iStand
10th International Parents Conference
&
Sunset Gala
10th International Parents Conference
&
Sunset Gala
September 27 ~ 29 , 2023
On June 11-12, 2014, thirteen parents gathered at the Hotel Harrington, in Washington DC, for the first iStand Parent Network International Parents Conference & Embassy Walk. For 10 years, the Conference served as a beacon of hope, a rallying point & refueling station, and an annual catalyst for the next era of advocacy for victims of International Parental Child Abduction.
In September, we'll meet together again, rekindling friendships, meeting with Congress, learning from each other and, yes, marching down Embassy Row. This time, we're gathering at the historic Mayflower Hotel, a fitting finale to a Conference that has inspired a decade of hope and action.
Join us as we gather for the final iStand International Parents Conference in our nation's capitol. Parents, grandparents, youth survivors, and friends of America's Stolen Children. You don't want to miss iStand 10, because When the sun sets...the stars come out!
With generous support from
Wednesday ~ September 27
IPCA DAY ON CAPITOL HILL
The day begins with continental breakfast, before heading to Capitol Hill for constituent calls and policy meetings.
Meet new and old friends, wind down and mingle at our Welcome Reception in the elegant Senate Room of The Mayflower Hotel. We'll end the evening together with a White House Candlelight Vigil--just as we did at iStand's beginning.
Thursday ~ september 28
10th international parents conference
Thursday's Conference will feature dynamic plenary sessions, an elegant awards luncheon, surprise guests, impactful workshops, and tool kits to equip every attendee to carry the banner forward for children and families.
We will end the evening as iStand began, with a poignant White House candlelight vigil for America's Stolen Children.
Friday ~ September 29
embassy walk
&
Sunset Gala
Our 10th Annual Embassy Walk will be the "march heard around the world". We are preparing a special demonstration to call upon the nations to return our children home. EMBASSY ROW VIDEO AS A POPUP!
Later that night, we'll bring the iStand Conference to a beautiful close with our first-ever black-tie event. Get your tuxes, gowns, and fancy, formal attire ready! When the sun sets....the stars come out!
Youth Survivor Track
*Youth track registration is free with parents registration!
The Youth Survivor Track is for IPCA youth survivors, their siblings, and the siblings of children who remain abducted.
Youth Track participants visit Washington DC landmarks, collaborate on arts enrichment projects and enjoy hanging out for a purpose!
When the Stars Come Out
iStand Sunset Gala
Friday, september 29, 2023
reception 6 pm
Enjoy refreshments and walk amongst the real stars of the evening, survivors of International Parental Child Abduction
Dinner & celebration 7 pm
Featuring an black-tie dinner, 10-year retrospective, survivor stories. special guests, and lifetime honors.
Dj & Dancing 9 pm
As always, there's absolutely NO party like an iStand party! We'll conclude this special evening--- and end this special era of advocacy for internationally abducted children--- with dancing, sing-alongs, drinks, and love, love, love!
Location: The District Ballroom Attire: Elegant ~ Black Tie Optional
Registration Fee: $125
Registration Includes:
Admission to all events
and
Wednesday
Welcome Reception
with appetizers and open bar
Thursday
Continental Breakfast
Plated Luncheon
Coffee Break
Friday
Embassy Walk Grab-n-go
Sunset Gala Reception, Dinner & Dancing
About the Conference
The International Parents Conference connects families from across the nation and internationally with other parents and families, advocates, members of Congress, federal agencies, and international diplomats, facilitating trainings and workshops, direct engagement, and critical access to important decision-makers and stakeholders to aid in the fight to reunite with their abducted children.
For three days, we engage in solution-oriented action on Capitol Hill, at the International Parents Conference and during our march down Embassy Row. iStand helps new parents learn the 'ropes' of impassioned, effective advocacy for their children, and diverse workshops on a range of topics equip each participant to carry the message and the movement forward. For returning attendees, the Conference is an important opportunity to recharge, find new solutions and advance public policy reform. It's not all work, though! In the evenings, we come together again for festive fellowship, food and drinks to cap off action-packed days.
iStand 10 will be the last Conference held in Washington DC, as iStand Parent Network Inc. adapts to the changing IPCA policy environment, and also streamlines its advocacy toward survivor empowerment and public policy research and reform.
About iStand Parent Network Inc.
We empower families to return their children home from International Parental Child Abduction and help reunited families to thrive through survivor-focused reunification services. We also vigorously advocate for domestic and international policy reform to prevent and end this crime against children and families.
istandparentnetwork.com
Contact us:
istand@istandparentnetwork.com