2027 Title IV-E Roundtable
Lighting the Way Together: Advancing Solutions in Child Welfare
May 18-20, 2027
Marriott City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare is so pleased to host the 2027 Title IV-E Roundtable in Minneapolis, MN. The theme for the 2027 event is Lighting the Way Together: Advancing Solutions in Child Welfare
The 2027 Title IV-E Roundtable will bring together leaders and professionals from Title IV-E programs, as well as public and Tribal child welfare agencies alongside their university partners, into a shared space focused on real progress. Work at this conference will center on the belief that meaningful change happens through collaboration—across disciplines, systems, and communities—and that by working together, we can create clearer paths forward for children and families.
Attendees will explore innovative approaches to workforce development, evidence-informed practices, recruitment and retention strategies, leadership development, and practical tools that strengthen and sustain the child welfare workforce. Through shared learning, meaningful dialogue, and cross-sector partnerships, participants will move beyond conversation to identify actionable solutions that build workforce capacity and prepare the next generation of child welfare professionals. With a forward-looking, solutions-focused approach, the conference will serve as a space to exchange knowledge, inspire new ideas, and illuminate pathways toward a more effective, resilient, and responsive child welfare workforce.
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Learn more about the 2027 Title-IV Roundtable
Registration
Registration for the 2027 Title IV-E National Roundtable is now open!
Registration Options
Conference Registration With Meals | $375 per person
Includes access to all conference sessions, meals, and refreshments as identified in the conference agenda.
Conference Registration Without Meals | $0 per person
Includes access to all conference sessions. Meals and refreshments are not included.
Lodging and other travel costs are the responsibility of the attendee.
There are two registration options available for attendees. One option includes the cost of meals and refreshments during the event, and the cost of the food is offset by available Title IV-E federal funds. Because the Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare is Title IV-E federally funded, all of the trainings and events that we offer must be available at no cost.
Registration Platform (DORS)
Registration for the 2027 Title IV-E National Roundtable will be completed through DORS, the University of Minnesota's registration system. A DORS account is required to complete your registration. If you do not have an existing University of Minnesota account, you will be prompted to create a guest account.
Note: Parents or guardians registering any youth attendees must also create an account.
Cancellations
If you would like to cancel your conference registration, please contact [email protected] before April 17, 2027 to receive a refund minus a $100 administrative fee and any relevant bank charges. No refunds will be made after April 17, 2027. We will accommodate requests to transfer your registration to a colleague with notification before April 17, 2027.
Questions?
Reach us at [email protected]
Hotel & Travel
We look forward to welcoming attendees to the Minneapolis Marriott City Center in downtown Minneapolis for the 2027 Title IV-E National Roundtable.
Minneapolis Marriott City Center
30 South 7th Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Guest rooms have been reserved at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center for attendees at a special conference rate of $229.00 per night, plus applicable taxes and fees. Guests may begin checking in on May 17, 2027, prior to conference activities on May 18-20, 2027.
The conference rate is available for stays between May 17-20, 2027. Reservations must be made by April 25, 2027 or until the room block is fully reserved, whichever occurs first. Attendees are encouraged to book early, as room availability and the conference rate cannot be guaranteed after the reservation deadline.
Reservation Phone Number: (612) 349-4000
Group/Room Block Name: 2027 National Title IV-E Roundtable
Contact: For questions about your existing reservation or to make changes, please contact the hotel directly at (612) 349-4000
Parking at Marriott City Center
On-site parking is available at Minneapolis Marriott City Center. Self parking is available for $39.00 per day. Valet parking is available for $55.00 per day.
Transportation Information
The Minneapolis Marriott City Center is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, approximately 20 minutes from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), and is easily accessible by local transportation options including light rail (train), ride-share services, taxi, or rental vehicle.
Call for Proposals
Thank you for your interest in contributing to the 2027 Title IV-E Roundtable! We invite child welfare leaders, researchers, educators, and practitioners from Title IV-E programs, public and Tribal child welfare agencies, and university partners to share their expertise, innovative frameworks, and actionable solutions.
Together, we center on a shared truth: meaningful change happens through collaboration—across disciplines, systems, and communities—and that by working together, we can create clearer paths forward for children and families.
Conference Focus & Vision
The 2027 Title IV-E Roundtable is a forward-looking, solutions-focused space dedicated to building workforce capacity and preparing the next generation of child welfare professionals. We welcome proposals that explore:
- Workforce Development & Sustained Retention: Practical strategies and recruitment models that strengthen workforce skill and retention.
- Evidence-Informed Practice & Policy: Research and practical tools that enhance training and education of child welfare professionals or system outcomes.
- Leadership & Organizational Growth: Frameworks that inspire responsive, resilient organizational culture.
- Cross-Sector & Tribal Partnerships: Models of authentic collaboration across agency and academic boundaries.
Session Formats
All standard sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes. Applicants may choose from four primary breakout session types:
- Individual Presentation: A structured, deep-dive presentation sharing innovative research, program evaluations, or emerging practice frameworks, followed by Q&A.
- Interactive Workshop: A hands-on, skill-building session designed to teach participants practical tools, strategies, or methods they can apply to their work following the conference.
- Moderated Panel: A facilitated conversation featuring 3-5 presenters with distinct perspectives on a single topic, driving dialogue between panelists and the audience.
- Roundtable Discussion: An informal, highly conversational session focused on peer-to-peer exchange, brainstorming solutions, and sharing experiences around a focused topic or question, facilitated by 1-3 individuals.
