ANCOR Connect ‘25
Join your national community of providers for three days in sunny San Diego, California. Together, we’ll explore new ways to navigate currents of change, and the vast opportunities that lie before us. Because when we come together, the opportunities are limitless.
- Attend
- Agenda
- Sponsors & Exhibitors
- Book Your Stay
- Pre-Conference
- Important Dates
- FAQs
- About
Register Now for ANCOR Connect 2025!
ANCOR Connect ’25 will take place Monday, April 7 through Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in San Diego, California, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.
What Does it Cost to Register?
Registration Type | Early Bird (By Dec. 20) | Standard (Dec. 21-Mar. 14) | Late Bird (On or After Mar. 15) |
---|---|---|---|
ANCOR Member | $995 | $1,128 | $2,750 |
Non-ANCOR Member | $1,359 | $1,480 | $3,500 |
How to Register
Click the button above and navigate to the Attendee Registration page. To view member pricing, you’ll need to navigate to the log-in button at the top right of that screen. Then, log in as a “Returning Customer” using the same email and password you use to log in to the ANCOR website/the ACC.
If you don’t yet have an ANCOR account, create one! Then use the same login credentials to sign into our event management system. If you have an account but you need help to reset your password, see our troubleshooting guide. If you still need support, email [email protected].
Please note that all payments will be made at the time of registration via our online registration system.
Need to Modify Your Registration?
If you’ve already registered for ANCOR Connect and need to modify your registration, or add Pre-Conference Sessions, click on the button below. You’ll be asked to log into your ANCOR account using your email address and previously established password.
NOTE: The agenda is tentative and subject to change.
Monday, April 7, 2025
8-9:30 am
Government Relations Committee Meeting
8-9:30 am
National Partners Breakfast (invitation only)
10:30-11:30 am
Grassroots Committee Meeting
9:30-11:30 am
Pre-Conference Workshops Block A
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
ANCOR Global Council Lunch (invitation only)
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
ANCOR Foundation Leadership Academy Networking Event (invitation only)
12:30-2 pm
State Association Executives Meeting
12:30-2 pm
ANCOR Board of Representatives Meeting
12:30-2:30 pm
Pre-Conference Workshops Block B
2:15-3 pm
Networking Break
2:15-3 pm
New Attendee Meet & Greet
3-4:30 pm
Opening Plenary
4:30-5:30 pm
Welcome Reception
6-8 pm
ANCOR Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser (separate ticket required)
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
7:30-8:30 am
Breakfast Available
8:30-9:15 am
State of the Association Plenary
9:15-9:45 am
Networking Break
9:45-10:45 am
Concurrent Sessions A
10:45-11:30 am
Midday Keynote Address
11:30 am-12:30 pm
Lunch
12:30-1 pm
Networking Break
1-2 pm
Concurrent Sessions B
2-2:30 pm
Networking Break
2:30-3:30 pm
Concurrent Sessions C
3:30-4 pm
Networking Break
4-5 pm
Afternoon Plenary
5:15-6:15 pm
Leadership Academy Graduation & Awards Presentation
6:30-8:30 pm
ANCOR DC PAC Reception
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
7:30-9:30 am
DSP of the Year Awards Breakfast
9:45 am-12 pm
Community Engagement Event
9:45-10:45 am
Concurrent Sessions D
11 am-12 pm
Concurrent Sessions E
12:15-1:30 pm
Lunch
1:30-3 pm
Closing Plenary
Become a Sponsor
Each year, ANCOR’s biggest gathering is made possible because of the generosity of our sponsors!
From speaking at a plenary session or sponsoring one of ANCOR’s award presentations, and from networking breaks to pre-conference workshops, there is a wide array of sponsorship opportunities available to bring you maximum visibility among the nation’s premier gathering of the I/DD community. Information about these opportunities can be found in our Sponsorship Prospectus below. To take advantage of one of these opportunities today, email Mariana Nork.
Explore Sponsorship Opportunities
Exhibitor Waiting List
As of November 22, 2024, our Exhibit Hall is sold out. We are working to secure a limited number of additional spaces. If you are interested in exhibiting and have not yet registered, you may join the waiting list. If an exhibit space becomes available, you will be contacted by a member of ANCOR’s staff to share discuss whatever option(s) there may be.
