April 18–21, 2027
Symposium Agenda
Kalahari Resort & Convention Center · Spotsylvania, Virginia
The Venue
Kalahari Resort & Convention Center
1 Kalahari Blvd, Spotsylvania, Virginia 22553
Kalahari Resort in Spotsylvania, Virginia offers a full-service convention center with breakout rooms, plenary halls, and on-site accommodations — giving attendee everything they need to work, collaborate, and rest under one roof.
Lodging
Alternate Lodging Option
Tru by Hilton — Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania
Less than a 5-minute drive from Kalahari Resort
For attendees who prefer an alternative to on-site accommodations, the Tru by Hilton offers modern, comfortable rooms at a competitive rate just minutes from the convention center. A great option for those booking late or traveling without extended family. This hotel stay includeds breakfast but not admission to the Kalahari resort amenties like the amazing Waterpark.
Sunday, April 18
Arrival & ReceptionAttendees arrive, register, and connect. The evening sets the tone: and is meant for an evening of relaxation, restoration and empowerment.
Attendees Registration & Check-In
LogisticsPick up your credentials, attendee packets, and state team assignments. Meet the volunteer teams.
Welcome Reception
NetworkingAn informal welcome gathering for atteendees, families, and advocates to connect before the work begins. Light refreshments provided. This is the moment to find your people. Meet your state team, your coalition partners, your fellow families.
Opening Plenary: Hour of Empowerment
PlenaryFeatures a live speaker and mass choir from various states. An opening ceremony honoring the families whose losses brought us to this room. A spoken word by Bishop Robin Atwater and a charge to the Attendees.
Monday, April 19
Evidence, Law & StrategyThe core working day. Attendees move through workshops on forensic evidence, legislative drafting, and coalition strategy.
Continental Breakfast & State Team Huddles
NetworkingFuel up and align with your state delegation before the day's sessions begin.
Ringing of the Bell - Panel Discussion: The foundation and charge of what needs to happen over the next 2 days - Legislator Orientation
KeynoteTop leaders walk attendees through the mechanisms of state legeslative change, how it can happen, what it can look like if done correctly.
Workshop A: Drafting Reclassification Legislation
WorkshopHands-on session with legislative drafters. Delegates review model bill language, identify state-specific barriers, and leave with a draft framework for their home state.
Workshop B: Building Your Advocacy Coalition
WorkshopParallel track. Strategies for recruiting legislators, faith communities, medical examiners, and media to the cause.
Lunch Break
LogisticsIn Room Box Lunch and informal networking continues.
Breakout: State-by-State Legislative Mapping
BreakoutEach state delegation maps current bill status, key committee assignments, and priority targets for the upcoming session.
Evening Keynote
NetworkingAn enlightening evening as a nationally recognized keynote, and a headline making impacted family share remarks .
Tuesday, April 20
Legislators & CommitmentsElected officials join the symposium. Delegates present their asks. Commitments are made on the record.
Continental Breakfast and Briefing
LogisticsFuel up and align with your state delegation before the day's sessions begin.
Joint Plenary: Families & Legislators Together
PlenaryTBD
Working Session: State Commitment Meetings
Working SessionTBD
Lunch Break
NetworkingIn Room Box Lunch and informal networking continues.
Workshop: Media, Messaging & Public Narrative
WorkshopTBD
Free Time
Plenary.
Evening of Remembrance
PlenaryA candlelit memorial for all families. An enlightening evening as a nationally recognized keynote, and a headline making impacted family share remarks .
Wednesday, April 21
Action Plans & DepartureAttendees leave with concrete action plans, assigned accountability partners, and a follow-up schedule. Wednesday begins and ends with a ceremonial bell ringing.
Ceremonial Bell Ringing
PlenaryTop legislators from multiple states join families for a ceremonial bell ringing — one toll for each state represented, marking the opening of the final day and the commitment to carry this work home.
Action Planning Workshop
WorkshopEach state delegation finalizes its 90-day action plan: bill targets, sponsor outreach, coalition expansion, and media strategy. Plans are submitted to the FACTS coordinating team.
Closing Plenary: The Work Continues
PlenaryClosing remarks from organizers and a charge from a family member. Accountability partners assigned.
Departure
LogisticsSafe travels. The work begins when you get home.
Reserve Your Place
Space is limited. Register now to secure your attendee credentials and hotel room block rate.