Wednesday

12 – 4 p.m.                           Pre-Conference Sessions

1 – 4 p.m.                             Registration Open

5 – 7 p.m.                             Opening Reception at Jekyll Island Club

Thursday

6 – 7 p.m.                             Wellness Activities

7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.              Registration Open

8 – 9 a.m.                             Breakfast

9 – 9:15 a.m.                       Break

9:15 – 10:45 a.m.               Workshop Session 1

10:45 – 11 a.m.                    Snack Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.           Workshop Session 2

12:30 – 2 p.m.                      Plenary Luncheon & Keynote

2 – 2:15 p.m.                         Break

2:15 – 3:15 p.m.                   Workshop Session 3

3:30 – 5 p.m.                         Networking Reception at Great Dunes Pavilion

Friday

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.                  Coffee and Light Fare

8:30 – 10 a.m.                      Workshop Session 4

10 a.m.                                   Brunch & Closing Plenary Session

• Professional Development
• Healthy Children
• Data, Evaluation & Technology
• School Success & Children Primed for School
• Thriving Communities

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Professional Development

Resilience by Design: Managing Load, Protecting Capacity, and Sustaining Performance

The evidence-based Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® trains community members to help themselves and those within their wider social network. The focus of this skills-based, stabilization program is to reset the natural balance of the nervous system. CRM’s goal is to help create trauma-informed and resiliency-focused communities that share a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system and how resiliency can be restored or increased using this skills-based approach. Learn to track your own nervous system to bring the body, mind, and spirit back into greater balance—and pass the skills along to family, friends, and your community. You will leave able to share methods as self-care for community members who respond to crisis situations or live in highly traumatized or marginalized communities.

Presenter

Sharon Brewer
Certified Community Resiliency Model (CRM) Teacher
Wellroot Family Services

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Putting Communications into Action: From Strategy to Measurable Results

This interactive workshop is designed to move your communications from planning and theory to action. Using real-world examples, you will explore how communications efforts can demonstrate impact, build momentum, and support organizational goals. Together, we’ll break down what works, what doesn’t, and why—then apply those lessons in a hands-on environment. We will actively work through the communications process together. The session will also focus on leveraging communications as evidence—showing how you can use stories, data, and engagement metrics to document progress, strengthen credibility, and get better results. You will leave with actionable ideas you can immediately apply to demonstrate impact and improve engagement and ROI with investors, partners, legislators, and other stakeholders.

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Do Less, Lead More

The most effective leaders are not the busiest. They are the ones who decide what truly matters and protect their energy accordingly. This session reframes leadership for high performers by addressing passion fatigue—the quiet loss of energy that comes from doing too much of the wrong work, not from burnout. It challenges the belief that success requires constant output and instead offers a practical framework for focusing on what truly drives impact, energy, and alignment. The result is a more intentional way to lead—one that creates stronger outcomes at work and a more sustainable, fulfilling life.

Presenter

Jennifer Abshire
CEO and Founder
Abshire Public Relations

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Embedding Strategic Communications in Your Annual Plan: From Audience to Action

Find out how embedding strategic communications in your annual plan creates clarity, consistency, and greater impact to actively support the outcomes you’re working toward in your communities. We’ll start where effective communication always should begin: with a clear understanding of your audience and purpose. Participants will then learn how to align messages, channels, and timelines with organizational goals. The session will also highlight communications tools that make strategic planning easier and more sustainable. Leave with actionable strategies for prioritizing work and building a communications plan that is both strategic and realistic—one that supports your strategic decisions for your community, highlights your successes, and addresses the challenges you’re up against.

Presenters

Rebecca Bliss
Regional Manager
Georgia Family Connection Partnership

Krystin Dean
Associate Director of Communications
Georgia Family Connection Partnership

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Healthy Children

Using HOPE to Reduce Risk and Strengthen Youth Outcomes

HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) is changing how communities respond to adversity—by focusing on the protective power of positive childhood experiences. This session introduces the HOPE framework and provides practical strategies for helping families, schools, and community partners intentionally create experiences that build resilience, belonging, and connection—even among youth with high adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Leave this session with tools to apply HOPE-informed prevention in programs and partnerships.

