Welcome to HOPE 2027
28th International Families & Fathers Conference
April 11–15, 2027 | Los Angeles, California
Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel • 5711 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90045
HOPE 2027 is more than a schedule of sessions. It is a full conference ecosystem designed for learning, restoration, leadership, connection, wellness, family strengthening, father engagement, and practical tools that attendees can carry back into their communities.
Schedule Development Update
The final HOPE 2027 program schedule will be announced on November 1, 2026. We already have more than 50 approved workshops, four outstanding Partner Pavilions, three specialty training programs, HOPE Talks, author experiences, wellness spaces, and networking opportunities being shaped into a powerful week in Los Angeles.
50+ Approved Workshops
Practical, high-impact sessions for leaders, practitioners, parents, educators, clinicians, community partners, fatherhood programs, and family-serving systems.
Partner Pavilions
Immersive learning spaces featuring UCLA Mindful, Separation Intelligence Foundations Program, Maybelline New York and The Jed Foundation, Theory to Action, and Win-Win Parenting.
Specialty Training Programs
Pre-Conference Institute pathways include the Advanced Practitioner Credential Course, Nurturing Fathers Training of Trainers, and QPR Suicide Prevention Training.
HOPE Talks
Short, purpose-filled presentations designed to inspire action, elevate lived and professional wisdom, and provide practical HOPE Nuggets attendees can immediately apply.
What Makes This Schedule Different?
This schedule is not built around one type of attendee or one type of session. It is being designed as a full experience where inspiration, practice, wellness, authorship, coalition building, resource discovery, and meaningful connection all have a place.
From fatherhood and men’s issues to child development, family strengthening, mental health, parenting, leadership, community partnerships, and systems collaboration, HOPE 2027 is being built to move people and move the needle.
This is more than a conference schedule.
It is a shared pathway for learning, renewal, leadership, family strengthening, and the relationships needed to keep building forward.
HOPE 2027 Conference Schedule — At a Glance
Built for stronger engagement, deeper connection, meaningful wellness, and practical learning, HOPE 2027 brings together HOPE Talks, Pre-Conference Institutes, concurrent workshops, Partner Pavilions, Oasis Wellness, authors, vendors, networking, fellowship, and resource engagement.
The morning HOPE Talks will take place in the International Ballroom. Vendors, authors, sponsors, and resource partners will be located in the back of International Ballroom B, giving them a high-visibility presence inside the full conference environment.
Expo Area Note: Expo activity will pause during the morning HOPE Talks from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM daily. Vendors and resource partners are invited to remain seated and participate in the morning general session. Expo activity will resume at 11:45 AM.
| Day | Time | Session / Activity | Location | Experience / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sunday
Apr 11
|
10:00 AM |
FFCA Team
FFCA Team Gathering
|
Second Floor | A dedicated arrival-day gathering for FFCA team coordination, preparation, and conference alignment. |
| 1:00 PM |
Wellness
Oasis Wellness Opens
|
Newport A | Arrival-day access for wellness, restoration, scheduled support offerings, and a calmer beginning to the conference journey. | |
| 5:00–8:00 PM |
Networking
Topgolf El Segundo Networking Fellowship
|
Topgolf El Segundo | A relaxed pre-conference gathering designed to help attendees connect early, build community, and begin the week with energy and belonging. | |
|
Monday
Apr 12
|
8:30 AM |
Opening Day
Coming Together
|
International Ballroom | A shared opening moment to welcome participants, set the tone, and launch the HOPE 2027 conference experience. |
| 9:00–10:00 AM |
HOPE Talks
Opening HOPE Talk Series
|
International Ballroom | A featured morning of inspiring talks designed to spark momentum, belonging, and practical insight from the very beginning. | |
| 10:15 AM–4:30 PM |
Pre-Conference Institute
Advanced Practitioner Credential Course
|
Pacific Ballrom A | A deeper professional-development experience focused on leadership, emotional intelligence, trauma-informed practice, family systems, reflection, purpose, and applied growth. Required manual: Unlocking Unlimited Potential: An Evidence-Informed Reference Manual and Activity Guide for Personal Growth, Family Systems, and Professional Development by Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW. | |
