Join us on March 5 & 6, 2027, for two days of learning, connection, and inspiration centered around this year’s theme:

Bridging the Gap: Transforming Uncertainty into Opportunities

The Connect Conference brings together caregivers, parents, social workers, counselors, educators, behavioral health professionals, and community partners who are committed to strengthening outcomes for youth and families.

Together, we’ll explore how we can bridge gaps in understanding, connection, and support while transforming uncertainty into opportunities for growth, resilience, healing, and meaningful change.

Whether you are looking to expand your professional knowledge, gain practical tools for supporting children and families, connect with others in the field, or share your own expertise, Connect 2027 offers opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

Event Highlights

  • Two days of engaging learning focused on strengthening youth, families, and communities.
  • Professional development and continuing education opportunities for professionals across child welfare, behavioral health, education, and related fields.
  • Practical tools and strategies that can be applied in your work and everyday interactions with youth and families.
  • Meaningful networking and collaboration with caregivers, parents, professionals, and community leaders.
  • Opportunities to share and learn from diverse voices and experiences across the field.

GET INVOLVED

Interested in Sponsoring?
Help us create an impactful conference for the caregivers and professionals who support youth and families.

 

 

 

Want to Share Your Expertise?
Submit a proposal to present at Connect 2027 and share your knowledge, experience, and innovative ideas with our conference community.

Registration is now open. Reserve your seats today. Early – bird registration ends 2/26/2027

For questions, contact us at training@focusonyouth.com for further inquiries. We look forward to hosting you!

 

 

EVENT DETAILS 

 

Introducing our 2027 Keynote Speakers, Beth Guckenberger and Kim Botto

Meet our 2027 Keynotes Speakers, Beth Guckenberger and Kim Botto!

Beth Guckenberger and her husband, Todd, serve as Co-Executive Directors of Back2Back Ministries, an international organization dedicated to serving orphaned and vulnerable children. After graduating from Indiana University, they moved to Monterrey, Mexico, where they lived for 15 years. That season shaped their hearts, their home, and their calling. Between biological, adopted, and foster children, Beth and Todd have raised eleven children.

Beth is the author of twenty books, including adult and children’s titles. She travels and speaks regularly at conferences, youth gatherings, and church services about reckless faith. Her firsthand experiences as a missionary, mother, Bible teacher, and nonprofit leader inform every message she delivers.

 

Kim Botto is a National speaker, author, trainer, and ministry leader with extensive experience in children and family ministry, organizational leadership, and nonprofit development. She provides training nationally and internationally, specializing in trauma-informed practices, neurodivergence, disability inclusion, adoption and foster care, and understanding challenging behavior. Her approach to teaching equips leaders to create environments where every child feels safe, seen, and supported through practical, research-informed strategies and professional development.

 

You won’t want to miss these incredible speakers, register today to join us on March 5th and 6th, 2027!