Updates
Dear AKA conference attendee,
Adoption Knowledge Affiliates is excited to announce early bird registration is open for our 2022 virtual conference, "Pebbles to Pearls: 30 years of education, connection, and support" happening November 4-5, 2022. This is a two-day event with daytime and evening content for those with a direct connection to adoption, foster care, and adjacent experiences such as the donor conceived and DNA discovery communities. We also welcome professionals serving in these fields.
You are receiving this email because you attended the virtual conference last November, “Elevation: Voices in adoption and foster care,” hosted by AKA. This year, Adoption Knowledge Affiliates is hosting another virtual conference and we hope you can join us once again! You can expect the same dynamic content as last year and at previous AKA conferences - presentations on a diverse array of topics that are relevant to and will resonate with members of the communities mentioned above. We are excited to offer three keynote presentations this year:
- Lorraine Dusky is an award-winning journalist, editor and author who prefers to write stories that will make a difference. Her controversial memoir, Birthmark, published in 1979, was the first from a mother to write about the grief of giving up a child to adoption. She began her career as a newspaper reporter when she was 14, writing for her hometown newspaper. Her goal was always to break out of old-fashioned "women's news," yet her life and writing has been greatly shaped by the daughter she gave up for adoption, culminating in her recent book, Hole in my Heart.
- Melissa Guida-Richards is an author, adoptee, and advocate. She is the content creator behind the "Adoptee Thoughts" Podcast and Instagram account that she founded to help elevate adoptee voices and educate adoptive parents on the nuances and complexity of adoption. Melissa is the author of What White Parents Should Know About Transracial Adoption: an adoptee's perspective on its history, nuances, and practices.
- Patricia Martinez Dorner, MA, LPC is a pioneer in open adoption and post adoption services, Patricia has been a relentless proponent of adoption reform. Her adoption focused practice includes education, support and training to individuals and professionals. She is a frequent conference speaker and author of many adoption related books. The adoptive mother of 2 adult daughters, she lives adoption personally and professionally.
...plus high caliber afternoon workshops and presentations and a Friday evening screening of the film, "Reckoning With The Primal Wound," along with a Q&A with Rebecca Autumn Sansom, adoptee and one of the film's producers. As always, there will be time for networking, sharing, peer support, and connection with others in the community.
There are an abundance of CEU-earning opportunities for therapists, social workers, and other professionals in ethics and education. For those from out-of-state, past attendees have been successful in submitting our conference content for credit through their state’s certifying board. We are happy to provide additional documentation that may be needed for CEU credit. We can also provide a certificate of attendance to attendees upon request.
Recorded conference content will be available for viewing for 90 days after the conference to registered conference attendees. Professionals, check with your certifying board to see if pre-recorded content is eligible for CEUs in your state. Do not hesitate to email us for assistance at [email protected]. Click here to learn more about our conference schedule, esteemed speakers, sponsors, and to register. We look forward to seeing you all November 4-5, 2022. Click here to register and take advantage of our early bird registration rates through October 15th! AKA members also receive a discount during registration, so now is a great time to renew your AKA membership!
We are so glad you have joined us in the past and hope we see you in a few weeks at our 2022 Virtual Conference!
Sincerely,
Shannon Quist, AKA Conference Chair
The AKA Conference Committee
ps. If you are already registered, be on the lookout for important emails from AKA about logging into the Conference Portal on the day of the conference. If you have not received log-in instructions from AKA check your SPAM or promotions folders. Also, you will need to login to the Portal with the email you used during registration. If you plan to use a different email, email AKA with your preferred log-in address prior to the conference.
Dear Conference Attendees,
Thank you so much for attending AKA's 2021 conference, "Elevation: Voices in Adoption & Foster Care!" We want to thank all of the presenters, volunteers, and attendees of the conference for creating a dynamic, interactive, and engaging space. You are what makes this conference so amazing every year!
We are excited to announce the conference session recordings are now available on the Conference Portal! To access the recordings, go to the "Conference Portal" tab and click on the "Presentation Recordings" tab. Find the desired presentation on the schedule on the left-hand side of the page, then click on the corresponding recording link on the right. These are hosted on a private YouTube Channel area and are for conference registrants only. If you have difficulties accessing the content, please reach out to us at ak[email protected]. We are happy to be of assistance. Regarding Texas CEUs and certificates of attendance, if you have not yet submitted your completed CEU or session attendance Tracking Sheet:
- Visit the Conference Portal to access the Tracking Sheet under the "CEU & Certificates of Attendance" tab. Once completed, submit to [email protected] to receive your certificate.
- If you are planning to watch the recordings and have not submitted your Tracking Sheet you can list in-person and recorded content on one Sheet.
- If you are not from Texas, contact your certifying board regarding earning CEUs and certificates of attendance for recorded content.
- If you have already submitted your tracking sheet but decide to watch the recordings, simply complete a second tracking sheet with only the recordings you watched for a second certificate for those new sessions.
