NACPA Annual Convocation 

Early Bird Registration Closes December 31

 

NACPA Convocation Overview
ATTENDEE & SPEAKER REGISTRATION OPEN
Plenary Speakers
Breakout Sessions
Program Agenda
Recertification - HRCI / SHRM
Exhibitors & Sponsors
Past Convocations

 


When: 
Sunday, April 27 
Monday, April 28
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
(All sessions will be held Mon & Tue)
Where:
Marriott City Center
220 South State Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Hotel Block Rate $192/night
(available Sep 1) 

 

 

Member Registration:
$675 - Early Bird (Sep 1 - Dec 31)
$725 - Regular (Jan 1, 2025 - April)
$225 - Layaway (Sep 1 $225, by Dec 31 $225, by Feb 28 $225)

Non-Member Registration:
$775 - Regular 
$825 - Late (April 1 Onwards)
Early Bird and Layaway is not available for non-members

*Cancellation before 12/31/24 will receive refund save $225. 
Cancellation 1/1/25-4/1/25 will receive refund save $400.
No refunds can be made after 4/1/25.

 

ATTENDEE & SPEAKER REGISTRATION OPEN
Plenary Speakers
Breakout Sessions
Program Agenda
Recertification - HRCI / SHRM
Exhibitors & Sponsors
Past Convocations

NACPA Convocation Overview

NACPA's annual convocation allows members to learn from experts in HR and the world of HR in the Church; from those who have succeeded in creating a better and more prosperous environment, through the field of HR, within their communities. During the three-day meeting, delegates attend a spirited Opening Ceremony, uplifting prayer services, and networking opportunities. They will hear from outstanding Plenary speakers; select 4 compelling breakout sessions, from a choice of 12; participate in a hot topic round table (out of 3), welcoming forums, as well as post-session and speaker chats, and will be able to meet face-to-face with vendors specific to the fields of HR and HR within the Catholic Church.

Our Attendees

  • All who work in HR-related fields for the Church
  • Chancellors / CEOs / Religious Community Directors
  • Finance Directors / Managers
  • Human Resource Associates
  • Human Resource Directors
  • Pastors
  • Parish Managers / Business Managers
  • Principals / Heads of School
  • Religious Community HR Directors & Associates / Business / Finance Managers 

Program Agenda

The Conference will begin on Sunday, April 27, with several optional activities throughout the day, before our Opening Ceremony and Social in the evening.

We begin each morning with breakfast, daily liturgy and morning prayer where all are welcome. Sessions then begin with an opening Plenary which is followed by a long break (a great time to stretch your legs and get to know our wonderful vendors!) the first of our four breakout session blocks (3 to choose from at each block), presented by experts in our field. Then NACPA Members convene for a plated luncheon while the NACPA Board presents their report to members and any open Board positions are voted on. One last breakout session block will end our official time that day and then we swing into a short Happy Hour, in the Exhibit Hall, where we begin to unwind and show our thanks to the Diocese of Salt Lake City- before people head out into the city for dinners and time to explore the town.

Tuesday begins in the same manner, but after the first breakout session block of the day attendees are welcome to explore the city for lunch (many close options). We then offer an afternoon breakout session block and then the concluding block of the day our attendees can choose between three sessions in the style of our OnDemand Discussion Series; an expert (or panel of) will introduce and present a short overview on a topic and then open the floor for discussions and questions - a great place to tie up any loose ends from the week!

Tuesday evening, we come together one last time to celebrate the week and reflect on our time together with our Closing Social and the 2025 Awards Banquet. It's joyous time for attendees; members, non-members, supportive exhibitors and sponsors alike, to come together and recognize those in our community who have given graciously in the support of our members and community. Thanks to our gracious exhibitors and sponsors, we speckle the evening with fun and exciting raffles and prizes as well. For those who are still not ready to call it a night, we will host our 2nd NACPA Karaoke Party (back by popular demand), also at the hotel, to truly close out the week in rock n' roll style.

All registration, events, meals, sessions, and the Exhibit Hall will take place at the Salt Lake City Marriott City Center. Breakfast and breaks will also be hosted in the Exhibit Hall. The Ballroom (Prayer, Daily Liturgy, Plenaries, Banquet) and the Breakout Session Rooms are all within the Exhibit Hall.

SUN April 27

  • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Film Screening: Cabrini (onsite)
  • 2 PM (1 Hour) New Member Orientation - Open to Members, Meet the NACPA Board
  • 3 PM (30 Min) HR Certificate Program Alumni Reception - Open to all Graduates of the HR Certificate Program
  • 1 PM – 3PM Check in at the NACPA Main Desk in the Exhibit/Session Hall
  • 4:15 PM Cathedral Tour (45 min, transportation provided)
  • 5 PM Opening Liturgy (off-site, transportation provided, 1 Hour)
  • 6:15 PM Opening Ceremony/Happy Hour & Appetizers, Exhibit Hall (1 Hour)

MON April 28

  • 7 – 8:30 AM Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall, NACPA Check in Desk Open
  • 7 – 7:30 AM Daily Liturgy
  • 7:30 – 8 AM Morning Prayer
  • 8:30 – 10:15 AM Opening Plenary - SR. NORMA PIMENTEL Creating a Culture of Compassion and Kindness in the Workplace
  • 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM Morning Break –
  • 11:30 – 1:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions (1/5)
  • 1:00 – 2:30 PM NACPA Member Business Lunch and Vote for Board Members
    (off-site lunch options are walkable for non-members)
  • 2:30 – 2:45 PM Break
  • 2:45 – 4:15 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions (2/5)
  • 5:00 – 5:30 PM Thank You Salt Lake City Happy Hour, Exhibit Hall (30 Min)

TUE April 29

  • 7 – 8:30 AM Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall, NACPA Check in Desk Open
  • 7 – 7:30 AM Daily Liturgy
  • 7:30 – 8 AM Morning Prayer
  • 8:30 – 10:15 AM Opening Plenary - ZIP RZEPPA Building a Discipleship Culture: Strategies for HR Professionals in the Workplace
  • 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM Morning Break 
  • 11:30 – 1:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions (3/5)
  • 1:00 – 2:30 PM Open Lunch – Off-site, walkable options available
  • 2:30 PM Exhibit Hall Closes 
  • 2:30 – 4:00 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions (4/5)
  • 4:00 – 4:15 PM Break
  • 4:15 – 5:45 PM Concurrent Breakout Sessions/Roundtables (5/5)
  • 6:30 PM Social (30 Min)
  • 7 PM Closing Awards Banquet (2 Hrs)
  • 9:30 PM - 11PM Karaoke After Party (onsite)
Program Agenda Print Version - PDF

Plenary Speakers

SR. NORMA PIMENTEL
Creating a Culture of Compassion and Kindness in the Workplace
Monday Plenary Speaker ◦ April 29 ◦ 8:30-10:15am

Norma Pimentel is a Sister with the Missionaries of Jesus. As the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley for 20 years, she oversees the charitable arm of the Diocese of Brownsville, providing oversight of the different ministries & services in the areas of the Rio Grande Valley through emergency assistance, homelessness prevention, disaster relief, clinical counseling, pregnancy care, food programs, and the Humanitarian Respite Center.

Sister's work has led to her being praised by, and later meeting, Pope Francis, being featured on "60 Minutes," "20/20," CNN and in newspapers around the world. In 2015 Sister Norma received the Martin Luther King, Jr. “Keep the Dream Alive” Award from Catholic Charities USA. In March 2015, she spoke on "Women Upholding Human Dignity" at the United Nations. Sister Norma was selected to receive the Laetare Medal by the University of Notre Dame in recognition of outstanding service to the Catholic Church and society in March 2018.

In 2020, Sister Norma was included in Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People.

