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DILA 2026 Conference

DILA 2026 La Jolla

September 14‑15

San Diego Marriott La Jolla

  4240 La Jolla Village Dr
La Jolla, CA 92037

La Jolla Rocks
This Year’s DILA

DILA 2026 La Jolla
September 14‑15

See you this fall at the San Diego Marriott La Jolla!
Hear from engaging speakers, share resources and ideas, and network with partners, colleagues, and friends. Mark the dates September 14‑15 on your calendar.

Welcome to "The Jewel by the Sea" in La Jolla, California!

DILA Promo Poster
   La Jolla, California

La Jolla, known as "The Jewel by the Sea," sparkles along the Pacific just 12 miles north of downtown San Diego. With its dramatic coastline, elegant village boutiques and restaurants, and lavish homes, this seaside haven blends sophistication with a laid‑back beach spirit. Here, surfers, scuba divers, and snorkelers are drawn to the vibrant kelp forests and the promise of adventure.

What is DILA?

Denominational Investors & Loan Administrators

DILA is an informal fellowship which meets to help maximize the effectiveness of not‑for‑profit entities organized to provide loans to various affiliated churches and related religious organizations within their denomination by providing networking opportunities and educational resources. DILA’s vision is to provide:

Noncompetitive forum

A noncompetitive forum for problem‑solving and discussion of best practices

Open environment

An environment where each participating organization can actively participate in discussions, voice opinions and share information

Industry knowledge

An awareness and understanding of key happenings in the industry

DILA Conference Agenda

Schedule of Events

 
Day 0 Registration & Exhibit Setup

Sunday, September 13

Day 1 Plenary & Breakouts (Full Day)

Monday, September 14

Day 2 Plenary & Breakouts (Half Day)

Tuesday, September 15

Sunday, Sept. 13
4:00 PM  (PDT)
Welcome to La Jolla!

Check in at the San Diego Marriott La Jolla, where the golden warmth of Southern California and the inviting charm of La Jolla greet you at DILA 2026. In the lively heart of the city, our venue invites you to unwind and explore, all wrapped in a relaxed yet refined ambiance.

Sunday, Sept. 13
7:00 ‑ 8:30 PM  (PDT)
Exhibit Setup

Exhibitors set up display table(s) outside the main ballroom at the San Diego Marriott La Jolla.

Sunday, Sept. 13
7:00 ‑ 8:30 PM  (PDT)
Registration & Badge Pickup

Conference registration opens with a soft opening for those early seagulls among us.

Sunday, Sept. 13
After 8:30 PM  (PDT)
Free Time  (on your own)

La Jolla invites you to wander along its eye‑catching coastline, browse charming village shops and restaurants, and admire opulent residences. Take an evening stroll to soak in the vibrant Southern Californian spirit.

Monday, Sept. 14
7:30 AM  (PDT)
Registration & Breakfast

Conference registration opens for you to pick up your name badge and materials. Breakfast is catered and provided by DILA.

Monday, Sept. 14
8:30 AM  (PDT)
Opening Session

DILA 2026 springs to life as our lively emcee ushers you into a conference overflowing with inspiration. Let a vibrant morning devotion spark your senses and ignite your anticipation for the adventure ahead!

Monday, Sept. 14
9:00 ‑ 10:00 AM  (PDT)
Breakouts by Fund Size

Fund sizes include: $0‑99 Million, $100‑249 Million, $250‑499 Million, $500‑999 Million, and $1B+.

Monday, Sept. 14
10:45 AM  (PDT)
Plenary Session — "Building More Than Buildings" — The Legacy Behind the Ledger

Be uplifted by a powerful message delivered by Gene Appel, Eastside Christian Church.

Monday, Sept. 14
11:45 AM  (PDT)
Lunch  (provided by DILA)

Please enjoy the lunch provided by DILA to support you throughout the remainder of your day.

Monday, Sept. 14
1:00 ‑ 2:00 PM  (PDT)
Breakouts by Topic

Topics include: Stewardship, Economy & Markets, Real Estate Solutions, Cybersecurity, Real Estate, and Legal.

Monday, Sept. 14
2:30 PM & 4:00 PM  (PDT)
Breakouts by Function

Functions include: Marketing, Investment Operations, Lending Operations, Finance & Accounting, Senior Management, and Insurance.

