Our flagship gathering · Since 2003
2026 Catholic Partnership Summit FAQ
Everything you need to know about the 2026 Summit — what's planned, how to register, where to stay, and how to get there.
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About the Summit
What is the Catholic Partnership Summit?
The Catholic Partnership Summit is Leadership Roundtable's flagship gathering — bringing together Catholic lay, ordained, and religious leaders from across the Church for honest, focused conversations about the most pressing challenges and opportunities of our times. Since 2003, our convenings have shaped national conversations on renewal, co-responsibility, financial transparency, young adult engagement, and the road ahead for the U.S. Catholic Church.
Who should attend?
The Summit is designed for senior Catholic leaders — bishops, diocesan leaders, heads of Catholic organizations, philanthropists, pastors, religious, academics, and emerging leaders. We intentionally invite diverse leaders across sector, generation, and role.
The Summit convenes by invitation only. If you are interested in attending and have not received an invitation, please email us at summit@leadershiproundtable.org.
Where is it?
The 2026 Summit takes place October 20–21 at Loyola University Chicago's Lake Shore Campus, located at 1032 W. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660.
What is the agenda?
The 2026 Summit takes place over two days. The agenda will include Mass at the Madonna della Strada Chapel, expert panels, roundtable discussions, and a closing cocktail reception on the shore of Lake Michigan. A seated welcome dinner will be held on the 20th, and both breakfast and lunch will be served on the 21st.
A detailed agenda is forthcoming.
Registration & Fees
How do I register?
You can register online. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Karen at summit@leadershiproundtable.org.
What is the registration fee?
Until July 31, an early bird rate of $295 per ticket is available. After that, tickets are $395. The registration fee includes all Summit programming as well as meals.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
Leadership Roundtable hopes everyone who registers for the Catholic Partnership Summit will be able to attend; however, we know extenuating circumstances do occur. Our policies are as follows:
Transfers.
Registrations are transferable to another individual with Leadership Roundtable's approval. To request a transfer, email summit@leadershiproundtable.org with the original registrant's name and the proposed substitute's name, organization, and contact information. Transfer requests must be received at least 48 hours before the event begins. There is no fee to transfer.
Refunds.
Registration fees are non-refundable. Because we commit to vendor, venue, and catering costs in advance, we are unable to issue refunds for cancellations, no-shows, or unused portions of the program. We encourage registrants who cannot attend to transfer their registration to a colleague.
Event Cancellation by Leadership Roundtable.
In the unlikely event that Leadership Roundtable must cancel the Summit due to circumstances beyond our control — force majeure — including but not limited to severe weather, natural disasters, or venue unavailability, registration fees will be refunded in full.
I've registered — what happens next?
You will receive a confirmation email shortly after completing your registration. As the Summit approaches, you will receive additional communications including program details, hotel and travel information, and a "Know Before You Go" guide with everything you need for a smooth arrival.
Will this event be photographed or recorded?
Yes. By registering, you consent to the use of your image and likeness in Leadership Roundtable's promotional and educational materials.
Accommodations & Hotels
Where should I stay?
While you are welcome to stay anywhere you like in the city, we have secured rooms at the following nearby hotels:
Hampton Inn Chicago North–Loyola Station
1209 W. Albion Ave., Chicago, IL 60626
Located directly on Loyola's Lake Shore Campus and within walking distance of all Summit events.
- Group Rate: $289/night
- Parking: Valet only, $46/day with in-and-out privileges
- Reservation deadline: September 19
- Reservations: Book online using this link or call 1-800-426-7866 and reference group code CHH91J
Please note the group rate is available only for Tuesday, October 20.
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore / Evanston
1818 Maple Ave, Evanston, IL 60201.
A traditional business-style hotel located approximately 15-20 minutes north of Loyola's Lake Shore Campus.
- Group rate: $149/night
- Parking: Self-parking available in the adjacent covered garage for $24/day with in-and-out privileges
- Complimentary shuttle service between the hotel and campus (schedule forthcoming)
- Reservation deadline: September 22
- Reservations: Book online using this link or call 1-800-774-1500 and reference group code RTL.
Please note that the reservation link is set up for a one-night stay on Tuesday, October 20. If you would like to add Monday or Wednesday at the same group rate, please call the hotel directly at (847) 492-6533 and ask for Claudia Hapa.
