The Light of Spiritual Direction and Companionship
SDI 2026 Online Conference FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Theme of the 2026 SDI Conference?
The Light of Spiritual Direction and Companionship
In the deepening shadows of our shared time, marked by uncertainty, division, grief, and global upheaval, spiritual companionship emerges not just as solace, but as radiant light. Our calling kindles clarity within our own souls, illuminating interior paths amid confusion, while simultaneously becoming a grounding and comforting beacon for others. Through deep listening, sacred curiosity, and mutual presence, we learn to see, and to be seen, by the light that darkness cannot overcome. Our companionship then becomes the lamp that reveals hidden hope, fosters resilience, and guides collective healing.
As spiritual directors and companions, we stand as a light at a dim crossroads. Not to make a choice ourselves, but to allow others to see more clearly, so they can make forward movement in their own spiritual journey, in their own way.
Join us as we explore the gentle embrace of our loving community, a redeeming balm in these difficult times, and a light shining brightly as we move onwards with courage, determination, kindness and love.
What technology do I need to access the conference?
- We recommend a computer that is no older than 5 years, so that you can have easy and smooth electronic access. Alternatively, you can use a smartphone like an iPhone or Android
- Good, working internet connection
- Access to Zoom for our video conferencing sessions.
- We will also use Whova for convening online, accessing the schedule, and participating in chat groups
What is Whova?
Whova, our free conference app, will provide a common portal for everything related to our conference and will be the place for everyone – both virtual and in-person – to connect, find information, and more. Live and recorded access to keynote presentations, workshops, meditations, and other gatherings will all be available via the Whova Conference App.
Whova has an easy-to-use interface, access to a Calendar where each event will be listed. For each keynote and workshop, the event will utilize Zoom calls and Whova’s own chat and Q&A technology for easy interaction of people joining through the internet. And everyone, including in-person participants, will access recordings from the conference through Whova.
The Whova Conference App is free and available as a website which can be accessed on any desktop PC, laptop, or tablet, or you can download the Whova App on your mobile device via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
What if I need technical assistance during the conference?
SDI Staff will be available online throughout the conference to help you navigate the conference offerings. As well, Whova provides multi-tier technical support to assist with any issues you may have.
I'd like to offer 1:1 or group spiritual direction/companionship.
You may set up sessions with others at the conference using Whova.
What if I'm not a spiritual director/companion?
All are welcome to participate with the SDI Community! We are deeply committed to manifesting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive space. No matter your religious and/or spiritual background, we want to see, and hear, you. If you haven’t participated in an SDI event before, or are wondering what to expect in sessions and breakout groups, we recommend you review this list of guidelines.
Conference Participants include:
- Spiritual directors, companions, and guides
- Wayfarers and seekers
- Teaching faculty and students
- Campus ministers and chaplains from all spiritual traditions
- Pastoral and spiritual care providers
- Chaplains
- Retreat center directors and retreat leaders
- Hospice and health care providers (nurses, doctors,
physician assistants, physical therapists, pharmacologists, etc.) - Holistic body-mind-spirit health care providers
- Social workers
- Lay and ordained clergy
- Art therapists
- Mental health care providers
- Life coaches and mindfulness trainers
- Mindful lawyers, social justice workers, peacemakers
- Contemplatives in any stage of life
- Contemplatives who work in academic settings
- Meditation facilitators
- Work-life balance human resource personnel
What if I'm not an SDI Member?
All are welcome! SDI Members receive significant savings on the registration cost. If you aren’t a member, become one today, and receive Member discounts on the conference and most all our other offerings.
What if I miss a session? Will everything be recorded?
We will be recording all of our sessions, which include keynote presentations, public Q&R (question and response), and workshops, and will prioritize posting these ASAP throughout the conference (usually within 4 hours). We will not be recording any sessions that include 1/1 or Group Spiritual Direction, or other Breakout Groups. Recordings are available to attendees for at least 6 months after the conference proceedings.
Can I just register for one day? Or attend one keynote and just pay for that?
Sorry, no. For 36 years, SDI has been offering contemplative, educational programming. We take into consideration past evaluations, and they indicate that going gradually deeper with one topic as one body works best for building community and best reflects the needs of the contemplative, global learning community. SDI’s design intentionally creates a multi-day experience during which new friendships and collegial relationships may form and old ones may be nourished. With all the keynotes and workshops being available on-demand, we hope you will find the content helpful for weeks and months to come.
I would like to promote my practice / books / courses / artwork at the conference.
Attendees may use their profile in Whova to display a website, resume, and a description of their work as a spiritual companion. If you have more information you want to share or you are interested in selling artwork, books, or anything else, please consider becoming an Exhibitor.
Will I be photographed or videotaped during the conference?
This Event is a widely-attended conference. SDI and third parties may photograph, screencap, and provide other audio/video record activities at the Event for many purposes, including but not limited to, reporting, advertising and documentation purposes. This includes recording Zoom workshops and other sessions. By attending the Event, you consent to your image and voice being captured and used.
The small print:
You grant us a license to use, edit, reproduce, record, modify, enhance, encode, translate, distribute, play, perform, make available to other users, prepare derivative works of and to display your image and/or likeness (your -Likeness-), and/or an audio recording of your voice, by any media or methods whether now known or later developed. This license may be exercised in our sole discretion throughout the world at any time. You agree that this license is perpetual, royalty-free and transferable. You agree that we can sub-license this license to third parties. You irrevocably and unconditionally waive, with respect to your Likeness and voice, all moral rights to which you may be entitled and any broadly equivalent rights in any territory of the world. This waiver is made in favor of SDI but will also extend to our sub-licensees, assignees and successors in title.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
- Refunds (less a $50 non-refundable registration fee) will be provided with written notice prior to February 23, 2026
- On or after February 23, 2026, up to and including April 13, 2026, SDI will issue 50% refunds (less a $50 non-refundable registration fee)
- Refunds will not be issued after April 13, 2026
Will CEUs be offered?
Certificates that note 24 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be made available for those who require it at the end of our Conference.