The Call That Started It All

We’re going on our 27th International Families and Fathers Conference. I want to give a little background about our very first conference to our forecasted 2026 International Conference.

During our very first conference, it all started with a call — a call to be the difference — with Joanne Nelson-Hooks, who had oversight of the Male Involvement Initiative for the National Head Start Association in Alexandria, Virginia. I took that call. My name is Dr. James C. Rodríguez, President and CEO of Fathers and Families Coalition of America.

At that time, I was in leadership for Pinal Gila Community Child Services, Incorporated, a Head Start program in Central Arizona College. The CEO, Dr. Sherry P. Ulmer, allowed me to be creative, to think outside the box, and to host our very first conference. Well, that comes with first selecting featured speakers or keynotes, and then filling in the content with dynamic speakers. And how did we do that? How did we do that in 1999 when there was no source of technology or social media or even websites? We did it with just a call.

And I’m calling on you to submit a workshop proposal — because you could change the lives of others. I want to share a little bit about some of the presenters who have made a difference in their lives.

What was intended to be just a statewide conference in Arizona, primarily for our team that was providing young father services through a grant that I wrote — funded from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — we noticed that we were not engaging fathers well. We were great at case management. We were great at telling them to go to school, great at telling them where to go to get their education, great at telling them what they needed to do better. But really, we were falling short.

I was inspired by a colleague who had launched his first conference a few months before ours, but more because of the call with Joanne Nelson-Hooks. Joanne and I created a friendship, a bond, that would grow. And that’s what’s happened with our organization. We’ve created bonds, strengths, and built bridges — so much so that we’ve had people come from all over the world to be presenters.

I’m asking you — if you want to be part of something that’s global, if you want to be part of building bridges of destinies for the next generation — come help us help them. And also, at the same time, come to the conference and be part of it. Enjoy it. Take it in. Learn something new. Walk away refreshed, because it’s also an opportunity for speakers to get refreshed.

Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities. Building a Legacy of Leadership.

Building Relationships, Building Bridges

From that, we built off relationships. And it was fun. Our early days were so fun — networking and finding speakers. At the first conference, we had 400 attendees plus 200 students from Mesa Community College join us.

A couple of years later, we had about 600 people come to our conference, and we hosted over 100 young boys and girls from the Roosevelt School District in South Phoenix, Arizona, at our conference in a partnership with the 100 Black Men of Phoenix under the leadership of Leonard G. Knight.

I’ll never forget Leonard and Winston Teese, Jr. We decided that we would do something dynamic. We called in other speakers and brought in new people from all over — including the Governor of Arizona at that time.

What I’m sharing with you is that it always was a call. It always was a smile. It always was about an embrace. It always involved everyone so that they could feel the moment.

That’s why this year, we have three-day sub-themes:

Embrace and Evolve
This One Moment
The Beauty Within Practices

We could put on an event that is just purely about technical training and learning how to do better. We can learn that sometimes, just being a great case manager, an awesome director, a fantastic executive director — you just need a little bit more. And that’s what we want to have — speakers who want to give just a little bit more.

I’m asking you to come to share your time, your talent, and yes — your treasure. You must be registered for our conference. And I will let you know that we will do our best to give you the greatest support — for you and the experience — that you will walk away feeling, “I just left a family reunion, didn’t I?” I left something powerful that you’ll want to come back to.

Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities. Building a Legacy of Leadership.

A Global Family of Change Makers

This year, as the President and CEO, I am so excited to introduce two Executive Fellows: Dr. Alicia L. Jackson in the counseling department at Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida; and Ms. Thao Vanessa Tran from Melbourne, Australia, the CEO of Dictox.

These are some really unique and dynamic leaders — with Afroz Seyd from Lahore, Pakistan; Dr. Chacko Abraham from Almaty, Kazakhstan; and a team of wonderful individuals like Brenda Reponte in Los Angeles, California; Ms. Judy Walker in Los Angeles, California, and so many other people behind the scenes that are here to support every speaker — including the wonderful Mr. Eddie Baker who oversees all the audiovisual techniques.

What’s going to be different about this year? No sessions will be virtual. No hybrid sessions. You’re going to have to come and be engaging and use the best of you. So come, put your workshop in. Take this opportunity.

Imagine I’m calling you — like I called Joanne Nelson-Hooks in the spring of 1999 — and that led to this call to action for you right now. A powerful opportunity to change the lives of others.

And oh, I’ve seen it. I’ve seen people who were estranged. Robin Wright King from Detroit did a wonderful presentation and keynote — “Papa Was a Rolling Stone: A Daughter’s Story for Forgiveness.” And out of that, a father and daughter — not knowing that they were at our conference in Phoenix, Arizona — met at the center stage to greet Robin Wright King. They walked away healed. They reunited. She is in California, and he is in Florida. The father got to meet his grandson for the very first time.

Oh, I’ve seen everything — from the Navajo Nation coming with all of their team members so that they can support their Nation. I’ve seen it from the Colorado River Indian Tribe Head Start Program and all these amazing fathers who came to Los Angeles.

What I’m sharing with you is that we have a lot of diversity. And this is the place for you to come if you want to be part of one of the more dynamic, special, and strengthening family conferences.

Yes, the event may host four, five, or six hundred people. But what’s more important is that it makes a difference in the lives of others.

Join us.

Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities. Building a Legacy of Leadership.

Daily Conference Intentions

The 27th International Families and Fathers Conference will offer three powerful days of intentional learning, networking, and healing. Each day is designed with a core focus that aligns with our 2026 theme, Next Generation. These sub-themes offer clarity of purpose for every speaker and participant, setting the tone for transformative engagement throughout the week.

