NAMMA Conference 2026

Date: August 4-6, 2026

Theme: “Windows to the World”

Introduction: Seafarers’ welfare organizations operate at the intersection of global trade, human movement, and local port communities. In a time marked by rapid change, uncertainty, and disruption, this vantage point offers unique clarity. NAMMA’s 2026 Conference, Windows to the World, to be held August 4–6 in Philadelphia, PA, brings together more than 100 delegates from seafarers’ welfare organizations across North America and beyond, alongside partners from the wider maritime community.

The ports where those working in seafarers’ ministry serve become windows through which global trends, emerging challenges, and human realities are clearly visible. At the same time, seafarers’ mission personnel themselves serve as windows for visiting seafarers—an embodiment of welcome, connection, and trust in unfamiliar settings. This conference will explore pressing issues in seafarers’ welfare, emerging competencies and training needs, regulatory developments, and new opportunities through partnerships and technology. Together, participants will reflect on how seafarers’ welfare continues to offer insight, stability, and connection in a changing world.

Our local sponsor and partner for this event is the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) of Philadelphia & South Jersey, a trusted presence in Greater Philadelphia since 1843. With deep historic roots serving seafarers in the region, SCI has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of maritime workers—transitioning from a floating chapel on the Delaware River to a full-service facility in Center City, and now operating out of the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Today, SCI continues its mission through mobile shipboard services, offering hospitality, advocacy, and support to seafarers arriving in the Port of Philadelphia and wider region.

Registration (rates will increase by $100 after June 15):

Register as Member ($399USD) click here

Register as Non-Member ($449USD) click here

Conference Venue: Philadelphia Marriott Old City, 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. ($179USD+tax)

Reserve your hotel room (click here)

Schedule (developing)

Monday 3 August
- [5 p.m. – 9 p.m. – NAMMA Board Meeting]
Tuesday 4 August
- [7 a.m. – denominational prayer]
- [9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – NAMMA Board Meeting]
- 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Registration Booth Open
- [1 p.m. – Conference Begins]
- 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Session 1 and 2
  - Dcn. Paul Rosenblum, NAMMA President, Welcome and Conference Introduction
- 5:00 p.m. – Opening ecumenical worship
- 7:30 p.m. – Dinner
Wednesday 5 August
- [7 a.m. – denominational prayer]
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Sessions 3 and 4
- 12 p.m – 1 p.m. – Lunch (in hotel)
- 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Sessions 5 and 6 (NAMMA AGM and Updates)
- 5 p.m. – Free evening (No Dinner provided) [denominational/society meetings]
Thursday 6 August
- [7 a.m. – denominational prayer]
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Session 7 and 8
- 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Lunch (in hotel)
- 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Sessions 9 and 10
- 5:30 p.m. – Dinner (in hotel)
- 8 p.m. [Conference Ends]
Friday 7 August
- Departures or denominational meetings

Confirmed speakers:

The Rev. David W. Fleenor, PhD, “Essential Competencies for Maritime Chaplaincy: Lessons Learned from Study Prepared for the Seamen’s Church Institute”
Dr. Jason Zuidema (NAMMA)
Dr. Christopher Graham (NAMMA)

Sponsorship Information: