General Conference 2026 Registration & Travel Update

November 20, 2025

General Conference Registration & Travel Update: Everything You Need to Know

We are pleased to share important details regarding registration, travel, lodging, and participant expectations for General Conference 2026 (GC26). Please review this information carefully, as several processes are time-sensitive and designed to help ensure a smooth and well-coordinated experience for all delegates, volunteers, and guests.


Registration

Registration Opens in Phases

To provide individualized support and prevent system overload, GC26 registration will roll out in a series of phases:


Phase 1 — October 31, 2025

Bishops, General Conference Commission, GMC Staff


Phase 2 — November 19, 2025

GCC Sub-Teams, Council of Appeals, Key Assigned Volunteers

(Phase 1 participants may continue registering)


Phase 3 — December 10, 2025

Delegates, Bishop Emeriti, Conference Superintendents, Connectional Council

(Phases 1 & 2 continue)


Phase 4 — January 14, 2026

Volunteers, Exhibitors, Sponsors, Honored Guests

(Phases 1–3 continue)


Phase 5 — February 11, 2026

Open to the public

(Phases 1–4 continue)


Everyone that is a part of one of these groups will receive an email invitation containing a personalized registration link. All participants should use this link to complete the registration form.


All registrants must hold a valid passport or South African Identification Card. A valid passport with an expiration date no earlier than December 31, 2026 is required in order to register or a SA Identification Card that will not expire by the end of 2026. Registrants without a current passport/id card must wait until their new passport/id card is issued before completing registration.


Registration will also allow registrants to add a spouse or guest who plans to attend GC26.


Programming Options & Hotel Assignments

During registration, participants will have the opportunity to sign up for optional programming, including the GC26 choir, mission experience and Educational Opportunities Tours.


For groups requesting specific hotels, accommodations will be assigned on a first-come basis and according to availability. Your registration summary will indicate your assigned hotel, and you may be asked to select a room type where options are available.


Once registration is submitted, you will receive:

  1. A Registration Confirmation email, and
  2. A Hotel Confirmation within 72 hours.

If not received, participants should contact Registration Concierge, Ginger Barbee


Travel Information Specifically for U.S. Delegates

Your Registration Confirmation will contain a link to the Travel Booking Form, where you will provide flight preferences. It is essential to complete this form only after finalizing your travel plans, especially if you intend to participate in pre- or post-conference mission work in Africa or an Educational Opportunities tour.


Uniglobe, our travel partner, will arrange flights and can assist with Frequent Flyer Miles or preferred airlines. Any changes to an approved itinerary are at the traveler’s personal expense. U.S. delegates will arrive Thursday, August 28, and depart Sunday, September 6.


Airport transfers will be provided only for those booked through Uniglobe. Delegates traveling within the operating hours of the Gautrain will receive a round-trip Gautrain transfer card upon arrival and must keep the card for their return trip.


Annual Conferences will be invoiced after GC26 for hotel rooms, with the $1,000 per-person credit applied. Conferences with a zero balance or a credit will not receive an invoice.


Hotel Information for U.S. Delegates, Exhibitors/Sponsors, Volunteers and Guests

The GMC has vetted and approved five hotels near the Sandton Convention Centre. All costs listed reflect a nine-night stay (August 28–September 6), include breakfast and incorporate current exchange and tax estimates.


The Connectional Council has approved a $1,000 hotel credit per U.S.-based delegate and alternate.

Hotel Options:

  • Sandton Towers – $2,159 single / $2,357 double
    Closest to the Convention Centre; limited availability.
  • Sandton Sun – $2,001 single / $2,199 double
    Connected via SkyBridge; 35 rooms available.
  • Garden Court – $894 single / $1,036 double
    Highest number of rooms; most budget-friendly.
  • Protea Balalaika – $923 single / $1,081 double
    Short walk or shuttle; 70 rooms available.
  • Radisson Blu Gautrain – $1,080 single / $1,213 double
    Convenient location near the mall; 20 rooms available.


Information Specifically for Delegates Outside the U.S.

All hotel accommodations are fully covered by the GMC for elected delegates and alternates. Delegates/Alternates must provide a credit card at check-in for incidentals. Delegates will be paired with

roommate, unless they choose a preferred delegate roommate during registration.


Arrival dates vary by role and time zone, with most delegates arriving August 28–29. Airport transfers are provided for delegates/alternates traveling via Uniglobe.


On-Site Registration in Johannesburg

On-site registration will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre, with limited hours beginning Thursday, August 27 for those arriving early for pre-conference meetings. Final hours will be announced closer to the event.


Dress Code & Cultural Notes

Dress for GC26 is comfortable business casual—modest, culturally appropriate attire recommended for long days in meeting rooms that may feel cool. Jackets or light sweaters are suggested.


Participants are asked to refrain from political attire. Uniforms representing local churches are welcome. Attendees are especially encouraged to wear celebratory clothing for the Celebration of Africa on Wednesday, September 2.


Additional Details

Time Zone: GMT +2

Tipping: Restaurants: 10–15%, room service/housekeeping: ~10%

Per Diems: Non-U.S. delegates will receive a $65/day per diem at on-site registration.

Meals Provided: Breakfast daily at hotels, lunch daily (Aug 30–Sept 5) at the Convention Centre, dinner provided on Aug 30, Aug 31, and Sept 2

Altitude: Johannesburg sits at 5,700 ft (1,753 m) with dry air.


For More Information

For additional details about General Conference 2026, please visit beautyofholiness.org.

If you have questions or need assistance with registration, please contact Ginger Barbee, GC26 Registration Concierge, at gbarbee@globalmethodist.org.



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