Returning visitors: please refresh your browser to see the latest updates and newly added information.

2026 Keynote Speaker: Chris Ulmer

Chris Ulmer’s work centers the voices of people with disabilities and their families — creating space for stories that are too often ignored, misunderstood, or spoken over.

 

Chris is the founder of the leading neurodiversity movement, SBSK (Special Books by Special Kids). Chris travels the globe meeting friends with a diagnosis and sharing their stories on social media.  He believes that when we take the time to hear someone's story and view life from their perspective, we learn and grow as humans, making the world a better place. Together Chris and the SBSK community are promoting conversations on acceptance and inclusion around the world.

Exhibitor Registration & Sponsorship Options

Showcase your organization at the Together We Can Conference Resource Fair. Exhibitor registration is open to organizations and businesses interested in connecting with families, caregivers, and professionals from across Iowa.

Exhibitor Registration

Exhibitor Registration

 

Exhibitor Fees

  • $200 for registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

  • $250 for for-profit organizations

Registration Deadline
Exhibitor registration closes April 17, 2026 at 5:00PM.

Set-Up Times

  • Friday, May 1: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
    Exhibitors must be fully set up and out of the building by 1:30 PM.

  • Saturday, May 2: 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
    Conference attendees enter the building at 8:15 AM.

Exhibitor Benefits Include

  • One 8-foot display table

  • Two complimentary conference registrations per booth

  • Light breakfast, snack, and box lunch for two

  • Business name/logo included on Exhibitor & Resource Fair marketing materials

     

Additional Notes

  • Conference attendees will be allowed to enter the event space at 8:15 AM on the day of the conference.
  • Lunch will be provided only for individuals whose names are included on the registration form. If additional staff members plan to attend the exhibit fair, please email info@askresource.org in advance.
  • If you are already registered as an exhibitor, you do not need to register again as a professional. CEU registration is a separate registration and includes additional fees. 

 

Sponsorship Options

Sponsorship Opportunities

As a Together We Can sponsor, your partnership directly supports families of children, youth, and young adults with special needs. Your contribution helps make this event accessible, impactful, and meaningful for those we serve. Sponsors may choose to fund a specific conference component or provide general support to help offset overall event costs. The following itemized opportunities are available:

Ways to Support Families


Exhibit Hall & Resource Fair Sponsor
Covers exhibit space, curtains, tables, and chairs
$12,000

Keynote Session Sponsor
Supports keynote speaker fees
$5,000


Breakout Session Sponsor
Supports speakers, space, tables, and chairs
$1,000 per session or $3,000 per track


Lunch Sponsor
Provides boxed lunches for conference attendees
$4,000


Breakfast / Snack Sponsor
Provides day-long availability of granola bars and fruit
$500


Coffee / Soda Sponsor
Provides morning coffee and lunch beverages
$1,000


Quiet Room Sponsor
Supports a dedicated quiet space with customized sponsor recognition
$1,000

The itemized sponsorship opportunities above include recognition and benefits aligned with the corresponding sponsorship level.

Saturday, May 2, 2026

8:15 AM–4:00 PM (Childcare 8:00 AM)

Iowa State Fairgrounds

Varied Industries Building

Families/Caregivers FREE

Professionals $30

Registration Closes:

April 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM


 

Sign Up for 2026 TWC Updates

Registration options for the 2026 Together We Can Conference will open on March 6th.

TWC Agenda

 

Together We Can offers a wide range of sessions designed for parents, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. Take a look at our Agenda at a Glance to explore this year’s sessions and start planning the learning opportunities that interest you most!

An announcement will be made when the full agenda is available.

Attendee Registration Options

The Together We Can Conference offers multiple registration options designed to meet the needs of different attendees.

 

All attendee registrations are listed below and will close April 17th.

Family, Caregiver and Professional Registration

Free Registration: Families, Caregivers, and Adults with Disabilities

Free Registration: Families, Caregivers, and Adults with Disabilities 

This free registration option is for families, caregivers, and adults with disabilities, ages 22 and older. Join us to connect, learn, and build community at no cost.

Important Note:
If you are attending as a professional, please register using the Professional Registration option.

Important Details

  • Registration closes April 17, 2026 at 5:00PM.

  • Childcare check-in opens at 8:00 AM. The TWC Resource Fair & Conference Check-In opens at 8:15 AM for all attendees.

  • All breakout sessions are included.

  • Networking opportunities will be available throughout the conference.

  • A light breakfast, snack, and box lunch are provided for attendees registered by April 17.

  • Walk-ins are also welcome day of the conference. However, lunch is not guaranteed. 

