two adults holding hands with two kids in the middle on a beach at sunset

Great Beginnings, Great Families Conference

Detailed Agenda

 

*This schedule is subject to change and was last updated 4/28/2026.

Day 1

Tuesday, August 11th, 2026

Time
Event
Location 

9:00 - 10:00 am

In-house Registration | Exhibitor Hall Opens 

Ballroom Foyer

10:00 - 10:15 am

Opening Remarks | Welcome from Tracy Moseman, ECFSD Administrator

Empire Builder & Western Star

10:15 - 12:15 pm

Keynote - Laura Olsonowski

Empire Builder & Western Star

12:15 - 1:15 pm

LUNCH | Visit Exhibitor Hall

 Oriental

1:15 - 2:15 pm
BREAKOUTS
  • IECMH and Its Impact on Family Serving Workforces in Montana - Hollin Buck

    Located in Empire Builder

  • Protecting Little Lungs: Wildfire Smoke's Impact on Early Childhood and How to Reduce Exposure - Mary Anderson

    Located in Iron Horse Ballroom


  • Does Your Child Need Extra Support? Learn What Resources and Services are Available for Children with Special Needs (PART 1) - Mark Douglass

    Located in Western Star

 

2:15 - 2:45 pm

BREAK | Visit Exhibitor Showcase

 Oriental

2:45 - 3:45 pm
BREAKOUTS
  • WIC Partnership and Referrals with the NEW Healthy Together App - Lacy Little

    Located in Empire Builder

  • Oral Health Presentation - MSU School of Nursing and Smiles Across MT 

    Located in Iron Horse Ballroom

  • Does Your Child Need Extra Support? Learn What Resources and Services are Available for Children with Special Needs (PART 2) - Mark Douglass

    Located in Western Star

 
3:45 - 4:00 pm TRANSITION BREAK | Visit Exhibitor Hall  Oriental

4:00 - 5:00 pm

 Perspectives from Montana Families Panel Discussion

Empire Builder & Western Star
5:15-6:30 pm Networking Event 

*Draw for Exhibitor Bingo		 Ballroom Foyer & Oriental

Day 2

Wednesday, August 12th, 2026

Time
Event
Location 

7:00 - 8:00 am

In-house Registration & Sponsor Booths Open

Foyer

8:00 - 9:00 am

Keynote: Dr. PBJ

Empire Builder, Western Star, & Oriental

9:00 - 9:15 am 

TRANSITION BREAK | Visit Sponsor Booths

 

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Breakouts

 

10:15 am - 10:30 am

TRANSITION BREAK | Visit Sponsor Booths

 

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Breakouts

 

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch

 
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Breakouts  

2:00 pm - 2:15 pm

 TRANSITION BREAK | Visit Sponsor Booths

 
2:15 pm - 3:15 pm Breakouts  

3:15 pm - 3:30 pm

TRANSITION BREAK | Visit Sponsor Booths

 

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Breakouts

 

Day 3

Thursday, August 13th, 2026

Time
Event
Location 

7:00 - 8:00 am

In-house Registration & Sponsor Booths Open

Foyer

8:00 - 9:00 am

Keynote: Maria Gladstone

 Empire Builder, Western Star, & Oriental

9:00 - 9:15 am

TRANSITION BREAK | Visit Sponsor Booths

 

9:15 - 10:15 am

Presentations

 

10:15 - 10:30 am

TRANSITION BREAK | Visit Sponsor Booths

 

10:30 - 11:30 pm

Keynote

Empire Builder & Western Star

11:30 - 12:00 pm

Closing Remarks, Raffle & Evaluations