2026 Annual Conference

Crossroads of Identity, Community, and Technology

September 24- 26, 2026

Mid America Center

Mid America Center

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Featured Speakers

Thursday Night Richard P. Howard Lecture

Matthew Breay Bolton presents

Nuclear Colonialism and the Ambivalent Church: Responses to French Pacific Nuclear Weapons Testing by International Leaders of the Community of Christ/RLDS Church

Friday Night President’s Address 


Matthew L. Harris presents

“What the Present Owes the Past”: Or, What Historians Owe LDS Church History

Saturday Evening Dinner & Panel

Jana Riess, Ryan Cragun, Justin Dyer, Jeff Strong

Who leaves and who stays?: Patterns of Latter-day Saint disaffiliation and retention
Registration for this panel includes a plated dinner where you will hear from top social science scholars who study disaffection from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Jana Riess, Ryan Cragun, Justin Dyer, and Jeff Strong. These scholars will present data and discussion on who leaves the church and what happens to them afterward. Traditionally, the Presidential Banquet is held on Saturday evening, but due to Matt Harris’ scheduling conflicts, this banquet and panel will be held instead.

View the DRAFT Agenda

Registration Opening Soon

How your registration dollar is allocated.

Registration Fees

Until September 1   September 1 and after
JWHA Member or Non-member Spouse $150
Non-Member $200
Students $100
Exhibitors $225		   JWHA Member or Non-member Spouse $200
Non-Member $250
Students $100
Exhibitors $225

Single Day Registration Fees
Thursday, September 24

Includes Richard P. Howard Lecture & Reception

Until September 1   September 1 and after
JWHA Member or Non-member Spouse $75
Non-Member $125		   JWHA Member or Non-member Spouse $125
Non-Member $150

Friday, September 25

Includes breakout sessions and Awards Luncheon

Until September 1   September 1 and after
JWHA Member or Non-member Spouse $125
Non-Member $175		   JWHA Member or Non-member Spouse $150
Non-Member $200

Saturday, September 26

Includes breakout sessions

Until September 1   September 1 and after
JWHA Member or Non-member Spouse $75
Non-Member $125		   JWHA Member or Non-member Spouse $100
Non-Member $150

Optional Agenda Items Registration Fees

Until September 1   September 1 and after
Friday Night President’s Address & Banquet $50
Saturday Bus Tour $70 – includes box lunch.
Saturday Evening Disaffiliation Panel & Dinner $50		   Friday Night President’s Address & Banquet $75
Saturday Bus Tour $95 – includes box lunch.
Saturday Evening Disaffiliation Panel & Dinner $75

Saturday Afternoon Tour – Twofer

Remembering the Ladies! The Women of Early Omaha & Union Station Tour

Remember the Ladies! The Women of Early Omaha
Hop on a tour with us in honor of the founding ladies of Omaha. This tour will introduce you to a few of Omaha’s first women, from factory workers and business owners to religious leaders and activists, who contributed to the growth and success of Omaha today. Destinations on this tour will include driving through Omaha’s previous “Red Light District,” the Paxton Hotel, Joslyn Castle and so much more!

Union Station 
One of The Durham Museum’s most popular programs, enjoy an in-depth guided tour of Omaha’s Union Station, learning the ins and outs of this National Historic Landmark’s time as one of the nation’s busiest and most celebrated train depots.

Hymn Fest
This year’s Hymn Fest is included in the Saturday agenda. All are welcome to join us in singing old and new Restoration hymns. This hymn fest replaces the Sunday service.


Conference Guest Rooms

Hilton Garden Inn Council Bluffs

We have a room block reserved at Hilton Garden Inn Omaha East/Council Bluffs for September 21st through September 29th, 2026, $150 per night. Booking your room is simple, click here and select “Book a Room” to receive the conference rate.

To make reservations by phone call 712-309-9000 ask for the front desk.  Use “JWHA” as the code to receive the conference rate.

Make your room reservations early, the room block closes August 25, 2026.

Staying at the conference hotel avoids attrition saving JWHA money.

Thank you to our generous sponsor.

 

 

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