68th Annual North American Deans Conference

April 27–30, 2023 • Washington, DC
"The Sacred and the Civic: Voices of Faith in the Public Square"

This April 27–30, explore the intersection of sacred and civic life at the 68th Annual North American Deans Conference, held in the heart of the nation’s capital at Washington National Cathedral.

Dean Randy Hollerith invites you to join us for reflection, fellowship and worship at the Cathedral as we focus on “The Sacred and the Civic: Voices of Faith in the Public Square” and what each of us can do to shore up democracy.

Conference Highlights

We’re excited to welcome you to Washington, DC! Our program features renowned speakers and reflection and worship with conference chaplain Bishop Gene Robinson, IX Bishop of New Hampshire (retired).  You can also experience special behind-the-scenes tours of the Cathedral with spectacular views from the city’s highest geographical point. Select portions of the conference will take place in the newly-renovated Virginia Mae Center (formerly the College of Preachers) — a place for learning, pilgrimage and spiritual renewal, centrally located within the tranquility of the Cathedral campus.

Featured Speakers
  • Keynote Speaker: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jon Meacham, Canon Historian at Washington National Cathedral
  • U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black and U.S. House of Representatives Chaplain Margaret Kibben
  • Dr. Shaun Casey, author and professor of religion and global affairs
  • Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty
  • Bishop V. Gene Robinson, IX Bishop of New Hampshire and conference chaplain

Information about registration, accommodations, and other FAQ are below. You can also view schedule highlights and learn more about our featured speakers.

This conference is hosted by the Cathedral College of Faith & Culture, the gateway for public programs at Washington National Cathedral. We gather God’s people to cultivate spiritual growth, to nurture the next generation of faith leaders, and to rekindle a sense of grace and generosity in the nation’s civic life.  

Registration & Accommodations

Registration

Registration Fee: $400
The conference registration fee is per participant and includes meals Thursday evening, all day Friday, breakfasts Saturday and Sunday, and all activities. Spouses and partners are considered full participants and should register if planning to attend. Registrants will receive a follow-up email containing a link to finalize their information. Scholarships are available; please email [email protected] to inquire.

Register now →

Accommodations

Glover Park Hotel Georgetown
ADDITIONAL BLOCK OF ROOMS JUST ADDED! Located a ten-minute walk from the Cathedral, this boutique hilltop hotel sits in a trendy neighborhood in the backyard of Georgetown University.
Attendees are encouraged to use the complimentary shuttle service provided by the hotel for transportation to/from the conference as well as for exploring DC in your free time.

Please use the updated special rate link below:

Access special rate by using this link →

Getting to DC

Three airports are conveniently located in the DC metro area: Reagan National (DCA), Washington Dulles (IAD), and Baltimore-Washington (BWI). The closest airport to the Cathedral is Reagan National (DCA). Train transit is available via DC's Union Station.

Reagan Washington Natl Airport (DCA) →
Washington Dulles Intl Airport (IAD) →
Baltimore/Washington Intl Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) →
DC Union Station rail info →
Thank you to the Episcopal Preaching Foundation for sponsoring a portion of this year’s conference. We greatly appreciate their support.
about the episcopal preaching foundation

Founded in 1987 the Episcopal Preaching Foundation supports the development of excellent preachers in the Episcopal Church, recognizing the foundational role of preaching to energize and build church membership and attendance. Today the Foundation delivers tailored conferences and curricula for seminarians, parish clergy, deacons and lay preachers. Two new grant-supported programs will soon resource the training of lay preachers, and offer a structured process to provide informed feedback to preachers by panels of congregants versed in scriptural literacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your conference registration fee includes participation in all conference sessions and select meals (Thursday: dinner; Friday: breakfast, lunch, wine & cheese reception, dinner; Saturday: breakfast; Sunday: breakfast). Lodging and travel are not included.

Yes, partners/spouses are full members of the conference and should register as an attendee.

Scholarship funds are available and can be requested by emailing [email protected]

Washington National Cathedral will refund all registrations for the 2023 North American Deans Conference made before April 15, subject to a $75 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made after April 15, 2023.

Parking will be available on-site for conference attendees. Following your registration, a form will be sent to collect additional information, including parking requests. Parking can also be requested at check-in.

Shuttle service can be requested to/from the conference with the Glover Park Hotel concierge. The Cathedral is a ten-minute walk from the hotel (though it is uphill from the hotel). The Glover Park Hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service for sightseeing in DC (between conference sessions)! 

Unfortunately, due to construction delays, accommodations at the Virginia Mae Center will not be finalized in time for the conference. However, portions of the conference will still utilize the Center.

Following your registration, a form will be sent to collect additional information, including dietary restrictions or allergen needs.

Please contact the Dean’s Office at [email protected].