The Access and Functional Needs Team is excited to announce the dates for the 2025 Access and Functional Needs Conference! Next year's focus will be on T - Transportation Resources from the CMIST Resource Memory Tool. For more information about the CMIST Resource Memory Tool, please see the Access and Functional Needs Resource Framework flyer / consulte el folleto Marco de recursos de acceso y necesidades funcionales. For any inquiries or questions, please feel free to email the DHSEM Access and Functional Needs team at cdps_dhsem_afn@state.co.us.
Overview
- Dates and Times
- Day 1: April 8, 2025
- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Transportation Resource Disruptions in Planning and Mitigation Before Disasters
- 5:30 - 7 p.m.: Exhibitor's Networking Social
- Day 2: April 9, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Transportation Resource Disruptions in Response and Recovery During and After Disasters
- Day 3: April 10, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Transportation Resource Disruption Tabletop Exercise
- Day 1: April 8, 2025
- Location
- Great Wolf Lodge, 9494 Federal Dr., Colorado Springs, Colo. 80921
- Schedule
- Conference Registration
- Registration now open on the AFN Conference Information Hub
See the Save the Date Flyer for more information.
Conference Information
This year we are focusing on the "T" - Transportation. For more information about the CMIST Resource Memory Tool, please see the Access and Functional Needs Resource Framework flyer.
This year's conference will bring together attendees from the public, private, non-governmental, and academic sectors from across Colorado and the Nation, all gathered to continue building towards whole community inclusion in emergency management. The conference will feature panels of experts, stellar keynote addresses, and specialized pre and post-conference sessions, so make sure you register for the additional sessions if you want to participate.
- 2025 Know Before You Go flyer coming soon
- 2025 Conference Agenda coming soon
Why You Should Attend
- Receive information and toolkits to assist in Transportation Resource Disruption planning with your whole community throughout all phases of disasters and emergencies.
- Learn how to more effectively engage with community partners and develop plans to ensure access to effective and accessible transportation options.
- Connect with resource partners across Colorado and the country.
Conference Registration
Conference registration is open, please visit our AFN Conference Information Hub to complete registration.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact the Access and Functional Needs Team at cdps_dhsem_afn@state.co.us.
Conference Pricing and Costs
- There are zero registration fees
- Meals and refreshments will be provided
- Tuesday, April 8, 2025
- Lunch at 12:30 p.m.
- Afternoon Refreshments at 2:30 p.m.
- Exhibitors' Networking Social with hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 9, 2025
- Breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
- Morning / Afternoon Refreshments at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Lunch at 12 p.m.
- Thursday. April 10, 2025
- Breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
- Morning Refreshments at 10:45 a.m.
- If you plan on making your own lodging arrangements with Great Wolf Lodge, please refer to the following information for pricing.
- You can use this link for self-pay reservations on the hotel website or contact the hotel reservations can be made by calling 844-553-9653, reference AFN Conference Block Code: 2504CODH
- Reservations must be made prior to Sunday, March 16, 2025 for room reservations for the conference.
- Please visit the Visit Colorado Springs website for alternative lodging options.
Conference Schedule at a Glance
Review the conference schedule through the 2025 Schedule at a Glance document.
Sponsor and Exhibitor Information
- Become a sponsor or exhibitor for the 2025 Access and Functional Needs Conference. The Colorado Access and Functional Needs team is excited to announce an exciting opportunity to participate in the 2025 Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Conference, Getting it Right: A “Plan With” Approach.
- We use the CMIST Memory Tool (pictured above) as a reminder for the core services and resources an individual might need in order to function before, during, and after a disaster. This year we are focusing on the “T” in CMIST, Transportation Resources. This resource is critical for anyone in a disaster, and can vary from land, air, and water transportation, ranging from paratransit, passenger planes, rideshare platforms, ferries, and even personal vehicles (including friends, family and neighbor support).
- If you or your organization offers “T” Transportation resources that can support Emergency Management before, during, and after a disaster, we would love to have you join us!
- Your sponsorship helps support the conference by:
- Highlighting tools and resources that can help Emergency Management ensure the safety of the whole community before, during, and after a disaster.
- Share specific information about how your organization can partner with Emergency Management before, during, and after a disaster.
- Share best and promising practices for whole community inclusion before, during, and after emergencies and disasters.
- All sponsors and exhibitors have the opportunity to:
- Meet with over 100+ professionals from emergency management, public health, and human services in the emergency preparedness and response fields.
- Have a booth in the Exhibitor area if interested and space allows.
- Stay at the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs. Includes overnight lodging and meals.
- Attend any or all of the sessions.
- Showcase your organization/program in a short (three to five minute) IGNITE presentation on day one of the conference.
- Extend your reach beyond those attending in person with our hybrid audience.
- Network with attendees during the Exhibitors’ Networking Social on Tuesday, April 8.
- For more details about the different sponsor and exhibitor opportunities, please visit our Sponsor and Exhibitor Announcement Flyer.
- Additional sponsor and exhibitor links.
Reach out to Sadie Martinez by email with any questions.