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The National Self-Direction Conference
Logo: The National Self-Direction Conference. Features postcard that reads meet us in Minnesota

The National Self-Direction Conference

Wed, May 27, 2026 - Fri, May 29, 2026

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The National Self-Direction Conference

McNamara Alumni Center
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN

Join us for the premier gathering for self-direction professionals, advocates, and stakeholders!

This is the only national conference dedicated entirely to self-direction. Every session, every conversation, and every connection is focused on advancing choice and control for people with disabilities and older adults.

Who You Will Meet

We bring together

• People with lived experience

• State Medicaid officials & program administrators

• Financial Management Services (FMS) providers

• Managed Care Organizations

• National policy experts

• Direct service providers and consultants

• Researchers

How We're Evolving: 2026 & Beyond 

New Location

→ We're bringing the conference to a fresh venue that better serves our growing community

Annual In-Person Commitment

→ Moving to an annual in-person event that rotates nationwide

Enhanced Community Involvement

→ Expanded planning committee representation to ensure the conference reflects diverse perspectives

Extended Programming

→ Additional intensive sessions focusing on emerging trends and challenges

Know Before You Go  

Couldn't make our Know Before You Go orientation? We've got you. 📺

The recording is live — 45 minutes with SDC co-founders walking you through what to expect at the conference. We cover the conference format and session types, what's new and exciting in the program this year, and the community networking events we've built in to help you connect with colleagues from across the country.

Watch the recap on our YouTube Channel.

At A Glance 

Three days of programming, networking, and collaboration

Wednesday, May 27

• Opening plenary luncheon

• Intensive sessions 

• Welcome reception

Thursday, May 28

• Full day programming

• Exhibitor reception

• Karaoke night • Silent disco

Friday, May 29

• Morning breakout sessions

• Hackathon

• Early release by 2 PM

What Attendees Are Saying 

“Every year I leave with new ideas, partnerships, and a renewed sense of purpose.”

“You can’t quantify the knowledge and energy you get from this conference. Talking with people from other states helps you learn what works — and what doesn’t.” 

““Lively exchanges occur in workshops, hallways, and after-hours, fostering dynamic experiences and connections with like-minded individuals.”

“It's priceless knowledge that you can't get any other way”

Our Sponsors 

Whether you want to host an unforgettable evening or expand access for all participants, your sponsorship helps make this national gathering possible — and demonstrates your leadership in advancing self-direction.

Contact Brenda Vitale at brenda@selfdirectioncenter.org for a copy of the Sponsorship and Exhibitor Prospectus. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, whose generous support make this conference amazing! 

Diamond
Consumer Direct Care Network logo
Diamond
GT Independence logo
Diamond
Tempus Unlimited, Inc. logo
Diamond
FEI Systems logo
Gold
HHAeXchange logo
Gold
Mains'l logo
Gold
Best Care logo
Gold
Uber Health logo
Gold
Morning Sun Financial Services logo
Gold
Lyft logo
Gold
Orion Intermediary Services Organization logo
Gold
PPL logo
Silver
eVero logo
SIlver
AssuranceSD logo
Silver
iLife logo
Silver
Palco logo
Silver
Minnesota Department of Human Services logo
Silver
CYMA Payroll Software logo
Bronze
Centene  logo
Bronze
Consumer Directions logo
Bronze
Acumen Fiscal Agent logo
Bronze
NorthRisk Partners logo
Bronze
Therap logo
Bronze
Tenderheart Health Outcomes logo
Bronze
GoGo logo
Expanding Access Travel Grant
HSRI logo
Expanding Access Travel Award
Values into Action logo
Expanding Access Travel Award
Trualta logo

Countdown

the self-direction center logo

The National Self-Direction Conference is a program of The Self-Direction Center, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening self-direction through collaboration, community, and collective action nationwide.

@2025 The Self-Direction Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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