Graduate by Hilton Evanston
1625 Hinman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201.
An historic boutique hotel within walking distance of Lake Michigan and downtown Evanston's shops and restaurants.
- Group rate: $199/night
- Parking: Valet only, $35/day. In-and-out privileges are not available
- No shuttle service is currently scheduled. Guests should plan to drive or use a rideshare service to travel between the hotel and campus.
- Reservation deadline: September 20
- Reservations: Book online using this link.
Please note that the reservation link is set up for either a one-night stay (Tuesday only) or a two-night stay (Tuesday and Wednesday). If you would like to add Monday or Thursday at the same group rate, please call the hotel directly at (502) 489-3737 and ask for Anna Garrison.
Which hotel should I choose?
- Choose the Hampton Inn if you would like to walk to all Summit events.
- Choose the Hilton Garden Inn if you are looking for the most economical option and would like shuttle service.
- Choose the Graduate if you prefer a boutique hotel experience near downtown Evanston and Lake Michigan.
Of course, some attendees may wish to take advantage of their proximity to Chicago by staying downtown rather than on the North Shore. We do not have a room block in the city, and hotel availability may be limited due to the large Pack Expo being held in Chicago that week.
If you choose to stay downtown, we recommend looking for accommodations in the following neighborhoods, which are located along the CTA Red Line and provide convenient access to Loyola's Lake Shore Campus:
- Gold Coast
- River North
- The Magnificent Mile
We strongly encourage booking early. If the Chicago Cubs qualify for postseason play in October, hotel availability may become even more limited and rates may increase.
Travel & Logistics
What airport should I fly into?
Chicago is served by two major airports. O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway Airport (MDW) O'Hare is slightly closer to Loyola University's Lake Shore Campus and is generally the more convenient option if you have a choice between the two.
How can I get from the airport to Loyola's Lake Shore Campus?
By Car, Taxi, or Rideshare
- From O'Hare: approximately 30–45 minutes
- From Midway: approximately 35–55 minutes
Travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions.
By CTA (Chicago Transit Authority)
Public transportation is available from both airports via Chicago's CTA train system.From O'Hare
- Take the CTA Blue Line toward downtown Chicago.
- Transfer to the CTA Red Line at Jackson Station.
- Take the Red Line north to Loyola Station.
- The station is adjacent to campus, with an approximately 5–10 minute walk to Summit locations.
Estimated travel time: 70–90 minutes.
From Midway
- Take the CTA Orange Line toward downtown Chicago.
- Transfer to the CTA Red Line at Roosevelt Station.
- Take the Red Line north to Loyola Station.
- The station is adjacent to campus, with an approximately 5–10 minute walk to Summit locations.
Estimated travel time: 60–80 minutes.
What is the dress code?
Business casual is appropriate for all Summit sessions and meals. For the opening Mass and dinner, attendees are encouraged to wear elevated business casual or smart-casual attire.
Please note that October evenings along Lake Michigan can be surprisingly cool. We recommend bringing a coat, jacket, or wrap.
Loyola Lake Shore Campus Information
Where will the Summit take place on campus?
This campus map will help you familiarize yourself with Loyola University's Lake Shore Campus.
Key Summit locations include:
- Hampton Inn Chicago North-Loyola Station (#2)
- Madonna della Strada Chapel (#18)
- Damen Student Center (#12)
- Piper Hall Courtyard (outside #28)
For reference, it takes approximately 10 minutes to walk from one end of campus to the other.
Is parking available on campus?
Two campus parking garages are available for Summit attendees for $10 per day. Overnight parking is not permitted.
- Main Parking Structure (P1 on the campus map) – most convenient location
- Fordham Garage (P2 on the campus map)
Where Should I be dropped off if I take a rideshare to campus?
Tuesday (Opening Mass)
Use the Main Parking Structure/Kenmore Avenue entrance as your drop-off locations. From there, Madonna della Strada Chapel is approximately a 5-10 minute walk.
Wednesday (Summit Sessions)
The most convenient drop-off location is the Damen Student Center entrance on Sheridan Road.
Still have questions?
Contact our Summit team — we're happy to help.
© 2026 Leadership Roundtable.