. This event is open for registration for active members of the United Methodist Church and those who are connected with and interested in learning more about the Methodist connection. We focus the event on young people between the ages of 12-35; however, adult chaperones and those who serve young people are also encouraged to attend.

WHERE IS IT?

Dublin, Ireland, at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel.

• Attendees flying to Dublin should use the Dublin International Airport. Parking is available for local/commuter attendees.
• Shuttles are provided for registrants to and from Dublin International Airport to the hotel.
• Check-in for the hotel and the event take place upon arrival at the hotel.
• The hotel is approximately a twenty-minute drive or forty-minute public bus ride from the Dublin City Center. Public transportation and private car options are available if attendees would like to visit Historic Dublin.
• Once at the hotel, everything is taken care of for GYPC, including food. Attendees may leave the hotel to explore the Dublin area at their own cost and leisure.
• The Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport hotel is next to a large outdoor park with walking trails, restaurants, and shops.
• The hotel is primarily made up of rooms with two separate queen beds, rooms with king beds with a sofa bed, and a few single rooms.
• There are onsite restaurants, a fitness center, and other amenities.
• Hotel website

WHEN IS IT?

July 7-11, 2026.

• July 7 is arrival day. We will have event check-in available as well as informational displays set up as we prepare for the event.
• July 8, 9, and 10 are full event days with meals, worship, keynote speakers, learning opportunities, and more. Programming ends on the evening of July 10.
• July 11 is a departure day. Attendees check out of the hotel and begin to travel home unless they have extended their stay.
• The room rate can extend up to three days before July 7 and three days after July 11. If interested, contact the hotel directly and mention the 2026 Global Young People’s Convocation.

WHO CAN COME?

• GYPC 2026 is a denominational event designed to help young United Methodists connect with and better understand their denomination's connectional nature and learn how to advocate and lead in decision-making systems used by the UMC. All denominations, including churches in the Methodist family tree, are welcome, and our worship time will be ecumenical. Most of the workshops and learning opportunities will be specifically United Methodist.
• Young People. This means youth and young adults. Age ranges for those labels change based on geographic location and culture. Our understandings of these age ranges are as follows:
• Youth (Mainly 12-18 years of age, but can be up to 24 years of age)
• Young Adults (19-35 years of age)
• Adult Ministers focused on youth and young adult age ranges. In some contexts, these are paid youth workers. In some contexts, these are pastors, ministers, or volunteers with a heart for serving young people and creating ministry opportunities.
• Denominational Leaders. Those who serve in a capacity that is connectional beyond a local church.
• Adult Chaperones. Individuals under eighteen years as of July 7, 2026 (as well as groups with individuals under 18) require an adult chaperone to attend and support their attendance. If traveling with a group, groups are encouraged to have a ratio of one chaperone for every seven participants. Groups that include multiple sex attendees are encouraged to have chaperones who correspond to the demographics of their group. (e.g., if your group includes male and female youth, please have both a male and female adult chaperone)

WHY SHOULD I COME?

Lots of reasons, of course. The Global Young People’s Convocation, or GYPC, only happens every four years. For many, attending can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

GYPC will be organized around four central concepts:

• Training: For better or worse, the United Methodist Church has systems and processes to decide how the church organizes, where it focuses its resources, initiatives and justice work, and so on. We provide opportunities for young people to learn how the systems and processes of the United Methodist Church work so that they, as young leaders, can be advocates and visionaries who can engage in legislative, plenary, and conference sessions at all levels of the church.
• Networking: Our worldwide denomination is wealthy with experiences and stories of young leaders making a difference and growing in their discipleship. GYPC will provide opportunities to meet young United Methodist leaders around the connection. We believe that by building up familiarity and relationships, incoming church leaders can develop friendships and trust.
• Creating: The GYPC in 2026 can create statements and legislative proposals for submission to the United Methodist General Conference. There will be opportunities to share items that participants might like to address with the church, practice legislative sessions, perfect statements, and build coalitions to support proposals going forward.
• Experiencing: GYPC rotates to different locations around the world, and the event is designed to help participants learn about and experience the local culture and church. Local faith leaders, storytellers, and leaders in the European region will be involved in the main room worship and keynote times. This GYPC promises to be an ecumenical event thanks to our siblings of the Irish Methodist Church and other partners.

Click here to register for the GYPC email list.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

“Early” event registration is $899 USD. This rate is available for those who make deposits and fully pay by January 31, 2026.

“Regular” registration is $1250 USD. This rate is available for those fully paid by April 30, 2026.

“Late” registration is $1500 USD. This rate is available for those fully paid by May 30, 2026.

Event registration closes at 12:01 a.m., Central Time (US time), June 1, 2026.