Already Registered to Exhibit?
Learn more about what to expect, get logistical details and find answers to commonly asked questions in our Exhibitor Service Center.
Staying in San Diego
ANCOR has reserved a special room block at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, located at 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.
To secure your room at the discounted group rate via phone, dial 1-888-236-2427 and mention the name of our event to book directly.
The cutoff date for reservations is March 14, 2025. After this date, unreserved rooms in the block will be released, and the group rate may no longer be available.
We encourage you to book your room early to ensure availability—especially in the newly renovated Marina Tower. If you have any questions or need assistance with your reservation, please contact the Sheraton’s dedicated group housing coordinator, Jessica Faraci, at 619-692-2340 or via the booking methods above.
Hotel Information
Amenities
In addition to the specified room rates, the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina applies a Resort Charge of $30.00 per room, per night. For our group, this charge is waived, with the included amenities provided at no additional cost.
- Premium high-speed internet access
- Morning yoga classes
- 1-hour cruiser bicycle use
- 5-hour paddleboard tour and lesson
- 1-hour daily tennis court rental with equipment for two
- Lawn games
- S’mores kits
- Unlimited local and domestic long-distance phone calls
- Electric vehicle charging
Check-In/Check-Out
- Check-In: Guest accommodations will be available starting at 4 pm on the day of arrival.
- Check-Out: Guests must vacate their rooms by 11 am on the day of departure.
Guests seeking late check-out should inquire at the front desk on the day of departure. If late check-out is approved, the hotel may impose a half-day rate for the extended stay. For any questions about these policies, please contact the Sheraton directly at +1 619-291-2900.
Early Departure Fee
Guests who depart the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina before their confirmed scheduled departure date will be subject to an Early Departure Fee of $299.00 per night (or the applicable rate for their room type, excluding additional fees). Exceptions for emergency situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the front desk manager in consultation with the Group’s Authorized Representative.
Pre/Post Room Rates
The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina will honor the group’s specified room rates for attendees three (3) days before and three (3) days after the official conference dates, based on availability. Attendees are encouraged to book early to secure these extended rates as availability is limited. For questions or to check availability for pre/post dates, contact the hotel directly at +1 619-291-2900.
Getting to San Diego
San Diego is a highly accessible destination with multiple transportation options for your convenience. Here’s everything you need to know:
Air Travel
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is located just 0.8 miles from the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.
- San Diego International Airport offers nonstop flights to over 70 destinations across major airlines, making it accessible from most regions.
- Travelers from the East Coast: Early departures can help you maximize your time in San Diego. Consider booking red-eye return flights if you’re extending your stay.
Airport Shuttle
The Sheraton provides a complimentary airport shuttle service to and from San Diego International Airport. The shuttle runs daily every 30-40 minutes from 4:45 am to 12:00 am. Confirm the next available shuttle time with the front desk upon arrival at +1 619-291-2900.
Ground Transportation
- Rideshare Services: Lyft and Uber are available at designated airport pickup zones. A trip to the Sheraton typically costs $8-$12.
- Taxis: Convenient curbside taxis are available, with fares similar to rideshares.
Pre-Conference Sessions take place on Monday, April 7, 2025, and offer deep dives into timely and relevant topics. There are four workshops in total, spanning two two-hour time blocks. This means that you can participate in more than one Pre-Conference Session!
Space is limited in each session and spots fill up fast—so secure your spot today by adding onto your conference registration! An additional registration fee of $149 per session is required.
We’re thrilled to offer the following workshops to jumpstart the learning at ANCOR Connect ’25:
2025 Pre-Conference Workshops
Block A (9:30-11:30 am)
Innovative Solutions for Workforce and Housing: A Path to Stability
The workforce crisis, combined with soaring housing costs, presents challenges that impact stability and service continuity.
In this session, you will learn how a small nonprofit successfully established over fifty housing units for individuals accepting services and direct care workers within the last two years, significantly improving recruitment, retention, community engagement, and morale. We’ll outline actionable steps to assess and map your agency’s unique housing needs, emphasizing the importance of board engagement and buy-in.
