2018 Annual Conference

April 29 - May 2, 2018            Kansas City, Missouri

Crowncenter

          Pioneering on the Plains: Forging New Directions in Family Formation

The 2018 annual conference is quickly approaching and we are excited to be hosting this year's incredible conference in the BBQ and Jazz Capital of the World, Kansas City, Missouri!  We have lots of events planned and an excellent CLE schedule so plan your trip now.  If you are an Academy Fellow, or a sponsor or exhibitor, you will not want to miss it!

Conference Events

  • Sunday Evening Event
    Welcome Reception and Cocktail Party at Conference Hotel 
  • Monday Book Club at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum 
    The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is closed on Monday but we have arranged for a private opening in the afternoon. Since Book Club will be reading a baseball book this year, "I Was Right On Time" by Buck O'Neil, it is only natural that they meet at the museum but everyone else is welcome to explore the Museum as well.
  • Monday Evening Event
    On Monday evening we will be having our Dine Around. We will be following the same format as in Montreal with the survey and assigned dining spots. Registered attendees should expect to receive more information as the conference nears. 
  • Tuesday Evening Event
    This year our Gala will be at the WWI Museum. Attendees will have access to the collection while enjoying music and Hors d'oeuvres. Transportation will be available. 
  • Early morning spin and yoga classes are also being planned and will be announced prior to the conference. 

Tickets to all evening events are included with conference registration. Tickets for evening events only may be purchased for guests along with your registration. Special discounted tickets are available for children ages 5-18 (under 5 are free) as well. 

NOTE: This is a Member Only conference. Please visit the conference tab on the Member Only page to register

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Want To Review The Final Syllabus Before The Conference?

Click here for the most up-to-date version of the conference schedule.

Register Now!

Interested In Sponsoring or Exhibiting?

Sponsorship Information

We have several sponsorship opportunities available for Kansas City (see below). All sponsors will receive 2 tickets to all meals and social events, plus signage and the opportunity to address attendees for up to 5 minutes at the sponsored event as well as recognition on the website. Sponsorships over $2500 will also receive a complimentary exhibitor table, while available. If you are interested in being a sponsor or would like to see what sponsorship opportunities are still available, please contact Executive Administrator Jennie Sullivan at admin@adoptionattorneys.org, or our Sponsor/Exhibitor Chair Sherriann Hicks at s.hicks@adoptionattorneys.org or by phone at (678) 985-3011.

Sponsorship Opportunities and Pricing
WiFi $12,500 Sunday Break $2,500
Welcome Reception SOLD Monday Breakfast $2,500
WWI Gala Event $10,000 Monday Newcomers Breakfast SOLD
Lanyards SOLD Monday Break SOLD
Transportation $3,000 Monday Lunch (with designated time to address attendees) SOLD
Bag Sponsor $5,000 Tuesday Breakfast SOLD
Conference Folder SOLD Tuesday Break SOLD
T-Shirt (New Name)
(3 available)
$2,500 Tuesday Lunch $3,500
A/V
(2 available)
BOTH SOLD Wednesday Breakfast $2,500
Charging Station
(2 available)
BOTH SOLD Wednesday Break $3,500
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum SOLD Don't See What You Want?
Suggest a Sponsorship.
Exhibitor Information

All Exhibitor only spots have now been sold! If you are interested in having an exhibitor table in Kansas City, you may still do so by chosing from one of the available $2500 and over Sponsorships listed above. 

Sponsors and Exhibitors are welcomed and encouraged to attend the daily meals, breaks and evening events along with the registered attendees. Sponsors and Exhibitors may also take advantage of the discounted room rate by booking rooms using the link below. 

Hotel Information

Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center

Crown Center Plaza Lg  Hotel Inside

2345 McGee Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 841-1000

Room rate: $164/night plus taxes

Book Your Room Here!

Getting Around in Kansas City

  • Transportation To and From the Airport (Kansas City (MCI) Airport)
    Taxi
    Taxis at Kansas City International Airport can be requested by using any of the phones present in the terminal buildings. The Airport Police officers can order a cab when there are none in the rank. Approximate one-way fare is $50.

    Phones for taxi service are located both inside and outside the terminal at each bag claim area and at other strategic locations outside the terminal exits. Make sure that you give the dispatcher your exact location.

    External Shuttle
    Scheduled shuttle service can be arranged through Super Shuttle. Service between the KC airport and our conference hotel runs from 6:14 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. The costs for a one-way fare is $18; round-trip is $31. The service is the Blue Van. 
  • Transportation Around Town
    Kansas City Streetcar
    Sit or stand while you ride through the heart of Kansas City’s downtown. The 2.2 mile route along Main Street connects the River Market to Union Station/Crown Center with 16 stops to get you to your destination. The Streetcar is FREE to ride. 

    Hours of Operation
    Monday-Thursday: 6AM - Midnight
    Friday: 6AM - 2AM
    Saturday: 7AM - 2AM
    Sunday: 7AM - 10PM

    Destinations/ KC Streetcar Stops
    Union Station (Pershing & Main)
    Crossroads (19th & Main)
    Kauffman Center (16th & Main)
    Power & Light (14th & Main)
    Metro Center (12th & Main)
    Library (9th & Main)
    North Loop (7th & Main)
    City Market (5th & Walnut)
    River Market North (3rd & Grand)
    River Market West (4th & Delaware)

What to Do Around Town

For a complete list of all the attractions, museums, dining/night life, shopping, and sporting events that Kansas City has to offer, visit the official Kansas City website.  

Here are a few of the highlights:

Our Awesome Sponsors

Visit All Our Exhibitors During The Conference

  • National Background Check, Inc.
  • Second Chance Adoptions 
  • Surrogacy Choices, LLC
  • Adoption.com
  • My Adoption Advisor, LLC
  • Surrogacy Escrow Account Management, LLC
  • Passport & Visa Advisors
  • New Life Agency
  • Indikon Media
  • Adoption Choices of Kansas
  • Our Chosen Child & Hopefully Parents
  • ART Risk Financial & Insurance Solutions, Inc. 
  • Martin Pringle
  • Your Adoption Finance Coach
  • AdoptMatch
  • Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children