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Save the date! 2026 Oklahoma Autism Conference - Nov. 12-13, 2026

Mark your calendars for the 2026 Oklahoma Autism Conference, a statewide gathering dedicated to connection, learning, and amplifying the voices of autistic individuals and their families.

This year’s theme, “Strength in Every Story,” recognizes that every individual, family, educator, and professional brings a unique perspective that strengthens our communities. Together, these stories shape how we understand autism, improve supports, and build more inclusive systems across Oklahoma. Join us at the OKANA Resort & Convention Center in Oklahoma City for an engaging and inspiring conference experience designed to bring people together across disciplines and lived experiences. Attendees will gain practical strategies, hear powerful stories, and leave with renewed energy to support meaningful outcomes across the lifespan. 

Conference Dates: November 12-13th 

Location: Okana Resort and Conference Center

Additional details, including request for proposals, registration information, keynote speakers, and session information, will be available soon. We look forward to welcoming you as we celebrate the strength found in every story.

Click here to register today!

Click here to register with a PO.

More information coming soon!

Hotel information is posted below. Please scroll down. 

Family scholarship applications will be posted here in August. 

Please note: To provide the best possible experience for all attendees, conference sessions are intended for adult participants only. Childcare will not be provided, and we respectfully ask that children not attend the conference. 

Conference t-shirt and swag information will be posted here soon.


2026 Conference Call for Proposals

We invite you to submit a breakout session proposal for the 2026 Oklahoma Autism Conference, on November 12-13th, at the OKANA Resort and Conference Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  *Please note - all breakout sessions will be on Thursday, November 12th.

We are seeking innovative and engaging sessions that will resonate with our audience of educators, service providers, families of autistic individuals, and autistic adults. If you have expertise, insights, and strategies to share, we want to hear from you! This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a dynamic event focused on advocacy, belonging, and building connections.

Let's come together, advocate for positive change, and build stronger, more engaging communities. We look forward to your contributions!

*Limited number of breakout sessions available. Submission of a proposal does not guarantee acceptance. All presenters must be available to present in person at their own expense.

Completed proposals must be submitted by Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:59pm.


Click here to submit your proposal.

Partner With Us to Build Connection, Belonging, and Opportunity Across Oklahoma! Reserve Your Sponsorship or Exhibitor Space Today!

 

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The Oklahoma Autism Conference brings together autistic individuals, family members, educators, therapists, healthcare professionals, higher education faculty, administrators, advocates, researchers, and community organizations from across Oklahoma and surrounding states.

As one of Oklahoma’s leading autism-focused professional development and community engagement events, the conference provides sponsors and exhibitors with meaningful opportunities to connect with a diverse audience committed to evidence-based practices, inclusive communities, advocacy, and collaborative support systems. 

Why partner with us? 

  • Connect with professionals, families, advocates, and community leaders from across Oklahoma
  • Showcase your organization or business to a statewide audience committed to inclusion and evidence-based practice
  • Support accessibility, family scholarships, sensory-friendly environments, and community connection
  • Align your organization or business with belonging, advocacy, and meaningful impact

Sponsorship Opportunities

Connection Catalyst $8000 

  • Premier keynote sponsor supporting nationally recognized keynote presentations and statewide community impact.
  • Exclusive keynote sponsor recognition
  • Featured social media and website spotlight
  • Premier exhibitor placement
  • 2 exhibitor booths and 8 conference registrations
  • Full-page premium advertisement and keynote recognition
  • Recognition as a major supporter of professional development, accessibility, and community inclusion efforts across Oklahoma

Community Connection Sponsor $5000

  • Supports coffee bars, refreshments, and hospitality experiences that foster networking and collaboration
  • Community partner spotlight during general sessions
  • Premium exhibitor location
  • 2 exhibitor booths and 6 conference registrations
  • Full-page conference advertisement
  • Recognition in email campaigns and signage

Belonging Champion $3000 

  • Support helps to fund family registration scholarships and student reduced-cost registrations. We were able to grant more than 35 family scholarships to the 2025 Oklahoma Autism Conference!
  • Helps expand conference access for families and students
  • Featured sponsor recognition
  • Website and email promotion
  • Exhibitor booth and 4 registrations
  • Full-page conference

Advocacy Supporter $1500

  • Supports the interactive Story Wall where attendees share reflections, experiences, and advocacy messages.
  • Website recognition
  • Welcome bag inclusion opportunity
  • Priority scrolling banner placement
  • Exhibitor booth and 3 registrations
  • Full-page conference advertisement

Inclusion Partner $750

  • Supports interpretation services and accessibility features for attendees.
  • Half-page conference advertisement
  • Conference recognition
  • Exhibitor booth and 2 registrations
  • Sponsor scrolling banner placement

Community Friend $500

  • Supports the quiet sensory space for conference participants and speakers.
  • Quarter-page conference advertisement
  • Conference recognition
  • Exhibitor booth and 1 registration
  • Sponsor scrolling banner placement
 

Exhibitor Opportunities

Exhibitor Booth – $400 Includes one 6-foot table and 2 chairs in the exhibitor area. 

Nonprofit Exhibitor Booth – $150 Includes one 6-foot table and 2 chairs in the exhibitor area.

Connect directly with educators, therapists, healthcare providers, families, advocates, researchers, and community organizations from across Oklahoma.
 

Reserve Your Sponsorship or Exhibitor Space Today!

To be included in the printed conference program, sponsorships and exhibitor registrations must be received by October 12, 2026.

Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities will remain open through October 30, 2026, pending availability.

Click here for sponsorship and exhibitor information, or contact: Michele DeBerry, EdD, MS, CCC-SLP michele-deberry@ou.edu

 

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Hotel and Venue Information

The 2026 Oklahoma Autism Conference is being held at the OKANA Resort, in the venue's conference area, at 639 First Americans Blvd., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73129. 

Venue map.

Please note: To provide the best possible experience for all attendees, conference sessions are intended for adult participants only. Childcare will not be provided during conference sessions, and we respectfully ask that children not attend the conference. 

Okana Resort policies and procedures below:

Parking Details
• Free self-parking is limited and based on availability
• Paid self-parking is available in the surface lot and parking garage:

0–4 Hours: Complimentary
4–12 Hours: $10
12+ Hours: $15


Hotel Incidentals
A $200 incidental hold will be placed on each guest’s card at check-in. This hold automatically replenishes as needed, with unused funds released within 3–5 business days after check-out.


Cashless Resort Experience
For your convenience, OKANA Resort operates as a cashless property. All transactions must be made using credit card, debit card, or mobile payment.


Complaint Policy

If you have any concerns or complaints about this conference, please contact Michele DeBerry at 405-271-2131, ext 47123 or michele-deberry@ou.edu.


Disclosures

All planners and presenters will disclose relevant relationships, or lack thereof, to conference session participants, and all relevant relationships in which a conference presenter is receiving a salary, royalty, intellectual property rights, gifts, speaking fees, consulting fees, honorarium, ownership interest, or other financial benefit or contracted research will be listed in the conference program. 


This conference is hosted by the Oklahoma Autism Network and is partially funded by the Oklahoma Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Services, generous sponsors, vendors, and participant registration fees.


2026 Event Refund and Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received prior to the event on close of business on Friday, October 30th, will be accepted, and a full refund will be issued. There will be no refunds for cancellations after that date or for non-attendance at the event. If registration fees are not paid prior to the cancellation or no-show, the participant will be billed.

Cancellations must be received in writing by mail or email to michele-deberry@ou.edu or okautism@ou.edu. Telephone cancellations are not accepted.