REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
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Register Below
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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN *** Register Below ***
2026 IABCU Annual Meeting
May 31st ~ June 2nd
Co-hosted by Criswell College, Dallas Baptist University, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
“…As Long As It Is Called Today…”
inviting our IABCU community to gather with renewed courage, shared hope, and a commitment to strengthen one another in a season when Christian higher education faces unprecedented pressures. This year’s annual meeting centers on encouragement—not as sentiment, but as a daily, scriptural calling. Together, we will explore how faithful leadership, collaboration, and mutual support can sustain our institutions and illuminate the enduring value of Christ‑centered education.
Hebrews 3:13
Join us at the Hilton Anatole just north of downtown Dallas
IABCU’s annual meeting will be occupying the vast East Atrium with excellent conference and meeting rooms so it provides a perfect venue for our needs. There is also an entertainment complex designed to relax and delight your family (and you when not attending sessions, of course). Discover an outdoor pool complex with slides and a lazy river, an award-winning fitness club, a spa, dining options, as well as beautiful sculptures and art exhibits throughout the property.
JadeWaters Resort Pool
Spanning three acres within the hotel’s seven-acre sculpture park, JadeWaters features a family and children’s area with a 7,000 sq. ft. beach entry pool, activity pool with play areas, two winding water slides, and a 630 ft. lazy river.
Pre-Conference Events
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Pre-Conference Events ****
Saturday, May 30th
IABCU PRESIDENTIAL FORUM
Held at the Guidestone Conference Center in Dallas, this informal and casual gathering is designed exclusively for Baptist higher education presidents (sitting and former) to connect informally, share candid conversation, and engage with peers who understand the unique challenges of institutional leadership. The evening includes a welcome reception, small‑group breakout discussions organized by similarities, and a shared dinner with a keynote speaker leading into a panel conversation.
Not only are spouses invited to a separate session before joining the group for dinner, but thanks to the generous support of Guidestone and Strata Leadership, there is no cost to attend.
Sunday, May 31st
Join us for a fun, family‑friendly afternoon at Globe Life Field as the Texas Rangers take on the Kansas City Royals. IABCU has secured All‑You‑Can‑Eat seats in Section 29, with unlimited ballpark favorites available through the fourth inning. It’s a great opportunity to relax, enjoy the game, and spend time with colleagues and their families before the Annual Meeting begins.
A special thanks to INSURANCE ONE for sponsoring our event so that tickets are only $25 per person. Don’t wait to register as there are only a limited number of seats available.
Although the game time is 1:35 pm, transportation from the Hilton Anatole will leave at 12:30 pm and return as soon as the game is over.
Texas Rangers vs Kansas City Royals
Preliminary Annual Meeting Agenda
Subject to change as details are finalized
This preliminary agenda is provided to help members plan travel. Session topics, speakers, and breakout details will be added closer to the meeting. Evening events are intentionally designed to allow time for fellowship, conversation, and connect with peers.
Saturday, the 30th
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM IABCU Board of Directors Meeting
4:30 PM – 8:30 PM IABCU Presidential Forum
Held at Guidestone Conference Center and sponsored by Guidestone and Strata Leadership
Sunday, the 31st
12:30 PM – 5:00 PM Optional Outing to Texas Rangers Baseball
Sponsored by Insurance One. Transportation from the hotel provided.
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM Welcome Reception at Hilton Anatole
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Opening Plenary and Worship/Johnson Award Presentation
Followed by a relaxed buffet dinner and fellowship
Monday, the 1st
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Plenary Sessions & Breakouts
Includes luncheon with updates from BSIR, BCU, and other partners
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM TopGolf Outing (Dinner Provided)
Sponsored by the Southern Baptist Foundation
Tuesday, the 2nd
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Plenary, Breakouts, and Business Meeting
This agenda reflects the general flow of the meeting. Additional details—including speakers, breakout topics, and session descriptions—will be shared as they are finalized.
Encouraging our member leaders through our annual meeting would not be possible without the support of our sponsors! Click on their logo to find out more about them.