Presenter

Susan McLaren
Assistant Project Director
Georgia Health Policy Center

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Understanding Poverty and Associated Traumas

This workshop is designed to deepen the understanding of poverty and its association with trauma and resilience—along with how to actually respond and strengthen poverty-informed practices. Increase your awareness and understanding of root causes of poverty and the perspective and communication styles necessary to create resilience in families and communities. Differentiate types of poverty, understand the hidden rules among social economic classes, and recognize the structural nature of poverty. Dive into the emotional and identity impacts of poverty, identify systemic barriers and gaps, and discuss strengths-based and systems change approaches to addressing poverty.

Presenters

Lisa Brewer
Regional Manager
Georgia Family Connection Partnership

Toni Brown
Regional Manager
Georgia Family Connection Partnership

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From Input to Impact: Using the Family Voice Toolkit to Shape Policy and Practice

Members of the Georgia 2GEN Academy in 2014 created the Family Voice Toolkit, a guide to help organizations and agencies engage with the families they serve and support in truly impactful ways. Understand the difference between “family voice” and family engagement, learn how the toolkit assesses an organization’s integration of family voice, and discover how you can use this tool to shape your organization’s policies and practices to improve the impact you have on the families you serve.

Presenters

Bridget Ratajczak
Child and Family Development Supervisor
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning

Amy Roys
CAPS Director for 2Gen Strategies and Partnerships
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning

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Breaking the Silence: Community Action for Youth Suicide Prevention

This interactive session is focused on supporting youth mental health and building stronger, safer communities. Identify common warning signs, stressors, and risk factors associated with youth mental health challenges and suicide prevention. Learn practical communication skills and healthy coping strategies to better support yourselves, your peers, and members of their community. This workshop encourages open dialogue aimed at reducing stigma surrounding mental health and suicide while promoting connection, resilience, and community support. Participants will leave feeling empowered, informed, and encouraged to help create spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Presenter

Dr. Whitney Gray
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Founder
Gray Space Wellness, LLC

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Data, Evaluation, and Technology

From Data to Action: Using Local Data to Strengthen Community Impact

Many Georgia Family Connection Collaboratives are collecting valuable data but need support in organizing, interpreting, and applying that information to drive decision-making and demonstrate impact. This interactive workshop will provide practical tools and strategies for identifying what data to collect, tracking key indicators, and using findings to inform planning, improve programs, and communicate results to partners, boards, and funders. Through real-world examples, peer learning, and guided work time, participants will begin developing an evaluation approach for a program, strategy, or event in their own community and leave with next steps for turning data into meaningful action.

Presenters

Kirk O’Brien
Evaluation Consultant

Fowzio Jama
Evaluation Consultant

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Using KIDS COUNT Data to Tell Your Story and Share Impact

This interactive workshop will guide participants in leveraging KIDS COUNT data tools to develop stronger, more compelling county data narratives. Designed for county leaders, coordinators, and data practitioners, the session provides hands-on experience using key KIDS COUNT resources to translate data into actionable insights. Explore how to effectively use data visualizations to communicate trends and outcomes, engage with disaggregated data by race and ethnicity to better understand disparities, and identify comparable counties to support peer learning and collaboration. Practice integrating these tools into your own local context, strengthening your ability to tell data-driven stories that inform decision-making and drive systems change. Leave this session equipped with practical strategies to enhance their county’s data narrative, elevate equity-focused analysis, and foster cross-county partnerships grounded in shared data insights.

Presenter

Jacquan Jordan
Data Manager
Georgia Family Connection Partnership

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AI in Action: Practical Applications for Mission-Driven Organizations

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how organizations operate, but many nonprofits and public-sector teams are still figuring out what practical adoption looks like in the real world. This session will explore how mission-driven organizations are using AI tools to improve efficiency, support decision-making, reduce administrative burden, and better serve children and families. Attendees will hear practical examples of AI implementation, lessons learned from nonprofit organizations already using these tools, and approachable strategies for incorporating AI responsibly and effectively within their own teams.

Presenter

Matt Barnes
Managing Partner
Workfast Consulting

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AI For Everyday People: How Communities Can Use AI to Strengthen Families, Create Opportunities, and Improve Outcomes

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we work, communicate, learn, and serve our communities—but many organizations and families still feel overwhelmed by the technology or unsure where to begin. Learn how AI can be used to strengthen families, support workforce development, improve community outreach, increase productivity, and create new economic opportunities—especially in underserved and resource-limited communities. Get real-world examples of how nonprofits, educators, workforce leaders, and small organizations can leverage AI tools—without needing coding or advanced technical skills—to save time, improve communication, increase engagement, and better serve children and families. Leave with practical strategies for using AI ethically and effectively to improve outreach, engagement, storytelling, collaboration, and outcomes.

