[Important Note: Full event details are still being finalized. Stay tuned for more information, and be sure to check back frequently for updates.]
Wednesday, October 29
Kick off the conference with a relaxed evening at Doc’s Backyard Grill, a local favorite featuring indoor-outdoor seating, great food, and TVs playing the latest sports. It’s the perfect chance to reconnect with familiar faces and make new connections before the main event begins.
Thursday, October 30
Experience a full day of TED Signs-style presentations covering key topics, including nonprofit board governance, artificial intelligence, advocacy and policy, capacity building, and many more—all designed to spark new ideas and inspire innovative thinking.
In the evening, regional caucuses will be held for state associations, organizational, and government affiliates to discuss regional and state-specific issues.
Friday, October 31
Morning breakout sessions will focus on key areas of leadership and advocacy, including education, employment, health/social programs, technology, and community engagement. Facilitators will capture the important insights and concerns shared by participants, building on the discussions sparked by Thursday’s TED Signs-style presentations to further empower Deaf and hard of hearing leaders in their advocacy efforts and community impact..
During lunch, a surprise guest will deliver a powerful and inspiring message about the ongoing fight for Deaf and hard of hearing civil rights, highlighting the importance of advocacy, resilience, and collective action in creating lasting change.
In the afternoon, attendees can choose to visit the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library from 3 to 4 PM CST (click here) or take a break before joining the Deaf Halloween Bash, hosted by the Greater Austin Foundation of the Deaf (GAFD) at the “Brodie Homestead from 5:00 to 10:00 PM CST. Tickets for the bash start at $125 and must be purchased separately. Availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. (click here).
Saturday, November 1
The conference continues the next day at the Texas School for the Deaf, featuring another full day of TED Signs-style presentations. After a two-hour break to rest and recharge, attendees will head to the NAD Night Out event partnering with the Austin Deaf Club from 7 PM to midnight CST.