| 10:15 AM–4:30 PM |
Pre-Conference Institute
Nurturing Fathers Training of Trainers
|
Pacific Ballroom B | A practical training pathway for professionals committed to strengthening father engagement, parenting skills, family relationships, and community-based implementation. Required materials include Nurturing Fathers: Tools for Being a Great Dad Workbook, Second Edition and the required Nurturing Fathers Facilitator Manual. | |
| 10:15 AM–4:30 PM |
Pre-Conference Institute
QPR Suicide Prevention Training
|
Los Angeles A & B | A focused suicide prevention training designed to strengthen awareness, response, referral, and early support for professionals, families, and community-serving organizations. | |
| 10:15 AM–4:30 PM |
Pre-Conference Institute
Additional Specialty Training Slot
|
Second Floor Training Room — To Be Determined | Additional Pre-Conference Institute opportunity may be added as the final program is completed. | |
| 10:15 AM–4:30 PM |
Pre-Conference Institute
Additional Specialty Training Slot
|
Second Floor Training Room — To Be Determined | Additional Pre-Conference Institute opportunity may be added as the final program is completed. | |
| 10:15 AM–4:30 PM |
Pre-Conference Institute
Additional Specialty Training Slot
|
Second Floor Training Room — To Be Determined | Additional Pre-Conference Institute opportunity may be added as the final program is completed. | |
| Throughout the Day |
Wellness
Oasis Wellness Open
|
Newport A | Wellness access continues with restorative offerings, mental health wellness support, and opportunities for personal renewal. | |
| 4:30–6:00 PM |
Open to All
Welcome Reception & Meet the Authors
|
La Jolla A & B | Open to all conference attendees. Meet the Authors and Authors of Impact create space for books, stories, signings, purpose-driven conversations, visibility, and community connection. | |
|
Tuesday
Apr 13
|
8:30–10:00 AM |
General Session
HOPE Talks Morning Segment
|
International Ballroom | A powerful morning of HOPE Talks designed to move hearts, elevate practice, and widen vision for families, fathers, systems, and communities. |
| 10:00–10:15 AM |
Break
Networking & Resource Break
|
Back of International Ballroom B | A 15-minute midpoint break for connection, movement, vendors, sponsors, authors, and resource engagement. | |
| 10:15–11:45 AM |
General Session
HOPE Talks Morning Segment Continues
|
International Ballroom | Featured HOPE Talks continue with practical insight, purpose, presence, and takeaways attendees can carry back into their work and communities. | |
| 12:00–1:00 PM |
Lunch Break
Lunch, Connection & Resource Engagement
|
International Ballroom + Back of International Ballroom B | Lunch break and intentional networking movement through the vendor, author, sponsor, and resource engagement areas in the back of International Ballroom B. | |
| Throughout the Day |
Wellness
Oasis Wellness Open
|
Newport A | Massage scheduling, restorative moments, mental health wellness offerings, and quiet renewal spaces available throughout the day. | |
| 1:00–5:00 PM |
Partner Pavilion
UCLA Mindful
|
Pacific Ballroom A | An immersive Partner Pavilion focused on mindfulness, presence, resilience, stress management, emotional well-being, and inner and outer peace. Host schedule includes two 15-minute breaks. | |
| 1:00–5:00 PM |
Partner Pavilion
Separation Intelligence Foundations Program
|
Pacific Ballroom B | A practical, relational learning experience focused on separation, co-parenting, communication, conflict reduction, emotional regulation, and family transition. Host schedule includes two 15-minute breaks. | |
| 1:00–2:15 PM |
Workshop Block 1
Concurrent Educational Sessions
|
Second Floor Training Rooms — To Be Announced | Five concurrent workshop rooms will be scheduled from the second-floor room pool. Final workshop titles and room assignments will be announced with the full program. | |
| 2:15–2:30 PM |
Break
Transition Break
|
Second Floor + Back of International Ballroom B | A 15-minute break for room transitions, networking, and resource engagement. | |
| 2:30–3:45 PM |
Workshop Block 2
Concurrent Educational Sessions
|
Second Floor Training Rooms — To Be Announced | Five concurrent workshop rooms will be scheduled from the second-floor room pool. Final workshop titles and room assignments will be announced with the full program. | |
| 3:45–4:00 PM |
Break
