2026 MASS Self-Advocacy Conference

Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Sheraton Norwood meet with self-advocate peers +make your IDEAS count! Registration ends Tuesday, October 6
About this Event

Join us for a day of advocacy, friendship, and fun at the MASS Annual Self-Advocacy Conference! Learn from your peers, network with fellow self-advocates, and make Your IDEAS Count!

Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 9am - 4:30pm

Registration closes completely on Tuesday, October 6. No walk-ins, you must register to attend. Questions, or need to pay another way? Email [email protected] for more information.

Want to Sponsor or Exhibit at the Conference? Click here to submit a sponsorship or exhibitor application: https://www.wearemass.org/sponsorship

This year's Keynote Speaker is Beth Kollett!

Additional Conference Information Coming Soon...

Raffle

Buy your tickets during the conference and try to win a prize!

Prizes include gift cards to restaurants across Massachusetts, vouchers for bowling and mini-golf, tickets to sports events and theaters, and so much more!

Agenda

🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Sponsor and Exhibitor Check-in 
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
General Attendee Check-in and Nametags - Meet & Greet
🕑: 09:05 AM - 09:50 AM
Welcome Photo Booth, Meet & Greet
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Start and Opening Welcome, Sponsor and Special Guest thank you and recognition
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:35 AM
Keynote Speaker, (30 min) ---
🕑: 10:35 AM - 10:50 AM
Awards Part 1 (15 min)

Info: The Craig Smith Spirit Award, The Judi Rodger Mentorship Award, The Janet Laperle Encouragement Award, the MDDC/MASS Sandra Houghton Self-Advocate of The Year Award

🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:00 AM
10 minutes to walk to workshops and exhibitors and to purchase raffle tickets
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:40 AM
Workshop Block 1
🕑: 11:40 AM - 11:50 AM
Walking back to the main ballroom 
🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:20 PM
Buddy Bingo Networking + Raffle and Exhibitor Tables
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch (1 hour)
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Awards Part 2 and Announcements

Info: Gunnar Dybwad Supporter Award, Nancy Maynard Leadership Award, The Alfred “Big Al” Daigle LGBTQ+ Community Support Award, The John Gibbons Rainbow Group of the Year, The Pauline Bosma LGBTQ+ Leadership Award

🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Question & Answer (Q&A) with DDS.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:10 PM
Walking to Workshop Block 2
🕑: 02:10 PM - 02:50 PM
Workshop Block #2
🕑: 02:50 PM - 03:00 PM
Walking to Workshop Block 3
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:40 PM
Workshop Block 3
🕑: 03:40 PM - 04:00 PM
Photobooth, Exhibitors, Raffle
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Final Raffle Draw (winners mailed out if not present)