Conclave 2026 Schedule
Please note that this is a draft schedule that is subject to change
Wednesday, July 29
Registration | 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Your Conclave journey begins at check-in. Pick up your badge and registration materials and prepare for four days of brotherhood, education, and service. First-time attendees are encouraged to arrive early and get oriented before the afternoon sessions begin.
Attire: Casual.
First Timers | 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
New to Conclave? This is where you start. Get a clear overview of how Conclave works, what to expect throughout the week, and how to make the most of your time in Kansas City. Come with questions — this session is built for you.
Attire: Business casual.
Delegate Meetings | 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Chapter delegates gather to prepare for the week's legislative sessions and business. Review procedures, ask questions, and come ready to represent your chapter with confidence on the floor.
Attire: Business casual.
Conclave Opening Session | 3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
The 2026 Conclave is called to order. Brothers from across the country gather for the official opening of our 64th Biennial Conclave — a moment to welcome one another, mark the start of the week's work, and hear directly from the brothers who are stepping forward to lead this Fraternity. Candidates for international office will formally announce their candidacies, setting the stage for the elections ahead. This is where Conclave begins.
Attire: Business casual.
Candidate's Reception | 5:30–6:30 PM
Come ready to connect. The Candidate's Reception brings together the full Conclave community for an evening of introductions and conversation — and gives delegates the opportunity to meet the brothers running for international office face to face before the week's elections. A strong start to the week's relationships.
Attire: Business casual.
Foundation Directors Meeting | 5:30–7:00 PM
The Acacia Fraternity Foundation Board of Directors meets to conduct Foundation business and align on priorities heading into the Annual Meeting later in the week.
Attire: Business casual.
Committee Meetings | 6:30–7:00 PM
Appointed committee members convene for a working session to advance the Fraternity's legislative and governance work ahead of the week's business sessions.
Attire: Business casual.
Dinner On Your Own | 7:00–9:00 PM
Take the evening to explore on your own or alongside fellow brothers. Whether you're catching up over a long dinner or looking to try somewhere new, the choice is yours.
Attire: Casual.
eSports Tournament and Pub Games | 9:00–11:00 PM
Kick off the week with some friendly competition. Join your brothers for an evening of eSports and pub games — a great way to connect and unwind after your first day at Conclave.
Attire: Casual.
Thursday, July 30
Breakfast | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Keynote: Cornerstones Talk | 10:00–10:30 AM
Cornerstones Academy opens with a keynote that sets the tone for everything that follows. From resume building to interviewing to networking with purpose, the next few sessions are designed to give undergraduate brothers every tool they need to hit the ground running — in their internships and in the years of their careers that follow. Come ready to work.
Attire: Business casual.
Track Education | 10:30–11:15 AM
Undergraduate Track — Cornerstones Academy: Professional Development
The first Cornerstones session gets hands-on with the fundamentals of a strong resume. Undergraduates work through what belongs, what doesn't, and how to make their experience stand out in a competitive market. Leave with something you can actually submit.
Attire: Business casual.
Alumni Track — House Corporation and Alumni Association Insurance Issues: Q&A with HQ Staff and FRMT, Ltd.
Get direct answers on your most pressing insurance questions from Acacia HQ staff and FRMT, Ltd., the Fraternity's liability insurance provider. This Q&A format is built for house corporation and alumni association leaders who want practical, real-world guidance - not just policy language.
Attire: Business casual.
Educational Session: Health and Safety | 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
A chapter's commitment to its members starts with their wellbeing. This session gives officers and advisors clear, actionable guidance on health and safety best practices — and a direct look at what is at stake when chapters fall short.
Attire: Business casual.
Lunch on Your Own | 12:00–2:00 PM
A two-hour break to recharge. Explore nearby dining with your brothers or take a moment to decompress before the afternoon sessions.
AFF Foundation Director’s Meeting | 1:00 - 5:30 PM
The Acacia Fraternity Foundation Board of Directors meets to conduct Foundation business and align on priorities heading into the Annual Meeting later in the week.
Attire: Business casual.
Track Education | 2:00–3:15 PM
Undergraduate Track — Cornerstones Academy: Professional Development
The Cornerstones track continues with a deep dive into interview preparation. Understand what employers are really evaluating, sharpen the way you present yourself, and practice the answers that matter most. The goal isn't to game the process, it's to walk into every room prepared and confident.
Attire: Business casual.
Alumni Track — Creating a Member-Centered Culture for Today's Expectations
A chapter's culture is shaped by far more than traditions—it reflects the shared goals, values, behaviors, communication styles, and expectations of its members. While a strong, positive culture can be one of an organization's greatest strengths, it doesn't develop by chance. So, what creates culture? How can you recognize when it's becoming unhealthy? And, most importantly, how can you change it? In this session, we'll explore the critical role members play in shaping chapter culture and examine how understanding their expectations can lead to a stronger organization and a more meaningful fraternal experience. Drawing on advanced motivational and behavioral research focused on fraternity and sorority members and Generation Z students nationwide, we'll discuss emerging trends, the evolving expectations of today's students, and practical approaches your chapter can implement to foster engagement, accountability, and long-term success.