Transition Break
|
Second Floor + Back of International Ballroom B | A 15-minute break before the final afternoon workshop session. | |
| 4:00–5:15 PM |
Workshop Block 3
Concurrent Educational Sessions
|
Second Floor Training Rooms — To Be Announced | Five concurrent workshop rooms will be scheduled from the second-floor room pool. Final workshop titles and room assignments will be announced with the full program. | |
| 5:30–7:30 PM |
Community
Men2Men Cafe and Women2Women Cafe
|
Community Gathering Spaces | Two intentional evening spaces designed for deeper conversation, reflection, healing, leadership, connection, and shared learning. | |
|
Wednesday
Apr 14
|
8:30–10:00 AM |
General Session
HOPE Talks Morning Segment
|
International Ballroom | A new morning of HOPE Talks centered on leadership, healing, innovation, systems change, and family-strengthening practice. |
| 10:00–10:15 AM |
Break
Networking & Vendor Engagement Break
|
Back of International Ballroom B | A 15-minute midpoint break designed to keep connection, vendors, sponsors, authors, and resources visible throughout the morning. | |
| 10:15–11:45 AM |
General Session
HOPE Talks Morning Segment Continues
|
International Ballroom | Additional HOPE Talks continue the rhythm of concise inspiration, practical insight, and real-world relevance. | |
| 12:00–1:00 PM |
Lunch Break
Lunch, Authors & Resource Engagement
|
International Ballroom + Back of International Ballroom B | Lunch break with continued movement through authors, vendors, sponsors, and community resource tables in the back of International Ballroom B. | |
| Throughout the Day |
Wellness
Oasis Wellness Open
|
Newport A | Wellness continues through scheduled massage opportunities, quiet restoration, and wellness-centered support experiences. | |
| 1:00–5:00 PM |
Partner Pavilion
Maybelline New York + The Jed Foundation
|
Pacific Ballroom A | Brave Talk and boys’ and young men’s mental health: a courageous learning space focused on emotional well-being, connection, masculinity, digital stress, early support, mentorship, and pathways to care. Host schedule includes two 15-minute breaks. | |
| 1:00–5:00 PM |
Partner Pavilion
Theory to Action + Win-Win Parenting
|
Pacific Ballroom B | A dynamic Partner Pavilion focused on motivational interviewing, positive parenting, father and family engagement, working-parent well-being, and moving from theory to action. Host schedule includes two 15-minute breaks. | |
| 1:00–2:15 PM |
Workshop Block 1
Concurrent Educational Sessions
|
Second Floor Training Rooms — To Be Announced | Five concurrent workshop rooms will be scheduled from the second-floor room pool. Final workshop titles and room assignments will be announced with the full program. | |
| 2:15–2:30 PM |
Break
Transition Break
|
Second Floor + Back of International Ballroom B | A 15-minute transition break for networking, movement, and resource engagement. | |
| 2:30–3:45 PM |
Workshop Block 2
Concurrent Educational Sessions
|
Second Floor Training Rooms — To Be Announced | Five concurrent workshop rooms will be scheduled from the second-floor room pool. Final workshop titles and room assignments will be announced with the full program. | |
| 3:45–4:00 PM |
Break
Transition Break
|
Second Floor + Back of International Ballroom B | A 15-minute break before the final afternoon workshop session. | |
| 4:00–5:15 PM |
Workshop Block 3
Concurrent Educational Sessions
|
Second Floor Training Rooms — To Be Announced | Five concurrent workshop rooms will be scheduled from the second-floor room pool. Final workshop titles and room assignments will be announced with the full program. | |
| 6:00–8:30 PM |
Evening Gathering
Dr. Ramón & Yolanda Nieves Family Affair Gala
|
Conference Ballroom | A midweek networking hour and dinner experience with live entertainment, fellowship, connection, and community celebration. | |
|
Thursday
Apr 15
|
8:30–10:00 AM |
General Session
Closing Day HOPE Talks
|
International Ballroom | The final-day HOPE Talks bring participants together with focus, gratitude, courage, reflection, and forward momentum. |
| 10:00–10:15 AM |
Break
Resource & Vendor Engagement Break
|
Back of International Ballroom B | A 15-minute midpoint break to engage sponsors, exhibitors, authors, vendors, and partner resources. | |
| 10:15–11:45 AM |
General Session
Closing Day HOPE Talks Continue
|
International Ballroom | Featured HOPE Talks continue before the midday lunch break and afternoon learning experiences. | |
| 12:00–1:00 PM |
Lunch Break
Lunch, Wellness & Conference Connection
|
