The Spark
Florida's first abuse and neglect prevention-focused convention began in 2024 as a joint partnership between Prevent Child Abuse Florida and The Florida Center for Early Childhood.
Leaders from both organizations worked together to secure the location - Orlando. With the city so centrally located, it was a natural choice to ensure advocates from all over the state could attend. But even with the area selected, the venue was hard to narrow down.
The challenge of starting a convention from scratch was intimidating - who would attend? What resources will they need? How do we connect these advocates, and how many will actually attend?
The Prevention Convention team didn't let the challenge get in the way of the dream - and our efforts were rewarded in every way.
The convention featured helpful and innovative presentations and vendors, surpassed the attendee goal by 15%, and everyone present expressed joy and motivation from the connections they made (and the desire for more opportunities to do so).
The resulting advocacy work has been incredible, and this year, the second ever Prevention Convention aims to keep that momentum going.
Join us in the mission - because We Are Prevention!
Do you want to be a featured speaker at the 2025 Prevention Convention?
We want to hear from you! Please use the application link below to tell us about yourself and your topic. We have limited timeslots open, so apply today!
Applications must be submitted by March 19th
Priority will be given to proposals that meet one or more criteria below:
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Promotes primary prevention strategies, ideas and campaigns
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Provides audiences with research/evidence-based prevention strategies, programs, or curriculum
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Features new practices for early childhood education and family support
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Includes approaches for understanding/overcoming poverty, stigma, housing challenges, substance abuse, etc.
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Team building focused with activities to enhance staff wellness
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Includes presenters/co-presenters with lived experience
