2026 Educational Conference & Expo

2026 IARF EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXPO

ATTEND

Register Today for the 2026 IARF Educational Conference & Expo

The 2026 IARF Conference will take place Wednesday through Friday, September 2 - 4, 2026 at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria, Illinois.

What does it cost to register?

REGISTRATION TYPE EARLY BIRD (Through June 26th) STANDARD (From 6/27 - 8/19) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Full Conference Full Conference
IARF MEMBER $450 $525

Non-Member $600 $675

DAILY AND DSP TRACK (Through 8/19/2026)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Daily Rate (Wednesday 9/2) Daily Rate (Thursday 9/3) Daily Rate (Friday 9/4)
IARF Member $250 $300 $250
Non-Member $325 $375 $325

DSP Track (Thursday 9/3)
IARF Member $300
Non-Member $375

HOTEL DETAILS

Embassy Suites
100 Conference Center Drive
East Peoria, Illinois 61611

SOLD OUT!

Hampton Inn by Hilton East Peoria
220 Conference Center Dr.
East Peoria, Il 61611

Complimentary Parking
Free Hot Breakfast
WiFi
Walking Distance to the Embassy Suites

Book Your Room Now! (Going Quickly!)

Holiday Inn & Suites East Peoria
101 Holiday St.
East Peoria, IL 61611

Complimentary Parking
Free Hot Breakfast
Less than 5 Minutes from the Confrence

Book Your Room Here!

SPONSOR & ADVERTISE

Sponsor at the IARF Conference

Each year, IARF’s largest gathering event is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors.

From onsite branding and mainstage keynotes to the opening night exhibitor reception, our signature social event, and networking breaks, a variety of sponsorship opportunities are available to help you maximize visibility at Illinois’ premier gathering of the I/DD community, including agency decision-makers.

To take advantage of these sponsorship opportunities, visit the options page below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Sara Roth via email [email protected].

SPONSOR INFORMATION

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION

Exhibit at the IARF Conference

The Exhibit Hall is the hub of activity at the IARF Conference, it is a fun, lively space where discovery and meaningful connections take place. Attendees arrive eager to explore innovative tools, services, and partnerships that can enhance their organizations. By exhibiting at IARF, you’ll connect directly with the decision-makers shaping change in their communities.

To exhibit at the IARF Conference, visit the options page below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Sara Roth via email [email protected].

Exhibitor Information

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Opening Keynote (12:00pm - 1:15pm)

Christine Cashen

Christine Cashen is more than just a speaker – she’s a force of nature. With over two decades of experience entertaining crowds, Christine has earned a reputation as one of the best in the business.
Her talent for finding humor in everyday situations is unmatched, and her ability to turn those moments into something magical is nothing short of amazing. Whether she’s delivering messages of positivity and productivity or just making people laugh, Christine’s unique perspective on life is both refreshing and insightful.
In addition to her humor, Christine is also a certified speaking professional (CSP) and certified virtual presenter. She is one of a select group of individuals to meet the rigorous induction criteria of the National Speakers Association, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame.
But Christine is more than just a speaker, her, award-winning books THE GOOD STUFF and It’s YOUR Business, are must-reads for anyone looking for a healthy dose of humor and great ideas.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s degree in Adult Education, and in 2016, she was the recipient of an honorary doctorate from Central Michigan University. Before becoming a speaker, she worked as a university admissions officer, corporate trainer, and broadcaster.
But above all else, Christine is a survivor. As a cancer survivor, she knows what it takes to overcome adversity and come out stronger on the other side. She’s a mother of two, wife of a “hottie engineer,” and a true inspiration to anyone looking to live their best life.

Breakout Session (1:30pm - 2:30pm)

- The Four Behaviors of High-Performing Nonprofit Finance Teams and How They Drive Greater Impact - Brian Gaumont & Jessica Flemming
- I/DD System Redesign Data Dashboard
- The Secrets to Having a Difficult Conversation - Sparkle Sanders
- When Mental Health and I/DD Collide: Practical Strategies for Residential Teams - Dr. Shana Erenberg & Jennifer Phillips

Breakout Session (2:45pm - 3:45pm)

- Prevent, Don't React: Using Antecedent Interventions to Reduce Maladaptive Behaviors - Helen Maritim-Adipo
- START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment) Model Panel
- Ethics: It's More Than What Your Momma Taught You - Alexis Alm
- WorkPlace Burnout - Meaghan South

Breakout Session (4:00pm - 5:00pm)

- Behavioral Health Transformation Roundtable
- Outsourcing the Finance Function in Human Services: What We Learned at Kreider (The Good, the Hard, the Fixes) - Jeff Stauter, Brenda Van Horn, and Amanda Campbell
- Best Retention Practices for an Era of Funding Uncertainty - Cheyenne Gardner
- Empowerment Through Education: Preventing Sexual Abuse in Adults with IDD - Kylene Henthorn & Nicole Levand

Welcome Reception (5:00pm - 6:30pm)

Exhibit Hall Opening Reception Sponsorship Still Available!