Monday, Sept. 14
After 5:00 PM  (PDT)
Free Time  (on your own)

Enjoy your evening in La Jolla! Engage with sponsors, partners, and colleagues for hosted dinners, savoring fine dining. La Jolla has many attractions and places to explore.

Tuesday, Sept. 15
7:00 AM  (PDT)
Breakfast

Start off the day with a delicious catered breakfast then hear from one of our sponsors.

Tuesday, Sept. 15
8:30 AM  (PDT)
Morning Session

Recap the first day and hear a morning devotion that will motivate your life’s mission in your daily work.

Tuesday, Sept. 15
9:00 ‑ 10:00 AM  (PDT)
Breakouts by Topic

Topics include: Construction, Economy & Markets, Real Estate Solutions, Cybersecurity, Real Estate, and Legal.

Tuesday, Sept. 15
10:30 ‑ 11:45 AM  (PDT)
Closing Plenary Panel — Property Development for Missional Impact

Join us as a panel of speakers facilitates a discussion on Property Development for Missional Impact.

DILA Sponsors

Meet our Conference Sponsors

Meet our Title Sponsor
UMB Bank

UMB Bank, n.a.’s Capital Markets Division can provide access to a comprehensive suite of solutions. From market data and robust technology platforms, to fixed income products and insightful modeling, your full-service UMB Bank experience provides support relevant to you.

How much does DILA cost?

Registration Prices

Sponsor

$350

Representing a sponsor/exhibitor

Registration includes:
  • Breakfast Monday & Tuesday
  • Lunch on Monday
  • Networking opportunities
  • Access to all main sessions
  • Access to  limited  breakouts
Most Common
Fund Representative

$250

Employed by a church fund or foundation

Registration includes:
  • Breakfast Monday & Tuesday
  • Lunch on Monday
  • Networking opportunities
  • Access to all main sessions
  • Access to all breakouts
Third Party

$350

Representing a third‑party organization

Registration includes:
  • Breakfast Monday & Tuesday
  • Lunch on Monday
  • Networking opportunities
  • Access to all main sessions
  • Access to  limited  breakouts
DILA Conference Venue

San Diego Marriott La Jolla

San Diego Marriott La Jolla

San Diego Marriott La Jolla

  4240 La Jolla Village Dr
La Jolla, CA 92037

A 4‑star sanctuary, the San Diego Marriott La Jolla invites you to escape this fall. Soak up the radiant Southern California sun, laugh with your favorite people, recharge your spirit, or indulge in a feast bursting with fresh California flavors. Nestled in the vibrant heart of La Jolla, the San Diego Marriott La Jolla welcomes you to discover a blend of relaxation and adventure with a touch of sophistication. This striking 4‑star hotel places you steps from the breathtaking La Jolla Beach and the iconic Sunny Jim Sea Cave. Whether you are here for business or leisure, you will be greeted by an atmosphere that is both invigorating and tranquil, tailored for every traveler. From impromptu downtown adventures to sun‑drenched afternoons by the ocean, this unbeatable location keeps you at the heart of it all.

Watch a promo about La Jolla, CA

Crashing waves, sunlit cliffs, and endless ocean vistas make it easy to see why La Jolla is a favorite among California’s coastal escapes. Encircled by the sparkling sea and nestled against the gentle rise of Mount Soledad, this community dazzles with its natural wonders, lively activities, and sophisticated village charm. Together, these treasures have rightfully earned La Jolla its nickname as San Diego’s "Jewel by the Sea."

DILA Promo Video
Who’s speaking at DILA?

Plenary Speakers

Gene Appel

Senior Pastor
Eastside Christian Church

Gene Appel, senior pastor of Eastside Christian Church in Anaheim, CA, first stepped into ministry as a 20‑year‑old intern at Eastside. When he returned in 2008, he sparked a new era of energy and vision. Under his leadership, Eastside has flourished, earning a place among the 100 fastest‑growing churches in America year after year.

Following in the footsteps of his late father, a pastor and Christian leader, Gene sensed God’s call to ministry at an early age. He is a graduate of Lincoln Christian University and has done additional graduate work at Hope International University, which conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Divinity.

Widely admired for his inspiring leadership and deep compassion, Gene has guided church leaders worldwide in navigating positive change. He has authored several books and once brought his insight to television audiences as an award‑winning commentator on CBS2 in Chicago.

