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National Conferences

Friends of the Creche holds a conference every year.  On odd-numbered years, conferences are longer with more activities.

Upcoming Conferences

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2026 Conference in San Antonio, Texas

"Follow the Star" to beautiful San Antonio November 6-8.  Based at Hotel Valencia on the famous River Walk in the heart of downtown San Antonio, you will be within easy walking distance to historical sites, San Fernando Cathedral, restaurants, and much more. As part of the conference, you will enjoy a river boat cruise, visit the historical market, listen to wonderful presentations, and view a Texan curated Nativity Display.

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2027 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona

October 26-28, 2027 at the Franciscan Renewal Center (The Casa) in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Dates are confirmed and The Casa is reserved. Note that the conference dates are in October to avoid conflicts with Thanksgiving and nativity exhibits that are being set up and run in early December. Planning is underway, and more details will be available at the beginning of 2027.

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2028 Conference in Indiana 

The conference in 2028 is tentatively planned to be in Indiana, but locations and dates are still under consideration.

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2029 Conference in New York City area 

The conference in 2029 is tentatively planned to be in the New York City area, but locations and dates are still under consideration.

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2025 Conference in Cleveland, Ohio

The 2025 conference was held December 1 - 3 at the Marriott East hotel in Cleveland, Ohio.  Attendees enjoyed hearing from five excellent speakers,; viewing the member museum of small nativities; and seeing exhibits at Sanctuary on Green, Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, Kirtland Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and at the home of member Susanne Woods.

Mary and Joseph Retreat Center grounds

The 2024 conference was held November 1 - 3 at Mary and Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. 

 

US Capital Building with national Christmas tree and holy family nativity silhouettes

2023 Convention in Washington, D. C.

The 2023 convention in Washington D. C. was a great success.  Hosted at the Mayflower Hotel, one half mile north of the White House, the attendees enjoyed a wide range of exciting activities, including:

  • Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land of America tour and nativity collection

  • Festival of Lights display and nativity collection

  • Washington National Cathedral tour and nativity collection 

  • Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception tour

  • Museum of the Bible trip

  • Monuments by Moonlight tour

  • FOTC annual meeting and banquet

Read more about past gatherings in our Archive.

Where have the Friends of the Creche met?

2025    Cleveland, OH

​2024    Rancho Palos Verde, CA
2023    Washington, D.C.
2022    Saint Simons Island, GA
2021    Portland, OR (moved online)
2020   Newport, RI (canceled for COVID-19)
2019    Santa Fe, NM 
2018    Dayton, OH 
2017    Bethlehem, PA
2016    Monck's Corner, SC
2015    Houston, TX
2014    Chicago, IL
2013    Cleveland, OH

2012    Rancho Palos Verde, CA
2011     Toronto, ON, Canada
2010    New Haven, CT
2009    Salt Lake City, UT
2008    Ann Arbor, MI
2007    Dayton, OH
2006    Nashville, TN
2005    Santa Fe, NM
2004    Panama, CA
2003    Hyannis, MA
2002    Frankenmouth, MI
2001    Lancaster, PA

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