Event Registration includes:

• Event credentials, worship, keynote speeches, workshops, and event materials
• All event activities and programming are on July 8, 9, and 10.
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on July 8, 9, and 10, and breakfast on July 11 in the hotel.
• Airport transfers from Dublin International Airport to the hotel.

The registration price will change based on your room selection and room cost.

You select hotel reservations as part of your registration. Discipleship Ministries will set up room reservations based on your selections. The amount will automatically be added to your total at the end of the registration process. 

Rooms are $220 USD per night, and the event is four nights.

• A single-occupancy room is $880 per person (220 USD x 4 nights)
• Single occupancy means that you will not have a roommate.
• A double-occupancy room is $440 per person (220 USD x 4 nights / 2 people)
• Double occupancy means that you will have a roommate and that you will each have your own queen-sized bed.

If you have a preference for a roommate, please list that person’s full name during registration. Ensure that your preferred roommate lists your name on their registration as well.

If you are married and traveling together to GYPC, both people should register and select the double occupancy option. Note that if you are married/sharing a bed together during registration and list each other’s names, we will work to reserve a single king-sized bed for you. 

There are sleeping room requirements to meet Safer Sanctuaries/Safe-Guarding recommendations:

• Those under the age of eighteen may share rooms with others under the age of eighteen of the same sex. Adult attendees and chaperones should avoid sharing a room with minors.
• Attendees over the age of eighteen may share rooms with adult chaperones or adult attendees. Those above the age of eighteen will be considered legal adults and will generally be encouraged to have their own bed.
• Adult Chaperones should know which rooms their group members are assigned to so they can check on their attendees as needed. This is the responsibility of the adult chaperones after check-in is completed.
• Anyone may have a single occupancy room as long as they pay the total amount owed for it, subject to availability.
• At registration, individuals and groups create their roommate assignments. The attendee/chaperone is responsible for ensuring that rooming assignments are consistent with any travel policies in place from their local church, in addition to the basic terms listed above.

Event Registration DOES NOT include:

• Flights. Attendees are responsible for booking their travel to the Dublin International Airport. Please see the BUDGET/FUNDRAISE section for suggestions on looking for the best prices on flights.
• Visa or Passport Fees. If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Ireland, the cost of acquiring that visa is the attendee's responsibility.
• We can provide a VISA INVITATION LETTER. Request one by completing the form at this link.
• Attendees will need a passport to enter Ireland. Again, the cost of obtaining a passport and a visa is the attendee's responsibility.
• Unsure if you need a visa? Click here to check.
• Excursions outside the hotel. If attendees wish to visit the Dublin City Center or other areas during their time in Ireland, there will be time to do so, but at the attendee’s own cost.
• Food between mealtimes. Registration DOES include breakfast, lunch, and dinner on July 8, 9, and 10 and breakfast on July 11…but not food, coffee, tea, or snack breaks between those meals. Likewise, there are no event meals provided on the arrival day of July 7. Attendees may eat in the hotel or at other walkable, local establishments.
• Pocket Money. If you plan to eat between meals, shop for keepsakes, and so on, you may want to consider bringing an appropriate amount of spending money.

Example Cost Estimates:

1. Early Registration ($899 USD) + Double Room (roommate) for 4 nights ($440USD) + Flight ($800 USD) = $2139 USD
2. Early Registration ($899 USD) + Single Room for 4 nights ($880 USD) + Flight ($800 USD) = $2579 USD

How can I budget? Fundraise? Are there Scholarships?

• Connectional Support. Ask your local church, district, annual conference, central conference, or jurisdiction for financial support. If you are passionate about attending, you can inspire others to give. There may be special funds set aside to attend connectional events, development of young leaders, and more. Talk with your senior pastor or episcopal staff about options.
• Airfare gifting. If you have friends or family friends who travel frequently – perhaps they would be willing to gift airline miles or travel credits from their accounts.
• Self-Fundraising. Ask for gifts and donations from your friends, family, and church members. Offer goods or services as you seek sponsorships. Offer the ability to share pictures, stories, and testimonies upon your return. There are online fundraising options such as “GoFundMe,” but be aware that platforms like that keep a percentage of the total raised.
• Watch for travel deals. Sign up for services like “price alerts” for your travel dates using Google Flights or other travel services. This will help you find the best price for flights. If traveling with a group, consider asking a chaperone to contact an airline directly about group rates on the same flight. Also, consider traveling outside “prime” times for better flights. Dublin does have many airlines that serve it directly.
• Make a payment plan. Our registration system is set up to accept payments in multiples of $100 USD. This allows the ability to space out payments. Breaking up your registration into smaller payments may help your cash flow as opposed to paying the entire amount at once. Participants need to be paid in full before the beginning of the event. If you have an outstanding balance at check-in, you will be asked to pay the amount short of registration at that time.
• Scholarships. There are a few limited scholarships available through Young People’s Ministries. Generally, these are need-based scholarships and often go to participants from parts of the world with significant economic limitations. If interested, Click here to find more information.
• Any scholarship granted would be applied directly to the cost of registration. There are no scholarships available for travel support or lodging.

