SOFT Conference FAQ’s

 

Conference 2025 – Everything You Need to Know

What meals and snacks are included at the conference?
  • Daily Breakfast: A hot breakfast is included with your hotel reservation and served each morning at the host hotel.
  • Meals & Snacks Provided by SOFT:
    • Wednesday: Ice Cream Social in the evening
    • Thursday: Chapter/State Rep Luncheon, full lunch for all attendees at the hotel, and the spectacular Welcome Dinner in the evening
    • Friday: Lunch for Medical Clinic attendees, lunch during Remembrance Sharing Time, lunch for both Sibling Outings, and snacks during Family Game Night
    • Saturday: Picnic & Memorial, with light snacks served during the evening Auction
  • Please Note: Meals not listed here are on your own. We encourage you to plan accordingly and enjoy the many local dining options nearby.
What do I wear at conference and events?
  •  All of our events are casual, so feel free to dress comfortably throughout the conference. Whether that means your favorite jeans, a breezy sundress, or something in between—you’ll fit right in.
  • Welcome Dinner – This evening is a meaningful one, as we come together for the Parade of Stars and Angels Celebration. Many guests choose to dress up a little for this special occasion—it’s a beautiful way to honor the moment and add a touch of celebration to the night.
  • Pool Time – Planning to enjoy the hotel pool? Be sure to pack your swimsuit! The pool is a great place to relax with family and friends. A pool lift is available to ensure everyone has the chance to join in the fun.
What do I do with my children?

Please note: Childcare is not provided during the conference.

  • A Quiet Room will be available for children accompanied by an adult. This space offers a calm and welcoming environment with games, books, toys, crafts, and more—feel free to stop by and enjoy some downtime together.
  • SOFT children are always welcome to attend workshops with their parent(s).

Sibling Outings are planned for Friday and promise to be a fun time for brothers and sisters to connect and make memories.

What is the “Memory Room”?
  • The Memory Room is a sacred space to honor and remember our precious SOFT Angels. Families are invited to bring photo albums, cherished items, and special mementos to display throughout the conference. 
  • To ensure there is space for everyone, we kindly ask that displays be limited to an 18 x 18 inch area, which will be pre-marked. This room is open throughout the event and securely locked at night.
  • Please help us maintain the peaceful and respectful atmosphere, using this space solely to preserve and honor the memories of our angels.
What is available for me if my SOFT child is an angel?

We are so honored to walk this path with you and to hold space for the love you carry. If your SOFT child is an angel, there are meaningful opportunities throughout the conference designed especially for you:

  • Remembrance Sharing Time
    A heartfelt gathering for families holding their children in their hearts. Together, we share stories, create a special keepsake in memory of our SOFT Angels, and enjoy a luncheon filled with love, connection, and support.
  • Workshops for the Journey
    Several sessions focus on the unique experiences of families whose child lives on in spirit. These spaces offer support, healing, and understanding as we reflect on our journeys.
  • Moms Only & Dads Only Workshops
    These treasured gatherings provide time for moms and dads to connect, share, and support one another in a space just for them.

You are welcome everywhere
Please know that you are warmly invited to attend any workshop that speaks to you. This is your community, and your presence is a cherished part of it.

How soon can I check in for the conference once I have arrived to the hotel?

Swing by the SOFT Registration Desk!  We’ll be open and ready to welcome you:

🕛 Wednesday: 12 PM – 7 PM ☀️ Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM

  • Come check in, say hello, and pick up your conference bag, name tags, and lanyards—your official SOFT swag starter kit!

While you’re there, make sure your SOFTwear order is just right. Only a limited number of extras will be available at check-in, so if you haven’t placed your order yet—now’s the time!  We can’t wait to see you! 💙

Tell me about the SOFT Auction and how can I help?

“The Auction Sounds Complicated… How Does It Work?”
Great question—and good news: it’s actually super easy and a whole lot of fun! Whether you’ll be attending the SOFT Conference in person or cheering us on from home, you can be part of the beloved SOFT Auction—one of our most anticipated events!

Here are three simple ways to get involved:

🎁 Shop the Amazon “Auction Wish List
Browse and purchase directly from our curated list—items will ship straight to us!
Visit the Amazon Wishlist and any purchase you make will ship directly to our conference host.

📦 Have your own creative donations, Ship Your Donations to our conference host.
Our conference host is: Susan Budd  6323 Gallegos Dr. West Lafayette, IN 47906
👉 Be sure to include a description, the item’s value, and any bags or packaging if items are meant to be grouped together.

🎉 Bring It with You!
Traveling to the conference? Feel free to pack your auction items and drop them off when you arrive.

Your contributions make the auction a success—and the proceeds help support the mission of SOFT. Thank you for adding your sparkle to this special tradition! ✨

The Auction Seems Complicated—How Does It Work?
It’s actually easy to be part of the fun! Whether you’re attending the SOFT Conference or joining us in spirit from home, everyone can take part in the always-popular SOFT Auction. Here’s how:

  1. Amazon Auction Wish List
    Pick out an item (or two!) from our special Amazon list and have it shipped directly to us. 
  2. Mail-In Donations
    Send your auction items to:
    Susan Budd
    6323 Gallegos Dr.
    West Lafayette, IN 47906
    Please include a description of each item, its estimated value, and a bag if it’s part of a bundle.
  3. Bring Items with You to the Conference
    Packing your donation and bringing it along is a great option if you’re attending in person!

Your donations make the auction exciting and successful—and help support SOFT’s incredible work. Thanks for being part of it!

If I bring auction items to the conference, where and when do I drop off my Auction items?
  • There will be a separate Auction Check-in Room open from Wednesday 2pm – 5pm, Thursday 10am – 5pm, and Friday (last call) 10am – 5pm. 
  • The check-in process includes filling out tags and providing description and value. We appreciate your generous donations and want to ensure they are accurate.  We are asking you to have your items auction-ready (in a basket and bag).
When do I receive my conference shirts, hoodies, hats, and swag items?

🎁 Pre-Order for guaranteed SOFT Swag!
When you order your SOFT gear ahead of time, we’ll have it tucked neatly into your conference bag—ready and waiting for you at the Registration Desk!

✨ Plan ahead! There will only be a limited selection of items available for purchase on-site, so be sure to order in advance to get exactly what you want.

Let us help you start the conference in style! 💙