Harboring Hope
CWR Conference 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
The CWR Conference is an invaluable opportunity to network and gather resources from others who work to communicate and advance the mission of women religious and who know the unique challenges of representing a religious community.
If you are able to attend the conference, we have some tips for making the most of the experience. We look forward to seeing you in Baltimore!
What transportation is available from the airport to the hotel? Is there an opportunity to share transportation with other attendees?
Transportation from BWI Airport
The Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor is approximately 10 miles from BWI Airport. Uber/Lyft and taxis are available 24/7, with the trip typically taking about 20 minutes.
For an inexpensive public transportation option, MTA Light Rail provides direct service from BWI Airport to downtown Baltimore for $2 each way. Exit at Camden Station/Camden Yards and walk approximately four blocks east on Conway Street toward the Inner Harbor and Hyatt Regency (9-10 minute walk). https://www.mta.maryland.gov/schedule/lightrail
If you would like to share a ride with another conference attendee, please add your arrival/departure information here. You may contact each other via email and/or phone (provided on spreadsheet) to coordinate.
What is the dress code?
Attendees of our conference usually dress in business casual or religious attire. It can get chilly in some conference rooms, so we also suggest bringing a sweater or dressing in layers – just in case.
What should I bring with me?
You may consider packing the following:
- Your preferred method of taking notes
- Business cards
- Phone charger
- Reusable water bottle / coffee cup
- Credit/debit card for hotel and other purchases
- Sweater/light jacket
- Comfortable clothes for Night Out
- Comfortable shoes
- Tote bag for conference materials
Samples of some of your materials to share, such as your newsletter or brochures. Leave room in your suitcase so you can take some samples from others home as well. Recommended quantity: 30. (Please plan to take any extras home with you at the end of the conference.)
What is the Conference Kickstart?
The Conference Kickstart is the very first event of the conference and a great way to get your CWR experience off to a strong start.
Whether this is your first CWR Conference or you’ve attended many, we encourage you to join us! You’ll have an opportunity to meet other attendees, make new connections and start building your conference network before the full conference gets underway.
You’ll also hear briefly from representatives of each CWR committee, who will share more about their work and ways you can get involved in CWR throughout the year.
Come say hello, meet some new people and kickstart your conference experience!
What can I expect from the welcome reception?
Get ready to kick off the CWR Conference in style! Join us in the Pisces Room at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor for an evening of food, fun and connection.
Enjoy appetizers, music and games while catching up with longtime CWR friends and getting to know new ones. A cash bar will be available (card payments only) throughout the evening.
We’ll also take time to celebrate our community by recognizing CWR members who are celebrating membership milestones this year.
Come ready to relax, reconnect and celebrate the start of a great conference together!
A special thank you to the Congregation of St. Joseph, our generous Welcome Reception sponsor!
What can I expect from conference presentations?
CWR provides professional, thought-provoking, and innovative plenary presentations and workshops that are lecture style with opportunity for Q&A as well as discussion at your table with CWR colleagues. This is an interactive week of activities, so bring your specific questions, projects, and concerns and be ready to share your expertise and experience as well.
Night Out: CWR Scavenger Hunt: What to Know
If you have signed up and paid to participate in the night out, meet in the Maryland Suites by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14th, to receive your team code and final information before heading out.
Your adventure begins just across the street at the harbor-side entrance of the Maryland Science Center, at Light Street and Key Highway. The quest starts outside the science center.
Your outdoor adventure will wrap up at E. Pratt Street & Gay Street.
Then, we’ll reconvene in the Maryland Suites for snacks, stories, and a few tales from your Baltimore adventure!
Will the conference mobile app be available this year?
Yes, 2026 conference content is available NOW on the app. Be sure to download the app for a dynamic, interactive conference experience! All the information and content you need will be available on the app—schedules, your workshop selections, speaker info, hotel details, photos and video, and more. While printed materials will be limited, all the tools to navigate conference will be at your fingertips on the app.
The app is also a great tool for the social side of conference. Attendees arrange ride sharing in the activity feed. Groups schedule networking sessions like a millennial breakfast meet-up or a lunch gathering for Dominican communicators, as well as after-hours gatherings. View Ventla App Instructions here
Why should I visit the CWR exhibitors?
Our exhibitors are an important part of the CWR Conference experience! They bring resources, services, ideas and expertise specifically relevant to communicators and others serving women religious.
Throughout the conference, we encourage you to make time to visit every exhibitor, introduce yourself, learn what they offer, ask questions, and discover resources that could support your work or congregation.
Even if you aren’t currently looking for a particular product or service, stop by and say hello! Our exhibitors invest in CWR and help make our annual conference possible, and visiting their tables is a simple way to show our appreciation for their support.
Explore. Connect. Ask questions. You never know what you might discover!
Hotel Parking
Valet Parking:
Valet parking is available to all overnight guests.
0-5 hours or transient (daily rate): $40
Overnight: $48
Self-Parking
Self-parking is available to all overnight guests and visitors.
0-60 minutes: $15
60-80 Minutes: $25
80-120 minutes: $27
2-24 Hours: $34
Evening (Monday-Thursday between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m.) $20