FFTA Annual Conference
Four Decades of Fueling Change
July 7-10, 2026 | Chicago, IL
Join Us In Chicago
Dynamic workshops, presentations, and networking experiences foster collaboration and innovation while equipping individuals and organizations with the tools to strengthen their impact.
Quick Links
Conference Overview
For four decades, the FFTA Annual Conference has brought leaders, practitioners, and partners together to leverage shared knowledge and showcase proven solutions that advance the well-being of children, families, and communities.
Secure Your Spot
Online registration is open through July 10, 2026. Join us in Chicago for inspiring keynotes, 80+ workshops and roundtable discussions, a local community volunteer experience, networking, collective action, and a special Chicago guest, the iconic Second City.
Conference Hotel
& Accommodations
All conference sessions will take place at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, located in the heart of the city with easy access to top attractions, including the Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Chicago Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile, and Lake Michigan.
FFTA has secured a discounted room rate of $230/night (plus taxes and fees) for conference attendees. The rate is available three days before and after the conference so come early or stay late to enjoy all Chicago has to offer.
Reservations must be made by June 15, 2026 or before the block fills.
Interactive Learning Experiences
The FFTA Annual Conference workshops, roundtables, and presentations foster collaboration, spark innovation, and drive solutions that strengthen outcomes for children, families, and communities.
Topics span across policy, practice, leadership, community-based support, workforce development, cross-sector partnerships, systemic equity, and emerging trends, for relevant content that affects family-serving professionals.
Group Discounts & Promotions
Bring your team and maximize your impact. Group attendance provides opportunities for shared learning across roles, processed ideas in real-time, and greater value beyond the event with actionable takeaways for your organization.
Education Credits
Select sessions will offer continuing education credits (CEs), providing additional value for professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and maintain certifications. Attendees also have access to certificates of attendance for each individual workshop and a final conference certificate of attendance, noting total continuing educations credit hours earned throughout the event.
Conference Impact
Join over 600 leaders, senior level executives, and family-serving professionals from across North America and internationally. Together, we are advancing the well-being of children, families, and communities through purposeful, collective change.
Keynote Speakers
Alec Ingold - Welcome Keynote
As an NFL team captain, adoptee, and advocate for children and families, Alec Ingold brings lived experience, leadership, and purpose-driven impact. Adopted at birth, he has turned his journey into a life of service, championing the foster care community through his foundation and inspiring meaningful change.
His high-energy, interactive message shares powerful reflections on leadership, resilience, and purpose, blending his NFL career with his mission to support children and families in ways that resonate far beyond the field.
Steve Pemberton – Opening Keynote
Steve Pemberton is a visionary leader, transformational human capital strategist, best-selling author, and lifelong advocate for human dignity. With a voice that uplifts and a message that resonates across generations, Steve has become a beacon of hope and possibility — dedicated to illuminating the path forward for individuals, organizations, and communities alike.
He will bring to life the message behind his second book, the Lighthouse Effect: that each of us can be a "human lighthouse" — using our experiences, challenges, and triumphs to guide and support the families we serve.
Registration Rates
Individual Registration:
FFTA Member: $795
Non-Member Employee: $905
Resource Parent: $555
Single Day: $450
Presenter: $555
Group Registration for FFTA Members:
10 attendees: $635 per person (save $50 per person)
15 attendees: $620 per person (save $65 per person)
20 attendees: $605 per person (save $80 per person)
Policies
To request a special accommodation please submit a brief statement that you are requesting an accommodation. Include a description of the accommodation(s) needed, any relevant supporting documentation, and/or your preferred method of communication (email, phone, etc.). Submit this request to Allie Koscielny via email at akoscielny@ffta.org.
Cancellation Policy: Super Early Lock-in-Rate registrations may not be cancelled. Other conference registrations must be cancelled in writing. Cancellations received on or before May 1 will incur a $75 administrative fee; after May 1 no refunds will be given. The registration may be transferred to an attendee within the same organization if the original registrant is unable to attend. FFTA must be notified of the substitution in advance.
Become an Exhibitor
Showcase your business solutions and services to a national
audience of decision-makers across the human services field.
Benefits of Exhibiting
Direct access to 600 family-serving professionals
Prominent promotional space in official conference app
High visibility and traffic throughout the exhibit hall
Lead generation and networking opportunities
Complimentary conference registration
Exhibitor Rates:
FFTA Member: $1,195
Non-Member Organization: $1,495
The exhibit booth registration includes 1 complimentary full conference registration and 1 exhibit hall-only booth attendant registration at no cost. Both booth representatives must register as FFTA 2026 Annual Conference attendees. Any additional booth attendants must register and pay as full conference registrants.
Become a Sponsor
Align your organization with one of the leading national conferences in human services and gain valuable visibility among a highly engaged audience.
Sponsorship Packages
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Serve as the Title Sponsor of the full FFTA 2026 Annual Conference - the primary sponsor. Attach your name to our Opening Keynote General Session - attended by the entire conference audience.
$12,500 (Reserved)
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Premier Sponsors will be recognized during our Welcome Keynote or Banquet Luncheon General Session. These events are attended by the entire conference audience.
$9,500
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Signature Sponsors receive elevated exposure throughout the conference, including logo placement on key materials, recognition during general sessions, and prominent visibility throughout the Conference.
$7,500
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Showcase your organization’s cutting-edge ideas at the center of the action. As an Innovation Hall Sponsor, you’ll receive a dedicated 15-minute presentation slot on the exhibit hall stage, an exclusive opportunity to spotlight your solutions, share thought leadership, and engage directly with conference attendees.
$6,500
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Sponsor attendees to journey off-site to support the local Chicago community.
$5,500
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Sponsor Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday breakfast with assorted breakfast treats for all conference participants.
$5,500
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Show your support for a topical area that is important to you. Attach your organization’s name and logo to one of our seven Conference Areas of Focus.
$3,500
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Refresh attendees by sponsoring a morning or afternoon break.
$3,500
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Your support helps fund the entire conference.
$500-$2,000
2026 Conference Sponsors
Four Decades of Fueling Change
Be part of four decades of impact as you connect with a national network of family-serving professionals and learn ways to build a stronger, more informed community, committed to uplifting and positively transforming those we serve.