More Info here!

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Opening Keynote (9:00am - 10:00am)

John Raffaele

John’s graduate education is from Yeshiva University in New York City and State University of New York at New Paltz, NY. His career spans three decades and those years have been spent teaching direct support professionals and the people they support. Most of the people with whom he has worked and supported over the last 30 years are people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and at-risk youth, and people with chronic and terminal illnesses in home-care settings. Between 2001 and 2012 John worked as a Director of Training and Education for a developmental disabilities service provider in New York and gained notoriety consulting and teaching throughout the United States. John founded his own international direct support professional consulting company in 2012 and over the last several years, in contract with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals and in close partnership with NADSP Executive Director Joseph Macbeth, has developed many exciting and informative training programs and helped propel the NADSP into national prominence. John became NADSP’s Director of Educational Services in December of 2016. John has educated tens of thousands of people in the NADSP Code of Ethics and Competencies and most recently, our Informed Decision Making curriculum and Frontline Supervisor Train the Trainer Curriculum.

Breakout Session (10:15am - 11:15am)

A Roadmap to Independence: From Day Program to Individualized Competitive Employment - Aly Halberstadt & Nancy Palella
Leadership - Ways to Lead and Build Teams Regardless of Title - Christine Ziemba (DSP Track)
The Next Level of Leadership: Reconnecting Systems to Purpose Before Assumptions Become Culture - Matt Fredericks
Organization Culture: The Unwritten Rules That Make the Decisions - Judie Caribeaux
Eek! You have started the Behavioral Health Clinic (BHC) enrollment Process! Now What? - Nicole Zanon-Tocke & Missy Munday

Breakout Session (11:30am - 12:30pm)

- Empowering Advocates to be Agents of Positive Change: The RGA Council Journey - Sharon Anderson
- Balancing Access, Choice, and Safety in Supports - Tina Lowry, Katherine Dunbar & Courtney Kelly
- Emotional Labor and Burnout: Strategies for Leaders - Kristin Huffman-Gottschling
- Personal Voices: Individual and Family Perspectives about Illinois IDD Services - Samantha Alloway & Caitlin Crabb
- What Drives You, What Drains You: A DSP's Guide to Staying in the Work You Love - Lee Hoffman (DSP)

Community Care Professional of the Year Luncheon

Nominate someone today for the 2026 Community Care Professional of the Year Award!

CCPY Nomination Form

Thank You to Ada S. McKinley for sponsoring this year's CCPY Award!

Breakout Session (1:45pm - 2:45pm)

- Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Programs: A college option for people with IDD - Dani Smith
- From Promise to Progress: Provider Strategies for Building Pathways from 14(c) to CIE - Shannon Webb
- Pathways to Possibility: Mapping a Healthier Mindset to Strengthen Supports - Jenifer Russell (DSP)
- Why Leadership Training Doesn't Stick (and What Actually Scales Across Your Organization) - Lee Hoffman
- The NADSP Code of Ethics 2026-Revised and Updated- An OId Friend in a New Suit - John Raffaele

Breakout Session (3:00pm - 4:00pm)

- The Last Gift - Eight Steps to a Successful Legacy Program - Alexis Alm
- Successful Strategies for Autism Support - Samantha Weyman & Alex Yale (DSP)
- Mission Possible- Creating a Risk Management Strategy that Protects what Matters most - Alex Ehioba & Scott Konrad
- Making Feedback Interesting: Not Threatening Hear More, React Less - Cheri Demoss
- From Data to Action: Utilizing AI Insights for Proactive Risk Management in I/DD and Behavioral Health Services - Tiffany Brown & Caiti Woodburn

Social Event: A Night of Endless Possibilities! (7:00pm - 10:30pm)

Get ready for one of the most anticipated traditions of the IARF Educational Conference & Expo! A Night of Endless Possibilities promises an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, music, creativity, and connection.
This year, we are bringing the musical talents of Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos to the conference! Get ready to sing along to your favorite songs and hit the dance floor!
We are encouraging organizations to take part in our Table Decorating Contest! Gather your colleagues, choose a theme, and transform your table. What would an IARF Conference be with out some dressing up, feel free to dress to match your table theme for a chance to win some prizes. Whether you go all out or simply come to enjoy the festivities, there will be something for everyone.
A Night of Endless Possibilities is the perfect way to celebrate our incredible community. We can't wait to see what possibilities your team brings to life!

A Big Thank You to CTF for Sponsoring the Entertainment for our Social Event!

