FAQs

Your Questions, Answered

Click on your topic of choice below to find answers to our frequently asked questions in that category, or scroll to browse all the details. Still need help? Contact our team for answers not found on this page.

General Event Info

When is the event?

July 17th – 21st, 2024

Where is the event taking place?

Indianapolis, Indiana, at Lucas Oil Stadium and other nearby venues in downtown Indianapolis within walking distance.

What time should I arrive/depart?
  • We encourage you to arrive on the morning of July 17, 2024, with enough time to check in and get your credentials before the 6pm General Session that evening.

  • Plan to depart after 2pm on July 21, 2024, so you don’t miss the final General Session and Closing Mass.

What do I get when I register for my Congress Pass?

Every Congress Pass includes the following:

  • Entrance to all main programming, including general sessions, catechetical sessions, and breakout sessions

  • A seat at main programming evening concerts and entertainment

  • Access to conference resources, such as the National Eucharistic Congress app and our discounted hotel room block

  • A one-of-a-kind encounter with Jesus Christ and the Church through the Sacraments

Passes do not include meals or housing. See your registration confirmation email for instructions on how to access the special rates we have negotiated with local hotels.

Can I attend remotely? Will the event be live-streamed?

Short answer: yes! Some content will be available to those who cannot attend in person and wish to bring the National Eucharistic Congress to their community. However, we encourage you to join us in person for the full experience.

Can I attend Mass without paying for a Congress Pass?

For security reasons, everyone entering Lucas Oil Stadium (including children) will need a Congress Pass. You must purchase a Congress Pass to participate in any portion of the National Eucharistic Congress.

How can I apply to be a speaker?

All speakers for the National Eucharistic Congress have been selected.

Will there be specific tracks or relevant content for me at the National Eucharistic Congress?

Yes! We will have a variety of talks and special events tailored to all vocations and walks of life.

Can high school students attend?

High school seniors are welcome to attend the National Eucharistic Congress with a chaperone. Younger students may attend with a parent or legal guardian. High school students can choose to attend with their youth group or with their family.

What if I’m interested in being a vendor or sponsor?

Learn more about our National Eucharistic Congress sponsorship opportunities here. Feel free to reach out to sponsorships@eucharisticcongress.org with additional questions regarding becoming a vendor or sponsor.

I have additional questions about the event. Whom should I contact?

Email us at support@eucharisticcongress.org. Please note that due to the volume of emails received, it may take several business days to receive a response.

Where do I go to check in?

Check-in information will be provided to all registered attendees via email prior to July 17, 2024.

Do I have to attend the whole congress? What if I arrive late?

Our Congress Passes cover all five days of programming. Even if you arrive late or need to leave early, your Congress Pass will admit you to all Congress venues.

Who are the speakers?

We will be releasing speaker information throughout the coming months and leading up to the Congress. Please visit our Speakers Page to learn more!

What is being offered for prayer?

There will be opportunities for daily Mass, adoration, and confession, as well as onsite chapels available to attendees each day of the Congress.

Where can I find a chapel?

St. John the Evangelist parish is located directly across the street from the Indiana Convention Center. There will also be other onsite chapels available to attendees which can be located in the app and program closer to the event.

Will Mass be celebrated daily?

Yes, we will celebrate Mass each day of the Congress.

Will confession be available?

Yes, there will be daily confessions available to attendees.

Will there be multiple options for liturgies?

Yes, we are excited to offer a variety of options for daily liturgy in a variety of liturgical rites and musical accompaniment. More details will be available in summer 2023.

Will there be low-gluten hosts available?

Yes, there will be low-gluten hosts or a celiac chalice available at all daily Masses hosted by the National Eucharistic Congress.

Will the Congress be pet-friendly?

No, we ask that only service animals be onsite in the venues. However, some hotels we have contracted with are pet-friendly.

What should I expect during the event?

The National Eucharistic Congress programming includes general sessions, catechetical sessions, and breakouts, featuring the best of today’s Catholic speakers and theologians. There will be evening concerts and entertainment. Most importantly, this Congress will provide a one-of-a-kind encounter with Jesus Christ and the Church through the Sacraments.

How much walking will be involved?

Lots of walking—the main Congress venues cover a 1- to 2-mile radius. Parking will be limited downtown, though shuttles will be available for those who identify ADA needs during their registration.

What can I wear to Mass?

You are welcome to dress up for Mass or come in the attire you’ll be wearing for the general programming. We encourage business/business casual attire for the Closing Mass on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

What is appropriate clothing for the Congress?
  • Casual attire is acceptable, but please avoid clothing that will distract or detract from the purpose of the gathering—to honor Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

  • You can anticipate a lot of walking, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

  • Layer your clothing as you move through spaces with A/C into the hot July temperatures outside.

  • Clothing to avoid:

  • T-shirts with vulgar or provocative graphics or language

  • Low-cut tops

  • Shorts or skirts that are shorter than your fingertip length when your arms are resting at your side

May I record the events?
  • Any video, photography, or other recording of the Event shall be strictly for your personal and non-commercial use and not distributed or made available for pecuniary benefit.

  • If you are a member of the Media, please register for the event on our Press page.

What is open to the public?

All official Congress programming is available only to those who have purchased a Congress Pass.

Will translations be available and in what languages?

Yes, the languages offered will be based on the attendee information provided in registration. More information will be made available closer to July 2024.

Venue Info

Can I bring outside food and beverages into the venues? Where can I eat?
  • Outside food and beverages are not allowed at Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, or the Indiana Convention Center. You will need to consume any outside food and beverages prior to entering these venues. The only exceptions are baby food, baby formula, and toddler snacks.

  • These venues will have food and beverage services available for purchase during mealtimes.

  • You may also explore local restaurants outside the venues. VisitIndy offers a great restaurant guide for their downtown and metro dining options, and many local hotels also have restaurants.

What are the parking arrangements?
  • Each hotel and venue will have their own parking, though parking fees may apply. We recommend walking or taking other transit options.

  • Click here for a guide to transportation and a parking map for downtown Indianapolis.

Are there shuttles?

No, except for those who noted ADA accommodations at the time of registration. We encourage attendees staying outside of the downtown area to retain their buses for the length of the Congress.

Can I carpool?

We highly recommend carpooling for attendees who plan to drive to Indianapolis. Your parish or diocese may be sending a group to the Congress, so reach out to your local church to inquire further about local carpooling opportunities.

Where can buses park and drop off?

Transportation and parking information for buses will be made available closer to the Congress.

How does food at the Congress work?

Our primary venues—Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the Indiana Convention Center—will have food and beverages available for purchase during mealtimes. VisitIndy offers a great restaurant guide for their downtown and metro dining options, and many local hotels also have restaurants.

What is the bag policy?
  • We recommend small, clear bags/backpacks to carry onsite. This will allow for smoother security checkpoints. Please note: to enter any sessions in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, you may have a bag that is no bigger than 4” x 6” x 1.5”.

  • Strollers and diaper bags are subject to search before entering Lucas Oil Stadium or the Indiana Convention Center. Gainbridge Fieldhouse has a strict bag policy and stroller access will be limited.

Is there assigned seating?
  • Most sessions will have a general seating approach.

  • Individual seats will not be assigned, but groups may be assigned to specific sections of the larger venues.

  • You will have an opportunity to pre-select your sessions in spring 2024. After this point, more information regarding seating will be provided.

Are there areas of rest?

Yes, air-conditioned areas for rest will be located within the Indiana Convention Center and other venues. There will also be areas for nursing mothers. More information will be provided closer to the event.

Is there free time? What else can I do in Indianapolis?

There will be festival-style programming from approximately noon to 6pm every day. There will be talks and special events available during this time, but you may also use this time to get meals or rest, depending on your needs. VisitIndy.com has many great tourism details.

Registration Info

When will registration and housing open?
  • Registration opened February 15, 2023. Space is limited, so register now!