Carrie Sanders

Founder/CEO
Hope Community Capital

Carrie Sanders leads strategic initiatives at Hope Community Capital to advance equitable, mission‑driven development nationwide, with a focus on affordable housing and community facilities. She has been instrumental in closing over $1 billion in New Markets Tax Credit transactions and specializes in financing community‑serving real estate projects.

With 19 years of experience in community development finance, she has expertise in strategic planning, public housing evaluation, re‑entry housing, and economic impact analysis. Carrie developed NMTC programs for two previous organizations and has utilized a range of capital tools, including NMTCs, Low‑Income Housing Tax Credits, TIF, and HUD programs. She holds a master’s degree in City Planning from MIT, with a concentration in community and economic development finance, as well as bachelor’s degrees in music and political science from William Jewell College.

Rev. Dr. Mark Holland

Project Manager, Church Property Development
Wesleyan Impact Partners

Dr. Holland heard the call to ministry at age 14 and is a third‑generation United Methodist pastor. He served in the Kansas East/Great Plains Conferences from 1994 to 2024. He spent three years as Pastor at a two‑point charge in rural Kansas, serving Wathena UMC and Elwood Community Church and is the former mayor of Kansas City, KS.

Most of his career was in urban ministry at Trinity Community Church, a United Methodist congregation in Kansas City, KS, where he served for 19 years. Dr. Holland co‑founded and was Executive Director of Mainstream UMC, a global advocacy group working for full inclusion in the church. He is currently Senior Pastor at Pasadena Community Church, a United Methodist congregation in St. Petersburg, FL. He also serves as Project Manager for Church Property Development with the Texas Methodist Foundation and Wesleyan Impact Partners.

Joel Gilland

President & CEO
Wesley CDC

Joel Gilland joined Wesley CDC as Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning in 2014, following six years of service on its Board and Finance Committee. In this role, he led the organization’s expansion into church asset evaluation, consulting, and development. He was appointed President and CEO in June 2018. Since then, Mr. Gilland has guided Wesley’s growth into a fully licensed real estate firm, providing comprehensive development and real estate services to help faith‑based properties evaluate, reimagine, and reposition their assets for greater impact and sustainability.

Joel Gilland has deep roots in North Carolina and the United Methodist Church. The son of a United Methodist minister, he understands the trust and respect needed when working with congregations. He leads Wesley with a focus on keeping the faith community at the forefront of all decisions and providing transparent communication with Wesley’s client partners.

Rev. Josh Hayashi

CEO & Co‑Founder
Mission Management Company (MMCo)

Rev. Josh Hayashi is a technology innovator who currently serves as Chaplain at Punahou School in Honolulu, HI. Mission Management Company (MMCo) was founded to support the mission‑based repurposing of church assets. Its proprietary MMCo ("miko") Score enables church leadership, judicatory portfolio managers, lenders, developers, and partners to assess the likelihood that a church can successfully transform its property from a stand‑alone religious building into a community asset.

Josh builds connections between the Church and its neighborhood and is deeply committed to the Church’s mission as a sign of Christ in the world. He is a pastor, the son of a pastor, and married to a fourth‑generation pastor’s spouse. Josh earned his undergraduate degree from Bethel College, Indiana, and a Master of Divinity from Regent College in Vancouver, Canada.

Rev. Rachael Pryor

Conference Minister
Southern California Nevada Conference of the UCC

Rev. Rachael Pryor serves as Conference Minister for the Southern California Nevada Conference, overseeing more than 130 congregations within the United Church of Christ. The congregations reflect the diversity of Southern California and Nevada, offering worship in multiple styles and over seven languages each Sunday, and are committed to accessibility, inclusion, and welcoming the gifts of all God’s people.

Mentored from childhood at Sylvania United Church of Christ in Northwest Ohio, Rachael’s ministry emphasizes welcome, generosity, advocacy, and justice. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan and an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. Within her conference, Rachael leads property development and redevelopment. Rachael also participated in the UCC’s Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI).

Sign up today!

Ready to attend DILA 2026 in La Jolla?

Meet with us in La Jolla this September 14‑15 to experience a one‑of‑a‑kind opportunity to share resources and connect with peers and colleagues from a multitude of denominations.

Register for DILA

Attend DILA as a fund representative, sponsor personnel, attorney, and more!

Register Now

Book your hotel

Rooms are available at our hotel venue, the San Diego Marriott La Jolla.

Book Hotel

Become a sponsor

Expand your reach, connect with DILA constituents, and make a greater impact at the conference!

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