In 2023, Sister Norma was one of the first recipients of the Civic Renewal Award, given to Christians who demonstrate "exemplary contributions to the health and well-being of their communities and nation" by the Center for Christianity and Public Life. She was recognized for her "tireless efforts in serving and advocating for the marginalized and vulnerable".

Sister Norma Pimentel earned her bachelor’s in fine arts from Pan American University, a master’s in theology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and a master’s in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.

Grace and humanity have always been central to Sister Norma, who as a child wanted to be an artist and today paints portraits of Central American families she encounters, often gifting them to various fundraisers. She gave one pastel portrait of a Honduran family as a gift to Pope Francis when he visited the United States in 2015.  

Speaking on the challenges of her work, Sister Norma has said "No matter how tired I am, if my presence and efforts bring a sense of relief to a family or child in distress, my sense of self is energized, and I go to sleep knowing I've done something good." 

Sr. Norma Pimentel
Executive Director of Catholic Charities
Rio Grande Valley

ZIP RZEPPA
Building a Discipleship Culture: Strategies for HR Professionals in the Workplace
Tuesday Plenary Speaker ◦ April 29 ◦ 8:30-10:15am
Zip Rzeppa is the Founder and Executive Director of Mater Media, whose mission is “to make Jesus Christ more known and more loved by more people—through media.”
As a not-for-profit apostolate, Mater Media publishes Catholic books, works with major motion picture producers on uplifting movies and documentaries, such as the recent Cabrini, and provides the Celebrate Catholic Marriage Experience to inspire and strengthen marriages in parishes nationwide.
Many of you may be familiar with Zip, who in an earlier career, was a popular local TV sportscaster in Boston, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. Turning to a life of service, he did door-to-door evangelization in inner-city parishes, served as Vice-President of MERS Goodwill Industries, Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocesan Council in St. Louis, and Managing Director of Angels’ Arms.
Zip is the author of the Catholic teen novel, My Rock & Salvation, and his autobiography, For A Greater Purpose.

Zip Rzeppa
Founder and Executive Director
Mater Media

 


 

Breakout Sessions


Convocation Recertification

NACPA Convocation is a wonderful opportunity for Church HR Professionals to gain recertification credit hours from both HRCI and SHRM! Below were the credit hours an attendee could submit from attending NACPA 2024.  Registrants must attend both Plenaries, and one session from each session block, including the Live OnDemand (Formerly Roundtables) to receive recertification.

NACPA 2024 was approved for 11 recertification credit hours of which 6.25 are business credit hours toward aPHR®, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®). Full Registration Attendees will receive the activity ID after the program concludes. For more information about certification, please visit the HR Certification Institute website at www.hrci.org.

 

NACPA 2024 was recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits(PDCs) for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. This program was approved for 11 PDCs for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit https://www.shrm.org.

 

 

Attendees receive the activity ID after the program concludes.


Exhibitors & Sponsors 

Our annual convocation is the perfect place to make a true connection with our members. NACPA is proud to be able to offer this annual event, not only as a space for members to learn, commune and connect with each other, but as a space where our members can meet with vendors who offer exemplary solutions for their specific Church Human Resources needs.

As a close-knit community, our members rely on each other for advice and referrals when choosing new vendors. When you attend NACPA convocation, you not only have the opportunity to create a bond with our attending members, your organization will also be represented, via attendee experiences and recommendations throughout the year, as other members come in need of your services.

Included in the exhibit fee is a 6’ x 30” skirted table, two chairs, full participation in non-breakout session event offerings, for two representatives; including the opening reception, opening liturgy, morning prayer, two plenary sessions, Monday evening happy hour, two continental breakfasts, and the closing social and Awards Banquet Tuesday night.

Registration will open Sun April 27 at 1 PM. Exhibits can be assembled on April 29 from 1 PM - 4 PM and can be dismantled after the concurrent sessions begin post lunch on Tue April 29 (not provided as many off-campus options), though we invite all exhibitors to attend the Social (6:30) and Banquet that evening at 7 PM.

Spaces are limited this year - please don't delay

Sample Convocation Schedule (From 2024)

Convocation Exhibitor Information, Rules and Regulations

Convocation Sponsorship Information

NACPA 2025 Exhibitor & Sponsor Registration

 

 


PAST CONVOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

 Convocation 2024 - Kansas City, MO - April 14-16, 2024

Convocation 2024 Full Program

Gratitude for a Joyous NACPA 2024!

Our time in Kansas City was informative, spirited and rejuvenating! We are so pleased that it brought together 140 attendees, from 36 states, Washington, DC and Vancouver, Canada who came to us from as far as Alaska, Maine and Florida! Together, our community represented 15 archdioceses, 38 dioceses, 25 parishes, 11 religious communities, and representatives from several Catholic Charities, Catholic Cemeteries, and schools across the nation. Throughout our event we were graciously supported by our 27 exhibiting vendors and sponsors and their 50 on-site representatives.

At our beautiful Opening Liturgy, we were welcomed by Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. of Kansas City-St. Joseph at Visitation Church.

Opening Liturgy at Visitation Catholic Church, Kansas City, MO. Celebrated by Bishop Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

We heard from two stellar Plenary Speakers who stirred both our bodies and souls, and attendees chose from 12 excellent breakout sessions lead by our expert speakers. For the first time, we provided morning mass on both Monday and Tuesday, as well as morning prayer. We had a marvelous Opening Social, accompanied by the jazzy Brant Jester Trio. We hosted 3 book-signings and delighted in our Monday evening Thank you Kansas City Happy Hour, sponsored by Mutual of America, where we sampled local beer and spirits. Our time together was topped like icing on a cake with a spectacular performance by St. Monica's Choir at our Closing Social followed by a delicious Banquet Awards Dinner where we celebrated each other and toasted our tremendous and deserving awardees. On Tuesday night we had our first ever on-site Karaoke After Party - where we let loose and were treated to great music and remarkable displays of talent (in signing, dancing, and comedic timing), it was a jubilant evening that imbodied the absolute good vibes and comradery of our entire week.

NACPA 2024 Plenary Speakers: Marvelless Mark Kamp, Deacon Larry Oney

Our sincere gratitude to the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph of Missouri and the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and everyone on their teams for their hard work this year on behalf of all of NACPA. We also offer our great thanks to each of you for making the time to participate, especially to those who lent their time and talents as one of our expert speakers. This year's program was packed with timely information, unique to the field of Church HR, and it wouldn't have been possible without the passion and commitment of our NACPA members. Your efforts highlight what is the most treasured resource of NACPA membership; your generosity of shared expertise and knowledge.


Convocation 2023 ~ April 30 - May 2, 2023

NACPA 2023 Full Program

 

Convocation 2022 ~ May 1-3, 2022

 NACPA 2022 Full Program
NACPA 2022 Closing Awards Banquet Slide Show

 

Convocation 2021 ~ April 26-28, 2021

We wish to thank the Archdiocese of Baltimore, our Speakers and Sponsors for a beautiful and fulfilling convocation!

#NACPA2021 kicked off our 50th anniversary — it was indeed an occasion for celebration and charting a course for the next 50. 

2021 Session Package Available
through September 15th
50th Anniversary Giving Campaign
NACPA 2021 Program
2021 Virtual Exhibit Hall

(Please note the SHRM number within the program is incorrect)

 


 Convocation 2020

Read the Letter from NACPA President regarding NACPA 2020 Convocation

We would like, again, to thank Archbishop Gregory Aymond, of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and NACPA's Episcopal Moderator, for his blessing over our members and his words of hope and grace during the Half-Hour Happy Hour and each of the VEH Sponsors (below) and Exhibitors for their time, talents and continued support and commitment to NACPA Members.


Convocation 2019 San Antonio


Convocation 2018 Niagara Falls


 Convocation 2017 Nashville

 

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