Conference Information:

Date: April 28, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Lansing Center, 333 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Theme: Empowering Students through Communications

We are excited to feature Keynote Sessions from Caroline Gaddy, MFA, MA, CCC-SLP and Ashley Larisey, MS, CCC-SLP/L, and afternoon breakout sessions focused on the following topics:

• Inclusive Literacy: Supporting Emergent Literacy Learners and AAC
• Effective & Engaging Professional Development When Training on AAC Implementation
• Give your Child the POWR to Communicate: Families Supporting Children with Complex Communication Needs
• Igniting Change: Your Role in Reimagining Education
• Get SETT for Success: Navigating AAC Decisions with the SETT Framework
• Why Did I Say That? An SLP Mom's Reflections on Communication in a Neurodiverse World
• And more!

Registration

Agenda

Session Descriptions

Lodging

Venue and Parking

Family Scholarship

Continuing Education Credits

Morning refreshments and lunch are included in the registration cost. 

The START Project offers a family member scholarship to assist parents and families in attending our conference. 

START is thrilled to feature two keynote presentations in the morning and breakout sessions in the afternoon at the Conference. View the Conference agenda here. 

View the session descriptions here.

• Courtyard by Marriott Lansing Downtown, 600 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan, 48912
  • Rate: $149
  • Call (888) 236-2427 or (517) 367-6677 and mention you are with the 2025 START Conference.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing, 111 North Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933
  • Rate: $134
  • To make a room reservation please visit DoubleTree By Hilton Lansing or call 1-833-904-2206 (mention that you are part of the START Conference group and provide reservations with the code “90M” to receive the discounted group rate).

Venue:

The 24th 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. Parking is available at the following locations:

• City of Lansing parking lots are located under and north of the Lansing Center. The rate is $2 per hour with a daily maximum of $10. Credit cards are accepted at the entrances and exits. To pay cash, visit one of the pay-on-foot machines available in the lobby of the Lansing Center and the parking level of the building.
• The North Grand parking ramp is adjacent to the Double Tree by Hilton Lansing. There is skybridge access to the Lansing Center available on the third level. The rate is $3 per hour with a daily maximum of $15. Cash and credit cards are accepted. 

The START Project offers a Family Scholarship to Michigan family members of a child with a disability, to cover the cost of registration for the START Conference. 

To be considered for this scholarship, please complete and submit an application. You will receive notification of a decision within 14 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 the application.

Application: coming soon!

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.

In addition, the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs scholarship assists families in attending conferences that relate to caring for their child with special needs. 

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.

25th Annual START Conference

Information for the 2026 START Conference is coming soon!

Information and materials from prior START Conferences