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Simultaneous Count Downs Underway!
United States Semiquincentennial |
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and the
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CMA Biennial Gathering 2026
(20th Biennial) Greenville, South Carolina 2-5 July 2026 |
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McAlister Gathering Highlights
- Our 20th CMA Biennial Gathering returns to the original location of our 1st CMA Gathering in Greenville SC after 40 years!
- Meet fellow McAlisters, search for your ancestors, and discover new cousins.
- Explore our past while enjoying sightseeing tours that showcase the beauty around us.
- Share genealogical information, take part in exciting entertainment, and relax in the hospitality room.
- Hear the stirring sound of bagpipes, listen to inspiring local and national speakers, and revel at the banquet.
- Don't miss the auction and bazaar — always a favorite!
If you've never attended one of our Gatherings, now is the perfect time. And if you've joined us before, you already know how much fun awaits!
McAlister Gathering Program
CMA 2026 Gathering Program Trifold
Note that the program may be subject to last-minute adjustments.
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Entertainment
We have secured the
Sweet Potato Pie Kids Band
to perform their traditional Appalachian music.
They are a band made up of YAM (Young Appalachian Musicians) students who perform to bring awareness and raise funds for the YAM program.
Banquet & Dinner Show
At the 2026 Gathering, Saturday night will feature a
banquet, including our traditional
Procession of the Haggis, and a
dinner show that you will not want to miss!
We have a special guest, Magician
Edmund Apperson, the
Southern Scoundrel!
Magician Edmund Apperson is sure to bring some extra flair and fun to the 2026 Gathering!
Based in Greenville, SC, Mr. Apperson has astonished and mezmerized audiences young and old across our Great Land.
There is even a rumor about that Mr. Apperson might actually be a McAlister too!
Registration
Registering for the 2026 Gathering is an easy 3-step process.
Step "0"
Maybe "4-step" if you count Step "0". This is likely to save you a bit of grief: Download the registration form to your computer or device (link below). Use your favorite method of downloading a file as you would any other file and remember where you save it.
Our registration form is an Adobe Acrobat form (PDF file type). Our form is not a native Web page. The registration form functions are very dependent on the ability of your selected Web browser to display and use it. We recommend downloading the form to use it.
Use the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader tool to open and fill in the registration form on your device. Remeber to save the file after filling it in, especially if you do not have Acrobat Reader set to automatically save your updates.
If you do not already have the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader tool installed on your computer or device, you can download it from Adobe's web site for a variety of device types at this Adobe Acrobat Reader Download link.
If all else fails, you can print the registration form and fill it in by hand. After filling it in, you can mail it by U.S. Post or e-mail a legible photograph or scan of your filled in form. But generally you should not need to go to this extreme if you use Adobe's tool.
Step 1
Open the registration form. Complete the first section of the registration form, identifying the individuals for whom you are registering and determining the registration fees for the Gathering, Banquet, and any other Options. Save the completed form to your computer or device for your own record, but also to e-mail to CMA registration (see next step).
Step 2
Use this PayPal
PAY ONLINE
link to pay your registration fees (or click on the same link inside the registration form).
You do not need a PayPal account to use the button;
simply click on the "PAY ONLINE" link and then use your personal credit card as a PayPal "guest."
After paying, email a copy of your completed registration form (step 1) to registration@clanmcalister.org.
While we prefer the efficiency of on-line registration,
as an alternative you can mail a printed copy of the registration form,
along with a check made out to "Clan McAlister of America," to
Jean Stewart, CMA Gathering, 3008 Dower House Drive, Herndon, VA 20171.
Step 3
Use this Marriott Bonvoy
HOTEL ONLINE
link to make your room reservations online (or click on the same link inside the registration form).
The official
Marriott Bonvoy 2026 Clan McAlister of America Reunion Gathering
hotel room reservation page will open in a new browser window or tab.
Special CMA group rates (plus state and local taxes and fees) are available for the nights of 1-4 July 2026 at either of two hotel brands (checking out no later than 5 July 2026). To receive the CMA group rates you must book by 10 June 2026.
