Advocacy is everywhere at the 2024 Together We Can Conference. Together We Can is a one-of-a-kind, statewide conference tailored to people with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them. Connect with over 300 families and professionals in one day.
Registration ends April 24, 2024.
Please Note: Walk-ins are allowed on the day of the event, however you are not guaranteed a lunch or accommodations.
To learn more about the Together We Can Conference, the speakers, registrations for exhibitors and childcare, or to learn how to become a conference sponsor, please keep scrolling!
AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE
WHEN
Saturday, May 4, 2024
8:00am - 4:00pm
Registration and Childcare opens at 8:00am
WHERE
Varied Industries Conference Center, Iowa State Fairgrounds
3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
COST
FREE for Families and $25 for professionals.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
LISA HEDDENs
Lisa Heddens is a mom with two kids who received a Bachelor of Science Degree in elementary education from Iowa State University. Her career choice changed after the birth of her second child, Paul, who has Down Syndrome. Thirsty for information she got involved on the local boards of directors for The Arc of Story County and Mainstream Living.
It didn’t take long before her advocacy efforts expanded. She began working for Disability Rights Iowa and then ASK Resource Center, as well as serving on several state boards and commissions. Lisa saw the need to provide support and opportunities for people with disabilities on a larger scale. She ran for the Iowa Legislature in 2002, won, and served 17-1/2 years. Lisa left the legislature in 2019 to become a County Supervisor in Story County.
Today, she continues her disability policy advocacy through work, Rotary, and as a mom. She also continues serving on boards and committees in her free time.
CHILDCARE
On-site childcare for TWC is provided by the Bob & Billie Ray Child Development Center, a project of Easterseals Iowa. A non-refundable $25 per child deposit is required in order to reserve a spot. Space is limited and first come, first served. Childcare registration closes April 19, 2024.
PARENTS MUST ALSO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE.
REGISTER FOR CHILDCARE
EXHIBITORS
Exhibitor fees are $150 for non-profit entities and $250 for for-profit entities. Conference participants are offered incentives to explore the vendor area during breakfast, lunch and scheduled breaks. View the plain text exhibitor flyer, here. Registration closes for exhibitors on April 12, 2024.
Exhibitor Fees Include:
-
8-foot display table
- Up to two Free conference registrations per booth
- Light breakfast, snack, and box lunch for two
- Business name and logo in conference marketing
Option of two set-up times:
- Friday, May 3, 12:30PM—1:30PM
- Saturday, May 4, 7:45AM—8:15AM
Please Note: conference goers may enter the event space at 8:00 AM on the day of the conference
register to be an exhibitor
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
As a Together We Can sponsor, you can direct your contribution to be used for a specific purpose, or it can be used as a general donation to help fund overall costs.
There are endless ways to support families:
• Participate as a meal sponsor by covering the cost of meals and snacks—$4,000
• Cover keynote and/or breakout session presenter expenses—$5,000 per keynote—- $1,000 per breakout
Email info@askresource.org for more information on these sponsorship options:
• Direct your funds towards printing, promotional and marketing costs
• Sponsor participant raffle items
• Contribute to the stipend fund for families in need of financial support to attend
Email info@askresource.org for more information on these sponsorship options:
• Direct your funds towards printing, promotional and marketing costs
• Sponsor participant raffle items
• Contribute to the stipend fund for families in need of financial support to attend
Provide for general sustainment costs— click on the sponsorship levels button below.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORSHIP LEVELS HERE
Help us empower families of children, youth and young adults with special needs and bring about positive change by becoming a Together We Can Conference Sponsor. We couldn't produce this one-of-a-kind conference without support from sponsors like you! If you are interested in becoming a conference sponsor, or would like information on additional ways to contribute, please contact ASK Resource Center via email at info@askresource.org or by phone at (800) 450-8667. Conference information is posted on this page as soon as it becomes available.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or special health care needs. Submit an accommodation request to info@askresource.org; the deadline is April 24, 2024. Sign language interpretation will be provided by Life Interpreter, Inc.
EVENT CONTACT
Mikki Johannes, ASK Resource Center
515-243-1713
info@askresource.org
2024 Together We Can is presented in partnership with
ASK Resource Center, Iowa Department of Education, and
University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development