CBA 2026 Annual Conference
Deep in the Heart: Mission. Renewal. Connection.
December 1–3, 2026
Hyatt Regency Riverwalk • San Antonio, Texas
Join benefit leaders from across the country for three days of learning, fellowship, and renewal dedicated to advancing faith-based benefits.
“Gathered in purpose, strengthened in community, renewed in mission.”
Join Us in San Antonio
The CBA 2026 Annual Conference brings together faith-based benefit leaders for three days of renewal, collaboration, and shared mission.
Inspired by the spirit and culture of San Antonio, this year’s gathering reflects the importance of sustaining those who serve in ministry.
Mission — strengthening benefits for clergy and families
Renewal — sustaining long-term wellbeing
Connection — building collaboration across institutions
This flagship event brings together professionals nationwide to exchange ideas, foster innovation, and advance shared impact.
Schedule
Tuesday, December 1
9:00–10:15 AM
CBA Annual Meeting
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Financial Literacy & Wellness TIG Meeting
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Exhibitor Set-Up
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Healthcare TIG & Lunch
10:30–11:45 AM
Church Alliance Annual Meeting
12:00–1:00 PM
CBA CEO & Board Lunch
12:00–5:00 PM
Registration Open
1:00–6:30 PM
Exhibits Open
1:30–3:00 PM
TIG Meetings
- CEO Large Plan
- CEO Small/Medium Plan
- Clergy Wellness
- Chief Financial Officers
- Chief Investment Officers
- Client Services
- Information Technology
1:30–3:00 PM
Church Alliance Core Lawyers Working Group
(For CLWG Members Only)
3:15–4:45 PM
TIG Meetings
- Communications, Marketing and Education (CMEG)
- Disability & Life
- Executive Level "Right Hand" Professionals
- Growth Leaders
- Human Resources
- Internal Oversight
- Retirement Benefits
5:00–5:30 PM
First-Time Attendee Meet & Greet
5:30–6:30 PM
Networking Reception
6:45–7:00 PM
Welcome & Blessing
Cantor Seth Ettinger
Temple Beth-El, San Antonio, TX
7:00–8:15 PM
Dinner & Program
Patricia Mejia
Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer,
San Antonio Spurs & Entertainment
Patricia Mejia will share insights on purpose-driven leadership, authentic community engagement, and creating meaningful impact through trust, collaboration, and inclusion. Drawing on her extensive leadership experience, she will inspire us to lead through change, develop future leaders, strengthen our communities, and create a lasting legacy.
Wednesday, December 2
7:00 AM–5:00 PM
Registration
7:00 AM–6:00 PM
Exhibits Open
7:30–8:45 AM
Breakfast Buffet
9:00–9:30 AM
Morning Reflection & Inspiration
Rev. Dr. Victoria White
Vice President of Grants and Programs, Church Benefits Association
9:30–10:30 AM
Opening Plenary: Economic Wisdom for Faith-Based Benefits: Guiding Your Plan Through Global Trends
David Bahnsen
Founder, Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer,
The Bahnsen Group
Economic uncertainty continues to shape decisions facing faith-based benefit organizations. This session provides a macroeconomic outlook and practical insights into retirement plans, healthcare costs, investments, and long-term benefits strategy.
10:30–11:00 AM
Networking & Refreshment Break
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Plenary Session: Social Determinants of Health
Nebeyou Abebe, Senior Vice President of Social Health, Highmark
Ken McDonald, President, Global Counseling Network
Panelist TBD
This session will explore how social determinants of health influence health outcomes and the important role that trusted community institutions, including faith-based organizations, can play in advancing health and well-being.
1:30–2:00 PM
Clergy Wellness Celebration
Get excited and join Billy Norden and Victoria White as we celebrate the 2027 grant recipients and honor the organizations whose vision and leadership are strengthening clergy wellness.
2:15–3:30 PM
Lone Star Learning Sessions
Everyone Wants AI. Now What? Leading GenAI with Discipline John Gallo, Vice President, ITS Operations, Church Pension Group Denny Ferreira, Assistant Vice President, Client Engagement, Church Pension Group
Organizations are facing growing demand for AI tools and solutions, but without a clear approach, adoption can become fragmented, inconsistent, and difficult to govern. Learn how the Church Pension Group evaluates AI use cases, conducts due diligence, engages stakeholders, measures outcomes, and decides what moves forward—and what doesn't. Attendees will leave with practical ideas they can apply regardless of where they are in their AI journey.
Beyond the Check: Grants as a Tool for Leadership, Capacity Building, and Strategic Growth Rev. Dr. Victoria White, Vice President of Grants and Programs, CBA Rev. Billy Norden, Assistant Vice President of Grants and Programs, CBA
Grants can do more than fund programs—they can strengthen leadership, build organizational capacity, and support long-term impact. This interactive session explores how to align funding opportunities with mission and strategy while creating stronger, more competitive grant proposals.