- Have questions? Email [email protected].
If you haven't yet completed the Overall Conference Evaluation please do so at your earliest convenience. We will be using this information for future planning and to provide valuable feedback to our presenters. Click the link to share your experience: https://forms.gle/KasqvHUr1onPrx979We sincerely hope you enjoyed the conference and that you continue to engage with Adoption Knowledge Affiliates' services and programming throughout the year. We hope to see you at our conference in the future! Thank you for making our event a huge success!
Sincerely,
Ty Cliffel, Conference Chair
Marci Purcell, Executive Director
Access to Conference - Important information for attending the Elevation: Voices in Adoption & Foster Care Virtual Conference
Hello conference registrants!
Tomorrow morning begins the "Elevation: Voices in Adoption & Foster Care" virtual conference. Please read on for several things that will help make your attendance and experience at the conference a positive one.
How to Access and Navigate the Conference Sessions and Information
Link: https://www.adoptionknowledge.org/2021-conference-portal.html
Password: aka2012
*If you are a "Betwixt & Between" evening ticket holder only, scroll down to that section now.
To access the conference, click the link above to get to the “Conference Portal.” Please do not share this link, as it is reserved for paid participants. The first time you click on the link, you will receive a prompt to enter a site password - enter aka2012 (the password is case sensitive). Your browser may prompt you to save this password. If you select yes and save the password, this may make it easier to navigate the site during the conference. After entering the password, you will now be able to view the "Conference Portal." The Conference Portal is open and available for cruising! Under the "Conference Portal" tab you will see other tabs of interest:
Conference Portal Main Page: You will find handy, quick links to the other areas of the conference: Evening sessions, Speakers, Session Descriptions, Schedule, Exhibitor Hall, Sponsors, Presentation Resources & Handouts, Book Table, CEUs & Attendance Certificates, Volunteer Lounge, Betwixt & Between, & @ghostkingdom. These make navigating the conference quick and easy between sessions. There is also a conference schedule located on this page. You can also navigate to the individual tabs in the side or drop-down menu depending on how you are accessing the conference, via computer or mobile.
Schedule and Zoom Links tab: This is the most important tab for most conference-goers. We will be using Zoom for all of the conference events. When it is time to attend the presentation, this is where you will find the Zoom link to join the live meeting. Find the time, presentation name and click the Zoom link next to it. Remember, all times listed on Central Time Zone.
CEU & Certificate of Attendance Tab: If you are earning CEUs or a Certificate of attendance, do not forget to visit our "CEU & Attendance Certificate" section of the website. You will find all the forms and instructions needed to insure you earn your needed credit. You will need to follow these instructions for both in-person and recorded content. If you are not from Texas, we encourage you to reach out to your state certification board for your state's requirements before the conference. We also recommend you log-in to the Conference Portal area a few days prior to the conference and print or save the Tracking Sheet so you have it handy during the conference to keep track of which sessions you attended.
A few more things to remember for CEU & Attendance Certificate earners:
- Please make sure your Zoom profile lists the name on your license or, for certificates, the name your agency will recognize.
- For some states, you must attend the live session to earn CEUs. Please check with your state's certification board before the conference.
- You must turn in the CEU Tracking Sheet with all information filled out following the conference in order to receive a CEU certificate. Directions on how to turn them in can be found on the CEU tracking sheet.
- CEU and certificate of attendance earners need to complete the workshop evaluation form for each of the workshops attended in order to earn CEUs/certificates. the links for the survey will be given at the end of each session presentation in the Zoom chat box.
Betwixt & Between: Friday's Theatrical Play Reading with Maggie Gallant & Co tab: This performance and cast talkback is included in your conference admission. We also have the option for the general public to purchase a stand-alone, Friday evening only ticket to the show. Please invite your friends and family! You can find the event information and stand-alone ticket purchase information on our website, or on our Facebook page. If you only have a stand-alone ticket to the Friday night show, you can click the Betwixt and Between tab under the Conference Portal and access the show from there. The password is aka2012 (it is case sensitive).
Exhibit Hall tab: Please visit our Exhibit Hall! These are steadfast AKA supporters who help keep the conference affordable and accessible year after year. You will find information on each exhibitor as well as links to their resources. If you would like to be included as an exhibitor, please reach out to [email protected] ASAP. .
@ghostkingdom Movie Pass: Adoption Knowledge Affiliates & Brian Stanton are excited to offer an exciting opportunity to watch the riveting film, @ghostkingdom during the week of AKA's virtual conference. The movie passes are available for purchase for $10, with the movie viewable October 31-November 6, 2021. Click here to purchase a pass. A Q&A discussion with Brian Stanton will take place on Saturday evening as part of the regular conference line-up. All conference registrants are welcome.
Where to Find Assistance During the Conference:
- Phone number for technical assistance on day of the conference: 512-553-AKA0 (2520)
- Technical issues with accessing the conference: Alex Reece, [email protected]
- Questions about conference access, content, CEUs & certificates: Ty Cliffel, [email protected]
- Questions about conference access, sponsorship, and AKA programs: Marci Purcell [email protected]
See you tomorrow!