This interactive session will provide valuable lessons on the complexities of combining employment with property management, addressing the details of creating a fair and equitable process for individuals accepting services and staff to access available housing. We’ll also explore the power of technology and collaborative partnerships, and how both can combine to enhance supports for people with disabilities.
Whether you’re an agency leader, manager, or executive, join us to explore how investing in housing solutions can positively impact your organization and the community you serve, creating a sustainable and empowering environment for all.
Presenters:
- Brad Hagan, Easterseals Arkansas
- Jennifer Putnam, Waypoint Maine
Taming the Management Monster: A Leadership Roadmap
Managers are pivotal in shaping workplace culture and fostering employee retention. They serve as gatekeepers of organizational values, capable of nurturing a positive environment or inadvertently undermining it. In this interactive session, we will explore how effective management is essential for establishing strong workplace cultures that enhance retention, engagement, and service quality.
Drawing on stories from the I/DD field and various industries, we will identify common challenges managers encounter and discuss strategies to “tame the management monster.” Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, participants will gain practical tools to support their workforce and drive meaningful change.
You’ll learn techniques for engaging both motivated and disengaged employees, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, and fostering a culture rooted in trust and accountability.
Whether you’re a manager, director, or executive, you will leave this session inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to cultivate a thriving work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Presenter:
- Pete Moore, Ohio Provider Resource Association
Block B (12:30-2:30 pm)
Beyond GPT: Using AI for Good in Disability Services
Artificial intelligence or AI-powered solutions are transforming how we deliver supports. This hands-on, interactive session will showcase how AI-enhanced software can address critical challenges such as workforce retention, service personalization, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.
Participants will explore real-world use cases, including predictive analytics for resource planning, intelligent scheduling systems, and back-office AI tools that streamline tasks like managing RFPs, ensuring compliance, and improving staff training. Attendees will see how AI can alleviate administrative burdens, allowing agencies to focus more on their core mission: enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Drawing on industry insights, this session will equip attendees with actionable strategies and practical tools to implement AI ethically, empowering staff and enriching the services you provide.
Presenters:
- Heather Janci, SETWorks
- David Lindell, SETWorks
- Erik Nelson, SETWorks
Laying the Foundation: The DBT Model for Supportive Living
When working with individuals with intellectual and neurodiverse, it can be difficult to understand the reactivity that can be caused by a traumatic past. This interactive workshop will equip you with a structured framework on how to stabilize and provide ongoing support to people with complex needs in community settings. The Dialectical Behavior Therapeutic (DBT) Model for Living creates supportive environments for both individuals and caregivers.
In this workshop, participants will learn to apply the Risk Screening for Best Practices Tool to identify individualized needs and implement strategies that foster wellness and recovery. By teaching essential skills, we can help reduce the frequency and intensity of challenging situations. And, if effective supports are identified and put into place, risks to overall wellness can be minimized, and people’s lives can be enhanced.
Come prepared to share insights and explore innovative strategies that can transform how we support the people we serve in our communities.
Presenters:
- Robin VanEerden, Merakey
- Kimberly Katruska, Merakey
Note: All of the dates in this section are tentative and subject to change.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Registration
Mid- to Late November
Early Bird Registration Begins (Members Only) + Hotel Room Block Opens
Mid- to Late November
Exhibitor Registration Opens
December 21
Standard Pricing Begins (Open to All)
March 17
Late-Bird Pricing Begins
Call for Sessions
Session proposals are now closed!
Members of the ANCOR team have reviewed all completed submissions, and notifications of approved proposals were sent in mid-November.
Awards & Nominations
September 11
DSP of the Year Nomination Process Begins
November 1
DSP of the Year Nominations Due
Early December
ANCOR Foundation Awards Application Period Begins
Mid-January
ANCOR Foundation Awards Application Period Closes
By January 31
DSP of the Year Winners Notified
Early April
Public Announcement of DSP of the Year Award Winners
General Questions
What is ANCOR Connect all about?
ANCOR Connect, formerly the ANCOR Annual Conference, is our nation’s premier gathering of providers of long-term supports and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who are dedicated to providers’ success. With nearly 1,000 participants expected this year, ANCOR Connect convenes you and your colleagues to:
- Learn from one another about pressing challenges and emerging innovations.