Attire: Business casual.
Track Education | 3:30–4:15 PM
Undergraduate Track — The Acacia Growth System
Acacia chapters lead with purpose. This session introduces the Acacia Growth System (AGS) — a data-driven, values-based recruitment framework built in partnership with Phired Up — and shows you how to consistently attract men of character who will strengthen your chapter for years to come.
Attire: Business casual.
Undergraduate Track — Billhighway
Acacia chapters will be transitioning to Billhighway for chapter financial management. This session walks officers through the platform - how it works, what it changes, and how to hit the ground running when your chapter makes the switch.
Attire: Business casual.
Alumni Track — Restoring Our Competitive Advantage
Competition posed by other campus housing options is greater than ever. College dormitories and new luxury apartments provide amenities that college students and parents’ desire. However, fraternity and sorority housing programs can provide competitive advantages that students want. Learn how to create and deliver the competitive advantages that will keep chapter house occupancy high, provide your members with valuable skills, advance your group’s mission and deliver a better member experience.
Attire: Business casual.
Track Education | 4:30–5:30 PM
Undergraduate Track — Cornerstones Academy: Professional Development
The Cornerstones track closes with a session on networking - how to build professional relationships with intention and authenticity, how to make the most of the connections in this room right now, and how to carry those habits into every stage of your career. The work doesn't end here. It begins.
Attire: Business casual.
Alumni Track (Option 1) — Building Legal Protection Through a Strong Lease
Tenant leases not only set guidelines for your members to follow but also drive your cash flow and provide the support your alumni need in case of a legal dispute. This session will look at 3 primary housing agreements between the house corporation, chapter, and member. What are the pros and cons of each? What should they include for the best protection? We’ll also dive into: The Optimum Lease Signing Timeline, The Role of Chapter Leaders and Alumni Boards, Key Items to Include in a Typical Lease, Master vs Individual Leases, The Pros & Cons of Various Lease Terms.
Attire: Business casual.
Alumni Track (Option 2) — Starting an Alumni Association
A strong alumni association is one of the most valuable things a chapter can build. This session walks through the process step by step: from structure and governance to building a program that keeps alumni connected and engaged for the long haul.
Attire: Business casual.
Dinner with a Pro | 6:30–7:45 PM
Share a meal and a real conversation with an experienced alumni professional. This intimate dinner format connects undergraduates directly with accomplished brothers across a range of industries — the kind of mentorship that changes trajectories and opens doors that a resume alone cannot.
Attire: Business casual.
Puttin' with Pythagoras | 8:00–10:00 PM
Test your short game alongside your brothers in what is sure to be one of Conclave’s most memorable social events. Puttin' with Pythagoras is friendly competition at its best. Come ready to play and enjoy the company.
Attire: Business casual.
Yard Games and Euchre | 10:00 PM–12:00 AM
The evening winds down with yard games and a timeless classic at the card table. Whether you are a Euchre veteran or still learning the game, this late-night gathering is a Conclave tradition.
Attire: Casual.
Friday, July 31
Breakfast | 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Attire: Casual.
AFF Annual Meeting and Annual Report Presentation | 8:30–9:30 AM
The Acacia Fraternity Foundation holds its annual meeting, updating donors, trustees, and supporters on the Foundation's impact, financial health, and direction for the year ahead. The Annual Report presentation offers a clear picture of how the AFF is advancing Acacia's mission.
Attire: Business Casual.
Keynote: Liam Elkind | 9:30–10:30 AM
As a college junior, Liam Elkind co-founded Invisible Hands — a nonprofit that mobilized more than 15,000 volunteers to deliver food and medicine to those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Yale graduate and Rhodes Scholar, Elkind teaches the next generation of leaders that purpose and action are available now — not someday. A keynote that will not leave you sitting still.
Attire: Coat and tie.
Business Session | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Acacia's legislative body convenes to vote on resolutions and make the decisions that will shape the Fraternity's direction in the years ahead. Every delegate has a voice — come prepared to use yours.
Attire: Coat and tie.
AFNHC Annual Meeting and Alumni Lunch | 12:00–2:00 PM
The Acacia Fraternity National Housing Corporation holds its annual meeting, covering the organization's mission, house corporation involvement, the Alpha Fraternity Management program, and other resources supporting Acacia's chapter houses. All alumni are welcome. Lunch is included.
Attire: Coat and tie.
Lunch with a Bro — Undergraduate Track | 12:00–2:00 PM
Undergraduates are invited to connect over lunch in a relaxed, small-group setting — one of Conclave's best opportunities to build cross-chapter friendships outside the meeting room. Alumni and guests are welcome to explore nearby dining on their own if they aren’t attending the AFNHC Annual Meeting and Alumni Lunch.
Attire: Business casual.
Business Session | 2:00–5:30 PM
The afternoon session brings delegates back to the floor for continued deliberations. The decisions made here will guide Acacia's chapters, programs, and leadership for years to come — show up ready to engage.
Attire: Coat and tie.
