2027 Annual Conference Session: Key dates and updates
By Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, Sessions Chair | Email
The Session Committee for United Methodists of Upper New York recently gathered to continue preparing for the 2027 Annual Conference Session, which will be held May 19-22, 2027, at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. This session will include an additional day to accommodate the work and preparation needed in advance of the 2028 General Conference.
The Session Committee provides leadership for the planning and implementation of the Annual Conference. Its responsibilities include making key decisions about timelines leading up to the session and addressing matters that affect the overall cost of the event. An important strength of the committee is the participation of representatives from other conference committees and ministries. This broad representation ensures that diverse perspectives are considered and helps foster a more inclusive and holistic Annual Conference experience.
During its October 1, 2026 meeting, the committee established the timeline for reports, recommendations, and petitions that will guide our shared work during the Annual Conference Session. Key dates include:
December 1, 2026: Report and petition portal opens for submissions.
February 15, 2027: Reports and recommendations from non-administrative teams, as well as petitions, are due. Materials received after this date will not be included in the Pre-Conference Workbook and will instead be published as addenda.
March 1, 2027: Reports and recommendations from administrative teams are due, including Trustees, Finance and Administration, Pension and Health Benefits, Equitable Compensation, and Nominations.
Mid-April 2027: Pre-Conference Workbook released.
May 10, 2027: Addenda and reports received after the established deadlines posted on the conference website.
When the Annual Conference gathers in May, delegates to the General and Jurisdictional Conferences will be elected. The conference body will also have the opportunity, as time allows, to discuss petitions that will come before the 2028 General Conference.
As in previous years, electronic voting will be used to facilitate the election process. The Session Committee discussed potential vendors to support this work and charged committee members with conducting additional research and gathering feedback. A final decision regarding the voting platform is expected within the next two weeks.
In the months ahead, the committee will continue its work through ongoing conversations and electronic decision-making. The next full meeting of the Session Committee is scheduled for January 7, 2027.