International Ballroom + Back of International Ballroom B | Lunch break with space for wellness, vendors, authors, resources, and continued networking. | |
| Throughout the Day |
Wellness
Oasis Wellness Open
|
Newport A | The Wellness Oasis remains active with massage appointments, mental health wellness sessions, and restorative offerings through the closing day. | |
| 1:00–5:00 PM |
Partner Pavilion
Partner Pavilion Experience
|
Pacific Ballroom A | Additional Partner Pavilion experience to be announced. Host schedule includes two 15-minute breaks. | |
| 1:00–5:00 PM |
Partner Pavilion
Partner Pavilion Experience
|
Pacific Ballroom B | Additional Partner Pavilion experience to be announced. Host schedule includes two 15-minute breaks. | |
| 1:00–5:00 PM |
Certification
DiSC Certification Training Program
|
La Jolla A | A specialty certification training experience designed to strengthen self-awareness, communication, leadership, team development, and applied use of DiSC concepts in professional and organizational settings. | |
| 1:00–2:15 PM |
Workshop Block 1
Closing Day Concurrent Educational Sessions
|
Second Floor Training Rooms — To Be Announced | Five concurrent workshop rooms will be scheduled from the second-floor room pool. Final workshop titles and room assignments will be announced with the full program. | |
| 2:15–2:30 PM |
Break
Transition Break
|
Second Floor + Back of International Ballroom B | A 15-minute break before the second afternoon workshop block. | |
| 2:30–3:45 PM |
Workshop Block 2
Closing Day Concurrent Educational Sessions
|
Second Floor Training Rooms — To Be Announced | Five concurrent workshop rooms will be scheduled from the second-floor room pool. Final workshop titles and room assignments will be announced with the full program. | |
| 3:45–4:00 PM |
Break
Transition Break
|
Second Floor + Back of International Ballroom B | A 15-minute transition break before the final workshop session. | |
| 4:00–5:15 PM |
Workshop Block 3
Closing Day Concurrent Educational Sessions
|
Second Floor Training Rooms — To Be Announced | Five concurrent workshop rooms will be scheduled from the second-floor room pool. Final workshop titles and room assignments will be announced with the full program. | |
| 5:30–9:00 PM |
Closing Experience
Hollywood Bus Tour Networking Event
|
Off-Site Experience | A memorable closing networking experience that extends the conference spirit beyond the ballroom and into the city. |
Room Guide & Conference Flow
International Ballroom, with the primary stage and screen focused on the morning general session experience.
Back of International Ballroom B. Expo activity pauses from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM daily during HOPE Talks and resumes at 11:45 AM.
Pacific Ballroom A and Pacific Ballroom B. Partner Pavilion hosts will manage their internal 1:00–5:00 PM schedule with two 15-minute breaks.
Los Angeles A & B, Los Angeles C & D, Sentry A & B, Sentry C & D, La Jolla A, and La Jolla B. Five concurrent workshop rooms will be scheduled per block.
Newport A throughout the full conference.
San Lorenzo A, second floor.
San Lorenzo B, second floor.
Second floor registration area for attendee check-in and conference support.
Oasis Wellness at HOPE 2027
The Oasis Wellness experience is woven throughout the full conference journey from Sunday through Thursday and will be located in Newport A.
This year’s wellness vision includes restoration-centered programming, massage opportunities, mental health wellness sessions, mindfulness, and spaces intentionally designed to help participants breathe, reset, and return stronger to their work and purpose.
Wellness access remains part of the conference rhythm, with restorative opportunities available alongside HOPE Talks, workshops, Partner Pavilions, networking, and resource engagement.
Why HOPE 2027 Matters Now
Across the nation, agencies, programs, schools, family-serving systems, and community organizations are being asked to do more with less. Funding pressures, staff fatigue, mental health strain, social disconnection, and increasing demands on families have changed the landscape. HOPE 2027 is being designed in response to that reality—not by shrinking the vision, but by making the conference more relevant, more restorative, more practical, and more human.
This is a conference for those who want more than information alone. It is for those seeking strategies, visibility, renewal, partnership, and a sense of shared purpose. It is being built to welcome both long-standing professionals and new voices who are ready to contribute, collaborate, and grow.
