AC2026: Survey reflects a joyful Annual Conference experience across Upper New York

By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications | Email

Editor’s Note: This article is based on feedback from the 2026 Annual Conference survey conducted by the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church. Nearly half of those in attendance provided feedback anonymously through a post-event survey.

The 2026 Upper New York Annual Conference left a positive and lasting impression on attendees, according to survey feedback from more than 300 clergy and laity who gathered May 28–30 at the Oncenter in Syracuse. The event offered meaningful worship, rich fellowship, and a renewed sense of hope for the future of The United Methodist Church.

Many survey respondents pointed to the inspiring leadership of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez, the growing involvement of young people, and the innovative ministries taking place across Upper New York as signs of a vibrant future. Attendees also celebrated the spirit of connectionalism, collaboration, and inclusivity that was evident throughout the gathering. Survey participants frequently described the atmosphere as hopeful, joyful, and unified, expressing confidence that God continues to guide the Church forward. Comments included, “Best Annual Conference I’ve attended” and “I enjoyed conference this year more than before.” One attendee shared, “This didn’t feel like Annual Conference to me. It was like a spiritual retreat.”

Many attendees valued the opportunity to gather in worship, fellowship, and holy conferencing. Several reflected on the powerful sense of God’s presence throughout the event. One person shared, “Worship is vital and we are all blessed by our time together and with God,” while another wrote, “My first time attending conference, and I was grateful to see, feel, and hear God's presence as part of the event.”

Others echoed these sentiments, describing Annual Conference as a meaningful expression of connection and community. As one attendee noted, “Holy conferencing is a gift to us as servants of Christ. I was blessed to be part of this cloud.” Another simply summarized the experience: “God filled the space.”

Worship Experiences and Episcopal Address

Many attendees identified the worship services as highlights of the Annual Conference session, particularly the Memorial Service, Ordination Service, and Bishop Burgos’ Episcopal Address. Respondents described these moments as meaningful, inspiring, and deeply spiritual, noting the impact of the messages, music, and opportunities for communal worship.

Several comments specifically praised the Ordination Service, describing it as “a Spirit-filled and joyous celebration” and noting that “the music, as always, was stellar.” Others appreciated the worship leadership and preaching throughout Annual Conference. One attendee shared that “the messages for the Memorial Service and Ordination Service were very inspiring,” while another praised the sermon delivered by Bishop Delores J. Williamston of the Louisiana Conference, calling it “relevant to the setting” and highlighting how thoughtfully it was tailored for Upper New York.

Apology to Victims and Survivors of Sexual Misconduct in the Church

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, an apology to victims and survivors of sexual misconduct in the Church, a resolution passed by the 2024 United Methodist General Conference, was read, followed by a message from Bishop Burgos, who publicly committed to doing no harm.

Following this act of repentance, Bishop Burgos acknowledged that one of the hymns included in the liturgy had been written by David Haas, who has been accused of sexual misconduct. Upon becoming aware of this, he immediately addressed those gathered in Syracuse and those participating via livestream, offering a public apology.  On June 16, 2026, Bishop Burgos sent an electronic letter to the entire conference. You can read the letter in it entirety here.

Music Selection and Volume Opinions Differ

Several attendees shared feedback about the music and audio levels during worship. While some appreciated the song selections and the balance of traditional and contemporary music, others expressed a desire for greater variety. One attendee wrote, “It will be good to consider adding more hymns from The United Methodist Hymnal to ensure greater diversity.” Another shared, “The worship team was amazing. All the music was great with a nice mix of new and old.” 

Opinions on the sound level were similarly mixed. Some surveyed praised the lower volume, with one noting, “The audio volume was a vast improvement over prior years.” Others found it difficult to hear, commenting, “With the reduced decibels, it is hard to hear the music.” Another attendee shared, “I prefer the sound louder. I recognize that some find that problematic, but I feel that it affected the energy and experience of worship.”

Venue Feedback 

When asked to share thoughts about the venue, many attendees highlighted the convenience of the location, ease of parking, and ability to move throughout the space without feeling crowded. Accessibility was also appreciated, with one person noting, “I like that the areas are mostly one floor and mostly accessible.”

