Purchase your ticket to RISE Summit 2025 here!
(All ticket sales are final as of 9/1/25)
ABOUT RISE
An unparalleled conference experience tailored for special needs families, where support, education, and connection come together in a truly unique setting.
The RISE Summit is meticulously designed for families and caregivers committed to the well-being of their loved ones with disabilities. In a unique approach, this Summit will support caregivers of individuals with any disability. Elevating the experience, nationally recognized experts will share their insights, offering a diverse range of crucial discussions on up-to-date information and best practices in the field. This Summit not only serves as an invaluable source of knowledge but also provides families with a unique opportunity to connect and build a supportive community with others who share similar journeys.
What will can Summit Attendees expect? The conference will have nine breakout sessions, which will cover:
RISE Summit will not only support the families in attendance of the Summit, but will also serve as a fundraiser for Puzzle Pieces, an Owensboro-based nonprofit that serves more than 400 clients with intellectual disabilities. Through social and vocational programs, residential living, behavioral services, supported employment and the region’s only targeted autism programming, Puzzle Pieces mission is to create independent, meaningful lives for those with disabilities.
WHAT MAKES THIS SUMMIT UNIQUE
WHOLE-LIFE APPROACH
The Summit will emphasize a comprehensive perspective on topics relevant to families raising children or adults with disabilities, transcending specific disability categories.
DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES
Panels will feature insights not only from experts in the field but also from siblings and fellow parents, providing a well-rounded understanding of the challenges faced by families.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
The Summit will facilitate social gatherings, fostering connections among parents and caregivers, creating a supportive network akin to a village.
ACCESSIBLE CHILDCARE
Specialized and trained childcare services will be provided, tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities, enabling parents and caregivers to actively participate in Summit sessions.
KEYNOTE EXCELLENCE
The Summit will feature keynote speaker Kate Swenson, a best-selling author, whose compelling insights will draw attendees from afar, enriching the Summit experience and inspiring meaningful connections within the community.
The RISE Summit is meticulously designed for families and caregivers committed to the well-being of their loved ones with disabilities. In a unique approach, this Summit will support caregivers of individuals with any disability. Elevating the experience, nationally recognized experts will share their insights, offering a diverse range of crucial discussions on up-to-date information and best practices in the field. This Summit not only serves as an invaluable source of knowledge but also provides families with a unique opportunity to connect and build a supportive community with others who share similar journeys.
What will can Summit Attendees expect? The conference will have nine breakout sessions, which will cover:
- Creative Approaches to Long-Term Living
- Future Planning
- Marriage and Relationships in Special Needs Families
- Siblings’ Perspective Panel
...and more to come!
RISE Summit will not only support the families in attendance of the Summit, but will also serve as a fundraiser for Puzzle Pieces, an Owensboro-based nonprofit that serves more than 400 clients with intellectual disabilities. Through social and vocational programs, residential living, behavioral services, supported employment and the region’s only targeted autism programming, Puzzle Pieces mission is to create independent, meaningful lives for those with disabilities.
WHAT MAKES THIS SUMMIT UNIQUE
WHOLE-LIFE APPROACH
The Summit will emphasize a comprehensive perspective on topics relevant to families raising children or adults with disabilities, transcending specific disability categories.
DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES
Panels will feature insights not only from experts in the field but also from siblings and fellow parents, providing a well-rounded understanding of the challenges faced by families.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
The Summit will facilitate social gatherings, fostering connections among parents and caregivers, creating a supportive network akin to a village.
ACCESSIBLE CHILDCARE
Specialized and trained childcare services will be provided, tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities, enabling parents and caregivers to actively participate in Summit sessions.
KEYNOTE EXCELLENCE
The Summit will feature keynote speaker Kate Swenson, a best-selling author, whose compelling insights will draw attendees from afar, enriching the Summit experience and inspiring meaningful connections within the community.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
RISE SUMMIT SCHEDULE
Friday, September 19, 2025
The VIP Package offers a full day of connection and inspiration on Friday, September 19. It begins with small group tours of Puzzle Pieces, followed by a Q&A panel with the agency’s directors and a guided gratitude journaling workshop. Attendees will have time to explore downtown Owensboro and meet other families before the evening’s Rise & Connect event at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers with a champagne toast, hear a mini-keynote from Amanda Owen, and experience a powerful panels focused on marriage and caregiving and then an intimate Q&A featuring special guest Jess Ronne of the Lucas Project.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
The RISE Summit takes place Saturday, September 20, and is designed to inspire, inform, and connect caregivers. The day begins with a light breakfast during registration, followed by a keynote presentation from author Jess Ronne of The Lucas Project. Attendees will engage in powerful breakout sessions led by experts in the special needs field, with a mid-day break for lunch, vendor exhibits, and more. The day wraps with a heartfelt closing and transitions into Summit After Hours, a festive evening of networking, tacos, and drinks at an adjacent hotel—an opportunity to relax and connect with speakers and fellow attendees.
The VIP Package offers a full day of connection and inspiration on Friday, September 19. It begins with small group tours of Puzzle Pieces, followed by a Q&A panel with the agency’s directors and a guided gratitude journaling workshop. Attendees will have time to explore downtown Owensboro and meet other families before the evening’s Rise & Connect event at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers with a champagne toast, hear a mini-keynote from Amanda Owen, and experience a powerful panels focused on marriage and caregiving and then an intimate Q&A featuring special guest Jess Ronne of the Lucas Project.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
The RISE Summit takes place Saturday, September 20, and is designed to inspire, inform, and connect caregivers. The day begins with a light breakfast during registration, followed by a keynote presentation from author Jess Ronne of The Lucas Project. Attendees will engage in powerful breakout sessions led by experts in the special needs field, with a mid-day break for lunch, vendor exhibits, and more. The day wraps with a heartfelt closing and transitions into Summit After Hours, a festive evening of networking, tacos, and drinks at an adjacent hotel—an opportunity to relax and connect with speakers and fellow attendees.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Our cancellation policy is as follows:
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to the event will be refunded 50% of the total purchase price.
Cancellations 29 days or less will not be refunded, and the ticket becomes a charitable donation to Puzzle Pieces.
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to the event will be refunded 50% of the total purchase price.
Cancellations 29 days or less will not be refunded, and the ticket becomes a charitable donation to Puzzle Pieces.
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
|
Home2 Suites by Hilton
Home2 Suites by Hilton is Owensboro's newest hotel, which is set to open in June 2025. Guests enjoy pet-friendly suites, complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and an indoor pool to complete their stay. This hotel is conveniently across from the Owensboro Convention Center. Many Owensboro attractions are just a few steps away, including the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, Smothers Park and over 20 restaurants. |
|
Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront
The Holiday Inn – Owensboro Riverfront is located on the banks of the Ohio River next door to the Owensboro Convention Center, just a short walk away from attractions, shopping, dining, and nightlife in the vibrant river walk scene. The hotel boasts a full-service restaurant and catering service, provided by Burger Theory, and an outdoor living space that offers a spectacular riverbank experience. |
RISE SUMMIT DETAILS |