Frequently Asked Questions
When will registration open?
Early registration opens to the general public on or around July/aUGUST 1st for the October conference. If you would like to receive regular notifications, please e-mail a request to be placed on our newsletter e-mailing list and “like” our Facebook page to remain up to date. Our e-mail address is [email protected]
What is the benefit of registering early?
In addition to a significant financial savings for you, early registration helps us in planning efforts, which reduces the overall conference cost, allowing us to pass that savings on to you and other attendees by keeping the registration fee as low as possible.
What is included in the registration fee?
The conference consists of 3 full days of keynote speakers, power messages from those with lived experiences; diverse breakout workshops and interactive activities and events related to the prison family. Virtual conferences will have special activities especially encouraging networking and informative resources.Registered attendees have access to all conference events and activities.
Do you have special rates for non-profit organizations?
The conference is produced and hosted by a small grassroots organization solely on registration fees and donations. Special rates are available for groups of 3 or more individuals representing the same organizations and students. A limited number of partial scholarships are available to prison family members. Those requesting any of the special rates should e-mail [email protected] for details. There is no special rate for non-profits.
I am only able to attend one day of the conference?
We strongly encourage full participation to receive the greatest benefit from the conference. If that is an impossibility, one-day registration fees may be arranged by contacting us via e-mail: [email protected] or by phone: 915-861-7733.
Do you have special rates for individuals with limited income?
Every effort is made to keep registration fees as low as possible. As a rule there are almost no totally free registrations for this conference. Limited partial scholarships are available for prison family members only. Those interested in applying may e-mail [email protected] to request an application form.
Can I register by phone?
Conference registration may be done on-line or by mail only. Phone registration is not available.
What is the registration fee?
As registration may change annually, please see the actual registration form for current fees. Also remember special fees are available for groups and students and limited partial scholarships are available for prison family members only. There is usually a substantial savings in registering early.
Will conference keynotes and presentations be posted as audios or videos on-line?
The InterNational Prisoner’s Family Conference is not solely a “cognitive event.” Unlike the vast majority of conferences a most powerful aspect of this conference is the exceptional opportunity for interpersonal sharing and networking with supportive and like-minded people. This interpersonal interaction has elevated this conference to a “community” that supports the entire prison family. Many, who have attended multiple conferences refer to this conference as “a family reunion!” With the substantial notice given of this annual event, we hope those interested will plan well ahead to attend the conference for the fullness of the experience. No professionally videoed presentation will be posted on-line. Some attendees may elect to post “live” while at the conference and occasionally segments of presentations may make their way to the internet.
This leads us to 2 most frequently asked questions about the conference!!!
1a. When will you hold the conference in MY city/state?
2a. Why do you use this particular venue for the conference?
ANSWER: While the conference has become internationally recognized with attendees from as far away as Asia; Africa; Europe; South America….it must be held in Texas to take advantage of the organization’s non-profit status in that state, which saves the organization literally thousands of dollars with that savings passed on to conference attendees.
Additionally, after several years of seeking a “perfect” venue, we found one at the Dallas Venue we have used since 2014. Not only does the hotel welcome us like family and support our work on behalf of prisoners and their families, formerly incarcerated people can be found working at the hotel! Not all venues are thrilled to host a “prison-related” conference…and we prefer to go where we are welcomed. This particular venue welcomes us warmly! Equally as important, this hotel has been extremely generous in working out the most reasonable fees and hotel room rates, while extending very generous amenities for the conference – not to mention the fact that the space is comfortable and the food is excellent!
Where do I find information on exhibiting or sponsoring?
We welcome sponsors and exhibitors. Information for serving as a conference sponsor can be found on the Sponsor’s page.
Exhibit Tables are available. Table pricing is listed on the conference Registration Form. Please note, although there are some relevant books sold, the exhibit area is intended to provide valuable information and resources related to the prison family, it is not a sales and marketing area. There is a special exhibit table fee for full conference attendees. Businesses, not participating in the conference, but solely wishing to exhibit information about services or wares for sale will pay a significantly higher fee. Please see conference registration form for pricing.
Where do I find information on presentation requirements, submitting my bio, etc?
To submit a presentation for consideration, please go to the Call for Presenters tab under the “Conference” tab on the Home page where you can download the presentation guidelines and application form.
Where do I find information on the conference program?
Please go to the “Conference” tab for information on presenters.
The actual conference schedule and program is not posted on line as there are always last minute changes. However, there is a general schedule under the Conference tab on the Homepage. While the overall program is subject to and does occasionally change, typically the first two days of the conference begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. There are evening sessions from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on the first two days for those interested in advocacy on behalf of the prison family or the international focus group for children of incarcerated parents. The third day of the conference begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. following the final general session.
Although the format is subject to change,in general each day consists of two – three general sessions with power messages and keynote speakers interspersed with breakout workshops or other interactive engaging activities. In as much as possible each breakout period is scheduled to provide a distinct variety of topics. The conference schedule is apt to change from year to year, enabling us to interject some very welcome surprises.
Note: The final conference program is not available on-line. We do not create the program until about two weeks before the conference to accommodate last minute changes. A printed conference program is provided to attendees at registration the first day of the conference.
Will my expenses be covered if I am a speaker? Do you pay honorarium for speakers?
This conference is hosted by a small grassroots organization which relies solely on registration fees and donations to produce the conference. Our goal is to maintain the most modest registration fee for all while providing a quality meaningful event. As such, we are unable to provide complimentary registrations, travel expenses or honorarium to any presenter or speaker. With very few exceptions presenters themselves pay a registration fee to support the conference. A portion of the presenter’s registration fee is applied to a limited number of partial scholarships for prison family members.