The 2020 Conference is postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The conference has been rescheduled for 2021. Dates, times and events posted here are tentative.
SOFT's annual conference is a place for families to connect with each other, learn new things in our forums, clinics and workshops, and remember all the angels who have gone too soon.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 SOFT Conference has been postponed. Plans are for the Conference to take place in 2021. Dates, times and events will be posted here.
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Dates: 2020 Conference Postponed. 2021 Dates TBD
Cost: View Pricing Sheet
About the Conference Hotel
The conference will be held at the historic Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
Address: 110 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24016
Phone: 540-985-5900
Special Rate: $134/night* plus tax, use promo code "SOFT20"
*This rate expires June 30th, so don't wait! The rate will be available up to three days prior to, and after, the conference.
Remember, a hotel registration does NOT register you for the conference; that is separate and should begin in March. The hotel offers on-site self and valet parking. Ask about any costs when registering.
The SOFT Check-in Room will be open at 9am-7:30pm on Wednesday - location TBA. Please check in as soon as you arrive so you can receive your conference bag which contains essential conference information and much more.
Welcome Dinner
Thursday night's Welcome Dinner will feature a Keynote Speaker and events such as the Parade of Stars, Erin Jorgenson scholarship award, other awards, entertainment, and plenty of opportunity to socialize with families and friends!.
SOFT's Annual "SOFT Friends" video, in memory of Kari Holladay, will be shown during Saturday morning's Business Meeting. A link explaining the video and how to submit photos will be posted here at the appropriate time. Emailed photos must be sent to Kris by (TBA).  Mailed photos must arrive by (TBA).
Outings & Events
Annual SOFT Remembrance Outing
The annual SOFT Remembrance Outing will be held at (TBA) on Thursday afternoon
See schedule for times
Siblings Outings
The Older Siblings Outing will be an "Escape Room" event. The cost is expected to be $37 which includes transportation, a T-shirt and Lunch.
Younger Siblings will go to the Science Museum, (Cost $20) and lunch will be provided for them as well.
See the schedule for departure and return times.
Picnic
The Saturday picnic will be held at Mill Mountain Park, 1300 Prospect Rd SE, Roanoke VA.
See the Schedule for times. It will include a catered picnic meal, entertainment, the balloon release and other events.
Balloon Celebration
The annual balloon celebration will be held at the Saturday Picnic. Use the registration form to request a balloon release. Conference attendees may also request one on a "walk-in" basis, at the picnic.
Auction
The Auction will be held Saturday night and details will be posted here when they are known. Please send your Auction Donation Items to: Jamie Lint, PO Box 1074, Raven VA 24639
Memory Room
The Memory Room will be will be open as outlined in the conference schedule. Please bring photo albums or other memorabilia to display! Be sure to remove your belongings prior to closure!
Joey Watson Memorial Conference Attendance Assistance Fund
The Joey Watson Memorial Conference Attendance Assistance fund exists to help needing and qualifying families who require transportation and registration assistance to attend the conference. The deadline for submitting the form is May 15th and requestors must seek other assistance in their communities prior to asking for help from this fund. These funds are very limited, so start early.
Notices
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Travel Tips, for those traveling by air with children and/or equipment.
