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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 sea gulls 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

Be uplifted by a powerful message delivered by one of our DILA Plenary Speakers.

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

Join us as a DILA Plenary Speaker delivers an inspiring message to energize and guide us into the upcoming year.

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

$300

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

$200

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

$300

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
  • Room rate:$229  /night
  • Cutoff date:August 14
  • Self parking:$25  /night
  • Reservations link coming soon!

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. Located in the center of the Golden Triangle, the hotel offers seamless access to the University Town Center Mall, where you can shop or glide gracefully across the ice. 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

DeWayne McNally

Chief of Staff
MortarStone

DeWayne McNally has over 35 years of experience in both large corporations and in churches. DeWayne currently serves as COO for MortarStone, a provider of church generosity software, strategy and solutions. DeWayne led in multiple corporate roles in IT and software while serving in his church and city in multiple leadership roles.

God then called DeWayne to serve as an Executive Pastor of his home church, Hill Country Bible Church leading a focus on discipleship and seeing God grow the church and Kingdom impact. God provided DeWayne his dream role of leading in a software company that serves churches and the Kingdom, seeking to engage and disciple people to grow in stewardship and generosity.

Mel McGowan

Chief Creative Officer
Storyland Studios

Mel McGowan AICP, DBIA, LEED AP creatively leads the unique, multidisciplinary Spatial Storytelling practice for Storyland Studios, which integrates master planning, conceptual development, architecture, interior and production design, graphics and wayfinding, and dimensional fabrication and installation. He combines his background in film and design with a decade‑long stint at the Walt Disney Company to create a team synergy inspired by Disney’s original Imagineers, designers, and fabricators.

Mel’s experience and portfolio includes the renewal of the Disneyland Resort, Morongo Casino, new urbanist towns, and museum and theme park work in the US, China, and Korea, as well as non‑profit cause‑oriented projects in the Americas, Africa, Australia, Europe and Asia.

Tom McGlinchey

Chief Financial Officer
Storyland Studios

Storyland Studios is a unique collection of down‑to‑earth specialists, artists, architects, strategists and problem solvers who believe in the power of story to change the world.

Storyland Studios exists to help business leaders create and connect their stories in three dimensions: strategic brand narratives, spatial environments, and interactive media. We partner with brands and fellow agencies to create environments and immersive experiences that lift the spirit.

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!

Sponsor DILA