Ty Cliffel, AKA Board Member, Conference Chair
Marci Purcell, Exec. Dir., Conference Committee
Conference Planning Committee Members
ps. if you lose this email, you can find it and other conference updates here. Be sure to bookmark this link.
Access to Conference - Important information for attending the Elevation: Voices in Adoption & Foster Care Virtual Conference
Hello conference registrants!
One Week left until Elevation: Voices in Adoption & Foster Care virtual conference. We've changed things up a bit from last year's conference so please read on for several things that will help make your attendance and experience at the conference a positive one.
How to Access and Navigate the Conference Sessions and Information
Link: https://www.adoptionknowledge.org/2021-conference-portal.html
Password: aka2012
*If you are a "Betwixt & Between" evening ticket holder only, scroll down to that section now.
To access the conference, click the link above to get to the “Conference Portal.” Please do not share or post this link, as it is reserved for paid participants. The first time you click on the link, you will receive a prompt to enter a site password - enter aka2012 (the password is case sensitive). Your browser may prompt you to save this password. If you select yes and save the password, this may make it easier to navigate the site during the conference. After entering the password, you will now be able to view the "Conference Portal." The Conference Portal is open and available for cruising! Under the "Conference Portal" tab you will see other tabs of interest:
Conference Portal Main Page: You will find handy quick links to the other areas of the conference: Evening sessions, Speakers, Session Descriptions, Schedule, Exhibitor Hall, Sponsors, Presentation Resources & Handouts, Book Table, CEUs & Attendance Certificates, Volunteer Lounge. These make navigating the conference quick and easy between sessions. There is also a conference schedule located on this page. You can also navigate to the individual tabs in the side or drop-down menu depending on how you are accessing the conference, via computer or mobile.
Schedule and Zoom Links tab: This is the most important tab for most conference-goers. We will be using Zoom for all of the conference events. When it is time to attend the workshop, this is where you will find the Zoom link to join the live meeting.
CEU & Certificate of Attendance Tab: If you are earning CEUs or a Certificate of attendance, do not forget to visit our "CEU & Attendance Certificate" section of the website. You will find all the forms and instructions needed to insure you earn your needed credit. If you are not from Texas, we encourage you to reach out to your state certification board for your state's requirements before the conference. We also recommend you log-in to the Conference Portal area a few days prior to the conference and print or save the Tracking Sheet so you have it handy during the conference to keep track of which sessions you attended.
A few more things to remember for CEU & Attendance Certificate earners:
- Please make sure your Zoom profile lists the name on your license or, for certificates, the name your agency will recognize.
- For some states, you must attend the live session to earn CEUs. Please check with your state's certification board before the conference.
- You must turn in the CEU Tracking Sheet with all information filled out following the conference in order to receive a CEU certificate. Directions on how to turn them in can be found on the CEU tracking sheet.
- CEU and certificate of attendance earners need to complete the workshop evaluation form for each of the workshops attended in order to earn CEUs/certificates. the links for the survey will be given at the end of each session presentation in the Zoom chat box.
Betwixt & Between: Friday's Theatrical Play Reading with Maggie Gallant & Co tab: This performance and cast talkback is included in your conference admission. We also have the option for the general public to purchase a stand-alone, Friday evening only ticket to the show. Please invite your friends and family! You can find the event information and stand-alone ticket purchase information on our website, or on our Facebook page. If you only have a stand-alone ticket to the Friday night show, you can click the Betwixt and Between tab under the Conference Portal and access the show from there. The password is aka2012 (it is case sensitive).
Exhibit Hall tab: Please visit our Exhibit Hall! These are steadfast AKA supporters who help keep the conference affordable and accessible year after year. You will find information on each exhibitor as well as links to their resources. If you would like to be included as an exhibitor, please reach out to [email protected] ASAP. .
@ghostkingdom Movie Pass: Adoption Knowledge Affiliates & Brian Stanton are excited to offer an exclusive opportunity to watch the riveting film, @ghostkingdom during the week of AKA's virtual conference. The movie passes are available to registrants for purchase for $10, with the movie viewable October 31-November 6, 2021. A Q&A discussion with Brian Stanton will take place on Saturday evening as part of the regular conference line-up. All conference registrants are welcome.
Where to Find Assistance During the Conference
- Technical issues with accessing the conference: Alex Reece, [email protected]
- Questions about conference access, content, CEUs & certificates: Ty Cliffel, [email protected]
- Questions about conference access, sponsorship, and AKA programs: Marci Purcell [email protected]
- Phone numbers for assistance on day of the conference: (512) 658-5710, (512) 944-6804, (216) 496-6654
See you on Friday!
The Conference Planning Committee
ps. if you lose this email, you can find it and other conference updates here. Be sure to bookmark this link.
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