Take center stage! Sponsorship opportunities are still available for our biggest night of fun.

More info here!

Friday, September 4, 2026

Closing Keynote (9:00am - 10:00am)

Susan Stewart

Susan Stewart delivers a blend of wit and wisdom to help people see the lighter side of life. While giving audiences lots of good laughs, Susan delivers powerful messages about stress management, resiliency, and mental health.

After earning a theatre arts degree from the University of Waterloo, Susan began performing stand-up comedy around Toronto. 3 years into her comedy career, Susan fell into a clinical depression and struggled with anxiety which eventually led her to quit performing comedy. When Susan got back on her feet, she transitioned into the world of human resources as an organizational learning and development consultant with the Ontario Government.

A year into her Human Resources career, Susan was asked to create and deliver a comical presentation about wellness for an upcoming staff professional development conference. Susan’s presentation was a smash-hit which inspired her to leave her HR career to deliver comical presentations about wellness full-time. For the past 15 years, Susan has been entertaining audiences and sharing ways to meet adversity with courage, confidence, and a sense of humour.

Susan is the author of Reaching The Laugh Resort: Why The Journey To Remembering Who You (Really) Are Is Worth The Jet Lag, Your New Lenses Are Ready For Pick Up: A Guide To Seeing The Lighter Side Of Life, and You Gotta Laugh: Wit And Wisdom About Not Taking Life (Or Yourself) Too Seriously.

Susan’s podcast, Still a Hot Mess, and comedy album, Relentless, are available on Spotify and iTunes.

Breakout Session (10:15am - 11:15am)

- Harness the Power of the HRST - Dina Pizzurro-Smith
- Internet Safety and Rights - Christine Ziemba
- Life is a Treasure Hunt; Fear is the Lock, Risk is the Key - Gino Bagnuolo & Carly Bagnuolo
- ACT for Caregivers, Clinicians, and Everyone Else - Scott Sanders

Breakout Session (11:30am - 12:30pm)

- From Readiness to Reintegration: Strengthening Organizational Capacity for SODC Transitions - Mike Jersey & Mark McHugh
- Dignity in Pay Phase-out Initiatives in Illinois - Robyn Lewis
- Using Data to reduce Health Care Costs - Robin Bettenhausen
- LEAP Beyond Compliance: Building a Stronger Workforce Through Disability Inclusion - AJ Zwettler & Ebony DeBerry

DSP TRACK

2026 IARF Conference DSP Track

Direct Support Professionals are the foundation of the services you provide each day, and we are excited to once again offer a dedicated DSP Track at this year's IARF Conference.
Taking place on Thursday, September 3, this specialized track has been designed to recognize, inspire, and empower the professionals who make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
This year, we received more conference proposals than ever before, allowing us to curate a lineup of sessions that we believe will be especially valuable to DSPs. We are thrilled to feature the following sessions as part of the DSP Track:
Educational Sessions Designed for DSPs

Leadership - Ways to Lead and Build Teams Regardless of Title

What Drives You, What Drains You: A DSP's Guide to Staying in the Work You Love

Pathways to Possibility: Mapping a Healthier Mindset to Strengthen Supports

Successful Strategies for Autism Support

After a full day of learning and professional development, DSPs are invited to join us for our much-anticipated networking event featuring Howl2Go Dueling Pianos. This fun-filled evening provides an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across Illinois while enjoying music, laughter, and great company.
This unique experience offers DSPs the opportunity to gain practical skills, celebrate their important contributions, and return to their organizations energized with new ideas and strategies to better support those they serve.
Space is limited, so we encourage you to register your DSPs today and help us continue investing in the professionals who are at the heart of our mission. Each registration is $300 for IARF Members, $375 for non-members and includes the full DSP Track experience, lunch, exhibit hall access, and the evening networking event. We hope to see you all there!

DSP Track Registration

IARF ENTREPRENEUR SHOP

IARF Entrepreneur Shop

We’re thrilled to announce the return of the IARF Entrepreneur Shop at this year's conference - a dedicated space for the individuals you support to shine!

On Wednesday, September 2nd and Thursday September 3rd, we’re inviting the people you serve to participate by setting up booths to sell their products, showcase their talents, and promote their business ideas.

The Entrepreneur Shop will be open throughout the first two days of confrence with multiple times to choose from. Each registration includes one 8-foot table and two chairs, organizations are able to register more than one table.

Think of it as a vibrant marketplace, similar to a craft fair or farmer’s market, where creativity and entrepreneurship take center stage. Whether it’s handmade goods, artwork, or small business ventures, this is a fantastic opportunity for participants to share their passions, connect with others, and gain exposure. Organizations are allowed to bring multiple groups and register for more than one table.
Participants are welcome to: