What happens when four ADHD advocates get together to reminisce about twenty years of ADHD conferences? There are stories about discovering ADHD in unexpected places, meeting heroes in bathrooms and coffee lines, trying to choose between dozens of fascinating sessions, and finding a community where you can show up exactly as you are. In this special edition of ADHDKC Conversations, Kristen Stuppy and Caroline Danda are joined by Jeremy Didier and Tonya Miles for a fun trip down conference memory lane as we look ahead to ADHD 2026 in Baltimore this December. Tonya shares the story of attending her first CHADD conference in 2006 to learn more about her son’s ADHD — and unexpectedly recognizing herself in a book about women with ADHD. Jeremy recalls the validating experience of being surrounded by people who understood ADHD, along with some memorable encounters with well-known experts in the most unexpected places. Caroline reflects on attending the Kansas City conference for the first time and how volunteering helped her feel connected and less overwhelmed. Kristen shares how one talk was so well done she worked up the nerve to ask the speaker to talk to the ADHDKC Parent Group. (It’s hard to make a big ask of a person you don’t know at all!) We also talk about: * How the conference has evolved from the CHADD conference into the International Conference on ADHD. * The challenge and privilege of having so many valuable sessions to choose from. * The importance of quiet spaces, sensory-friendly options, peer support groups, and activities for different needs and interests. * Presentations and speakers who made a lasting impact. * Why the people and connections keep bringing us back year after year. * The unique experience of volunteering, presenting, and contributing to the ADHD community. * The puppies, parties, talent shows, coffee lines, and other moments that make the conference more than just an educational event. And, of course, we share plenty of laughs along the way—including some fun conference photos that help bring these memories to life. 🎥 Watch the Special Conference Edition We encourage you to watch the video version of this episode on YouTube, the ADHDKC website, or through our Substack above so you can enjoy the photos and join us in our reminiscing. If you enjoy the conversation, please follow ADHDKC Conversations, like the episode, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and share it with others. Your engagement helps more families, adults, educators, and professionals discover ADHDKC and the resources we work hard to provide. 🏙️ Join Us in Baltimore! If this conversation makes you curious about experiencing the ADHD conference community for yourself, we hope you’ll join us in Baltimore this December for ADHD 2026. Whether you are a parent, adult with ADHD, educator, clinician, advocate, or simply someone wanting to learn more, there is something for everyone—and you do not have to have everything figured out before you arrive. Register for ADHD 2026 in Baltimore: Heading to Baltimore for ADHD 2026? When we were recording this podcast, we discovered that quite a few of us are arriving in Baltimore around the same time, and several of us are even on the same flights. Because of that, we’re planning to share Ubers or taxis from the airport to the hotel to save on costs. Beyond saving a little money, it’s also nice to know a familiar face at a large conference. We will be able to connect throughout the event when schedules allow, whether that’s meeting up for a meal, attending sessions together, exploring a local attraction, or simply having someone to check in with during the conference. If you’re attending ADHD 2026, we’d love to know! Even if you aren’t interested in conference meetups, we’d be happy to include you in our informal travel network so we can help coordinate airport transportation and connect local attendees. Let us know by reaching out to kristen@adhdkc.org, by commenting below, or use the conference app to start making connections with us. All conference attendees will get information about the app so they can keep track of their agenda and chat with other conference attendees. We’ll also be hosting an informal online discussion - see below - on December 8. This will be a casual conversation about what we learned at the conference, our favorite takeaways, important insights, helpful resources, new connections, and more. Anyone who attended ADHD 2026 is welcome to join us and share their experience if they’re comfortable doing so. And if public speaking or being on camera isn’t your thing, that’s perfectly okay. We’d still love to connect with you before and during the conference and make sure you feel welcomed as part of our local ADHDKC community. If you’ll be attending ADHD 2026, please reach out so we can help connect everyone traveling from our area. Can’t Make It to Baltimore? Join Us Online! We know that traveling to a major conference isn’t possible for everyone. This event is an opportunity to hear some of the highlights without leaving home. Whether you’re a parent of a child with ADHD, an adult with ADHD, or someone who wants to learn more, attendees leave with new ideas, useful information, and a better understanding of the ADHD community - but we don’t want those who can’t attend to miss out! For our December ADHDKC Parent Group Event, ADHDKC members who are attending the conference will share what stood out to them, what they learned, and what they are bringing home from the experience. We invite everyone, not just our usual Parent Group members to join us for this informal conversation. Come curious, bring your questions, and join the conversation! A Small Favor That Makes a Big Difference We need your help! There is a lot of great ADHD content online, but there is also a lot of noise. Our goal with the ADHDKC Conversations Podcast is to provide reliable, practical information and honest conversations that help families thrive. Unfortunately, podcast platforms don’t automatically know which content is valuable. They rely on engagement. If you’ve enjoyed the podcast, please take a moment to listen, follow, like, comment, rate, review, and share. These simple actions help boost our visibility so that when someone searches for ADHD resources, they’re more likely to find ADHDKC Conversations. Every click helps. Every share matters. And together we can make sure more families have access to the support and information they deserve. Thank you for your support! Looking for more? At ADHDKC, some of the most meaningful moments happen when people realize they’re not the only ones navigating the challenges and joys of ADHD. ADHDKC is here to bring families, parents, teens, and adults together for conversations, connection, and community. Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us for the first time, we hope you’ll find an event that helps you learn something new, meet someone who understands, and feel a little more connected. For each of these events, learn more and let us know you’re coming if you like what you see by hitting the RSVP button associated with it. Want the connection of social media without all the noise? You don’t have to navigate ADHD alone. Join the ADHDKC online forums. They offer many of the benefits of social media without the distractions, drama, or endless scrolling. Hosted right on our website, these discussion groups provide a welcoming, supportive space to learn, connect, and grow together. All ADHDKC Events This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adhdkc.substack.com