AAFCS Annual Conference

For decades, AAFCS has gathered professionals, pre-professionals, and emeritus members and non-members from around the world at its Annual Conferences. AAFCS is proud to be the only professional association representing members from both multiple FCS practice settings and content areas. The Annual Conference is an opportunity to advance the mission of AAFCS to elevate the profession by inspiring research, leadership, and service to empower individuals, families and communities.

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High quality professional development and networking opportunities for members and non-members is at the core of the Annual Conference. The conference objectives help provide a framework for the content to be addressed at and included in the 2025 Annual Conference. 

Objectives

The 2025 Annual Conference offers high-quality professional development and opportunities to: 

  • Address issues and challenges impacting individuals, families and communities.

  • Engage in critical dialogue and networking to build and strengthen relationships.

  • Showcase the high-quality research and scholarship of FCS students and professionals.

  • Explore emerging topics, technology, and advancements in the FCS field.

  • Promote lifelong learning and continuing education in FCS content areas.

  • Embrace a commitment to create inclusive environments, promote equitable practices and ensure access for all individuals within the organization. 

Tracks 

Through its educational sessions, AAFCS is on target to provide high quality professional development and networking opportunities in the following areas:   

  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access.

  • Advocacy, Leadership and Collaboration.

  • Research and Scholarship.

  • Technology and Trends  

  • Support and Resources for Emerging Professionals

Travel to Conference 

Airport: Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is 19.1 miles from the conference hotel. 

Parking: On-Site parking available at hourly and daily rates. Valet is also available. 

Room Reservation Request

Reserve a room at the 2025 Annual Conference! Groups and entities are invited to submit their requests to reserve meeting space. 

To host a meeting or event in conjunction with the 2025 Annual Conference, the reservation request form is due December 2! 

Reservation Request

Room Block

Kansas City Downtown Marriott
200 W 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105

Regular Room Block Rate: $199.00 
Student Room Block Rate: $149.25 (limited rooms!) 

Book Room Here

Exhibit at AAFCS!

The AAFCS offers multiple opportunities at the Annual Conference and year-round for you to amplify your impact and outreach to the Family and Consumer Sciences. Check out the Exhibitor Prospectus Here!

Email Here

Opening Keynote Speaker: Dr. Amber R. Clifford-Napoleone

Dr. Clifford-Napoleone is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Central Missouri and Curator of the McClure Archives and University Museum at University of Central Missouri.

Dr. Clifford-Napoleone teaches a series of courses, from introduction to cultural anthropology to ethnographic methods, museology, and gender and sexuality studies.

Education

  • BA: History and Anthropology
  • Masters Degrees: Museum Science from Tech University (2000) and History from University of Central Missouri (2001)
  • Ph.D.: American Studies

  

Closing Keynote Speaker: Dr. Delores L. Williams

Dr. Delores L. Williams is a dynamic force of innovation, advocacy, and leadership whose influence extends across Indigenous communities, education, and beyond. Dr. Williams has dedicated her life to bridging the past and future, empowering communities to thrive.

With a Ph.D. in Business specializing in Cultural Tourism from George Washington University and advanced degrees/certifications from Harvard, Cornell, and Wayland Baptist University, Dr. Williams combines academic brilliance with real-world impact. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Science Education from the University of Montevallo.

As CEO of the Creek Cultural Center, Dr. Williams is pioneering projects that blend tradition with innovation. From cultivating food forests for sustainable living to establishing globally celebrated art and family cultural classes, her work is a testament to visionary leadership. A sought-after thought leader, she’s an award-winning grant writer, and regular contributor to newspapers, podcasts, and other media.

Her expertise has earned her appearances on television, collaborations with world-renowned chefs like Anthony Bourdain, and a role in shaping federal policy, tribal governance, and education. Driven by passion and progress, Dr. Williams is building a brighter, inclusive future for generations to come.