2025
ALIGN
CONFERENCE

Strengthening Today, Building Tomorrow
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THE QUICK DETAILS

17th Annual Conference

KEYNOTES

Four Presentations!
Four keynote presentations where our keynote speakers will grace the stage at the years' Conference!
MEET THEM

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

18 Session Options
This year, we are pleased to offer 18 different sessions over our two Conference days.
LEARN MORE

TICKETS

Three Ticket Options
  • Early Bird - Ends December 20
  • 1-Day
  • 2-Day

Prefer to be invoiced? Not a problem!

Final ticket sales will end on
January 20, 2025.

PURCHASE

WHEN

January 23 & 24, 2025
Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m. daily.
SCHEDULE

WHERE

Fantasyland Hotel Ballroom
We begin in the main ballroom and then move to the breakout sessions in the salons.
MORE INFO

HOTEL

Fantasyland Hotel
17700 87 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB
T5T 4V4
HOTEL INFO

ABOUT ALIGN'S CONFERENCE

ENGAGEMENT & LEARNING

We know that we will have another exceptional lineup of presenters who will stimulate our learning and our ability to help children and families. As importantly, the conference is an opportunity to reconnect with each other and renew our commitment to our work, and our compassion for those we serve. Most of all, celebrate what you do and the impact you have.

STRENGTHENING TODAY, BUILDING TOMORROW

Our Annual Conference has become a key event in our calendar, both literally and figuratively. Figuratively, in that it is a part of our identity as an Association. This is particularly so given the theme of our Conference, “Strengthening Today, Building Tomorrow.” What this means is that we are present and future focused, and that we possess both strengths, and a vision for the future, just like our kids and families. These strengths and vision are essential to our sector, for we are, and will be, surrounded by change. Our strengths and vision will sustain us, and make us leaders in supporting the wellness of our Province’s children and families.

ALIGN'S HISTORY

16+

Conferences

55+

Years Experience

97+

Member Organizations

8

Team Members

ALIGN Association of Community Services (Formerly AASCF) has over 55 years of experience and wisdom; we are experts in leading practices in the sector. The community, teaching institutions, the Government of Alberta and other associations recognize us for our expertise across the province. Our leadership and participation on important issues involving our sector are constantly in demand. With our shared experience and wisdom we act as a central hub for our members to share information, research and resources. We are all working in one unified direction.

After 50 years as a catalyst for advancement in this sector, ALIGN is a respected source of knowledge and history about child and family services issues. In this professional field of practice, members look to ALIGN to offer leadership and training that builds front-line best practice and advances skills in executive leadership. ALIGN continually works with academic leaders and international experts to bring members innovative and impactful opportunities for capacity building.

ALIGN has a reputation for collaborating with government, academia and other professional practice organizations. ALIGN is frequently asked to represent the voices of children, families, and member organizations during policy, practice, and legislative discussions. We have welcomed the voice and leadership of the Indigenous community to collectively strengthen and implement services that promote positive, and healthy outcomes for clients. Our member’s programs and services, respect history and respond to many of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

ALIGN members hold approximately 80% of the Alberta Government contracts for front-line child intervention services. Additionally, our members are contracted to provide family support for children with disabilities, early intervention programs and programs for prevention of family violence. Organizations are selected for these contracts because they consistently deliver high-quality services at a competitive cost. Our membership provides strong leadership that is flexible and responsive to the changing landscape of life in Alberta. Proven business models, a focus on efficiency, professionalism, and a passion for our work enables members to achieve positive outcomes for vulnerable Albertans during good times and bad.

MEET THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

ALIGN is honoured to welcome our keynote speakers for our 17th Annual Conference!

Dr. Melanie Doucet

“The Equitable Standards for Transitions to Adulthood for Youth in Care: A First Voice-Led Solution Roadmap”

Thursday, January 23
9:15 A.M.

Stephanie van Beek

“The Legacy of Youth”

Thursday, January 23
1:15 P.M.

Rae Madge

"Two-Spirit / Indigiqueer Pasts & Presents"

Friday, January 24
9:00 A.M.

*Continue this conversation in Rae's Breakout Session C.4

Theland Kicknosway

Hoop Dancing &
Speaking Presentations

Friday, January 24
1:00 P.M.
LEARN ABOUT OUR KEYNOTES HERE

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

8:00 a.m.

Main Ballroom
Registration & Hot Breakfast
Welcome & Opening Prayer

8:45 a.m.

Main Ballroom

9:15 a.m.

