Register now for the 2026 Circle K International Convention!

2026 CKI Convention FAQ

Ready to learn more about the 2026 Circle K International Convention in Dallas, Texas, U.S.? Check out frequently asked questions below for helpful information and exciting event details.

Travel & Packing Information

What should I pack?

Not sure what to pack? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Be sure to plan ahead by reviewing the Dallas weather forecast so you can pack smart and stay comfortable throughout the convention.

Packing essentials:

  • CKI gear (including pins!)
  • Clothing: business casual and professional attire, formal wear, informal day-to-day clothing, sleepwear and a jacket or sweatshirt
  • Toiletries and medications
  • Laptop or other note-taking materials or devices, plus chargers (phone, laptop, etc.)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Wallet essentials: cash, debit/credit card and a driver’s license or other valid ID
What should I wear and when?

Below is a guide to recommended attire for some of the convention events:

Event Dress Code
Opening Session CKI casual; business professional for candidates
District Caucusing CKI or business casual; business professional for candidates
Workshops Business casual
House of Delegates Business professional
Awards & Closing Ceremony Formal wear or business professional

Hotel & Accommodations

What are the hotel accommodations?

All attendees must book their rooms at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, U.S. The rate is US$214.57 per night, including tax. The hotel even features its own water park, candy shop and the largest art collection of any hotel in the country!

There is an optional US$25 per day resort fee for guests who wish to access the hotel’s water park, gym and other premium amenities. Check our plan your stay page for more information.

What is the resort fee and what is included?

There is an optional US$25-per-day resort fee, which provides access to the hotel’s JadeWaters park, gym and other premium amenities. For more details, see our plan your stay page.

How do I add the resort fee?

The resort fee must be added when registering for your hotel stay. It cannot be added later. Make sure to select it during checkout if you and your roommates wish to use the resort amenities.

Does the hotel accept cash? What payment methods are accepted?

No. The Hilton Anatole is fully cashless. The hotel accepts credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash is not accepted directly.

What if I only have cash?

Cash-to-card machines are available in the hotel and provide a prepaid card. You can load cash onto the card at no cost. The card works like debit cards and can be used at the hotel or anywhere debit cards are accepted. Unused balances cannot be refunded for cash.

Will Wi-Fi be available?

Yes. Guests in the Circle K International convention room block receive complimentary in-room Wi-Fi. This Wi-Fi is only available in guest rooms. Meeting room Wi-Fi also will be available, with log-in details provided in the convention app during the event.

Registration & Background Checks

What is included in the price of registration?

Your registration includes:

  • Admission to all activities listed on the convention schedule.
  • A CKI swag bag, including a CKI T-shirt, distributed upon arrival.
  • Grab-and-go breakfast at the hotel on Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3.
  • One lunch voucher to be used on-site, redeemable on either Thursday, July 2, or Friday, July 3.
  • Texas-sized appetizers at the Opening Reception on Wednesday, July 1.
  • The subsidized cost of the required background check.
  • Access to the convention app, which helps you stay up to date with schedule changes, find venue maps, connect with other attendees and download helpful resources.
What is not included in the price of registration?

Hotel accommodations. All attendees must book their rooms at the Hilton Anatole. The rate is US$214.57 per night, including tax. (There is an optional US$25 per day resort fee for guests who wish to access the hotel’s water park, gym and other premium amenities. Check our plan your stay page for more information.)

Travel and additional meals. All transportation costs and any meals not listed as included in registration are the responsibility of attendees.

How much is the background check?

The student background check is included in the registration fee. Kiwanis International subsidizes the full cost, which can be more than US$100, to make background checks accessible for all attendees.

Do I need to complete a background check if I have done one before?

Yes. All attendees are required to have a current, valid background check on file. Background checks are valid for two years. California attendees should note that other state-mandated requirements apply. Learn more here.

Please note that no discount on registration will be offered for attendees who already have a cleared Kiwanis background check. After registering, attendees will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the background check. If you have any immediate questions, please email .

Food & Dining

What food options will be available?

In addition to the meals included with registration, attendees have several options to purchase their own meals:

  • Food trucks will be available for dinner on Thursday, July 2.
  • On-site hotel dining, including:
    • Media Grill & Bar
    • SER Steak & Spirits
    • JadeWaters Grill & Bar

For additional dining recommendations, check out the Dallas City Guide, prepared by the Circle K International Convention Committee.

Convention Schedule & App

How do I know what is on the convention schedule?

An outline of the schedule is available on our website. For a more detailed schedule, registered attendees will have access to our convention app on Yapp. More information on how to download the app will be shared soon.

What is the Yapp app?

Yapp is the platform that hosts our official convention app. Registered attendees will receive access to the app, which allows you to:

  • Stay up to date with schedule changes.
  • Get information about candidates.
  • Find venue maps.
  • Connect with other attendees.
  • Download helpful resources.

The Yapp app is a great way to make the most of your convention experience. More information on how to download and access the app will be shared soon.

Additional Convention Information

Will other major events be taking place during the convention?

Yes. In addition to our convention, the 2026 Key Club International Convention will also be held at the Hilton Anatole.

During this same period, the FIFA World Cup will be taking place in Dallas. Attendees should expect larger crowds, higher demand for hotels and transportation, and longer wait times throughout the city.

Are there any special safety or security considerations due to the FIFA World Cup?

General safety advice for visitors remains similar to other large-scale events. Attendees should stay aware of their surroundings, particularly at night, use official and well-lit transportation options and allow extra time when moving through crowded areas. A strong security presence is expected in and around major venues.

Will restaurants and local attractions be busier than usual?

Yes. Expect significantly larger crowds throughout the city, with increased demand for transportation and local services. This may result in higher prices, longer wait times for meals and limited availability for transportation and lodging. Planning ahead is strongly encouraged.

Are there tips for navigating the city during the FIFA World Cup?
  • Use public transportation when possible, including DART.
  • Be mindful of peak travel times. Even outside of stadium events, transit lines serving nightlife and fan-heavy areas will likely be busier, especially in the evenings.
  • Allow extra travel time and monitor conditions using navigation and transit apps such as Waze and Google Maps.
On which days are the FIFA World Cup games taking place?

Games are scheduled in Arlington, Texas, U.S., for:

  • June 27
  • June 30
  • July 3
  • July 6