Special Notes

  • If you need on-site childcare, register yourself here and complete the separate Childcare Registration below.

  • If you would like to earn CEUs, a separate CEU application is required.
  • Check out the options for Sibshops, Sibteens, and Youth and Young Adult Leadership Conference!

To help ensure we have enough materials and meals for everyone, please register all family members attending the conference using the correct registration forms.

 


Professional Registration ($30)

 

Professional Registration ($30)

This $30 registration option is intended for professionals who support individuals with disabilities and their families, including educators, service providers, administrators, and other related professionals. If you are already registered as an exhibitor, you do not need to register again as a professional. CEU registration is a separate registration and includes additional fees. 

Registration Deadline

Professional registration closes Friday, April 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Important Details

  • Registration closes April 17, 2026 at 5:00PM.

  • Childcare check-in opens at 8:00 AM. The TWC Resource Fair & Conference Check-In opens at 8:15 AM for all attendees.

  • All breakout sessions are included.

  • Networking opportunities will be available throughout the conference.

  • A light breakfast, snack, and box lunch are provided for attendees registered by April 17.

  • Walk-ins are also welcome day of the conference. However, lunch is not guaranteed. 


 

Special Notes

  • If you require on-site childcare, registration is required separately

  • If you would like to earn CEUs, CEU registration is required separately

    Check out the options for Sibshops, Sibteens, and Youth and Young Adult Leadership Conference!

To help ensure we have enough materials and meals for everyone, please register all attendees using the correct registration forms.

CEU Registration (Optional)

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for eligible conference sessions for people who require credit for attendance. CEUs are currently pending approval from licensing entities. An announcement will be made when they are finalized.

CEU registration is completed through a separate form and is not included with conference registration. Attendees who wish to earn CEUs must complete CEU registration in addition to registering for the conference. You may apply for more than one CEU type using the CEU registration form, as appropriate for your profession.

Important Information

  • CEU registration is optional and separate from conference registration.

  • You must be registered for the conference to request CEUs.

  • CEUs are available only for approved sessions and eligible disciplines.

  • Full-day attendance is required on the day(s) for which CEUs are requested.

Requirements

  • CEU registration must be completed in advance.

  • Attendees must attend the full day of approved sessions to receive CEU credit.

  • CEU certificates will be distributed at the end of the conference in the lobby.

  • Additional instructions and session-tracking requirements will be provided to registered CEU participants.

     

Important Details

  • Registering for CEUs does not register you for the conference. Make sure to fill out the correct registration form.

 

 

Special Notes

  • If you require on-site childcare, registration is required separately

  • If you would like to earn CEUs, you must register for the conference and also for CEUs.

Registration Deadline

CEU registration closes April 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM.


Childcare, Sibshops, Sibteens, and Youth and Young Adult Leadership Conference Add-Ons

On-Site Child Care Registration

On-Site Childcare Registration

On-site childcare will be provided by the Bob & Billie Ray Child Development Center, a program of Easterseals Iowa. Care is delivered by skilled, highly trained professionals who have experience supporting children with a wide range of abilities and needs.

This is not typical drop-in childcare. The space is intentionally designed to be calm, welcoming, and responsive to each child’s unique needs. Your child’s safety, comfort, and well-being are our top priorities- so you can fully participate in the conference with confidence and peace of mind. Parents are required to remain on-site and be available if needed.

To help ensure your child’s safety and your peace of mind, please share as much information as possible about your child so staff can be fully prepared to meet their needs. We also ask that you provide a phone number where you can be reached at any time during the conference in case staff need to contact you.

Important Details

  • A non-refundable $30 deposit per child is required to reserve a spot.

  • Childcare space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Childcare registration closes April 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

  • Parents and caregivers must be registered for the conference and remain on-site all day to use on-site childcare.

Meals & Snacks

A light breakfast, snack, and box lunch will be provided for each attendee registered by April 17, 2026.

Additional Notes

  • Childcare opens at 8:00 AM on the day of the conference.

  • Separate registration is required for each child.

Sibshops Registration

Who This Registration Is For

Sibshops are fun, supportive recreation programs created especially for siblings of children with support needs. At Sibshops, siblings can meet others who understand their experiences, have fun, and learn how families navigate life with disability or special healthcare needs.

This registration option is open to siblings ages 8–13 who have a sibling with support needs.

This program is facilitated by a trained professional with a completed background check. A registered nurse is also available on-site, if needed.

Registration Deadline

  • We will welcome up to 12 siblings for this Sibshop.

  • Registration will close once all spots are filled.

  • All registration closes April 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Important Details

  • The Sibshop will begin at 10:45 AM, following the keynote speaker.

  • Programming will continue through lunch and conclude at 3:15 PM.

  • Parents and caregivers must be registered for the conference and remain on-site all day for your child to participate in Sibshops.
  • This program is facilitated by a trained professional with a completed background check.
  • A registered nurse is also available on-site, if needed.
Sibteens Registration

Who This Registration Is For

Sibteen workshops are relaxed, engaging programs designed specifically for teens who have a sibling with support needs. Sibteens provide a space to connect with peers who “get it,” share real-life experiences, build friendships, and explore ways to navigate the ups and downs of having a sibling with a disability.

This registration option is open to teens ages 14–19 who have a sibling with support needs.

This program is facilitated by a trained professional with a completed background check. A registered nurse is also available on-site, if needed.

Registration Deadline

  • We will welcome up to 12 teens for this Sibteen workshop.

  • Registration will close once all spots are filled.

  • All registration closes April 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Important Details

  • The Sibteen workshop will begin at 10:45 AM, following the keynote speaker.

  • Programming will continue through lunch and conclude at 3:15 PM.

  • Parents and caregivers must be registered for the conference and remain on-site all day for your child to participate in Sibteens.
  • This program is facilitated by a trained professional with a completed background check.
  • A registered nurse is also available on-site, if needed.
  • Bonus: every participant has a chance to win a gift card!
Youth and Young Adult Leadership Conference

Who This Registration Is For

All youth and young adults, ages 14-21, with a disability or special health care need are encouraged to attend the conference. This dynamic experience builds confidence, strengthens self-advocacy skills, explores career and education pathways, and connects peers who share similar journeys. Through interactive workshops, engaging speakers, hands-on activities, and real-world transition tools, participants will gain practical strategies for independence, employment, higher education, and community involvement.

The Together We Can Conference is an inclusive space where everyone is encouraged to participate in the ways that work best for them. Conference attendees are welcome to move around, stand, stretch, use communication devices, make sounds, or take a break at any time.

To help ensure your child’s safety and your peace of mind, please share as much information as possible about your youth so staff can be fully prepared to meet their needs. We also ask that you provide a phone number where you can be reached at any time during the conference in case staff need to contact you.

This conference is supported by two licensed special education teachers with experience in challenging behavior. Buddies will be in attendance to support the youth and their learning. A registered nurse is available on-site, if needed. Personal support staff are also welcome to attend with the youth at no charge. 

Registration Deadline

  • Registration closes April 17, 2026 at 5:00PM.

  • The TWC Resource Fair & Check-In opens at 8:15 AM.

     

  • All breakout sessions are included.

  • A light breakfast, snack, and box lunch are provided for attendees registered by April 17.

  • Parents and caregivers must be registered for the conference and remain on-site all day for your child to participate in the Youth and Young Adult Leadership Conference. 

Important Details

  • The Youth and Young Adult Leadership Conference will begin at 10:45 AM, following the keynote speaker.

  • Programming will continue through lunch and conclude at 3:15 PM.

  • Parents and caregivers must be registered for the conference and remain on-site all day for your child to participate in the conference.
  • This program is supported by two licensed special education teachers with experience in challenging behavior. Buddies will be in attendance to support the youth and their learning.
  • A registered nurse is also available on-site, if needed.


Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance is available only for self-advocates and family members/primary caregivers including siblings, guardians and foster/adoptive parents. Funds to support this assistance are limited, and we want to help everyone we can. Please only request what you need in order to be able to attend the conference. Submit one Financial Assistance Application and one W-9 per family, due by April 10, 2026. 

Testimonials from 2025

Last year’s Together We Can Conference received overwhelmingly positive feedback from families, educators, and professionals across Iowa. Attendees shared that the sessions were informative, empowering, and immediately applicable to their daily work and advocacy. 

I loved each aspect of it! The exhibitors were great to interact with and had such fun swag! The breakout sessions were informative and had a wide variety of topics to choose from.

Wonderful breakout sessions; Great exhibit fair; Fun raffle; Networking with other people; Lunch- Thank you!

Thank you to all who made this conference happen- This is the community I didn't know I needed in my life. It fills me with hope and fuel to reach out to others in the community.

Thank you! I truly learned a lot that I am going to use to advocate for my children.

This was my first time attending and it was wonderful. We enjoyed the sessions we attended and loved all of the information gained from the vendors

I really enjoyed all openness from everyone. In the past it was made to be taboo to call or talk about my son.

Conference Sponsors

Provides Event Venue
Provides Childcare