About this Event
Caregivers, Escape to a Weekend of Rest, Renewal, and Connection.
Immerse yourself fully in the Care for the Caregiver Retreat with our all-access three-day experience, designed to provide you with much needed support, connect you with community, and pour back into you.
Your journey begins Thursday evening with a special Welcome Reception, featuring appetizers, meaningful connection, and an inspiring opening message to set the tone for the days ahead.
On Friday, enjoy a full day of empowering programming including dynamic keynote speakers, a variety of breakout sessions, a continental breakfast and lunch, time to connect with vendors, and—of course—our legendary Friday night dance party you won’t want to miss.
We’ll conclude on Saturday with a stunning brunch at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, followed by a heartfelt and moving closing keynote that will leave you encouraged, seen, and inspired as you head home.
Plus, expect surprises, swag, bonus local experiences (like a music festival), and special touches throughout the weekend to make this retreat truly unforgettable.
NEW this year, for the dads!
We’re offering a modified dad’s experience ticket! Created especially for fathers, our Dad’s Experience Pass offers a meaningful, encouraging, and connection-filled way to be part of the Care for the Caregiver Retreat.
The "Dad Pass" special ticket includes, Thursday Evening Welcome Reception – Kick off the retreat with appetizers, socializing, and a powerful opening message alongside other families and caregivers.
Friday Morning Breakfast & Opening Keynote – Start the day refueled and inspired with our keynote session designed to encourage and uplift.Dad-Focused Breakout Session – A space created for dads to connect, share experiences, and gain practical tools and encouragement for the unique journey of fatherhood in the special needs community.
Optional Dad’s Night Out (Friday Evening) – Join other dads for a relaxed, fun, and pressure-free night out designed to build camaraderie and real connectionA meaningful experience designed to encourage, connect, and support dads in the caregiving journey.
One day tickets (Friday only) will be available as well.
We hope to see you all in Owensboro!
EVENT DETAILS
Start: Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 4:00 pm
End: Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 at 1:00 pm
*Start and end times are tentative right now.
Note: Many of the attendees will fly in on either Wednesday or Thursday morning and stay until Sunday while actual retreat programming is from Thursday evening to Saturday early afternoon.
Location: Owensboro Convention Center
501 West 2nd St.
Owensboro, KY 42301
Airport Information:
Owensboro–Daviess County Regional Airport (OWB): Approximately 3.8 miles away.
Evansville Regional Airport (EVV): About 29.2 miles away.
Louisville International Airport (SDF): Roughly 80.0 miles away. (Note that this airport may be busier due to the Kentucky Derby)
Nashville International Airport (BNA): Approximately 116.8 miles away.
Note: Flight times and prices will vary at different airports. The majority of folks will fly into Nashville and rent a car. It's an easy drive.
Hotel Information:
- Holiday Inn Downtown
Booking Link: CaregiversConference
Hotel Direct: 270-683-1111
Group Code: NCC
City Side - 25 kings, 23 doubles - $154
River Side - 13 kings, 16 doubles - $159
Address: 701 W 1st St, Owensboro, KY 42301 - Hampton Inn Downtown
Booking Link:Rates: $139/$159
Address: 401 W. 2nd St., Owensboro, KY 42301 - Home2 Suites
Booking Link : Rates: $164 (Mix of queens and kings)
Address: 560 W 2nd St, Owensboro, KY 42301
Speaker Information:
Jo-Ann and Jerry Turning of Bacon and Juiceboxes
Jo-Ann and Jerry Turning, the hearts and voices behind Bacon and Juiceboxes. From parenting in the autism world to bridging the gap between first responders and special needs families, their story, heart, and message are sure to encourage and uplift every caregiver in the room.
Authors, advocates, and the voices behind the beloved Bacon and Juiceboxes community—we cannot wait to welcome them! Jo-Ann and Jerry are sure to encourage, challenge, and pour into caregivers from all walks of life.
Amanda Griffith- Atkins
Amanda is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and author of How to Handle More Than You Can Handle. Her deepest work was shaped by her personal journey as a mom. When her newborn son was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, Amanda found herself navigating a world that wasn’t built for families like hers — and carrying grief, love, exhaustion, and hope all at once.Amanda specializes in working with parents, couples, and families through grief, loss, and the complexities of caregiving, she is known for being real, and for her deeply relatable voice.
Amanda DeLuca
Amanda DeLuca is a mother, advocate, and speaker whose journey into special education advocacy began through her own family’s experiences. She supports families locally and remotely as they navigate the IEP process with clarity and confidence. Amanda is the co-founder and president of The More Than Project, serving special needs caregivers through connection and respite, and the founder of Pathways for Inclusion, a family initiative expanding access to inclusive resources and services. A writer and best-selling author of Dear Mama, Nothing Is Impossible, Amanda speaks nationally on caregiver resilience, parental rights, faith, and hope. She lives in Ohio with her husband, Sal, and her son Jackson, and honors the legacy of her daughter Monroe, who passed away in 2025.
Kate Swenson
Kate Swenson is the author of Forever Boy and the creator of Finding Cooper’s Voice, a community for those impacted by disability to come together to laugh, cry, and feel supported. She speaks and collaborates regularly about autism, parenting and motherhood. Her mission is to create a safe space for families of children and teens with special needs to come together and laugh, cry and support each other. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and four children.
*More Speakers will be Announced Soon
Cancellation Policy
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 The More Than Project.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Owensboro Convention Center, 501 West 2nd Street, Owensboro, United States
USD 402.00
