Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost to attend?
Early registration for the WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership is $299 per person. Early registration ends Nov. 30. After early bird is over the cost per attendee is $349 per person.
Registration is now closed.
Registration fees include breakfast and lunch on Tuesday, breakfast on Wednesday, as well as any materials/resources shared in all sessions.
Attendees must book their own hotel rooms at the Hilton Chicago.
My congregation is going to send multiple attendees. How do we register them together?
Registration is set up to be done individually, due to internet privacy laws regarding contact information. If attendees gave someone at your congregation (e.g., the church secretary) permission, that person could register those individuals and pay for them with a congregational credit card. Otherwise, individuals can register themselves and, if the congregation is covering the expenses, the congregation can reimburse those individuals.
Does registration include all meals?
Registration includes breakfast and lunch on Tuesday and breakfast on Wednesday. There will also be refreshments served at certain breaks.
Dinner on Monday and Tuesday evenings is on your own. There will be opportunities for networking, which can continue over dinner. There are two restaurants in the Hilton Chicago. Within two blocks there are dozens of others, including multiple fast-food options. There is also a grocery store with deli within one block.
How do I reserve lodging at the Hilton Chicago hotel?
Attendees are responsible for reserving their hotel room at the Hilton Chicago.
Rooms are all $129 per night for single or double occupancy as part of a discount room block. Those reduced rates are available from Sunday, January 18, 2026, through checkout on Thursday, January 22, 2026
Parking in the secure lot at the hotel is $30 per day.
How do I get to the Hilton Chicago?
Bus
We have contracted two buses from Wisconsin for service to and from the leadership conference. Pick-up/drop-off choices are either Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (11831 N. Seminary Drive, Mequon, Wis.) OR the WELS Center for Mission and Ministry (N16W23377 Stone Ridge Drive, Waukesha, Wis.).
Pick-up times from each location will be on Monday, January 19 at 8:00 a.m., arriving in Chicago at 10:45 a.m. and departing Wednesday, January 21 from Chicago at 1:30 p.m., arriving back in Wisconsin at 4:15 p.m. Each seat will be about $60. Prices may change contingent on interest and bus size.
Due to lack of interest, the Minnesota bus has been cancelled.
Driving
Visit the Hilton – Chicago website for directions and other helpful travel information.
Flying
Chicago has two major airports.
O’Hare International Airport (airport code: ORD) is 15-18 miles from the Hilton. Midway International Airport is 12 miles from the Hilton.
Getting from the airport to the Hilton:
- Uber or Lyft – Unless you are traveling at a surge time, both should cost around $35.
- Subway – Both O’Hare and Midway have subway stops right at the airport. From O’Hare, the Blue Line will take a rider to the Jackson stop, which is less than a mile from the Hilton. From Midway, take the Orange Line to the Roosevelt stop, which is less than a mile from the Hilton. The subway will cost $2.50 to $5 to ride. An Uber or Lyft for that final mile would be approximately $5-$8.
- Rental car – The airport tax in Chicago means a rental will be at least $55 daily. If you want to see portions of the city during your stay, utilizing Uber or Lyft will likely be less expensive. However, if you wish to consider this option, note that WELS has negotiated rates with a number of rental car companies.
Visit the Hilton – Chicago website for directions and other helpful travel information.
Where do I park when I arrive?
Parking will be available for $30 per night on a first-come, first-served basis until the parking garage is full.
- Choose self-park when you arrive and let them know at the front desk when you check in. There is room for about 400 cars in the parking garage.
- If the parking garage is full when you arrive, we suggest you use an app like spot hero to find reasonable parking.
What is the dress code?
Casual dress is acceptable.
Are there accommodations for special needs?
Yes, any special needs should be listed on your registration form so we can make the necessary arrangements.
If you need an accessible guest room, please advise the hotel directly when you make your reservation.
Will there be a photographer at the conference?
Yes, we do plan to have official photographs taken for our records and for use in WELS publications. By registering for the conference, you grant us permission to use any video footage or photographs in which you may appear.
Will videos or recordings of the presentations be made available after the conference?
No. For some presentations, summary and supplementary materials will be given to attendees as part of their registration cost. But the filming of the presentations is not permitted.
When will the attendee booklet be available?
The attendee booklet is now available online. Download the attendee booklet.
Conference attendees will also receive a printed booklet at registration.
Will childcare be provided?
Childcare will not be provided, and children should be supervised at all times.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel your registration, you will receive 100% reimbursement if you make the request before Nov. 16, 2025. From November 16-30, 2025, you will receive a 50% reimbursement. After that, we are locked into food and amenity costs and cannot offer reimbursement.
Once you are registered, you will receive an Auto-Receipt e-mail with your payment information. Please keep this receipt for your records. No refunds will be processed without a receipt.
To cancel a hotel room reservation, you must work directly with the Hilton Chicago.
Have more questions?
Submit your questions through the WELS Contact Us form.
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