“Centering The Leadership Voices of Self-Advocates”
The 2026 SUFU Conference will be held on September 22nd and 23rd at the Wells Conference Center on the University of Maine Orono Campus.
Conference Registration Fees:
$30 Self-Advocate
$30 Support Staff
$100 All other Conference Attendees
This includes meals, swag bag, and conference workshop.
To Register for the Conference:
Self-Advocate/Support Staff: https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=13bdf9af-7549-4796-84d2-108dd86b7b9e
Conference Attendee: (all others) https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=61fcc351-fbeb-42db-8483-29b06a48174d
Conference Presenter: https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=792eb920-ac99-48aa-a119-c5ba5e341ec8
Vendor Fair: https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=8f67866a-4a9e-41ca-87c9-d40a58c24a21
Questions regarding Conference Registration, Proposals and Vendor tables? Contact your advisor or email info@sufumaine.org
Hotel accommodations can be made at the Hotel Ursa which is on the University Campus.
The price is $159 plus taxes for our block. Reservations must be made prior to September 1st to get the block price. Reservations can be made online at https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=43652&Chain=31484&group=SUFU
Or by calling the hotel directly at 207-956-1313
If you are wanting to arrive earlier than Tuesday or stay later than Wednesday please speak with Cherie Cormier at SUFU. Email: CCormier@sufumaine.org or by calling 207-956-1004
Reservations made at Hotel Ursa after September 1st will not be for the discounted price.
You may also choose to stay at a different hotel in the area if you wish.
Questions you may have:
Who is the Conference for?
The SUFU Conference is for all self-advocates, and their supporters.
Can my family member come with me?
Absolutely! Your family member is welcome to attend with you. They would register as a support person/family member. They are welcome to attend the same workshops as you or attend different ones that are of interest to them.
Why would I want to attend your conference?
Attending our conference is a great way to meet others from around the state, learn together on topics that interest you and have fun.
What will happen at the conference?
When you arrive you will check in. A SUFU Staff member will hand you a swag bag with all sorts of items in it. You will also get your folder with the schedule. We will start with a welcome to all attending and then go to our workshops. There will be breaks! On the first day in the evening we will have dinner together, the SUFU awards, and more. The next morning we will have breakfast together, more workshops and eventually head home around lunch.
What are the workshops?
Our workshops have not been picked at this moment. To give you an idea we try to find a mixture of informative, hands-on workshops you can participate in. We cover topics such as employment, being a leader, your rights, voting and ways to be creative.
Is there any fun at the conference?
There is a lots of fun! Many of our workshops include hands on activities, we have a dance on Tuesday night and celebrate each other.
What do other self-advocates say about past conferences?
“The classes I attended there are so much fun, bring me so much joy” – Regina
“I look forward to our conference every year. It gives me a chance to connect with people I don’t usually get to see in person very often…” – Marco
“Being able to go to the SUFU Conference is great because you’re able to meet so many people who are working to help the disabled community. – Cindy
“I like to attend the conference to learn about the different topics that are being discussed” – Eric
Who else will be there?
First off other self-advocates, their support staff, or family members.
Will there be vendor tables?
We hope so! There usually are. A list of who will be there will be published as we get closer to the conference.
I have other questions. Who can I contact?
You can contact SUFU at 207-956-1004 or by emailing info@sufumaine.org Someone will help you.
I need an accommodation. Who do I contact?
You can contact SUFU at 207-956-1004 or by emailing info@sufumaine.org We will work with you!
Is the location accessible?
Yes it is! If you need a specific accommodation please contact us. We want all to have a wonderful time at the conference.
I can only attend for one day. Is that ok?
Yes, you can come for one day or both days. The choice is yours.
Presenter Questions
As a Presenter do I need to register?
Yes, Presenters must register. Which type of registration depends upon your plans. If you plan to enjoy meals with us and other parts of the conference please register as an attendee. The cost for that is $100. If you are only planning to present and leave please register on the presenter only link.
How will I know if my Proposal to present is accepted?
You will receive an email from SUFU with the acceptance and more details will follow.
How many people will be in my workshop?
Many times we do not have this information until the week before the workshop. We try our best to get this information out as soon as we have it.
Vendor Questions
As a Vendor do I need to register for the conference?
The Vendor fee is only for the table. If you the people at the table want to enjoy other aspects of the conference and wish to stay for meals then they do need to register as a Conference Attendee.