Dinner on Your Own | 5:30–8:00 PM
A chance to recharge before the evening's events. Explore local restaurants, catch up with old friends, or make a reservation somewhere you have been looking forward to all week.
George F. Patterson Reception | 8:00–9:00 PM
George F. Patterson, Jr., Cincinnati '42, gave decades of loyal service to Acacia — serving as our 16th International President, President of the National Interfraternity Conference, and earning the NIC Gold Medal in 1979. Named the "Acacia Great" for the fourth quarter of our first century at the 2004 Centennial Conclave, Patterson was a man who made every brother feel the full weight of belonging to something lasting. This reception is a tribute to his life and legacy, and an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood with fellow Acacians from Conclave and the Kansas City area.
Attire: Casual.
Fillman Fun Night — Doug MacCraw and More! | 9:00 PM–12:00 AM
Cap off Friday night with an unforgettable evening featuring comedian and hypnotist Doug MacCraw, Nebraska '86. For over 15 years, Brother MacCraw has blended stand-up comedy with the interactive elements of hypnosis to create a one-of-a-kind experience - the kind audiences are still talking about the next morning. Stick around after the show for yard games and activities with your brothers.
Attire: Casual.
Saturday, August 1
Breakfast | 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Council & Foundation & AFNHC Joint Meeting | 8:00–9:00 AM (INVITATION ONLY)
Leadership from Acacia's governing council, the Acacia Fraternity Foundation, and the Acacia Fraternity National Housing Corporation meet jointly to align on shared priorities and coordinate the work of the Fraternity's three key organizations.
Attire: Business casual.
Educational Session: How to Recognize a Failing Chapter | 9:00–10:00 AM
Negative cash flow, declining recruitment, and empty beds are often warning signs of deeper challenges facing your chapter or house corporation. Can you identify the issues before they become a crisis? This session explores how to recognize early warning signs, evaluate your options, and implement practical strategies to stabilize your organization and position it for long-term success.
Attire: Business casual.
Track Education | 10:15–11:15 AM
Undergraduate Track — Sharing Your Acacia Story
Your story is one of the most powerful tools you have in recruitment. This session helps undergraduates find their voice, articulate what Acacia membership genuinely means to them, and share it in a way that resonates with the men they are working to bring in.
Attire: Business casual.
Undergraduate Track — re:Members Database
Acacia's member management system is getting an upgrade. This session gives chapter officers a hands-on introduction to the re:Members database — how to navigate it, how to use it to manage your chapter's roster and records, and how to get the most out of the platform from day one.
Attire: Business casual.
Alumni Track — Top 10 Mistakes in Managing Greek Housing
Are you doing everything possible to maximize revenue and protect your housing asset? Even well-intentioned organizations can make costly management mistakes that impact financial stability and the long-term future of their property. The costs of these mistakes can range from thousands of dollars to the loss of your chapter house. In this session, we'll explore the 10 most common mistakes in Greek housing management—and the practical steps you can take to avoid them before they put your chapter house at risk.
Attire: Business casual.
William A. Utic Scholarship Luncheon — Sponsored by the Ling Foundation | 12:00–2:30 PM
Named in honor of William A. "Bill" Utic, Cornell '74 - past president and longtime treasurer of the Acacia Fraternity Foundation, recipient of the George F. Patterson Award, and one of the most dedicated supporters this Fraternity has ever known - this luncheon is Conclave's premier recognition event for academic achievement. Sponsored by the Ling Foundation, the luncheon brings the full Conclave community together to celebrate scholarship recipients and present chapter excellence and REACH for Success awards. A proud afternoon for brothers, chapters, and the men whose generosity makes it all possible.
Attire: Coat and tie.
Ritual of Acacia and Debrief | 2:30–4:30 PM
The Ritual of Acacia is the ceremony at the heart of our brotherhood, and it belongs to every man in this room. All initiated brothers are invited to experience the Ritual together, followed by a debrief designed to help each of us become a better guide for those who come after us — how to lead new members through a meaningful debrief, and how to deepen our own understanding of the degrees. The Ritual is not just something we perform. It is something we carry.
Attire: Coat and tie.
International President's Reception | 5:30–6:30 PM
Join Acacia's International President for a pre-banquet reception — an opportunity to connect with Fraternity leadership and fellow brothers from across the country before the evening's main event.
Attire: Coat and tie.
Conclave Grand Banquet | 6:30–10:00 PM
This is the evening Acacia saves its best for. The Conclave Grand Banquet is the Fraternity's highest awards ceremony — the night when chapter excellence awards, REACH for Success chapter standards awards, and individual honors are presented to the brothers and chapters who have lived out our values with distinction over the past two years. The evening culminates with the Founders' Achievement Awards, recognizing the top three chapters in the Fraternity for the biennium. A formal and fitting close to a week that belongs to every Acacian in the room.
Attire: Coat and tie.
Closing Reception | 10:00 PM
OFF-SITE: Located at: 608 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112
The week ends, but the brotherhood does not. Gather one last time to share contacts, make plans to stay connected, and carry the spirit of Conclave home with you.
Attire: Casual.