- Share best practices that enable providers to support more people with high-quality services.
- Connect with leaders, up-and-comers and newcomers to the field.
- Advance our shared vision for fully inclusive communities.
Who attends ANCOR Connect?
All staff from I/DD provider agencies are welcome and encouraged to attend ANCOR Connect, including:
- Executive leaders
- Program directors & program managers
- Frontline supervisors
- Direct support professionals
- Care coordinators & support coordinators
- Nurses & other clinical staff
- Administrative support staff
- Board members
In addition to staff from provider agencies, ANCOR Connect draws a diverse range of other participants, including:
- Self-advocates & other individuals with I/DD
- Family members of individuals with I/DD
- Researchers
- Federal, state and local policymakers & regulators
- Corporations offering products & services used by I/DD providers
- At-large members of the disability advocacy community
Given the diverse range of ANCOR Connect participants, there’s something for everyone—including YOU!
When and where is this year's ANCOR Connect?
ANCOR Connect 2025 will take place April 7-9, in San Diego, California, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.
What does it cost to attend?
Generally speaking, pricing depends on whether you’re an ANCOR member and how far in advance of the conference you register. Additionally, special pricing is available for direct support professionals. Visit the “Register Now” tab of the Conference website to learn more.
What does my registration include?
Your ANCOR Connect registration includes full access to the entire array of activities on offer in San Diego on April 7-9, including:
- Keynote presentations and plenary sessions
- Breakout sessions
- The presentation of the 2025 Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards
- Multiple networking receptions and events
- The chance to connect with leading companies in the Exhibitor Lounge
Your registration does not include access to ticketed events, namely our Pre-Conference Workshops on April 7. These tickets can be added to your registration at the point or purchase or at a later date, space permitting.
Registration Questions
I’m eager to register. What can I do to prepare?
Make sure you already have an ANCOR account since you will use the same information to login to our registration platform. If you don’t yet have one, create one. If you have an account but you need to reset your password, see our troubleshooting guide. If you already get ANCOR emails but haven’t yet set up your password, view this video. If you have difficulty, send a note to [email protected].
I already registered but can no longer attend. Can I cancel my registration?
Registrations canceled on or before March 14, 2025. will be fully refunded, less an 8.5% administrative fee. No refunds will be issued on or after March 15, 2025.
I already registered but can no longer attend. Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Our online registration system does not permit transfers, but you are permitted to cancel your existing registration and establish a new one. Please note, however, that you will incur an 8.5% administrative fee in the event that you cancel your original registration. Please also ensure that additional registrations are available before cancelling your existing registration; if we are operating a waiting list when you attempt to establish the new registration, the new registrant will be added to the end of the waiting list and may not be approved to register if space does not become available.
I'm having trouble logging in. What should I do?
When establishing a registration, you will be asked to log into our event management system. To do so, you will use the same email address and password that you use to log into any ANCOR website (e.g., ancor.org, the ANCOR Connected Community, etc.).
If you don’t yet have an ANCOR account, create one! Then use the same login credentials to sign into our event management system. If you have an account but you need help to reset your password, see our troubleshooting guide. If you still need support, email [email protected].
I'm an ANCOR member, but I don't see member pricing. What do I do?
Once you have logged in, click “View Product” to the right of “Full Conference.” Assuming your identity has been authenticated, the non-member pricing should be crossed out and next to it, the member pricing should be displayed.
If you still aren’t seeing the member pricing, it may be because you have been newly added to our database and our backend systems have not yet fully synced. Please wait until at least two business days following the addition of yourself or your colleague to our database before attempting to complete the registration.
Do I need to create an account in order to establish a registration?
Yes. Creating an account is fast and simple, and it’s the only way we can discern your eligibility to participate and the pricing you should see. Therefore, we ask that you create an account.
If I’m registering multiple event participants, does each person need their own account?
Yes, each registrant must have their own ANCOR account to register for ANCOR Connect. At this time, the “Add a Colleague” function is not available, but it will be soon.
Exhibitor Questions
Who exhibits at ANCOR Connect?
