Focus 2023: A Sign of the Times

Registration is open for National Safe Place Network's (NSPN) biannual national conference, Focus 2023. This in-person event will be held in Louisville, KY beginning Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. EDT and concluding at 1:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The theme, “A Sign of the Times,” highlights the importance of youth service professionals looking back to lessons learned, while moving forward to opportunities for success. The resilience of all those who are committed to supporting youth and families make it possible to prepare today to provide critical resources for the challenges of tomorrow. Celebrate the journey and sense of community by joining NSPN and other youth service professionals from across the country to learn, plan for change, and network to share ideas, experiences, and knowledge.

Register for Focus 2023

Dates and Location

8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 18, 2023
through 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 20, 2023
Louisville, KY | The Brown Hotel

Please plan to arrive on Monday, July 17, 2023
and depart Thursday, July 20, 2023 on flights after 3:30 p.m. as the closing session ends at 1:30 p.m. EDT.
The closest airport is Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF).

Registration Rate

June 1, 2023 through July 7, 2023

NSPN Members: $375 per registrant
Non-Members: $475 per registrant

Early registration is encouraged as this event quickly sells out.

Schedule at a Glance

All times shown in eastern daylight time (EDT)

Monday, July 17, 2023
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.	Conference check-in
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.	Conference check-in
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.	Opening Session and Keynote Panel The Impact of the Mental Health Crisis on Staff and Programs (plated breakfast sponsored by QuikTrip)
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.	Workshop Session I
1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.	Keynote Overview of Crimes Against Children and Youth
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.	Focused Discussions "Forgotten" Youth - Youth forced out and ignored by systems Laws impacting LGBTQ+ Mental Health Staffing Needs Youth Violence
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.	Welcome Reception and Runaway Games (heavy hors d'oeuvres provided)
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.	Awards Ceremony (plated breakfast provided)
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.	Workshop Session II
1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.	Keynote Changing Trends in Youth Homelessness
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.	Tool Time Poster Session
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.	Safe Place 40th Anniversary Celebration Cocktail Hour (beverages provided)
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.	Safe Place 40th Anniversary Celebration (plated dinner provided)
Thursday, July 20, 2023
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.	(continental breakfast provided)
9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.	Safe Place Site and Learn (site visit boarding at 9:15 a.m.)
9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.	Keynote Meaningful Engagement with Young People
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.	Closing Session NSPN CARES (boxed lunch provided)

Education at Focus 2023

Focus 2023 is full of opportunities to expand your knowledge of the issues impacting the youth and family services field. NSPN has added additional workshops and keynote presentations to help meet participant needs of this anticipated sold out event. Click below to view details of the workshops, keynotes, and presenters of Focus 2023.

Learn About Focus 2023 Sessions

Continuing Education Units

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the Focus 2023 will be provided by The University of Tennessee, College of Social Work. Online registration for Focus 2023 includes the opportunity for licensed professionals to request CEUs. If you do not request CEUs at the time of registration, you may complete a CEU Request Form. Please note: Participants are required to attend all conference sessions to qualify for CEUs. NSPN will not be able to process CEU requests submitted after the event. If you have any questions, please see an NSPN staff member or contact [email protected].

Tool Time Poster Session

NSPN's Tool Time Poster Session provides an opportunity to share/learn about exciting and innovative practices, resources, and tools utilized in youth services field. Youth service providers will showcase their work utilizing poster boards, handouts, and pictures.

If your organization would like to highlight its work and helpful practices, resources, and tools to other participants around the nation, please click below to submit an application to participate in the Tool Time Poster Session. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2023.

Participate in the Tool Time Poster Session

NSPN Awards Ceremony

During Focus 2023, NSPN and attendees will honor youth service professionals, dedicated volunteers, and community organizations who work diligently to strengthen youth and families in communities across the country. NSPN is currently accepting nominations for the following awards:

Community Involvement Award
Culture of Respect Award
Executive Leadership Award
Helping Hands Award
HEROES for Youth Award

Lifetime Achievement Award
Model Program Award
Safe Place Coordinator of the Year
Youth in Action Award

Click below to learn more about the 2023 NSPN Awards or to nominate someone you know who is making a difference. The deadline to submit is April 21, 2023.

Submit an NSPN Award Nomination

Safe Place 40th Anniversary Celebration

Safe Place^® will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary during Focus 2023 with a night of fun, food, and fundraising. This special event will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EDT with a reception beginning at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Focus 2023 registration includes entry for the registrant to attend the Safe Place 40th Anniversary Celebration. Those registering for Focus 2023 are welcome to purchase tickets for guests not attending the full conference to attend the celebration event only for an additional fee. Sponsorship opportunities for the night of celebration are also available. Watch www.nationalsafeplace.org and www.nspnetwork.org for details.

Who Should Attend?

Youth service professionals of all staff levels from across the nation will attend Focus 2023. Attendees with job roles including direct-care staff, executive leadership, middle managers, community-based services, training and human resources, administrative staff, and marketing professionals.

Attendees of Focus 2021 include:

Accommodations

Focus 2023 will be held at The Brown Hotel. The hotel is located at 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202. NSPN has negotiated a discounted room rate of $169/nt (upgrades are available). The Brown Hotel also provides free shuttle service to/from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). To receive the discounted rate, please book your room through the provided link below.

Reserve your Room

Registration

Register today for Focus 2023. The early bird rate is available from April 3rd through May 31st. Early registration is encouraged as this event quickly sells out.

Register for Focus 2023 Today

Highlights from Past Conferences

In 2021, the NSPN Membership and Safe Place teams doubled down to raise the true odds for attendees, organizations, and the youth served in Las Vegas. View highlights from this conference here. You may also view details of past conferences including Focus 2020, Focus 2018, Focus 2016, and Focus 2014. If you have any questions, please contact NSPN at 502.635.3660 or [email protected].