Other FAQs:

Do I need a visa to get into Ireland? 

It depends upon which country your citizenship is located. Many countries do not require a visa to visit Ireland. Citizens’ Information of Ireland and Irish Immigration have a current list of countries that need and do not need visas to enter Ireland.

How long is the event?

• July 7, arrival day
• July 8, Full program day (breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
• July 9, Full program day (breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
• July 10, full program day (breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
• July 11, breakfast and hotel checkout (breakfast included)
• 5 days, 4 nights total.

What if I want to stay longer? 

You can! The hotel has graciously expanded its room rates to include up to three days before or after the event, subject to availability. Questions about additional nights need to be directed to the hotel. Remember, if you add nights to your hotel stay, you add only the room. No additional meals or programming are added to your booking. You pay for additional room arrangements directly to the hotel, not through our registration portal.

Weather? 

Dublin, in the summer, has lots of daytime hours. There can be chances of rain, so plan accordingly. Generally, the days are warm, and the nights are a bit cooler. The hotel does have air conditioning, and most of our programming is inside, so you may want to pack layers. We recommend that participants check the weather forecast the week before arrival.

Packing List? 

A basic list follows. Ensure that you pack enough clothing for the entirety of the event. Laundry service is available at the hotel, but at your own cost.

• Clothing for three full days of meetings. We encourage participants to wear comfortable, casual, or business casual attire for the event.
• At an event with attendees from many countries, with a variety of cultural dress, we encourage everyone to wear clothing that is both true to their culture, comfortable for interpersonal interactions, and demonstrates respect for others.
• Comfortable shoes. There will be plenty of walking in the hotel.
• Personal toiletries. The hotel does provide soap and shampoo.
• Charging cables and electrical adapters for personal electronics. Dublin, Ireland, uses type “G” wall plugs, though many rooms have USB and international plugs included. Click here to learn more.
• Passport with at least six months remaining before expiration as of July 2026.
• Visa confirmation, if required.
• Phone, tablet, laptop, or other digital device that can connect to Wi-Fi during the event for translation, materials, program information, and other resources.
• Credit card, bank card, or cash for use during travel.
• Access to a Bible for devotions and reflections.

Chaperones?

Adults are welcome to attend GYPC. Adult chaperones are required for travelers under the age of eighteen (or groups of travelers that include travelers under 18) as of July 7, 2026. If traveling with a group, groups are encouraged to have a ratio of one chaperone for every seven participants. Groups that include attendees of a variety of sexes are encouraged to have chaperones that correspond to the demographics of their group (e.g., If your group includes male and female minors, please have both a male and female adult chaperone).

Who can come? 

GYPC 2026 is primarily for youth and young adults (ages between 12-35) who are connected to the United Methodist Church and want to learn more about how to lead and advocate for the needs of young people. Adults whose ministry includes serving youth and young adults are also welcome. The event is also ecumenical, so young people and adult leaders of other faith traditions are welcome to attend. Please be aware that worship and learning will be built around United Methodist theology, which tends to be open, accepting, and inclusive while based on God’s grace.

Safer Sanctuaries or Safe Guarding? 

GYPC will follow guidelines set out to maintain healthy boundaries for all participants. A full list of these guidelines will be available in preparation for the event. These will include but not be limited to policies regarding appropriate touch, personal space, sleeping arrangements, onsite behavior, and policies for responding to or reporting incidents and seeking support.

What should I expect when I get there? 

On July 7, participants can expect a warm welcome from the hotel and event staff, displays and information from sponsors, and chances to explore the area surrounding the hotel. July 8, 9, and 10 will be filled with large-room worship, keynote speakers, learning and networking opportunities, prayer time, and devotions. There will be onsite translation, and multiple languages will be used and translated throughout our proceedings. July 11 will be breakfast, hotel check-out, and travel back home.

Who is planning this event? 

The staff of Young People’s Ministries, who are part of Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church, are responsible for organizing and coordinating the event. The staff team is small, supported by a volunteer planning team and members of the United Methodist Young People’s Connectional Network.

What is there to do in Dublin, Ireland? 

The GYPC schedule will be very full, July 8, 9, 10 – so attendees should plan to be fully present at the event from breakfast through dinner on those days. If you have additional days in Dublin, it is a friendly city that is welcoming to tourists. You can explore more at visitdublin.com.

Click here to sign up for the GYPC email list!