We’re thrilled to invite you to the Autism eXchange Annual Conference and Staycation, a gathering dedicated to advancing understanding, support and innovation in Autism research and services in your community! The conference brings together a diverse group of experts, advocates, caregivers, and individuals on the Autism Spectrum to share insights and strategies that make a difference.

Our goal is to empower individuals by fostering a sense of community, connecting them with valuable resources and supports, all while offering a fun and safe environment. This conference promises to be an enriching and memorable experience for all.

Autism eXchange 2026! It’s high-value information. Useful and important education.
Plus a fun-filled vacation your whole family will absolutely love!

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday July 10 – Saturday July 11, 2026 
  • Time:
    • Attendee check-in begins at 11:45 am Friday, July 10
    • Conference activities end at 4:00 pm July 11
  • Location: Wilderness Resort & Waterpark and Glacier Canyon Lodge 

What to Expect:

At the Autism eXchange Annual Conference and Staycation, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Engage with expert speakers presenting the latest research and support tactics in Autism.
  • Participate in interactive workshops focused on practical skills and resources.
  • Network with other attendees to foster new connections and collaborations.
  • Attend panel discussions that explore lived experiences, advocacy, and future directions in Autism support.

We're looking forward to an inspiring and impactful event. Join us in our mission to foster greater understanding and support for the Autism community!

 

Meet Our Presenters

Friday, July 10

Keynote Panel: “Supporting an Individual Throughout Their Lifespan”

Speaker Organization Topic
Toto Chanthavixay Milwaukee County CLTS CLTS Programming and Services
Samantha Margelofsky TMG IRIS
Lisa Morse-Heinz Molina Healthcare / MyChoice Wisconsin Family Care / Family Care Partnership
Kelsey Vincent, MPA Bureau of Children’s Services Katie Beckett
Elida Elizondo Social Security Administration SSI
Reba Fredrickson ADRC Adult Services
Katie Ambrosio Penfield Children’s Center Birth to Three

 

Saturday, July 11

Keynote Speech: “The Ins & Outs of Autism: Managing Feeding and Toileting Challenges”

  • Dr. Andrea Begotka, PhD
    Associate Professor, Medical College of Wisconsin

 

Breakout Session 1

“Spanish Programs/Services and Encompass en Español”

  • Adela Villanueva Perez, Autism United

 

“Community Connections”

  • Dawn Koceja & Dr. Lexee, Milwaukee Public Museum

 

IEPs and 504s”

  • Jennifer Lemke Pawlak, Autism Consulting Services of Milwaukee / Dynamic Connections, LLC

 

“Navigating the Journey Together: Empowering Families Through WISPEI’s Free Supports and Services”

  • Cheri Sylla, CESA / WISPEI

 

“Mental Health and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Co-Occurring Conditions”

  • Dr. Erin Long, PhD & Dr. Jessica Foley, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s

 

Breakout Session 2

“Female Autistic Adult Experience and Nervous System Regulation”

  • Lindsay Hill, Autism United

 

 

“Transition to Adulthood”

  • Tim and Hunter Markle

 

“Beyond the Myths: Rethinking ABA Through a Modern, Person-Centered Lens”

  • Melissa Gerber, M.S., BCBA, LBA, Mindcolor Autism
  • Kirsten Jaeger, MS, BCBA, LBA, Great Lakes Behavior Analysis
  • Nicole Ellish, PhD, BCBA-D, Sonnenberg Consultants
  • Taylor McIntyre, MS, BCBA, LBA, The Richardson School, a MyPath Company

     

 

“Finding the First YES — Because Every Athlete’s Journey Begins With “You Belong Here”

  • Roni Andrew, TOPSoccer
  • Mark Wolfgram, Special Olympics of Wisconsin

 

“The Caregiver Toolkit: Building Predictability and Positive Behavior at Home”

  • Elizabeth Brockman, MS, BCBA, LBA, Brighter Behaviors

 

Breakout Session 3

“Encompass Presentation”

  • Julie Quigley  Autism United

 

“Chaos to Calm: Teaching Skills Instead of Always Managing Behavior”

  • Katie Berg, Supporting Neurodiverse Students

 

“Caregiver Stress Awareness”

  • Linda K. Niemela, PT, We Rock The Spectrum

 

“CLTS: Children’s Long-Term Supports”

  • Toto Chanthavixay, Milwaukee County CLTS

 

“Sensory-Guided Elimination: A Capabilities-Based Approach to Special Needs Potty Training”
  • Michelle Swaney, The Potty School

 

Exhibitors & Advertisers

Exhibitor Rates

The exhibitor fee includes a 6′ table, name on website and in conference program, and chairs for up to 2 people. Please note that the exhibitor registration does not include conference registration. If your exhibit attendant(s) wish to attend any breakout sessions, they must register for the conference as well. You can add a discounted attendee pass to your exhibitor package.

Click Here to learn more about exhibitor and advertisement levels and what’s included.

Registration Type Registration Rates
Commercial Exhibitors $500
Non-Profit Service Exhibitors $400
Individual with Autism $200

 

Thank You to Our Exhibitors

Autism United of Wisconsin is grateful to the organizations, businesses, service providers, educational institutions, and community partners joining us as exhibitors.

