2026 General Conference
Travel Planning
General Conference 2026 Arrival Dates
General Conference 2026 will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, from August 30-September 5, 2026. Upon arrival at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, our Hospitality Volunteers will greet guests and direct them to local transportation.
To facilitate your travel plans, please note the following arrival recommendations from the General Conference Commission, as well as the attendee type notes below:
- All attendees should arrive no later than Saturday, August 29, as the conference begins on Sunday morning, August 30.
- For those traveling from areas with a time difference of three or more hours from South Africa (GMT+2), we strongly recommend arriving two days prior to your first scheduled function. This will allow adequate time to acclimate to the time change.
Hotel blocks have been reserved with these guidelines in mind. Please remember that most intercontinental flights depart a day earlier than their arrival date. The General Conference Commission will provide opportunities to book through our travel partners when the registration platform launches.
General Conference Commission and Global Methodist Staff
Wednesday, August 26th for all arriving from 3+ time zones away
Thursday, August 27th for all others
Bishops
Wednesday, August 26th for all active bishops
Saturday, August 29th for all emeriti bishops
Volunteers
Wednesday, August 26th for all Hospitality, Registration, and Communications Volunteers, and the Head Marshall
Thursday, August 27th for all other volunteers arriving from 3+ time zones away
Friday, August 28th for all remaining volunteers
Council of Appeals
Thursday, August 27th for all arriving from 3+ time zones away
Friday, August 28th for all remaining members
Delegates and Alternates
Friday, August 28th for those arriving from the Americas and Asia
Saturday, August 29th for those arriving from Africa and Europe
Observers, Invited Guests, and Missions Participants
Saturday, August 29th unless desiring to arrive earlier for acclimation purposes
The Venue - The Sandton Convention Centre
The Sandton Convention Centre, located in the heart of Sandton’s dynamic business district in Johannesburg, is a world‐class venue built for moments like the 2026 General Conference of the Global Methodist Church. With 22,000 m² of flexible event space, cutting‐edge audiovisual infrastructure, and contemporary Afro‐chic décor, it delivers both elegance and utility. Southern Sun From boardrooms for smaller gatherings to the grand Pavilion capable of hosting up to 4,500 guests, each space is designed for comfort, connection, and impact. Southern Sun Beyond the halls, the centre is seamlessly placed near Gautrain, O.R. Tambo International Airport, major hotels, shopping, and entertainment — making it both accessible and vibrant.
Optional Tours in South Africa
Education Opportunity Tours is pleased to offer a variety of optional excursions for members of the Global Methodist Church attending the 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. These tours are designed to help you experience the beauty, culture, and history of South Africa during your time at General Conference.
Please note: All tours are optional and are offered solely through Education Opportunity Tours. Education Opportunity Tours is a separate organization and is not owned, operated, or managed by the Global Methodist Church. Participation in these tours is completely voluntary, and the Global Methodist Church assumes no responsibility or liability for these services. All travel arrangements, payments, and liabilities are the responsibility of the participant and Education Opportunity Tours.