The 2026 Circle K International Convention in Dallas, Texas, U.S., was one to remember, with the most convention attendees CKI has seen since 2019! Convention registration for 2026 was up nearly 30% compared to the average over the past five years — and CKI members from as far away as Canada and Panama were in attendance.
Key Club fellowship
We were also joined by Key Club International for the first time since 2018. Both groups enjoyed a combined Opening Session that featured a keynote speaker with international acclaim: actress, recording artist and storyteller Sofia Carson shared insights into her work advancing gender equity, expanding girls’ education and empowering young people around the world as a UNICEF ambassador.
Key Club members’ presence created numerous opportunities for you to showcase the path that CKI offers to continue their service journey. In addition, three lucky Key Club members were randomly selected to win a free CKI membership for 2026-27, along with a CKI swag bag.
An action-packed week
CKI members who joined us at convention enjoyed an action-packed week of Lonestar Leadership, including various workshops, awards and recognition, the 2026-27 international board selection and more.
Seventeen members from 12 districts were fortunate enough to take part in CKI’s Next Up, a dynamic, interactive program that gives emerging leaders the tools, confidence and mindset they need to grow, make connections and take the next step in their careers and communities. Each Next Up participant was awarded a US$200 stipend from CKI to help cover the cost of convention expenses, in addition to other incentives.
CKI members also spent a morning working with two nonprofits that serve families with ill or injured children: the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and the Jared Box Project. Participants assembled “Jared Boxes” (each consisting of a coloring book, a pack of crayons, a toy and a handwritten note) for kids in local hospitals and laundry kits to help their families at the Dallas Ronald McDonald House.
Awards and recognition
Many awards and other forms of recognition were distributed during convention. For instance, 23 clubs were recognized for rolling up their sleeves to grow by at least 10 members this year, reaching the Strive for 10 annual goal established by the 2024 CKI Board.
In April, the current international board initiated Give a Day to challenge members to volunteer for 24 hours. Particular recognition went to the CKI clubs that had the most service per member:
- First place: College of New Jersey with a whopping 124 hours of service per member
- Second place: Stockton University
- Third place: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Districts with the most service per member:
- First place: New Jersey
- Second place: Florida
- Third place: Philippine Luzon
Looking to the future
The importance of membership growth was emphasized throughout the convention. 2025-26 CKI President Jonathan Huang challenged each CKI member in attendance to strengthen their home club.
“If we each bring one friend and they become a member,” Huang said, “think of how much greater service and impact CKI can achieve.”
In her closing remarks, newly elected 2026-27 CKI President Neha Pasupuleti also shared a challenge: for every attendee to take the energy of the convention back to their clubs.
“When you get back to campus, you have the power to change someone’s life the way that CKI changed yours,” she said. “So, find that one person — that one friend, that one classmate, that one person — who needs a community like this one. And invite them in. Because that is how we grow. One connection at a time.”
Prepare for the new year
With convention complete, this is the time to start shaping your club’s 2026-27 recruitment plan. Prepare for the fall recruitment period with a variety of CKI resources for recruitment and retention.