Main Ballroom
Dr. Melanie Doucet

“The Equitable Standards for Transitions to Adulthood for Youth in Care: A First Voice-Led Solution Roadmap”
BREAK

10:00 a.m.

10:15 a.m.

Session A
A.1: Using AI to create a more inclusive world for individuals with disabilities.

A.2: My Journey through the child welfare system and beyond.

A.3: Gender Affirming Care For All!

A.4: Resilience Scale Masterclass,
Part 1.

A.5: Human Trafficking 101: Protecting our Youth From Exploitation.

A.6: Calling for Change.
LUNCH

12:00 p.m.

1:15 p.m.

Main Ballroom
Stephanie van Beek 

“The Legacy of Youth”
BREAK

2:15 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

Session B
B.1: AI and the Social Service Sector - Friend or Foe? How AI can transform the way we work and serve others.

B.2: Accreditation and Best Practice Leadership.

B.3: The Survey says: workers tells us about the state of child intervention.

B.4: Know Better, Do Better: A Lesson From Queer History.

B.5: Resilience Scale Masterclass, 
Part 2.

B.6: Finding your authentic self.

SPECIAL: Indigenous Cultural Helpers and Navigators - Reserved exclusively for Indigenous Cultural Helpers and Navigators within ALIGN's membership. We deeply appreciate our allies for honouring this space.
Door prizes
In order to claim your prize, you will need to be present at the time your name is called.

4:00 p.m.

Main Ballroom

4:15 p.m.

END OF DAY 1
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24
Main Ballroom

8:00 a.m.

Registration & Hot Breakfast

8:45 a.m.

Main Ballroom
Welcome & Opening Prayer
RAE MADGE!

"Two-Spirit / Indigiqueer Pasts & Presents"

*Continue this conversation in Rae's Breakout Session C.4

9:00 a.m.

Main Ballroom

10:00 a.m.

BREAK
C.1: Authenticity and Accessibility in the Digital Age.

How to educate and support your staff and equip your leadership to tell the story and mission of your organization with ease.

C.2: An Integrated Ethno-Cultural Mental Health Team: The Small and Large Changes Made to a Long-Standing Community Mental Health Team.

C.3: An Introduction to the Safe & Together Model™: Working Towards Becoming Domestic Violence Informed.

C.4: Two-Spirit / Indigiqueer Futures

C5: Building child and youth safe cultures through awareness raising and education.

C.6: Maximizing Your Ability to Meet Client Needs Through Workforce Planning

SPECIAL: Enhancing Workplace Safety: Collaborative Strategies for Health & Safety Professionals (OHS) - CCSA & ALIGN

10:15 a.m.

Session C

12:00 p.m.

Main Ballroom
LUNCH
Theland Kicknosway 

Hoop Dancing Presentation and Speaking Presentation

1:00 p.m.

Main Ballroom

2:30 p.m.

Main Ballroom
50/50, Door prizes & Closing
In order to claim your prize, you will need to be present at the time your name is called.
END OF DAY 2

2:45 p.m.

VIEW ALL BREAKOUT SESSIONS HERE

Quiet Room

A quiet space for you to recenter your being. Please silence cell phones and leave laptops closed.

We kindly ask you to respect the Elders who may be smudging in the space.

Thursday & Friday

Location: Salon 15

FANTASYLAND HOTEL

SPECIAL GUEST ROOM RATE - Limited

Call to book your room by January 3, 2025, to receive the discounted room rate of $179 +gst a night.

Individual reservations can be made by contacting the hotel Reservations Department directly at (780) 444-3000 or toll-free 1-800-RESERVE (737-3783). Callers MUST mention they are attending the 'ALIGN Association of Community Service Conference' to receive the special rate.

Space is limited, so book early!

 

HOTEL WEBSITE

TICKETS

ENDED 
DECEMBER 20, 2024

EARLY BIRD

$625
2-Day Ticket
--
GST Included
Service Fee applied at check-out

2-DAY

$735
2-Day Ticket
--
GST Included
Service Fee applied at check-out

1-Day

$499
1-Day Ticket
--
GST Included
Service Fee applied at check-out

INVOICE ME

Early Bird Until Dec 20
2-Day Ticket
1-Day Ticket
$625
$735
$499
DID YOU KNOW?

You can register for ALIGN'S 17TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND PICK, 'SEND ME AN INVOICE,' RIGHT FROM THE TICKET SITE!

- Register up to 50 people at once
- Pick your breakout sessions when registering
- No service fee
- Have an invoice sent to you
- Pay offline via cheque, EMT, CC
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
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