The New England

Fathering Conference

March 18th, 19th & 20th, 2026
Mystic Marriott, Groton, Connecticut

NEWS!

Registration for the 26th Annual New England Fathering Conference
is NOW OPEN and will close on Friday, February 20, 2026 (or when we reach capacity). In 2024 and 2025, our conference SOLD OUT by the end of January, so please register as soon as possible. We do not want you to be shut out of this exciting event.

We have reserved a discounted room block at the Mystic Marriott for NEFC attendees. Please check out our HOTEL PAGE for details and a direct registration link to book your discounted room while supplies last.

This website has all of the latest information about this year's conference: Speakers, Workshops etc. Please check out our brochure and spread the word to colleagues and friends who should join us in Mystic this March.

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2026 NEFC Brochure

Group Photos!

CLICK HERE for group photos from our 25th Anniversary Conference in Mystic, Connecticut.

NEFC Genersl FAQs

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Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa
625 North Road (Route 117)
Groton, CT 06340

Discount Details are available on the HOTEL PAGE of this website.

SPEAKERS

The New England Fathering Conference's 2026 Keynote Presenters:

We are fortunate to have experts and leaders in the field of work with fathers, families and the systems that care for them to present

at our conference this year. Our keynote presenters are specially selected to speak on topics of importance to fathers

and graciously attend our conference to inform and inspire the agencies that work with them.

JoelLeon-Pic

Joél Leon, also known as Joel L. Daniels, is a Bronx-born and raised performer, proud #GirlDad, author, and storyteller who writes and tells stories for Black people—specializing in moderating and leading conversations surrounding race, masculinity, mental health, creativity, and the performing arts, Joél puts love at the center of his work and purpose. He has worked with TED, ABC NEWS, The Gates Foundation, HBO, Nike, Twitter, and the TODAY Show.

IngridCanadyPic

Dr. Ingrid M. Canady is the leader of both an agency and a movement. Since joining the State Education Resource center (SERC) as a member of the consulting team more than 22 years ago, she became passionately engaged in the agency’s intentional and strategic journey on examining the hidden realities of institutionalized racism and its impact in today’s classrooms. Ingrid has been Executive Director of SERC since 2016.

JosephGidjunisPic

Joe Gidjunis is a graduate of The George Washington University with a degree in journalism and political science. JPG started his company in 2005, while simultaneously working as a reporter and photojournalist. After working at multiple daily papers in the Mid-Atlantic, including serving as a correspondent for USA Today, he went full-time with his business in 2010. Gidjunis is an award-winning photographer, having gone viral multiple times for his Naked Biker Wedding photos.

JOÉL LEON INGRID CANADY JOSEPH GIDJUNIS

History of our Conference

The New England Fathering Conference (NEFC) was initiated in Massachusetts in 1999 and was held there annually until the Planning Committee decided to rotate the event around the New England region every two years. We’ve continued hosting successful conferences in Connecticut (2008, 2009 and again in 2016 and 2017), Rhode Island (2010, 2011, 2014 and 2015) and Maine (2012 and 2013), each with 300-400 attendees and presenters from across New England and beyond! We then brought the conference to Springfield Massachusetts for 2018 and 2019, highlighting how our work with fathers supports the legacy they are creating for their children and celebrating our 20th annual event. In 2020, 2021, and 2022 COVID-19 prevented the NEFC from meeting in person, but our work continued online. In 2020, we offered a three-part webinar series for fatherhood professionals, in 2021, we offered eight workshops at four quarterly sessions to keep folks engaged, and in March 2022 we hosted an online conference (Opportunities for a New Beginning). Post COVID, we have sold out our annual event each March: Newport, Rhode Island in 2023 (Parents and Children Thriving Through Change) and 2024 (Healthy Fathers, Families and Communities), and Mystic, Connecticut in 2025 (A Legacy of Connecting and Belonging; our 25th year!). We look forward to hosting our 26th annual conference (Heart of a Father, Strength of a Man) in Mystic, Connecticut on March 18, 19, and 20, 2026.