Event Information - Fatherhood Institute 2026, Fathers Matter: From Understanding to Authentic Engagement. Online registration by Cvent

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This day-and-a-half Institute is designed for program teams. Participants will deepen their understanding of today's fathers, explore factors that influence father engagement, and identify practical strategies for building stronger partnerships with fathers and father figures. View the Agenda at a Glance.

Through research, reflection, peer learning, and discussion, participants will examine current fatherhood trends, the impact of father engagement on child and family outcomes, and fathers' well-being. Participants will also explore the supports and barriers to authentic engagement.

The institute includes facilitators with professional and lived experience, opportunities for real-time practical application, and a roundtable featuring fathers.

Participants will leave with new insights, useful tools, and actionable strategies to strengthen father engagement within their programs and communities.

Participants are strongly encouraged to attend two virtual post-Institute Office Hours sessions as part of the learning community experience. The Office Hours provide opportunities to connect with peers, ask questions, identify resources and supports, discuss implementation challenges, explore new ideas and approaches, and build confidence in applying Institute learning to strengthen father engagement within programs and communities.

Participants will receive a separate Outlook meeting invitation with Zoom access details from pfce@startearly.org following the Institute.

By the end of this Institute, participants will be able to:

Analyze trends and factors shaping modern fatherhood and their influence on child, family, and community well-being.
Identify protective factors, motivators, and barriers that influence authentic father engagement.
Recognize the importance of fathers’ well-being and strategies that promote resilience and connection.
Explore promising practices, digital tools, and community partnerships that strengthen father engagement in Head Start programs.
Develop actionable commitments through action planning opportunities to advance father engagement within individual roles, programs, and communities.

The contracted group rate at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown for sleeping rooms is $135 per night plus taxes for the nights of November 17 and November 18, 2026. A credit card will be required at check-in for incidentals. There is no other room block contracted for this event.

Book at the group rate or dial reservations at 1-816-421-6800 and reference group name: Fatherhood Institute 2026, Fathers Matter: From Understanding to Authentic Engagement.

Additional nights before or after the Institute are available at the hotel's current prevailing rate, subject to availability.

Booking Deadline: Monday, October 19, 2026

Each guest room is equipped with:

Mini refrigerator
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Fitness center, business center, and indoor pool access

Check-in: 3:00 p.m.
Check-out: 12:00 p.m.

There will be no food or coffee provided at the event. Water will be available. We encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle and snacks.

On-site dining at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown

Coffee Central—Daily: 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Metropolitan KC—Daily: 6:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
BARCENTRAL—Sunday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–Midnight (Lunch and Dinner)
VOO Lounge—Wednesday–Thursday: 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. / Friday–Saturday: 6:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m., Closed Sunday–Tuesday

There are many restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes steps away from the hotel. Local neighborhoods and highlights include:

Power and Light District: 9-minute walk
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: 9-minute walk
Crossroads Arts District: 5-minute drive
River Market: 5-minute drive
National WWI Museum & Memorial: 10-minute drive
Crown Center: 10-minute drive

For more, check out the Visit Kansas City website.

We’re committed to ensuring that every participant has a positive and inclusive experience at this event. Please describe any accommodation needs during registration that will facilitate your full participation in this event.

Registrants can also contact pfce@startearly.org or call 312-766-8093. We will make every effort to accommodate requests made.

Please review the list of services provided below:

Accessible meeting locations
Designated nursing and medical necessities space
Fragrance-free event practices: Scents and chemical products may exacerbate the symptoms of a person’s medical condition; please refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes, or other scented or chemical products to the event, including attire exposed to smoke
Support for reasonable accommodation requests will be assessed during the registration process

The health and safety of our attendees is a top priority. Please review these details to ensure a safe and positive experience for all in attendance.

Follow all applicable federal, state, local, venue, and organizer’s health and safety requirements, including any protocols for communicable illnesses in effect during the conference.
Respect others' comfort levels by asking their preference regarding physical distancing.
Use the hand sanitation stations provided and wash hands regularly.
Refrain from attending the event if you are feeling unwell or have experienced symptoms of illness within 14 days of the event.