Steps from Universal Studios and overlooking the Hollywood Hills
Welcome Imperial Sirs, Illustrious Sirs, Nobles, Guests, and Friends!
Al Malaikah Temple, and especially our Stagecraft Unit, are honored to host the 2026 SDA Conference in Los Angeles.
This event presents an exceptional platform for learning, networking, and collaboration among Nobles of Shrine Temples throughout the United States and North America. This year’s registered attendees represent more than a dozen temples across the U.S., alongside participants from Shrine Temples in Canada and Mexico. We look forward to your participation in this distinguished international conference.
An optional event of the conference will be the tour of the world-renowned Shrine Auditorium, which houses the Al Malaikah Temple next to the University of Southern California campus and the Memorial Coliseum — home of the 2028 Olympics. Attendees are highly encouraged to participate in the scheduled tour of the Auditorium on Friday afternoon. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Fraternally & Sincerely,
— Steve Harris, Potentate
We are truly delighted that you have come to join us, and we have done our very best to ensure you have a wonderful time during your visit. We have some exciting experiences planned, especially for the ladies, to give you a taste of what Southern California is all about.
Welcome — we are so glad you are here!
— Jenny Harris, First Lady
Welcome to the Shrine Directors Association 2026 Conference!
We have been looking forward to receiving our colleagues and friends during more than seven years of planning, and we have chosen the Hilton Hotel in Universal City as the host facility in the heart of Hollywood for you to enjoy Los Angeles.
Prepare for inspiring business sessions, networking opportunities, entertaining excursions, innovative presentations at our teambuilding competition, side degrees for the Nobles, spectacular receptions, and the prestigious President’s Banquet.
Ill. Dario Gamboa, P.P. ’25 — Temple Director 2026
Zack Maples, 1st Ceremonial Master — Director General, SDA 2026
| Event | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, April 9 | ||
| Registration | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Outside Ballroom A & B |
| Getty Museum Tour & Santa Monica Pier * | Depart 9:00 AM; return ~3:30 PM | Departs from Ballroom Circle |
| Board of Governors Meeting | 3:30 – 4:30 PM | Ballroom A |
| Welcome Reception * Buca di Beppo restaurant | 7:30 PM | Universal CityWalk (walk or use Shriners shuttle) |
| Friday, April 10 | ||
| Registration | 8:00 AM – Noon | Outside Ballroom A & B |
| Business Session | 8:30 AM – Noon | Ballroom A |
| Ladies Lunch | 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Club Room |
| Shrine Auditorium Tour * & Al Malaikah Temple | 1:00 – 4:00 PM | 665 W. Jefferson Blvd., L.A. (use Shriners shuttles) |
| Warner Bros. Studios Tour | 1:00 – 4:30 PM | Departs from Ballroom Circle |
| Dinner Business casual | 6:30 – 9:00 PM | Ballroom B |
| Tiki Tour & Mystery Tour | Departs 9:30 PM | Departs from Ballroom Circle |
| Saturday, April 11 | ||
| Skit Competition Nobles only | 8:30 AM – Noon | Ballroom A |
| Time & Place Committee By invitation only | Noon – 4:00 PM | Executive Boardroom |
| Free Time / Warner Bros. Studios Tour | 1:00 – 4:30 PM (tour) / 1:00 – 6:00 PM (free) | Departs from Ballroom Circle |
| President’s Banquet Nobles: coat, tie & Fez • Ladies: cocktail dress | 6:30 – 9:00 PM | Ballroom B |
| Hi-Ya-Ka-Wa Degree | 10:00 – 11:00 PM | Salon 7 |
| Jalapeño Degree | 10:00 – 11:00 PM | Salon 9 |
| Sunday, April 12 | ||
| Director’s Breakfast Nobles: coat, tie & Fez | 7:30 – 10:00 AM | Ballroom A |
| Ladies Breakfast | 7:30 – 10:00 AM | Club Room |
* Vans and shuttles provided by Shriners depart from the Ballroom Circle (north side of hotel). Hotel shuttles arrive and depart from the Main Entrance (south side).
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 AM – 9 PM · Fri–Sun 11 AM – 10 PM
Hotel shuttles run during normal business hours.
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Click a store name to view the website. Click an address for Google Maps.
| What | Where (Est. Drive Time) |
|---|---|
| Griffith Observatory | Los Angeles (20 min) |
| Hollywood Sign Hike — Mt. Hollywood Trail (2.5 mi roundtrip) | Los Angeles (20 min) |
| The Getty Art Museum | Brentwood (20 min) |
| The Huntington Art Museum | San Marino (25 min) |
| Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills | Beverly Hills (25 min) |
| Santa Monica Pier | Santa Monica (30 min) |
| Malibu Lunch or Dinner | Malibu (40 min) |
| The Strand (beach path) & Bike Rentals | Santa Monica (30 min) |
| Pacific Coast Highway Scenic Drive | Malibu (40 min) |
| What | Where (Est. Drive Time) |
|---|---|
| Disneyland, California Adventure & Galaxy’s Edge | Anaheim (45 min) |
| Knott’s Berry Farm | Buena Park (45 min) |
| City of Ventura (downtown, pier & beach) | Ventura (60 min) |
| Wine Tasting Tours | Temecula (90 min) |
| Hot Air Balloon Rides | Temecula (90 min) |
Note: “Rush hour” traffic in the L.A. region will likely double estimated travel times. Morning rush is generally 6:30–9:00 AM; evening rush is 4:00–7:00 PM.
