Building Hope for Children Conference in South Carolina
Building Hope for Children Conference 2026
August 19-20, 2026
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who made the Building Hope for Children conference in Columbia, SC an unforgettable success! Together, we truly brought the Promise of Hope and Power of Prevention to life.
Keep the Momentum Going
- See You in 2028: Since we gather every two years, we are taking this time to carry this vital mission forward until our next event.
- Stay in the Loop: Dates and location details will be shared as planning gets underway.
Be the first to know!
Sign up for our newsletter today to stay connected with our community and get exclusive updates for 2028.
Important Update
Continuing Education Certificate
Mid-Carolina AHEC, Inc. has started emailing Continuing Education Certificates (CEUs).
Sender: certificates@simplecert.net
Subject Line: “New Certificate Assigned!”
Please check your spam or junk folder, as corporate firewalls sometimes block these automated messages. Still haven’t received yours? If you have any concerns, please reach out directly to Tasha Jenkins.
Promise of Hope. Power of Prevention.
Hope sustains our commitment to prevention and healing. It reminds us that families can grow stronger, cycles of harm can be broken, and children can thrive when surrounded by the right support.
Join fellow professionals, advocates, and leaders for South Carolina’s Premier event for professionals committed to preventing child abuse and neglect. Held every other year, this event brings together experts, practitioners, non-profit leaders, social workers, and child advocates who work to shape the future of child and family well-being across the state.
What to Expect?
At this year’s conference, you will:
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Explore innovative, evidence-based prevention strategies
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Learn from experts and peers advancing family strengthening initiatives
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Build partnerships that expand impact across communities
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Leave re-energized, equipped and inspired for your work that can be demanding and emotionally heavy
Who Should Attend?
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this conference is tailored for those working in local non-profits, community-based organizations, child welfare, education, healthcare, mental health, childcare and faith-based organizations.
Grounded by hope and driven by action, be a part of the movement that fuels prevention, strengthens systems and transforms lives.
Schedule and Sessions
Keynote and Plenary Speakers
Chan Hellman
Ph.D.
Keynote Speaker
Professor, University of Oklahoma and Director, Hope Research Center
Alex J. Adams
Pharm.D., MPH
Plenary Speaker
Assistant Secretary for Family Support, Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Sponsor the Conference
Join us as a conference sponsor to gain visibility for your organization while uplifting South Carolina’s child- and family-serving professionals. Multiple packages are available to fit your budget. Your support will help attendees hone their skills and strengthen their commitment to this important work.
Sponsorship Opportunities (PDF) ›
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
Exhibit at the Conference
Exhibitor space is available for a nominal fee for organizations seeking to connect directly with prevention professionals and community leaders. Interested in nonprofit/government pricing or have questions? Please email Jennifer Haley
August 18
Pre-Conference Funded Partner Gathering
The first day features an exclusive pre-conference gathering for Children’s Trust funded partners, focusing on strengthening collaboration, strategy and partnerships, laying the foundation for the next two powerful days of learning and inspiration. Our pre-conference sessions are invitation-only.
Attendees with questions should contact their Children’s Trust program coordinator.
Join Us on Our Official Event App!
We’re using Whova as our official event app. Download the app and join our event to:
- Personalize your agenda
- Receive event updates and notifications
- Connect with other attendees
- Create and join meet-ups
Scan this QR Code to download the conference app.
Use the web app on your laptop during the conference. Enter your email address associated with your registration. Web App Login ›
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
OPT-In Partners
For More Information
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