Day One – Embrace and Evolve
Exploring change, growth, and emerging practices to meet today's family and community needs. This day will highlight how we as professionals and individuals adapt, respond, and innovate in our roles.

Day Two – This One Moment
Focusing on presence, healing, relationships, and intentional leadership in the now. Speakers will help us center ourselves, rediscover purpose, and deepen our human connections during the moments that matter most.

Day Three – The Beauty Within Practices
Centering cultural humility, promising models, and wellness strategies that uplift. This final day celebrates what is often unseen — the beautiful practices rooted in culture, resilience, and identity that guide effective service and leadership.

All sessions are aligned with these intentions and must offer attendees not only knowledge — but inspiration, purpose, and personal or professional renewal.

Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities. Building a Legacy of Leadership.

Presenter Information

All presenters must be fully registered to attend the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference. This is a live, in-person experience only. There will be no virtual or hybrid presentation options in 2026. We believe this in-person gathering creates the most powerful opportunity for connection, collaboration, and transformation.

Presenters are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements. To support your participation, FFCA has secured a discounted block of rooms at the Hilton LAX Hotel. All presenters who book within this official room block are eligible for a 10% discount on their conference registration fee. (Note: Bookings through third-party travel sites or Hilton Honors are not eligible for the discount.)

Presenter Responsibilities and Requirements:

• All presenters must register within seven (7) business days of proposal acceptance to secure their session placement.
• Only one (1) session is allowed per presenter in 2026 to ensure speaker diversity.
• Presenters must bring their own laptops. AV support is provided, but devices are not supplied by FFCA.
• Sessions should not rely on streaming content or video unless the presenter purchases a Hilton WiFi day pass.
• Meal selections (Regular, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free) must be confirmed during registration.
• Conference registration includes access to all sessions, Day One Luncheon, and the Day Three Closing Reception.

Whether you are sharing a dynamic case study, leading a training, or elevating cultural knowledge, our presenters are what make this conference a transformational space for all.

Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities. Building a Legacy of Leadership.

General Conference Registration Fees

We offer several registration options with early discounts for those who register in advance. Registration includes access to all sessions, Day One Luncheon, and the Day Three Closing Reception.

Registration Type	Fee	Deadline
Super Early Bird	$375	Until October 31, 2025
Early Bird	$450	Until December 31, 2025
Regular	$500	Until April 5, 2026
At-the-Door	$650	April 6–16, 2026

Please Note: Any invoice not paid by March 17, 2026 will automatically convert to the At-the-Door rate of $650.

Discounts may be applied to eligible presenters and organizations that book under the official FFCA Hilton LAX room block. Contact our team for details.

Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities. Building a Legacy of Leadership.

Join the Expo Experience

In 2026, we are excited to invite presenters and partners to expand their participation and impact by joining us as exhibitors in our Expo Hall. This vibrant space brings together community organizations, entrepreneurs, resource providers, and program leaders — all committed to strengthening families and building lasting connections.

Meet Our Dedicated Expo Team

Our Expo Hall is managed by a fantastic team that understands exhibitors' unique needs. Led by Isiah Lyons, Owner of Look of Distinction; Camille Vaughn, Owner of Milly Myllz Botiques of Wreaths; Tiffany Beasley, Owner of Reskel by Tiffany; and Susie Delgado, Volunteer Fellow with the Fathers and Families Coalition of America — all past vendors themselves — they bring invaluable experience and insight into creating an environment where exhibitors can thrive.

This team is committed to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring that your products, services, or resources reach the right audience and that your time with us is meaningful, smooth, and successful.

Vendor Opportunities for Speakers

Speakers can elevate their visibility by adding a table-only exhibitor package to their conference registration. All approved presenters will receive an exclusive 50% discount on the exhibitor fee.

Standard Exhibitor Table Rate: $275 (includes one table, two chairs, and exhibitor ID)

Speaker Discount Rate: $137.50

Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your program, sell products, or distribute materials that empower and support families. Whether you're a business owner, community service provider, or nonprofit, your voice belongs in this space.

Submit your Call for Workshop Proposal today and include your request to be part of the Expo Experience. Your presence matters — and your mission deserves visibility.

We look forward to welcoming you to Los Angeles in April 2026!

Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities. Building a Legacy of Leadership.

Registration Policy & Contact Information

To ensure a smooth and professional experience for all conference participants and presenters, FFCA maintains the following registration policies for the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference:

FFCA Registration Policy

• All registrations must be completed through our secure EZFacility system.
• Refunds, cancellations, and transfers are not permitted.
• Purchase Orders (POs) are no longer accepted. Due to repeated delays from several organizations and government agencies with payments exceeding 60 days, we have discontinued the acceptance of Purchase Orders. While we previously offered this flexibility, we must prioritize fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Unpaid invoices after March 17, 2026, will convert to the full At-the-Door rate of $650 per registration.
• Presenters must register within seven (7) business days of proposal approval or risk losing their session slot.
• Discounted presenter and hotel rates are only valid through official FFCA-approved booking links and timelines.

These guidelines help us create a respectful and professional experience for all guests. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Our team is here to support you. Whether you have questions about registration, hotel booking, presenter requirements, or exhibitor opportunities — we’re just a message or call away.

Email Us:
thao@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org
alicia@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org
susie@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org

Call Us:
+1-424-225-1323

We’re honored to serve you and can’t wait to welcome you to Los Angeles in April 2026.

Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities. Building a Legacy of Leadership.