Presenter

Audrey Bell-Kearney
President
Gwinnett Women’s Chamber

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School Success & Children Primed for School

Improving Graduation Outcomes Through Community Collaboration

Explore poster presentations from Georgia Family Connection Collaboratives participating in GaFCP’s Community Partnership for Supporting Youth cohort designed to improve high school graduation rates. Presenters will share challenges faced and lessons learned over the past five years. Find out how partnerships between schools, community organizations, mentors, and local leaders can improve student engagement and graduation outcomes. Learn practical strategies for implementing after-school academic support and one-on-one mentoring programs that address student needs in critical subject areas. Gain insight into overcoming challenges, building sustainable support systems, and creating community-driven solutions that help students stay on track toward graduation and future success. Leave with ideas, strategies, and encouragement on how to strengthen partnerships and build effective student support initiatives within your own community.

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Using School Climate Data to Drive Meaningful Change

A positive school climate is closely linked to student and teacher success, such as student attendance, achievement, and engagement, as well as teacher retention. Yet, many communities struggle to use data to drive meaningful change. Explore Georgia’s new school climate surveys and updated School Climate Star Rating system. Learn what’s new, how the data are structured, and how these updates are designed to make results easier to understand and use. Learn practical approaches for interpreting school climate data and how to partner with schools and districts to access and apply these data to support children, families, and educators. This session is ideal for those looking to better understand school climate data and strengthen collaboration to inform decision-making.

Presenters

Dr. Tammi Clarke
Research and Evaluation Specialist
Georgia Department of Education

Anne Ladd
Program Specialist
Georgia Department of Education

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Keeping Students on Track: Preventing Discipline and Supporting Success

School Discipline and Preventative Measures is a practical, parent-focused training from Georgia Appleseed that helps families and advocates understand how school discipline works and how to keep students on track. Identify proactive strategies to prevent behavior escalation and reduce suspensions or expulsions. Learn how to demonstrate effective communication and advocacy skills to request appropriate supports and engage constructively with school staff. Review what to expect during discipline proceedings so that families feel prepared, informed, and confident in advocating for their child.

Presenter

Tanesse Brown
Program Manager
Georgia Appleseed

Jack Grote
Program Manager
Senior Staff Attorney

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School Attendance Is Everyone’s Business: Building Cross-Sector Solutions

Schools across Georgia continue to grapple with student attendance and engagement, but these challenges are not just a school issue. They have real implications for families, communities, and the state’s future workforce. Drawing on insights from Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education’s CARES Impact Study, which examined how districts leveraged pandemic relief funds in response to COVID-related disruptions, this session will take a closer look at student attendance, what it reflects, how it’s shifted, and what’s emerging across Georgia in response. Get a clearer understanding of how student attendance impacts all sectors and better understand the value of protecting local leaders from burnout through cross-sector partnerships. Learn about recent state policy actions that position communities for success in the education and workforce development spaces—and identify opportunities to coordinate education and workforce efforts in your own community.

Presenters

Kathleen Da Silva
Director of Regional Engagement
Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education

Matthew Smith
Director of Policy and Research
Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education

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Stable & Productive Families

Using ACEs Data to Inform Prevention and Improve Lifelong Outcomes

This workshop will provide an overview of the multiple ways to access Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) data. Learn how ACEs impact children’s health, development, and well-being, as well as the long-term effects these experiences can have on outcomes in adulthood. Examine common challenges communities face in preventing and addressing ACEs using data and evidence-informed approaches. Learn about key resources available through the Department of Public Health to support ACEs-related work, along with an overview of the PACE Grant that can be leveraged to strengthen prevention and resilience-building efforts across communities.

Presenter

Grace Morrow
PACE D2A Program Manager
Department of Public Health

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Resources That Strengthen Stable and Self-Productive Families: Community Supports Across Georgia

This facilitated resource fair will highlight community partners and organizations dedicated to supporting stable and self-sufficient families across Georgia. Participants will engage with representatives from:

• GeorgiaCAN, an organization that empowers parents and guardians to effectively advocate for their students within the education system;
• Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network, a key resource for all families with particular relevance for single-parent households;
• Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, sharing resources focused on supporting positive mental health outcomes and families struggling with addiction; and
• Department of Family and Children Services, providing information on SNAP, TANF, and other programs designed to promote family stability and economic security.