Their participation helps connect individuals and families with valuable resources, services, support, and opportunities throughout Wisconsin.

2026 Exhibitors

Brighter Behaviors
Game U
Just Shuttle
Bark Technologies
Mindcolor Autism
On Your Marq – Marquette University
University of Wisconsin–Stout
We Rock the Spectrum
Medical Support Services
By Your Side Services LLC
TMG Wisconsin
Accessible-Tech LLC
Brain Balance
Next Step in Residential and Day Services
The Potty School
Support Plus Personal Care
Children’s Wisconsin
CESA 1 / Supporting Neurodiverse Students Professional Learning System
Curative Care
Special Olympics Wisconsin
WSEMS – Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System
Family Voices of Wisconsin
Penfield Children’s Center
LSS Connections
Open Wings Learning Community
Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Molina Healthcare / MyChoice Wisconsin
ENCE
Social Security Administration
Infinite Possibilities Animals Inc.

Connect With Our Exhibitors

We encourage attendees to visit our exhibitors throughout the event, learn about the services and resources they provide, ask questions, and make connections that can support individuals and families throughout their journey.

Thank you to all of our exhibitors for being part of this event and for helping build a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive Wisconsin community.

 

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

As a sponsor, your organization will have the opportunity to highlight your organization and engage directly with our attendees from areas you serve. Your support will play a crucial role in helping us provide valuable resources, education, and connections to individuals and families throughout Wisconsin. Autism United serves the largest county and most populous service area in the state, so this is an amazing way to share your organization and services with the local Autism community in the state and especially the Southeastern Wisconsin counties including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, Washington, Walworth, Ozaukee, Jefferson and Dodge.

Click Here to learn more about the available sponsorship levels and what’s included.

2026 Sponsors

   

   

   

   

 

 

 

Registration – Deadline June 10, 2026

There are no on-site registrations. Please contact Adela on the Autism United Conference Team if you do not receive an email confirmation of your registration at adela@autism-united.org

The registration fee includes access to all the activities and experiences within the conference including a Family Friendly Ice Cream Social on Friday evening, light breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Any other meals are on your own.

 Registration fees do not include hotel accommodation or attraction access. 

 

Registration Type Registration Rates
Adult Registration (13 and up) $250
Children (12 and under) $150
Conference Support Person $150

Conference Support Person 

To qualify for this rate your primary purpose for attending the conference must be to support an individual with Autism who is also registered for the conference. Only 1 support person (per Autistic individual) may register at this rate.

Raffle Donations

Everyone loves a raffle!

Autism United is gratefully accepting donated items for the raffle at this year’s conference, where all attendees will have the opportunity to participate and win. Your donation helps enhance the conference experience while directly supporting our mission and programs. We welcome a variety of items and greatly appreciate your generosity in making this event a success!

You may drop off your raffle donation, mail it or arrange for us to pick it up!

Raffle donations need to be to Autism United no later than June 10th.

There are two ways to let us know about your generous donation:

  • Complete the online raffle donation form here.
  • Print and complete the form here and include a copy with your donation.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Written cancellation requests must be sent to us by June 10, 2026 and will be charged a $25.00 processing fee – no exceptions. Registrations are non-transferable.

Yes, we have multiple sponsorship, exhibitor, and advertisement opportunities.

Sponsoring, exhibiting and advertising at our Autism eXchange Conference and Staycation is a unique opportunity to engage with members of the Autism community from the largest service area in Wisconsin and share your services. Attendees are coming to the conference excited to learn more about local organizations that support Autistic individuals and their families.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Wilderness Resort. Book your reservations early! There are only a limited number of rooms reserved at the following rates:

Thursday: $219

Friday: $299

Saturday: $299

Room Reservation cutoff date is Tuesday, June 10, 2026. After this date, all unreserved rooms will be released to the general public.

To reserve your room, please call 1-800-867-9453 and state that you are with Leader #B46530.

Rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes in effect at the time of check in, and a taxable $35.00 nightly Resort fee, or current prevailing fee if changed.

For those not staying at the resort, you can purchase day passes to enjoy the attractions here.

  • Registration includes access to the entire statewide conference and all activities in the conference.
  • Registration fees do not include hotel accommodations or external attraction entrance.

No, there is no single day registration option.

Cost varies by registration level and type.

The Children’s Long Term Support Waiver may cover the cost of attending the conference. Please reach out to your county coordinator to register for the conference.

Yes, this conference is designed to be family friendly! While typical conferences may not have activities for all, we have worked with the Wilderness resort, presenters and exhibitors to ensure there are experiences for all ages.

Although attendees may bring family members to the hotel, only paid registrants wearing conference badges will be permitted to attend the conference sessions.

The deadline to register for the Autism eXchange Conference is June 10, 2026. Registrations will not be accepted after June 10, with no exceptions.

You will receive an e-mail confirmation when your registration has been processed. If you do not receive an e-mail confirmation, please contact us at info@autism-united.org or (414) 988-1260 to ensure your registration was received. It is important that you provide an e-mail on your registration to ensure you receive access to resources, conference agenda and other materials that will be available prior to the conference.

No, the conference sessions do not require pre-registration and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

There will not be childcare available at the conference.