The New Reality of Retirement: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities for America's Retirees Roberta Rafaloff, Head of Institutional Income Annuities, MetLife
Retirement in America is changing. This session explores the demographic, financial, and behavioral trends reshaping retirement, the growing importance of guaranteed lifetime income, and how plan sponsors can better support participants throughout retirement.
Space for Clergy Wellness Fonda Latham, MRA Project Coordinator, Pension Fund of the Christian Church
Clergy are regularly called to look after the spiritual, emotional, and relational needs of their communities, and that sacred work can be both deeply meaningful and personally demanding. Ministry environments can sometimes contribute to isolation, making it easier for clergy to overlook, avoid, or postpone the important work of tending to their own spiritual, emotional, and relational needs. Today’s workshop invites participants to consider essential elements of creating grace-filled space for clergy to step into for their own growth and accountability.
Risk Assessment Fundamentals: Identifying, Evaluating, and Managing Organizational RiskSpeaker TBD, WTW
This session provides a basic introduction to risk assessment—how organizations identify, evaluate, prioritize, and manage risk.
The Future of Healthcare Costs: Navigating the Impact on Faith-Based Plans Todd Ingves, Vice President, Health & Well-Being, The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Healthcare costs continue to rise, creating significant challenges for faith-based benefit plans seeking to provide meaningful, sustainable coverage. This session will explore the key factors driving medical trend, the implications for plan design and long-term affordability, and practical strategies for balancing financial stewardship with compassionate member care. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the evolving healthcare landscape and considerations for navigating it with confidence.
3:30–3:45 PM
Networking & Refreshment Break
3:45–4:45 PM
Plenary: The Changing Landscape of Faith in America
Ryan Burge, Ph.D.
Professor of Practice,
John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics,
Washington University in St. Louis
Drawing on survey data and research, this session explores declining church attendance, changing patterns of belonging, and generational shifts shaping faith in America.
5:00–6:00 PM
Networking Reception
Thursday, December 3
7:00–8:15 AM
Breakfast Buffet
7:00–8:15 AM
Exhibits Open
8:00–10:30 AM
Exhibitor Tear Down
8:30–8:45 AM
Morning Reflection & Inspiration
Rev. Billy Norden
Assistant Vice President of Grants and Programs, Church Benefits Association
8:45–10:15 AM
Washington Update
The Church Alliance champions public policy initiatives on behalf of church benefits organizations. During this presentation, Church Alliance representatives will discuss the implications of federal policymaking trends.
10:15–10:30 AM
Closing Remarks
10:30 AM — Conference Ends
Registration
Full Attendee Registration
$475
Includes full access to sessions, networking events, and conference materials.
- Topical Interest Group meetings
- All Plenary & Learning Sessions
- Exhibit access
- Meals & Networking Events
- Post-event recordings
Guest Registration
$275
For non-industry guests attending social events only.
- Exhibit access
- Meals & Networking Events
Hotel
Hyatt Regency Riverwalk — San Antonio, TX
The 2026 Annual Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk in the heart of San Antonio.
Group Rate: $225/night
Housing Deadline: November 9, 2026
Book Your Housing
Hotel Address:
Hyatt Regency Riverwalk 123 Losoya Street San Antonio, TX 78205
Partner with Us
Join a distinguished network advancing the health and wellness of those who serve the Church. Sponsorship provides direct access to decision-makers from faith-based benefit organizations.
This is a unique opportunity to elevate visibility, build partnerships, and demonstrate commitment to supporting church workers and ministries.
Unmatched Visibility
Position your brand throughout the conference experience.
Targeted Engagement
Connect directly with leaders in faith-based benefits.
Mission Alignment
Demonstrate commitment to supporting church workers.
For sponsorship inquiries, contact: Cuyler O’Connor, Strategic Partnerships Manager.
2026 Conference Sponsors
Travel Information
Getting to San Antonio
The primary airport for the conference is San Antonio International Airport (SAT), located approximately 15–20 minutes from the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk.
Transportation Options
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are widely available at SAT with designated pickup zones.
Taxis
Taxi service is available outside baggage claim with flat-rate downtown access.
Rental Cars
Rental car services are available at the airport, though not required for downtown stays.
Local Dining
Dining Near the Riverwalk
Enjoy a wide variety of restaurants within walking distance of the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk — from casual cafés to upscale Texas dining.
Experience San Antonio in December!
While you're in San Antonio for the CBA Annual Conference, take time to explore the city’s rich culture, historic landmarks, and vibrant riverfront.
Riverwalk & Downtown
Stroll the famous Riverwalk, lined with restaurants, shops, and scenic pathways.
Historic Landmarks
Visit iconic sites like The Alamo and nearby missions.
Arts & Culture
Explore museums, galleries, and live performances downtown.
Pearl District
Dining, shopping, and markets in a restored historic brewery district.
Seasonal Highlights
Holiday lights, river decorations, and December events throughout the city.
We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio!
CBA 2026 Annual Conference — Deep in the Heart: Mission. Renewal. Connection.
Register Today!
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