ANCOR Connect is the premier gathering of community-based I/DD service providers and the community of professionals who support these providers. The organizations that exhibit at ANCOR Connect offer products and services that are relevant to leaders at all levels of the organizations that comprise the conference audience. Featured exhibitors each year include ANCOR’s Diamond, Platinum and Gold Partners. Nonprofit, for-profit, academic and provider organizations are all welcome to exhibit at the conference.
Can I exhibit at ANCOR Connect '25?
Our Exhibit Hall is sold out, but if you are interested in exhibiting and have not yet registered, you may join our waiting list.
What does it cost to exhibit at ANCOR Connect?
Please see page 24 of the ANCOR Connect ’25 Sponsor & Exhibitor Prospectus to learn more about costs and add-ons.
I registered for an exhibitor booth, but can no longer exhibit. Can I cancel my exhibitor registration?
If an exhibitor, after submitting payment, is no longer able to attend, a request must be made in writing to ANCOR no later than March 7, 2025. The exhibitor fee will be refunded less a $250 administrative fee. Absolutely no refunds will be made after March 7, 2025.
Miscellaneous Questions
I submitted a session proposal. When will I hear whether it’s been accepted?
All decisions regarding session acceptances were sent via email in mid-November. If you have questions about your submission, email Alli Strong-Martin.
Are direct support professionals encouraged to attend?
Yes! Not only are DSPs welcome and encouraged to attend, but there is special programming available for DSPs, including the presentation of the annual Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards. To encourage DSPs to participate in ANCOR Connect, deeply discounted registration rates are available.
Are there special rates for certain attendees?
Yes! Here’s what to do if any of the following apply to you:
- Direct Support Professionals: A Direct Support Professional is defined as someone whose primary role is as a direct care worker, in-home support worker, personal assistant or attendant who works directly with people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to ensure that they have the supports needed to live, work and enjoy life more independently in a community-based setting. If you are a DSP, you are eligible for a discounted rate. To register as a DSP, send us a message and include your name, the organization where you work, and the address of your organization. We will get back to you within two business days.
- 100% State Association members: Before registering, make sure you ask your state association for a special promo code! This code must be used at the time of purchase and no refunds can be given after registration is complete.
- Speakers: All speakers will receive an email with a link to register at the speaker rate, so please hold off on registering until you get that message. If you have any questions, email Alli Strong-Martin.
- Self-Advocates and Family Members: We will publish information on attending as a self-advocate soon! To access these rates, send us an email.
- Students: If you are a student interested in attending ANCOR Connect, send us a message and include your name, the college/university you attend, and the address of your school. We will get back to you within two business days.
Can I receive continuing education credits for attending?
ANCOR is happy to provide certificates of attendance upon request. Information about how to request a certificate of attendance will be made available onsite.
Still have a question not addressed here?
Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help! Simply drop us a line at [email protected].
ANCOR Connect ’25: Oceans of Opportunity
ANCOR’s flagship annual gathering connects you with the people and ideas that empower you to deliver better services to more people. Each year, ANCOR Connect is a hub for learning, networking and taking action—a core element of the ANCOR community experience. ANCOR Connect ’25 will take place April 7-9, 2025, in beautiful San Diego, CA.
Our theme for ANCOR Connect ’25, Oceans of Opportunity, invites you to imagine new and limitless opportunities for the work we do as a community of providers. The conference will highlight the numerous ways you can connect with partners across the country and across the globe, leverage cutting-edge technology, and glean ideas for solutions that will advance our national quest to make possible community inclusion for all.
Who Attends?
All are welcome! As the signature gathering of community providers that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), ANCOR Connect attracts a diverse range of innovators from provider organizations, including:
- Executive leaders
- Program directors & managers
- Frontline supervisors
- Direct support professionals
- Case managers & support coordinators
- Nurses & other clinical staff
- Administrative staff (including professionals from human resources, finance, communications, development and more)
- Provider organization board members
In addition to provider organization staff, ANCOR Connect welcomes a wide array of others supporting our collective mission, including:
- Self-advocates & other people with I/DD
- Family members of people with I/DD
- Researchers
- Federal, state and local policymakers and regulators
- Companies offering leading products and services used by I/DD providers
Given the diverse range of ANCOR Connect participants, there’s something for everyone—including YOU!