  • Consider attending as a group for additional discounts on your Congress Passes.

  • In order to purchase refundable group congress passes of up to 14, you will need to gather all registration details for each group member before signing up. Here’s a downloadable form to help you collect all the necessary information for your group.

  • Groups of 15+ do not require individual information at registration, but these passes are non-refundable.

  • For housing, you will first need to reserve your Congress Pass(es). Once you’ve registered, we will email you instructions for claiming your special housing discount at participating hotels.

How much does registration cost?

The standard pricing is $375 for individuals and goes as low as $299 per person for groups larger than 14. Families will have special pricing for children coming to the event, and youth groups can unlock additional savings. See this table for a full breakdown on estimated costs for Congress Passes.

What is the cost breakdown for a family to attend?
  • The price for family registration is $299 per adult and $99 per child. Housing will be secured separately via a booking link in your registration confirmation email (average nightly costs range from $159–$209 for family-friendly hotels). Attendees are also welcome to secure their own lodging.

  • Families can contact their local diocese to inquire about the availability of advanced registration tickets purchased by their diocese, which could lower the cost further.

  • Please note: if a youth attends on their own as part of a youth group or parish group, the cost increases due to the administrative measures required for ensuring their safety and protection when traveling apart from their family.

  • See this table for a full breakdown on estimated costs for Congress Passes.

How was the price of family registration determined?

Congress leadership researched costs for other family-friendly events such as large theme parks, sporting events, 5-day vacation rentals, and other major Catholic conferences to determine a fair and comparable rate.

Do I need to pay in full at the time of registration, or can I put down a deposit?

You will need to pay in full, but talk to your parish or group leader to see if scholarships are available.

What information do I need to gather prior to registering?
  • Use this form to gather the necessary information for each registrant.

  • If you are a group leader registering more than 14 people (purchasing non-refundable bulk passes), you will not be required to submit this information for each individual in your party at the time of purchase.

Are there discounts or scholarships available?
  • We offer a bulk discount to groups of 15+ participants planning to attend the Congress together. If you are looking for a discounted price, we encourage you to invite friends or family to join you. The more people who register at one time, the cheaper the pricing becomes.

  • Please email support@eucharisticcongress.org if you are seeking a scholarship. Limited scholarships will be available. However, we highly recommend fundraising to cover your registration cost and/or travel to bring others into your mission as well. Look for a fundraising guide in fall 2023.

Can I fundraise to cover the cost of my registration and/or travel?

Yes! Many Congress attendees are planning to fundraise for their registration, travel costs, food costs, and more. Fundraising is an opportunity to meet the cost of registration while inviting others to support you as you experience the 10th National Eucharistic Congress. When others donate to help you attend the National Eucharistic Congress, they become your partners as you work to carry out the Great Commission. We will release a fundraising guide in fall 2023.

When will I be able to choose which sessions I attend?

As we get closer to the event, we will send out an email to everyone who has registered in order to select your sessions from our finalized programming list. Expect this email in spring 2024.

Will the breakout session schedule be posted before the conference starts?

The breakout session schedule will be available a few weeks prior to the National Eucharistic Congress on our app.

I’m a member of the media, how do I sign up?

If you are a member of the media interested in covering the National Eucharistic Congress, visit our press page for media contact information.

What if I accidentally registered for the wrong item?

Never fear! If you need to change your contact info or item choice, just log back in to your registration account using your confirmation code and email address. This will allow you to adjust your registration. If you have other issues with your registration, reach out to NECRegistration@eucharisticcongress.org.

What is the cancellation/refund policy?
  • For standard registration (individual registrants or groups with fewer than 15 members):

  • Full refund till July 31, 2023

  • 50% refund till December 31, 2023

  • 25% refund till March 1st, 2024

  • 0% refund after March 1st, 2024

  • For bulk registration (groups of 15+)

  • Non-refundable

When is payment due?

Full payment is due upon registration.