The two Marriott hotel brands which share the Greenville location are Springhill Suites and The Residence Inn. Both hotel share the same lobby, elevators, restaurant, and conference space, but they offer different room amenities. The Residence Inn rooms include a complete kitchen and the CMA group rate is $159. The Springhill Suite CMA group rate is $149. Both rates include breakfast.
After you e-mail (or mail) your completed registration form to CMA, pay your registration fees (online or by check), and make your hotel reservation, you are all set!
2026 Gathering Registration Form
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Thursday is probably the best day to arrive for the Gathering if you are flying or driving some distance.
Thursday at 2:00 p.m. is also when the earliest registration starts.
If you arrive on Thursday, it will afford you the opportunity to informally meet and catch up with some fellow CMA Members too.
But if you are joining the Greenville History Tour (Van Tour) remember that you need to meet at 8:45 a.m. at the hotel lobby entrance for a prompt 9:00 a.m. departure!
If you are only an hour or two away, you can even arrive on Friday morning if that suits your needs. The Opening Session begins Friday morning at 9:00 a.m.
Keep in mind that the hotel has made our special room rate available for the nights of 1-4 July if you would like to come early.
If you would like to extend your stay for sightseeing, call the hotel directly to see how many nights they can provide this rate after 4 July.
Thursday, July 2
Registration will begin at 2:00 p.m. and run until 5:00 p.m.
Friday, July 3
The Opening session will begin at 9:00 a.m. Sessions will run until 4:00 p.m. with a lunch break. Some optional activities will run between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Refer to the program for more details. Dress is business casual.
Saturday, July 4
Sessions will begin again at 9:00 a.m. and run until around 4:00 p.m. with a lunch break. Dress is business casual.
The banquet and dinner show will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. Dinner dress is "Sunday dress." Suggestions:
- Women — a nice dress or slacks with nice blouse.
- Men — suit or slacks and dress shirt.
- Of course— kilts are always welcome!
Sunday, July 5
From 9:00 - 9:30 a.m., we will have the closing ceremony with the Kirkin O' the Tartan Service.
Probably not! The Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is about 13 miles from the hotel and you can easily take a taxi or ride-share to the hotel. This is a beautiful new, small, and easy to access airport. The hotel is one block off the main street which is very convenient to numerous restaurants and sights. Keep in mind that the hotel also charges a daily rate for you to park your car.
Absolutely! Volunteers from the local FamilySearch Center will be available to assist.
A breakfast buffet is included in your reservation for either the Springhill Suites or the Residence Inn at NO additional cost to you! If you want to venture out, there are several coffee shops and other restaurants open for breakfast just a few steps away.
Off-site parking is available at the Spring Street parking garage, located just next door to hotel 0.1 miles. The hotel offers valet parking 7 days a week at an additional charge of $28.00 per day.
Yes, and, no.
- No, banquet option registrants are not limited, within reason. Banquet seats are limited by room size. But the banquet room is also the same room we will use for our daily conference presentations. If overall registration exceeds our space, we will be looking for larger venues next time. Feel free to challenge our 2026 limits!
- Yes, the Greenville History Tour option is limited to only 12 people maximum.
- Yes, the Scotch Tasting option is limited to only 20 people maximum.
Make your reservations early to ensure your spot within any of the options. We welcome the challenge, if together, you exceed expectations.
Before anything else begins (even registration), Thursday morning a special sightseeing tour will be led by John Nolan at an additional cost.
This is a perfect way to become acquainted quickly with Greenville’s charm.
John Nolan started Greenville History Tours in 2006 and has been trips to Greenville have never been the same since.
If you are joining the Greenville History Tour (Van Tour) remember that you need to meet at 8:45 a.m. at the hotel lobby entrance for a prompt 9:00 a.m. departure!
Learn more about John Nolan and Greenville History Tours.