Attendees will leave with practical knowledge of available supports and opportunities to connect families to trusted resources.

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Beyond Poverty Stereotypes: Creating Stronger Supports for Families

Families experiencing poverty often face barriers shaped by systems, policies, stereotypes, and bias—increasing stress and involvement with child welfare systems. We need to rethink how we support families and communities. Using real-life perspectives and practical strategies, participants will explore the root causes of poverty, the intersection of poverty and child welfare, and how shifting from “mandated reporter” to “mandated supporter” can help prevent crisis before it occurs. Leave with tools to normalize help-seeking, strengthen family voice, reduce barriers to support, and build more compassionate, family centered communities.

Presenter

Dr. Jyll Walsh
Assistant Director
Positive Childhood Alliance, Georgia State University

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Data as A Public Good: Strengthening Family Outcomes Through Trusted Data Systems

This facilitated discussion will bring together members of the Georgia Childhood Essentials Data Working Group, representing trusted state and local data sources across Georgia. Panelists will examine the critical role of data as a public good and its importance in advancing self-sufficient, stable, and thriving families. The conversation will address how limited or restricted access to data can undermine program effectiveness, improved outcomes, and community-level decision-making. Panelists will also discuss current challenges within the federal data landscape and the implications for state and local work. The session will highlight reliable, community-informed data sources that are actively used to improve outcomes for children and families across Georgia.

Presenters

Audrey Idaikkadar
Director of Regional Programs
Resilient Georgia

Grace Morrow
Program Manager and Principal Investigator
Georgia Department of Public Health

Jyll Walsh
Assistant Director
Positive Childhood Alliance, Georgia State University

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Thriving Communities

Investing in Education: Top 10 Issues to Watch in 2026

The Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education’s (GPEE) policy and regional engagement directors will facilitate discussion on how local leaders can build on existing community assets, forge cross-sector partnerships, and invest in local capacity. The session will address topics outlined in the 2026 Top Ten Issues to Watch, including early learning, career pathways, and teacher quality. Learn about recent state policy actions that position communities for success in the education and workforce development spaces. Understand the value of protecting local leaders from burnout through cross-sector partnerships. Identify key opportunities to coordinate education and workforce efforts in your own community.

Presenter

Matthew Smith
Director of Policy and Research
Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education

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Building A Collective Impact to Better Georgia’s Communities

Resilient Georgia communities will share how they have worked together to support outcomes for families and children. Explore poster presentations that share key highlights, partners, strategies, data, and outcomes of work focused on mental health. Learn how cross-county partnerships among Georgia Family Connection coordinators and key stakeholders can expand impact, while still preserving the ability to make responsive, community-specific decisions. Gain insight into how trauma-informed approaches, poverty awareness, and resiliency-building practices can be implemented to strengthen children, families, and communities. Discover how targeted investments, such as support from Resilient Georgia, can be used to advance mental health initiatives and build stronger, more connected regional systems of care.

Meet Our Closing Keynote

Stephanie Stuckey

Chair, Stuckey’s

Stephanie Stuckey is the Chair of Stuckey’s, the roadside oasis famous for its pecan log rolls. The company was founded by Stephanie’s grandfather, W.S. Stuckey, Sr., as a pecan stand in Eastman, GA in 1937 and grew to over 350 stores across the country. The company was sold in 1964 but is now back in family hands and making a comeback. Stephanie took over the company in November of 2019 and, under her leadership, Stuckey’s has purchased a pecan-shelling and candy-manufacturing facility in Wrens, Ga., revamped its distribution operations based in Eastman, Ga., acquired a healthy pecan-snack company, rebranded its products and website, added four new franchised stores, expanded its B2B retail customer base, and increased online sales 550% — all while weathering the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stephanie received both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia. She has worked as a trial lawyer, was elected to seven terms as a state representative, ran an environmental nonprofit law firm that settled the largest Clean Water Act case in Georgia history, served as Director of Sustainability and Resilience for the City of Atlanta, and taught as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Georgia School of Law. Stephanie’s achievements include being named one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians by Georgia Trend Magazine, as well as graduating from Leadership Atlanta. A longstanding member of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, she is active in her community and serves on many nonprofit boards, including the Initiative for Affordable Housing, EarthShare of Georgia, and her local zoning review board.

