25th Annual START Conference: Building on the Past and Designing the Future
May 4, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lansing Center, 333 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
This year marks 25 years of the START Project, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! We are celebrating every path, empowering every voice, and building inclusive futures where all students belong, are valued, and can shape their own journey.
Join us for the 25th Annual START Conference, featuring Shelley Moore, Elizabeth Biggs, and Mateo Moreno, presenters who champion inclusion, belonging, and meaningful change.
Let’s celebrate 25 years of impact and look ahead to the next 25!
Shelley Moore, Ph.D.
Elizabeth E. Biggs, Ph.D.
Mateo Moreno
Registration Information
START is pleased to offer both an in-person and virtual option for the 25th Annual START Conference.
In-Person
- Standard; In-Person: $135
- Student; In-Person (Individual should be an active student and not employed full-time) - $30
- Parent or family member of a child with a disability; In-Person: $75
- START also offers a scholarship to assist families in attending our conference.
Virtual
- Standard; Virtual $100
- Student; Virtual (Individual should be an active student and not employed full-time) - $30
- Parent or family member of a child with a disability; Virtual: $75
- START also offers a scholarship to assist families in attending our conference.
- Out of State; Virtual: $135
- Team Viewing; Virtual:
- 6-10 people: $500
- 11-20 people: $800
- 21-50 people: $1,200
- 51 people and over: $2,500
Agenda
START is thrilled to feature three keynote presentations at the Conference. View the Conference agenda here.
Session Descriptions
View the session descriptions here.
Lodging
DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing, 111 North Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933
- Rate: $139
- Discounted rate is available until April 3, 2026.
- To make a room reservation:
- Visit DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing
- Select the room type, complete the Hotel Booking Form, and confirm the check-in and check-out date.
- Enter your information and email address.
- Input your credit card information.
- Click the “Make Reservation” button and your reservation will be sent to the Hotel.
- OR call 1-833-904-2206
- Mention that you are part of the "2026 START Conference" group.
- Provide the code “903” to receive the discounted group rate.
- Visit DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing
Venue and Parking
Venue:
The 25th Annual START Conference will be held at the Lansing Center (333 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933).
Parking:
Please be advised that parking will be at your own expense. Detailed parking information is coming soon.
Family Scholarship
The START Project is pleased to offer a scholarship to Michigan family members of a person with a disability, to cover the cost of registration for the 25th Annual START Conference on May 4, 2026.
To be considered for this scholarship, please complete and submit this form. You will receive notification of a decision within 10 days of submission of a completed application.
If you are awarded a scholarship, you will be registered for the Conference automatically; please do not register separately from the submission of this form.
Please note: the number of scholarships is limited, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If you are awarded a scholarship, you may be asked to complete a short survey regarding your experience following the Conference.
Continuing Education Credits
START is offering State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) at the Conference (pending application approval). Information and instructions will be provided to registrants prior to the conference. More information is coming soon.
Lansing Area Information
Coming soon!