Can my registration be transferred to another person?
  • Congress Passes can be transferred to another person. These substitutions may be requested by emailing NECRegistration@eucharisticcongress.org with your name and confirmation number along with the name and email address of the person who will be taking your place.

  • For registration options that include housing, your Congress Pass cannot be transferred after the final payment deadline.

Will I be able to purchase a Congress Pass + Housing package for the National Eucharistic Congress?

All passes and housing will be purchased as separate transactions. All attendees will need to purchase their Congress Passes first and then be supplied with instructions in their registration confirmation email on how to reserve hotel rooms at our special rates. You will pay for these rooms onsite when you check in at your hotel.

Why can’t I find my confirmation email?

Our system will send an automatic confirmation email within a few minutes of receiving your registration. Be on the lookout for an email from NECRegistration@eucharisticcongress.org. Your inbox may send this email to your spam/junk folder, so also check there. If you cannot find it, please email NECRegistration@eucharisticcongress.org, and we will resend your confirmation email.

How do I change my registration info?

Your registration confirmation email will include a link from which you can view and modify your registration information. If you have any questions or cannot locate your confirmation email, please contact NECRegistration@eucharisticcongress.org.

I’ve registered and there are no hotels available, what do I do?

Contact NECHousing@eucharisticcongress.org to inquire about alternative housing options.

Can I buy a one-day pass?

We currently do not offer Day Passes. All Congress Passes cover all five days of programming.

I am a religious member who will be attending from outside of the USA. How should I register in order to access the discounted pricing for religious members? (i.e. priest, religious order, deacon, seminarian, bishop, archbishop, and cardinal)

You will register for a Standard Congress Pass on the website and mark your registration type as "International" when prompted. Prior to registering, please contact NECRegistration@eucharisticcongress.org to request a code you can apply when registering on the International path, which will lower the overall cost to match our national religious attendees' rates.

Housing Info

How can I reserve a hotel room with the NEC event rates?

In order to access our special event rates for hotels, you will first need to register for your Congress Pass. The link to our housing portal will be included in your registration confirmation email.

Where will I be staying?
  • Most attendees will purchase a standard Congress Pass with the option to book a hotel room within our discounted housing block. This puts the decision power in your hands to select your preferred hotel based on location, price point, amenities, etc., and also allows you to choose your own roommates. After completing registration, you will receive a housing portal link in your registration confirmation email where you can reserve a hotel room at the special event rate.

  • We will be offering alternative housing for parish youth groups as well as seminarians. These alternative housing options will include university dorms and/or church sleep spaces, allowing for more cost-efficient housing for these groups.

  • If you request an alternative housing space, a confirmation email with your alternative housing placement will be sent in mid-May 2024. If you do not see one at that time, please contact the National Eucharistic Congress housing team.

Where will my group be staying?

For groups needing 15 or more rooms, you will be able to submit a request for a hotel sub-block (provided in your registration confirmation email). The National Eucharistic Congress housing team will place your group at the hotel that best suits your group needs.

What form of payment will I need to bring to the hotel?

A credit card is required to reserve and pay for your room(s). Credit cards must be valid through August 2024 or later.  No checks, money orders, or wire transfers will be accepted. Should your travel plans change, please notify the Housing Bureau of the National Eucharistic Congress as soon as possible at NECHousing@eucharisticcongress.org.

Are there any hotel cancellation fees?

Individuals can cancel their rooms without penalty through June 1, 2024.

  • Cancellations received after June 1, 2024, will be charged one night’s fee plus tax.

  • Groups will need to cancel before June 1, 2024, to avoid any cancellation fees.

  • After June 1, 2024, any group canceling more than 10% of their room block will be financially responsible for the costs associated with their block and will be billed by the National Eucharistic Congress directly.

Can I book my own hotel room now, before I register?
  • You are welcome to do so. However, the National Eucharistic Congress has contracted more than 25 hotels in the city at excellent rates. The only way to take advantage of these rates is after securing your Congress Pass. The Congress Pass confirmation email will provide a link to book your hotel through our housing portal at special event rates.