Friday afternoon, after Gathering proceedings, a whisky tasting will be hosted by Carl Jones at an additional cost. This is a chance to learn, collaborate, and socialize as we raise a spirited toast to this ancient shared heritage.
For those creative members and their families, consider crafting
McAlister, Scottish, Irish, or Celtic themed
jewelry, art, notecards, small framed canvases, Glenbar Abbey paintings, etc.
If creativity isn’t your thing,
how about purchasing something in the following categories for donation to the Bazaar or Silent Auction:
- Historical or Genealogical
- Patriotic or U.S. Semiquincentennial themed
- Scottish, Irish, Celtic
- Home
- Recreation
- Travel
- Sports
- Kids and grandkids
How about any of these unique or fun ideas?
- Do you have a vacation home where you could give a week’s stay?
- Or tickets to a special event or attraction?
- How about those unused gift cards?
- Bottles of wine we can dress in Tartan?
- Homebaked Scottish treats?
- Custom-made handbags?
Use your McAlister inspired imagination!
We will add more FAQs as they come up. If you have questions, please email the Gathering Committee at cma-gatcom@clanmcalister.org.
Things to Know — Hotels & Travel
- The hotel drive-up entrance leads directly into the lobby.
- There are NO stairs between lobby, elevators, meeting rooms, & restaurants!
- Mobility all through the hotel is superb.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
- There are a restaurant and bar in the hotel.
- Public parking garages are across from the hotel.
- If you prefer, the hotel has valet parking. (They use the same public parking.)
- Distance between hotel & Liberty Bridge & Falls on Reedy Park is about 0.6 mile.
- More about: Springhill Suites by Marriott Greenville Downtown
- More about: Residence Inn by Marriott Greenville Downtown
- More about: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
Things to Do — Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville & Area Fun and Tourism
- Visit Greenville South Carolina — the Official Visitor's Guide.
- Order a Visit Greenville SC Destination Guide, now if you like.
- Plenty of Greenville and South Carolina maps at Plan a Visit - Maps.
- Enjoy Falls Park on the Reedy and the Liberty Bridge.
- Young & old compete in the Mice on Main Hunt, day and night.
- Make new friends at the Greenville Zoo.
- Camp Greenville's Pretty Place Chapel offers stunning views!
- Nearby Travelers Rest SC serves up even more local SC charm!
- Revel at the Trailblazer Park at Travelers Rest.
- Rennovations will be complete at the Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve.
- Scenic Paris Mountain State Park awaits.
- DIY at Pedego Electric Bike Tour at Greenville.
- Adventure calling at Greenville Glides Segway & Rydables.
- The truly brave try Sunrift Adventures for some fresh air?
Greenville & Area History and Research
- U.S. Semiquincentennial & 2026 CMA Gathering simultaneously!?!
- Celebration and history opportunities should be plentiful.
- Some research prep desired? Start with Revolutionary SC.
- Little-known SC Revolutionary-era stories are already being shared.
- Learn at the Museum and Library of Confederate History.
- More at the Upcountry History Museum.
- South Carolina's Children's Museum of the Upstate.
- Clemson University has been unearthing SC Revolutionary-era history too!
- Visit the History Museum of Travelers Rest.
- Greenville Scottish Games' Gallabrae (Furman University, Memorial Weekend).
Dining & Shopping In and Around Greenville
- "Taste" Greenville in advance with the DINE - Greenville magazine!
- (Current & past issues are online. Or pick up a copy in Greenville.)
- 1,000+ Restaurants? Are You Serious?
- "One of the Best Food Cities in the U.S." — declares Travel + Leisure
- "An Unexpected U.S. Foodie Destination" — tempts Lonely Planet
- Greenville Restaurants!
- Greenville Dessert Spots!!
- Greenville Coffeehouses!!!
- Greenville Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies!!!!
- Greenville Breweries, Wineries, & Distilleries!!!!!
- Hungry AND thirsty yet?
How close are those dining and refreshment options, you ask? Well a small sampling follows. Check them out. Give 'em a call.'