Overall, attendees expressed differing views on the venue itself. Some suggested exploring a more natural setting, with one person writing, “Please consider a change of venue to a countryside location—I think convening in a natural setting would be an inspiring, ‘mountain top’ experience, out in God's creation.” Others appreciated the practicality of the current location. As one attendee shared, “I like that I don't have to go outside.”

Many expressed an appreciation for the overall layout and planning. One commented, “The openness allowed for mixing, communicating, and sharing with people from all sections of New York. Round tables give easy view of everyone at the table allowing easy communication and sharing. " Another person wrote, “I am able to walk to and from my hotel, depending on the weather. Our group fits well in the space. And it is nice moving around for different activities- workshops, displays, meals (rather than being served).”

Meal Options

While many attendees complimented the food and appreciated the convenience of the meal arrangements, opinions varied regarding menu choices and accommodations for dietary needs. More than half of those surveyed indicated a preference for buffet-style meals over plated options.

One attendee wrote, “The flow was great!! The lunches were really good and plentiful. I appreciated the buffet style.” Others expressed concerns about food selection and quality. One person shared, “Food was lacking in options.” Several indicated they’d like greater flexibility for those with dietary restrictions. One attendee noted, “You need to give better guidance and flexibility to those of us with food issues. I don’t expect you to always have food that I can eat, but I do expect permission to bring food that I can eat.”

Attendees also highlighted the benefits of the boxed lunches offered during Annual Conference, noting that they were both convenient and helped make the most of the available time. One person shared, “I liked that the boxed lunches allowed us more time for workshops and mingling.”

App and Amendments

More than half of those surveyed indicated they used the UNY UMC app during the session and found it easy to navigate and helpful for staying informed. Attendees particularly appreciated the multiple features included. One person shared, “I was really happy with the maps, menus, and digital service materials.” Another wrote, “I am learning about the app and am pleasantly surprised with its clarity.”

Several respondents also noted that the app serves as a valuable resource beyond Annual Conference. As one attendee explained, “I have used the app continually before and after, just not during [Annual Conference].” One person noted that they’d like to see additional features added to the app, including a place to ask questions and leave comments. 

New this year was the ability to submit an amendment online. There was a button added to the UNY UMC app directing users to an online submission form. Anyone not comfortable with this method could still fill out a paper form. One person wrote, “Online amendment submission is an excellent use of the app " Another shared, “I appreciate multiple methods to include older members.”

Closed Captioning and American Sign Language

Accessibility remained a priority throughout the planning and implementation of Annual

Conference. More than half of those surveyed indicated that they found the American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation helpful. Many commented on the enthusiasm and visibility of the ASL interpreters. One attendee shared, “The people that are doing it are so enthusiastic that you have to appreciate it,” while another noted, “While I don't need or understand the signers, they are an important part of our hospitality and a welcome sight.”

Feedback on closed captioning was mixed with fewer than half reported using the service. Several attendees found it beneficial, including one person who wrote, “I have ‘normal’ hearing according to the audiologist. Yet I appreciate captions that help me follow conversations.” Another shared, “I just started wearing hearing aids and the closed captioning really helped me keep up with what was happening.” Others expressed concerns about the size and accuracy of the captions. One attendee noted, “It seemed harder to follow this year...and often the automatic system couldn't understand the same phrase that I didn't catch, so when I'd watch to see what was said, it didn't help.”

Workshops, Prayer Tent, and Labyrinth

Several people offered praise for the prayer tent with one person writing, “[it] was very well done and much appreciated.”  Another person echoed, “I appreciated the location of the prayer tent and labyrinth.”

Many people noted that the learning workshops held on Thursday and Friday during lunch were a highlight with one person suggesting, “Make one day specifically for training and more workshop based.”

Final Thoughts

Overall, those surveyed said they enjoyed the experience and thought the length of the day wasn’t too long or too short. Planning is already underway for the 2027 Upper New York Annual Conference. It’s scheduled for May 19-22, 2027, more than a full week before the Memorial Day holiday at the Oncenter in Syracuse.  Click here for recaps, articles, and videos from the 2026 session.