Conference — The LEAD Program

About the conference

A weekend of focused learning and fellowship.

Each year, the LEAD cohort gathers for a three-day conference that anchors the academic year. It is the only required in-person component of the program — and for most students, the most formative.

Lectures are interactive, not passive. Facilitators may invite participants into activities and discussion at any point in the weekend, so come ready to engage.

Between sessions, students share meals, prayer, and conversation with faculty and peers — the relationships built here often outlast the program itself.

Weekend schedule

A typical three days.

The full schedule is sent to registered students two weeks before the conference. Times below are representative.

Friday

October 9, 2026

3:00 PM

Arrival & check-in

Receive your conference materials and settle into your room.

5:30 PM

Opening prayer & dinner

Welcome from Fr. Tadros and the program founders.

7:00 PM

Session 1 — Setting the year

Framing the curriculum, expectations, and the rhythm of the year ahead.

9:00 PM

Evening fellowship

Open time on the retreat grounds.

Saturday

October 10, 2026

7:30 AM

Morning prayer & breakfast

Optional liturgy in the chapel before breakfast.

9:00 AM

Session 2 — Foundations

Core teaching, with discussion in small groups throughout.

12:30 PM

Lunch

Shared meal in the dining hall.

2:00 PM

Session 3 — Application workshop

Working through real scenarios from students' workplaces and ministries.

5:00 PM

Free time

Walk the grounds, rest, or join an informal discussion.

6:30 PM

Dinner & evening session

Faculty panel and Q&A.

Sunday

October 11, 2026

8:00 AM

Divine Liturgy

Open to all attendees in the retreat center chapel.

10:30 AM

Closing session

Synthesis, commitments, and what to carry into the year ahead.

12:00 PM

Lunch & departures

Final meal together before checkout.

The venue

St. Stephen Christian Retreat Center.

A quiet, wooded retreat property on the Florida space coast. The center provides on-site lodging, all meals, a main conference room, and a chapel.

The conference room is centrally air-conditioned, so a light cardigan or sweater is recommended for sessions.

Address

5645 Old Dixie Hwy
Titusville, FL 32780

Lodging

On-site, included

Meals

All meals included

Travel

Self-arranged

What to expect

A few things to know before you come.

Come ready to engage

Lectures are interactive. Facilitators may invite participants into activities or discussion throughout the weekend.

Devices silenced

Phones and laptops are silenced during sessions. You'll have time at meals and in the evening to catch up.

Closed sessions

Sessions are open only to registered participants of the program — no observers or guests.

Business casual

Dress is business casual for sessions. Comfortable layers recommended for the air-conditioned conference room.

Travel on your own

Students arrange and cover their own travel to and from Titusville. Lodging and meals at the retreat are included.

Bring a notebook

Some of the most useful work happens in the margins. A physical notebook is recommended.

Frequently asked

Conference questions.

Is the conference required?

Yes. The October weekend is the only required in-person component of the program, and it anchors the academic year. Students who cannot attend should reach out to the program office before registering.

Are travel costs included?

No — students arrange and cover their own travel to and from Titusville. Lodging at the retreat center and all meals during the weekend are included in the program tuition.

What is the closest airport?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is approximately 45 minutes from the retreat center. Melbourne (MLB) is closer but offers fewer flights. Most students fly into Orlando and rent a car or rideshare.

Can I bring a spouse or guest?

Sessions are closed to anyone other than registered participants. Family members are welcome to stay nearby in Titusville but cannot attend the conference programming or meals.

What should I pack?

Business casual clothing for sessions, a light cardigan or sweater for the air-conditioned conference room, comfortable shoes for walking the retreat grounds, your assigned reading, a notebook, and any prescription medication.

Is there a chapel on site?

Yes. The retreat center has a chapel where Divine Liturgy is celebrated on Sunday morning. Optional morning prayer is also offered before breakfast on Saturday.

The 2026 Annual Conference.

Dates

Venue

City

Attire