Plan Your Group
The National Catholic Youth Conference is a powerfully unique experience of prayer, community, evangelization, catechesis, service, and empowerment for young people and their adult chaperones.
Welcome
Bringing a group to NCYC is more than planning a trip—it’s leading young people into a powerful encounter with Christ. This page walks you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how we support you every step of the way.
Registration Process
2026 Schedule
What can I expect ay ncyc?
What is NCYC like?
Everything You Need to Get Your Group on Board
Getting your young people excited and informed about NCYC is one of the most important steps in the planning process. Here’s a practical guide to introducing the conference to your group and building momentum before you ever leave for Long Beach.
Announcing NCYC to Your Group
Start with a dedicated night at youth group to introduce NCYC. Show a recap video from a previous conference, share your own excitement, and give teens and parents a clear picture of what to expect. The more concrete and compelling your pitch, the easier registration conversations become.
Talking Points to Share
- NCYC brings together thousands of Catholic young people from across the country
- The conference features nationally recognized speakers, live worship, Eucharistic Adoration, and breakout sessions
- It’s a chance to build community and make friends with people across the country.
- Many young people describe NCYC as a turning point in their faith life
Talking Points to Share With Parents
- All participants are supervised by trained, vetted adult chaperones
- A clear code of conduct is in place for all attendees
- Detailed itineraries and emergency contact procedures will be provided before departure
Building a Group Information Packet
Consider putting together a simple one-pager or email for interested families that includes:
- Conference dates and location (Long Beach Convention Center)
- Estimated total cost including registration, travel, and lodging
- Registration deadline
- What you should bring
- Your contact information for questions
Timeline for Group Leaders
- 9-12 months out: Announce NCYC, begin gauging interest, open registration
- 4-6 months out: Collect deposits, book travel and hotel, confirm chaperone team
- 1–2 months out: Collect all required documentation, finalize headcount, distribute itineraries
- 2–4 weeks out: Hold a mandatory parent and teen meeting to review expectations and logistics
- 1 week out: Confirm all bookings, distribute packing lists, ensure all forms are collected
Your Role Makes the Difference
Group leaders are the backbone of a successful NCYC experience. Before you depart for Long Beach, make sure you and your team are fully prepared.
Chaperone Ratios
We always defer to the policies established by the local diocese; however, the general guideline is a minimum of two adult chaperones for every 10 participants, with one additional adult for every 5–6 participants thereafter. Please confirm the required ratio with your group leader and, most importantly, with your diocese.
Required Documentation
We require all adult chaperones to be safe environment compliant and that they can provide proof upon request.
During the Conference
Group leaders are responsible for knowing the whereabouts of their teens at all times. Establish a clear meeting point at the Long Beach Convention Center in case anyone in your group gets separated. All teens should have the group leader’s cell phone number saved before entering the convention center each day.
Code of Conduct
All participants are expected to represent their parish and diocese with maturity and respect. Group leaders are responsible for reviewing behavioral expectations with their teens before departure and addressing any issues that arise during the trip promptly.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Trip to Long Beach
The National Catholic Youth Conference will be held at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, located at 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802. Groups are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the convention center. We strongly recommend booking early, as hotels near the convention center fill quickly during conference dates. NFCYM currently has contracted 6 hotels near the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. Groups can make hotel requests in NFCYM Connect after paying in full for at least one NCYC pass.
To qualify for the NCYC group rate, hotels generally require a three-night stay—Thursday to Sunday. (If you are considering departing Saturday night, remember you will need a plan to store your luggage.)
Using NCYC block hotel rooms helps underwrite the convention center rental cost.
You must have at least one (1) paid pass in your account to submit a hotel request.
Instructions:
- Select the hotel you wish to book and click “Request.”
- All rooms in the block have two beds, accommodating up to four people, unless otherwise noted. Two beds means two full beds, two queen beds, or a king bed with a pullout couch that sleeps two people.
- All rooms are for Thursday check-in and Sunday checkout unless otherwise noted.
- Please allow us ninety (90) days to review, accept, or reject your request. We will contact you to discuss alternatives if we cannot accept your request.
Travel Tips
- Long Beach Airport (LGB) is approximately 15 minutes from the convention center and is often a more convenient option than LAX for groups flying in.
- Los Angeles Airport (LAX) is approximately 30 minutes from the convention center (without traffic). There are many public transportation options to get to Long Beach.
- Santa Ana (SNA) is approximately 32 minutes from the convention center.
- If driving, the convention center offers parking at 100 S Pine Ave.
- Groups arriving from out of state should plan to arrive the evening before the conference begins to allow time to check in, orient your group, and get a good night’s rest.
Questions? Visit our FAQ page or email us at [email protected]
Resources
- Group Planning Guide: Prepare
- Group Planning Guide: Encounter
- Group Planning Guide: Send
Requirments
- Purchase Passes
- Reserve Hotel Rooms
- Register Participants
- Submit Adult Safe Environment Verification
- Attend NCYC
Important Dates
Passes Go on Sale
November 22, 2025
Rooming Lists Due to Hotels
October 15, 2026
Participant Registration Due and Pass Sales Close
November 1, 2026
2027 NCYC Passes Go on Sale
November 22, 2026
Registration Process
Create Account
Set up your group leader account to access registration tools and resources.
Buy Passes
Purchase participant and chaperone passes for your group.
Register
Complete registration and submit digital participant forms.
