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81st General Convention -

Know Before You Go

GC81 Resources

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Accessibility Guide

We are less than a week away from the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church! Thousands of Episcopalians, exhibitors, guests and visitors will descend on Louisville, KY from June 23-28, 2024 and we are excited to welcome you. This comprehensive email has been prepared as a resource to help you prepare for the event. The General Convention website also has a comprehensive list of resources and information; you can also always email gc.support@episcopalchurch.org and a member of staff will be able to assist you.

Travel and Arrival

Before Traveling:

  • Please ensure you have the proper travel documents with you including a valid government issued ID (such as driver’s license or passport) 
  • For international guests, please ensure you have your visa and supporting documents where applicable 
  • It is advisable to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-3 hours in advance of your flight departure time.
  • For more information on staying safe and healthy on a business trip, please visit this website.

Upon arrival at Louisville Muhammed Ali International Airport (SDF):

Transportation has not been arranged from the airport to the hotel. The following options are available on the baggage claim level and we encourage you to Rideshare: 

  • Taxi  
  • Uber/Lyft 
  • Ztrip is also available curb side, or call (502) 777-777
  • Buses – Ride like a local with Louisville’s Transit Authority of River City.

Hotel Arrangements

Please click on the links below to learn more about your respective hotel and the amenities they offer. Early check in and late check out requests are based on availability and cannot be guaranteed.

At the Kentucky International Convention Center

Practical information

  • Louisville is a very walkable city and all hotels are no more than 2 blocks away from the Convention Center. We encourage you to wear comfortable walking shoes. A lightweight sweater, jacket or shawl is advised for the air-conditioned indoor environment.
  • Please click here for Louisville’s 10-day weather forecast and pack accordingly. Bring an umbrella or a raincoat in case of inclement weather. 
  • In our ongoing commitment to practice loving and life-giving conservation, we ask that you bring your own refillable water bottle. Water filling stations are located at every restroom throughout the convention center.  

Registration

Registration opens on June 21st at 9:00am in the South Foyer of the Kentucky International Conference Center. Access is through either entrance on the corner of 4th and Jefferson or 4th and Market street. The Marriott also has a pedway which leads directly into the South Foyer.  


When registering, everyone will need to show photo ID and fill out a liability waiver and photo release. You can read the language that will be used on these forms here. Once you have obtained your credential, this will be your means of access into the Convention Center and all the official events. Please wear it at all times.

Exhibits  

The exhibit area will run from June 21st to June 27th in Hall AB of the Kentucky International Convention Center. We have a SOLD OUT exhibit hall and invite you to visit, learn, browse, shop and enjoy a bite to eat at one of the concessions areas. To view the exhibitor map, click here.

Dining 

There will be two concession stands in each corner of the exhibit hall serving lunch, along with a seating area to visit with others. There is a coffee bar, called the Oak and Brew located on the first floor which will serve coffee, breakfast items, and snacks. Please note that this is a cashless facility and accepts major credit, debit or tap-to-pay options. And if that doesn’t whet your appetite, there are many restaurants within a walkable distance from the Convention Center. Please visit the Louisville Tourism website to learn about the Best Places to Eat.  

Worship with Us!

All are welcome to join us in the Ballroom at the Kentucky International Convention Center to worship each day of Convention. Anyone with a convention credential will have access. Anyone who isn't registered to attend Convention and would like to participate in worship services can pre-register by completing this form and bringing their government issued photo ID and confirmation email to be admitted. Seating is limited and subject to availability on the day of the service, so please share with your friends and sign up! Worship Services will also be livestreamed on the GC Media Hub.  

  • The bulletins for each worship services can be found here. Printed bulletins will not be available on site so we encourage you to print (if needed) ahead of time.
  • The Convention “All Y’All” Choir is open to anyone without audition and will be meeting an hour ahead of each liturgy in the worship space: Sunday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 in preparation for the 8:30 Eucharists and Monday and Tuesday at 8:00AM in preparation for the 9:AM Morning Offices. Thursday’s Morning Office is prayed separately in each House without choir. 

Events

Events Calendar  

The Official Schedule of General Convention can be found here

An overview of all other associated and affiliated events can be found here.  

Love. Always. Revival  - Saturday June 22


All are invited to the Love. Always Revival on June 22nd from 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the KFC YUM! Center. Entrance to the Revival is by means of one of the following: convention credential and free pre-registration. If you haven’t yet signed up and would like to do so, please click here.  


All bags are subject to search upon entering the arena. Backpacks of any kind, including drawstring, fanny packs, computer bags, and camera bags are prohibited. Bags no larger than 14" x 14" x 6" will be allowed into the arena for events. Medical and parenting bags are permitted and subject to search. This is a cashless facility. Concessions selling refreshments and light snacks will be open. 


Doors will open at 6:00pm.  

Kentucky night – Monday, June 24th  


Louisville is an experience like no other city, and to prove this, the Diocese of Kentucky has put together an exciting array of activities to showcase their town. From food truck rodeos, God Talks, Episco-Discos, Compline and Evensong, you can find out everything you need to know and register for any of these activities by clicking here.  

Mobile App

Step into seamless event navigation with our cutting-edge mobile app! At the 81st General Convention, let the app be your personal guide, allowing you to discover interactive maps, exhibitor information, the full conference schedule, and the latest updates—all from the palm of your hand. This mobile app is compatible with iOS 14 and higher and Android 10 and higher. 

Step 1

Search for the "Cvent Events" app on the iOS Apple App Store or Google Play Store:

OR

Scan the following QR code to download  the "Cvent Events" app. 

Step 2

Once downloaded, please search for "The 81st General Convention." Then, download the event to the app. 


When you've identified this event, it will automatically open when you select the Cvent Events app on your phone. 


Don't worry about logging in; the mobile application is available for all attendees! 

Bishops and Deputies Only:

Floor Amendment Procedure

To streamline the process for accepting amendments from the floor, the General Convention Office has created a web form that any deputy or bishop can fill out.

iPad instructions 

For all Deputies and Bishops, we have put together a video which provides you with helpful instructions on how to navigate the iPad. Please take the time to watch this video in advance of your arrival:

And last, it’s not too late to Volunteer!

Is your family traveling with you and looking for something to do? There are still spots available and we would love you to join us and become a part of our volunteer family! Click here to sign up and learn more!  

We look forward to seeing you in Louisville shortly. Thank you for the time you are taking to join us for this important gathering of our church!

The Executive Office of the General Convention

The Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, D.D., Secretary of the General Convention and Executive Officer

Ms. Betsey Bell, Executive Assistant to the Executive Officer

The Rev. Carrie Combs, Legislative Data Specialist

Ms. Iris DiLeonardo, Data Specialist and Meetings Assistant

Mr. Patrick Haizel, Deputy for Administration and Operations

The Rev. Molly F. James, Ph.D., Deputy Executive Officer of General Convention

Ms. Brittney Laws, Meeting Coordinator

Ms. Jennifer Mendez, Administrative and Language Specialist

Mr. Brian Murray, Governance Technology Specialist

Ms. Fiona Nieman, CMP, Deputy for Convention and Meeting Planning

Ms. Twila Rios, Manager of Digital Information Systems

Executive Office of the General Convention website


About the General Convention | Staff of the Executive Office of the General Convention