  • Bulk registrants and parish youth groups will be contacted by HPN Global to secure housing at our special event rates after booking your Congress Passes.

  • Space is limited, so be sure to register for the National Eucharistic Congress soon to book your housing!

Can I request my roommates?

For those purchasing Congress Passes and utilizing our housing portal, you are welcome to select your roommates.

I booked a Congress Pass. When will I be able to book housing for myself and/or my group?

Access the National Eucharistic Congress housing portal for discounted rates by clicking on the link in your registration confirmation email. You will be able to select the hotel that best matches your needs based on price, amenities, and distance from the convention center.

I would like to arrive early or stay late. Can I reserve an extra night?
  • Attendees will have the option to book additional “shoulder” dates when reserving their rooms through the housing portal. Inventory is very limited on shoulder nights—we encourage you to arrive on July 17, 2024, and depart on July 21, 2024.

  • This does not include youth groups who book alternative housing.

Do I need to work with a tour company to book our group’s travel?

You are welcome to work with a tour company; however, we have also arranged things so that you can easily book travel on your own. For housing groups of 15+, you will fill out a hotel subblock request form and be placed in a hotel by our NEC Housing team. For groups with fewer than 15 people, you can book your hotel directly via the link in your registration confirmation email. To arrange bus transportation, you can reach out to a local Indianapolis company we are working with to get a quote for travel to/from your destination and for onsite transportation within Indianapolis. More details to come in our Transportation Guide that will be released in June 2023.

I was contacted by a housing vendor for the National Eucharistic Congress. Is this legitimate?

HPN Global is the only approved, official housing vendor for the National Eucharistic Congress. We understand that unauthorized housing companies may contact you and advertise cheaper rates, or they may imply or claim an affiliation with the National Eucharistic Congress. Unfortunately, some past attendees of events on a similar scale have fallen prey to these companies and were unable to recuperate the money they spent on rooms that did not exist. If you are contacted by any company that is NOT HPN Global, please notify the National Eucharistic Congress housing team at NECHousing@eucharisticcongress.org before providing any information to a secondary housing vendor.

I have a special housing request. How do I make sure it is fulfilled?

To accommodate the many specific needs that individuals or families attending the National Eucharistic Congress may require, all attendees are able to book their room through the housing portal. On the housing portal webpage, attendees can send any special requests directly to the hotel. For other groups with alternative housing, please contact HPN Global at NECHousing@eucharisticcongress.org to make your request known.

When will I hear about my group housing assignment?
  • Groups will receive an acknowledgment email within 72 hours of submitting their booking request through the National Eucharistic Congress housing portal. Hotel assignments and booking links will be sent to you by the National Eucharistic Congress housing team within 45–60 days. Hotel assignments will be on a first-come, first-served basis. If you did not receive an acknowledgment upon completing your booking in the National Eucharistic Congress housing portal, please reach out to NECHousing@eucharisticcongress.org.

  • Members of a youth group who booked alternative housing will receive their assignment in mid-May 2024.

What should I pack?

Use the packing list below as a guide. (Don’t forget to bring any other essential personal items you may need, such as prescription medication and the like.)

  • Credit card for hotel check-in

  • Small, clear bag/backpack to carry onsite (for smoother security checkpoints)

  • Please note: to enter any sessions in Gainbridge Fieldhouse, you may only have a bag that is no bigger than 4” x 6” x 1.5”.

  • Mass attire

  • Casual attire

  • Outdoor apparel (hats, sunscreen, water bottles, etc.; please check the weather forecast before you leave and expect warm temperatures)

  • Bible, journal, and pen

  • Toiletries

  • Money for meals, vendor booths, parking, and gratuities for housekeeping and porter services

 Info For Groups, Parishes, & Families

I’m registering a group, but the Congress Pass price is not discounted.

The discounted Congress Pass price will appear on the payment summary page at the very end of registration. For questions regarding discounted pricing, please contact NECRegistration@eucharisticcongress.org.

Where can I find promotional materials to display around my campus, at the Catholic Center, or at my parish?

Promotional materials will be available soon. We encourage you to bring your friends with you to the National Eucharistic Congress!

Where will my youth group stay?
  • We will be offering alternative housing for parish youth groups. These alternative housing options will include university dorms and/or church sleep spaces, allowing for more cost-efficient housing for these groups.

  • If you request an alternative housing space, a confirmation email with your alternative housing placement will be sent in mid-May 2024. If you do not see one at that time, please contact the National Eucharistic Congress housing team.

Can my group register together?
  • Each member of your group will need to register to attend the National Eucharistic Congress. You can register up to 14 people at a time through the standard registration pathway. Groups of 15–200 may choose non-refundable bulk registration. Payment will be collected at the end of registration for the entire group. We recommend you work out individual reimbursement amongst your group.

  • Your group will have the ability to book individual rooms (or rooms to share) through our housing portal or with the assistance of our housing partner, HPN Global. We have negotiated special rates with over 25 local hotels for your convenience. More information on booking individual and group housing is available in the Housing section of this page.

  • Don’t worry—even if your group registers through multiple transactions, you will still be able to secure group housing all together by using any of the self-booking links provided to your registration confirmation emails.

How can I register my family for the National Eucharistic Congress? Does my child need a Congress Pass?

To enter Lucas Oil Stadium and pass through security, each person (including children) will need a Congress Pass. Spouses and children can be added to your registration by clicking “Add a Family Member”. The following are costs for each family member, based on their age in July 2024:

  • Parent: $299

  • Child aged 0–2: $0 (will be a lap child and will not have a seat)

  • Child aged 3–18: $99

What if my family has another baby before the event?
  • If you or your family member is currently expecting a child, please go ahead and register the child, selecting their age as 0–2.

  • If you or your family member has a child at a later date, locate your confirmation email and click the “View or Modify your Registration” link at the bottom of the email. You will be prompted to log in with your email and confirmation number. From there, you can modify your registration and add an additional child

My family is attending but my child is going as part of his/her youth group. How should I register my child?

Register your child based on where they will be sleeping. If you want your child to stay with your family at the hotel, they should be registered as part of your family. If your child will be traveling and staying with their youth group, they should be registered as part of that group (using their leader’s group code).

I am a deacon and will be attending with my family. How should I register?

Deacons attending with their family should register as a “Family with Children”. There will be a prompt where you can notate that you are a deacon.

Who from my parish is going?

Contact your parish leaders to learn more about group attendance. Group leaders can contact NECRegistration@eucharisticcongress.org to get a list of attendees in their group.

Who should organize a diocese-level group?

We recommend that a diocesan employee or individual delegated by a diocesan employee organize and lead a diocese-level group.

Is my diocese organizing/planning something?

Many dioceses are planning pilgrimages to Indianapolis. To find out if your local diocese is attending, please contact your local parish office.

Is the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage coming through my diocese?

Click here to see the current routes charted for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.

What can I expect if I’m bringing my family?

We encourage families to attend. There will be family-specific amenities available to help make your days more comfortable while traveling with children. Stay tuned for more specific information closer to the Congress.

What emergency and protective services will be available?

High levels of security and emergency medical care will be provided. There will be an onsite number to call if you need to report any suspicious activity.

What should I do if our kids get separated from our family?

Talk to your family about choosing a rally point location should anyone get separated from the group. If this happens, notify security personnel closest to you in the venue. They can direct you where to go.

Can I take strollers into the arena?

Strollers and diaper bags are permitted in the main venues of Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center, though they will be subject to search. Our other primary venue, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, has a strict bag policy, and stroller access will be limited.

Where do I send my letter of good standing?

All clergy who are required to provide a letter of good standing will be contacted prior to May 2024 with instructions on where to send/upload their letter.

Do I need to complete certification of safe environment training?

Any adult traveling in a group with minors will need to provide proof of safe environment training prior to arrival onsite. Group leaders will be contacted prior to May 2024 with instructions for where all adults in their group need to upload their certifications.