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By sponsoring this conference, you’re not just supporting an event—you’re investing in the relationships, strategies, and local leadership that drive long-term impact in all 159 counties. Your investment expands access, strengthens collaboration, and fuels innovative strategies that improve education, health, and family well-being across Georgia.

Sponsorship Levels

Visionary Sponsor — $25,000 (exclusive)
Pacesetter Sponsor — $10,000
Trailblazer Sponsor — $5,000
Ignite Sponsor — $1,000

Community Champion—A Direct Investment in Local Leadership and Impact

Sponsor a local coordinator, board member, or Collaborative partner to attend the conference so they can return with strategies that strengthen your community. Community Champions receive recognition at the conference and in the sponsored participant’s county.

Additional On-Site Opportunities

Support high-impact conference experiences, including keynote speakers, networking receptions, and meals. Opportunities are also available for branded materials, giveaways, and other custom sponsorships.

Download the Sponsorship Prospectus.

You’ll receive access to our discounted room rates and booking links when you register for the conference.

We’re offering several lodging options across Jekyll Island this year, allowing you to customize your conference experience—from full-service resorts to shared villas with colleagues.

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Hampton Inn and Suites Jekyll Island

Located off South Beachview Drive, the Hampton Inn and Suites Jekyll Island is a short walk from the beach via a boardwalk through the maritime forest. Jekyll Island Convention Center and restaurants are within two miles, and Summer Waves Waterpark, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and Jekyll Island Golf Club are less than 10 minutes away. Enjoy the pool, whirlpool, and kids’ pool. Daily hot breakfast and WiFi are included.

Room Types Available in Block
Standard Double Queen
Double Queen Suite
King Suite

Price Range
$185 – $205 plus taxes and fees

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Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island By IHG

A two-minute walk from the beach, the Jekyll Island Holiday Inn Resort features an outdoor pool with a sun terrace, and the fully equipped fitness center has an amazing ocean view. Modern-style rooms have an ocean view, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, microwave, and refrigerator. Room extras include a coffee machine, small seating area, and an ensuite.

Enjoy daily all-day dining at the newly opened oceanfront restaurant 24 Coastal Grill, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. NorthShore Coffee serves Caribou Coffee each morning, and the balcony offers an ocean view. Guests can explore the area with Jekyll Island Fun Tours or visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, each less than a five-minute drive from the hotel, and the Jekyll Island Convention Center is less than 1.5 miles away.

Room Type Available in Block
Oversized Ocean View Room with Double Queen beds

Price
$172 plus taxes and fees

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Home2 Suites by Hilton Jekyll Island

Located off Route 520, Home2 Suites by Hilton Jekyll Island is set in the Jekyll Island Beach Village and is within walking distance of the beach and the Jekyll Island Convention Center. Summer Waves Waterpark can be reached in five minutes, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Jekyll Island Historic District are two miles away. Enjoy an in-suite kitchen, free breakfast, and free WiFi.

Room Type Available in Block
Double Queen Bed Studio

Price
$239 plus taxes and fees

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Jekyll Island Club Resort

Jekyll Island Club Resort—the hallmark resort of Georgia’s famed Golden Isles—entrances today’s visitors with its Southern spirit and storied past. Three distinct resort experiences boasting a medley of timeless elegance and a barefoot beach lifestyle are complemented by enchanting and expansive grounds, six dining outposts, two pools, beach access, and the ultimate chance to disconnect. Here, guests are immersed in the island’s distinctive culture and the famed Club’s rich history shines.

Room Types Available in Block
Island Club Traditional Guestrooms
Island Club Deluxe Guestrooms
Island Club Cottage Guestrooms / Sans Souci

Price Range
$209 – $239 plus taxes and fees

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Villas by the Sea Resort

Villas by the Sea Resort and Conference Center, located adjacent to Driftwood Beach, is where nature meets the sea. Affordable and comfortable, the resort hotel is ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, and meetings. Choose from a wide selection of room types, many with a full kitchen and separate bedrooms. The villas are spacious, comfortable, and unique. Amenities including bike rentals and a large outdoor pool await you. Nearby you will find miles of biking and nature trails, a water park, golf courses, and tours both land and water.

Room Types Available in Block
Mini Villa / Studio
One Bedroom Villa
Two Bedroom Villa
Three Bedroom Villa

Price Range
$139 – $259 plus taxes and fees

Check out the Conference Spotify Playlist

We will be building our Spotify playlist for 2026 very soon. In the meantime, check out our 2024 playlist.