Built for This Moment
HOPE 2027 is designed to meet today’s realities with practical learning, emotionally intelligent leadership, and community-centered solutions that people can take back to their agencies, programs, families, and neighborhoods.
Designed to Attract New Participants
Through HOPE Talks, Best Practice Share Sessions, Meet the Authors opportunities, wellness-centered experiences, and stronger networking design, the conference creates more ways for new attendees to find value, belonging, and visibility.
More Than a Traditional Conference
This is not simply a sequence of workshops. It is an intentional experience that blends inspiration, models of success, wellness, community gathering, coalition-building, and practical action.
Stronger People, Stronger Systems
When professionals, parents, advocates, and leaders feel restored, informed, and connected, they return home better equipped to strengthen children, families, fathers, communities, and the systems that serve them.
The HOPE 2027 Experience
HOPE 2027 is being shaped around four major experience pillars so attendees can do more than sit in sessions. The goal is to create a conference that moves people, restores people, connects people, and equips people for the work ahead.
HOPE Talks
HOPE Talks are concise, high-impact presentations designed to inspire, challenge, and move people toward action. They bring energy to the day and create a distinct conference identity that feels modern, meaningful, and memorable.
Deep Learning & Educational Workshops
The conference remains deeply rooted in substance. Educational sessions will continue to highlight fatherhood, men’s issues, child development, maternal and family mental health, child support, child welfare, leadership, coalition work, and models of success.
Community, Authors, Vendors & Connection
HOPE 2027 creates room for relationship-building through the Pacific Ballroom Expo Hall, Best Practice Share Sessions, Meet the Authors opportunities, Coalition Café gatherings, vendor engagement, and meaningful networking throughout the week.
Oasis Wellness & Renewal
Wellness is not an afterthought. The Oasis Wellness experience in Newport A supports the whole person with restorative programming, mindfulness, massage, mental health wellness support, and intentional opportunities to pause and reset.
Who Should Attend HOPE 2027
HOPE 2027 is intentionally designed for a broad and diverse community of professionals, leaders, parents, advocates, educators, and partners who care deeply about children, families, fathers, wellness, and stronger communities.
Fatherhood & Men’s Engagement Professionals
Programs, practitioners, advocates, coaches, and leaders committed to strengthening fathers, men, and healthy family relationships.
Child Welfare, Child Support & Family Systems Professionals
Those working across systems to improve service coordination, engagement, equity, and long-term family outcomes.
Mental Health, Wellness & Healing-Centered Practitioners
Professionals and organizations focused on emotional health, restoration, trauma-informed work, and strengthening the well-being of families and communities.
Educators, Child Development & Early Childhood Leaders
Those committed to helping children thrive through stronger developmental practice, family partnership, and community support.
Community Coalitions, Nonprofits & Public Leaders
Coalition builders, organizers, executive leaders, and agencies looking to build stronger cross-sector partnerships and sustainable models of success.
Emerging Leaders, Authors & New Voices
Those ready to bring fresh insight, lived experience, bold ideas, and a purpose-driven presence into a welcoming national platform.
Flexible Ways to Participate
HOPE 2027 is being designed with flexibility in mind so individuals, teams, and organizations can choose the conference experience that best fits their goals, schedules, and budgets.
Conference Access Options
Flexible registration pathways will help participants choose between core conference access and expanded experience levels that may include lunch sessions, special gatherings, and signature opportunities.
Learning + Networking + Wellness
Attendees will be able to build an experience that includes HOPE Talks, educational workshops, Best Practice sessions, Meet the Authors programming, Expo Hall engagement, and Oasis Wellness.
Value for Individuals and Teams
Whether attending as an individual, a small team, a government agency, a nonprofit organization, or a coalition partner, HOPE 2027 is being structured to make participation more practical and more worthwhile.
Join Us for HOPE 2027
HOPE 2027 is being created as a place where people can gather with intention, reconnect with purpose, discover new ideas, strengthen partnerships, and return home with practical value for the work ahead.
Whether you come for fatherhood and men’s engagement, health and mental wellness, child development, child support, child welfare, family strengthening, educational leadership, coalition work, or community models of success, this conference is being designed to help you feel both equipped and restored.
We invite you to come not only to attend, but to belong, to learn, to share, and to build what comes next.