Travel and Housing

Travel

Planes, trains and automobiles are all effective ways to reach the City by Nature!

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is the primary airport serving the Twin Cities and one of the most efficient in the country. Conveniently located just 10 miles from downtown Minneapolis, MSP offers direct flights from most major U.S. cities. With two terminals connected by light rail, participants can easily access hotels, downtown attractions and the Mall of America within minutes.

Typically the Gathering works with major airlines to provide discounts for groups booking travel to the Gathering. Stay tuned!

Housing

The Gathering has contracted with dozens of hotels in Minneapolis, and they are excited to welcome us. Hotel rates vary, but congregations are encouraged to budget $198 (plus state and local taxes) per room, per night. As registration approaches, we will release three price brackets for hotels, and congregations will be able to share their preferences during registration. Note that there is no guarantee that your congregation will be assigned a hotel within that bracket.  

Room types also vary (king, double/double), but for budgeting purposes, expect that your congregation’s room block assignment will accommodate an average of three people per room.

My congregation is within driving distance of the 2027 Gathering. Can we commute?

No. To participate in the ELCA Youth Gathering and connected events, registered participants must stay in the hotel to which their congregation is assigned. The Gathering requires congregations to stay at their assigned hotel for many reasons, including risk management, logistics and agreements with the host city and local law enforcement.

To view other frequently asked questions about travel and housing, visit the FAQs page.

Gathering Staff

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Gathering Team Leaders

The Rev. Tony Acompanado
(
he/him
)
Worship and Chaplains
The Rev. Jennifer Schultz
(
she/her
)
Volunteers
The Rev. Jonathan Vehar
(
he/him
)
the tAble
Jonathan Zitelman
(
he/him
)
Technology
Kris Bjorke
(
she/her
)
SERVE
The Rev. Shawn Hannon
(
he/him
)
Safety and Security
The Rev. Kim Adams
(
she/her
)
Operations
The Rev. Nicolette Faison
(
she/her
)
Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE)
The Rev. Chris Marien
(
he/him
)
Mass Gathering
Dannica Olsen
(
she/her
)
ENGAGE
Catherine Slabaugh
(
she/her
)
Communications
The Rev. Cassie Overcash
(
she/her
)
Community Life

Young Adult Gathering

Daniel Kirschbaum
(
they/he
)
Senior Director, Young Adult Communities
Deacon Kayla Zopfi
(
they/them
)
Young Adult Networks Coordinator

Regional Representatives

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