Authors can also choose to submit their proposal for consideration as a Keynote Presentation (75 Minutes) at the end of this submission form.
Proposal Review Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on six primary dimensions:
- Relevance & Alignment - Alignment with Title IV-E education, child welfare workforce needs, and the theme Lighting the Way Together: Advancing Solutions in Child Welfare.
- Significance & Contribution - Innovation of the topic, its potential to address existing gaps, and overall value to the field.
- Quality & Soundness - Rigor of the conceptual framework, research methods, evaluation, or grounded practice experience.
- Practical Application - Clear, actionable takeaways that participants can immediately apply in their home agencies or institutions.
- Clarity & Structure - Well-defined learning objectives, coherent narrative, and transparent session design.
- Participant Engagement - Demonstrated plan for active discussion, reflection, or interactive exchange among attendees.
Questions can be directed to [email protected].
Proposal submissions are due by 11:59pm CST on December 18, 2026. Decisions about proposals are expected to be sent by February 19, 2027.
Agenda and Reception
2027 Roundtable Schedule at a Glance*
| Day | Time | Agenda |
|---|---|---|
| Monday (Pre-Conference) | 11:00a-3:00p | National Advisory Committee Meeting |
| 4:00p-6:00p | Early Check-In/Registration & Exhibitor Set-Up | |
| Tuesday | 8:00a-9:00a | Registration/Breakfast/Exhibitor Hall |
| 9:00a-9:30a | Welcome & Opening Remarks | |
| 9:30a-10:45a | Opening Keynote | |
| 11:00a-12:00p | Breakout Session I | |
| 12:00p-1:00p | Lunch/Exhibitor Hall | |
| 1:00p-2:00p | Breakout Session II | |
| 2:15p-3:15p | Breakout Session III | |
| 3:15p-3:45p | Refreshment Break/Exhibitor Hall | |
| 3:45p-4:45p | Breakout Session IV | |
| Wednesday | 8:00a-9:00a | Breakfast/Exhibitor Hall |
| 9:00a-9:15a | Welcome Back/Housekeeping | |
| 9:15a-10:30a | Keynote II | |
| 10:45a-11:45a | Breakout Session V | |
| 11:45a-12:45p | Lunch/Exhibitor Hall | |
| 12:45p-1:15p | Business Meeting? | |
| 1:30p-2:30p | Breakout Session VI | |
| 2:30p-3:00p | Refreshment Break/Exhibitor Hall | |
| 3:00p-4:00p | Breakout Session VII | |
| 5:00p-8:00p | Reception - Bell Museum | |
| Thursday | 8:00a-9:00a | Breakfast/Exhibitor Hall |
| 9:00a-10:00a | Breakout Session VIII | |
| 10:15a-11:30a | Closing Keynote | |
| 11:30a-12:00p | Closing Remarks |
*Specific dates and times are subject to change.
Evening Reception at the Bell Museum
Join us at the Bell Museum on Wednesday, May 19, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. for an evening of networking, exploration, and connection. Selected in part for its Minnesota focus and unique planetarium experience, the museum provides a fitting setting for this year's theme, Lighting the Way Together: Advancing Solutions in Child Welfare.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore some museum exhibits, attend one of two optional planetarium shows offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and connect with colleagues from across the Title IV-E community. A limited number of guided tours of the nearby Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy will also be available. The Academy is a partnership between the Child Safety and Permanency Division of the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families and the Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare at the University of Minnesota.
Shuttle transportation will be provided between the Minneapolis Marriott City Center and the Bell Museum. Additional shuttles for Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy tours will depart from and return to the Bell Museum.
Questions? Reach us at [email protected]
Sponsorship Opportunities
This Title IV-E Roundtable brings together child welfare students, workforce professionals, agency leaders, university partners, researchers, and policymakers from across the country to strengthen the child welfare workforce and improve outcomes for children, youth, and families.
As we prepare for this important event, we are seeking sponsors who share our commitment to supporting and strengthening the current and future child welfare workforce. Sponsorship support allows us to maintain the traditionally low registration costs that make the conference accessible to students and professionals, while ensuring a high-quality experience for all attendees. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with 400+ attendees and introduce them to your organization in a meaningful way.
Sponsorship purchases will be completed through DORS, the University of Minnesota's purchasing system. A DORS account is required to complete your purchase. If you do not have an existing University of Minnesota account, you will be prompted to create a guest account.
Learn about sponsorship opportunities below and reach out to [email protected] today with questions or to secure your sponsorship!
Lake Superior Title Sponsor - $25,000
- Exclusive title sponsor designation
- Premier logo placement on conference materials
- Logo and link on the conference website
- Recognition during opening keynote sessions each day of the conference
- Opportunity to provide welcome remarks during a plenary session
- 2 Complimentary exhibit tables
- 3 Complimentary conference registrations
- Recognition in conference communications before, during, and after the event
- Registered attendees email list following the event
Bde Maka Ska Reception Sponsor - $20,000
University, agency, State, regional, or educational consortium sponsorships are welcome.
- Exclusive sponsorship of the conference reception taking place at the Bell Museum on Wednesday 5/19
- Recognition at the reception and throughout conference materials
- Prominent logo placement on conference materials
- Logo and link on the conference website
- 1 Complimentary exhibit table
- 2 Complimentary conference registrations
- Verbal recognition and promotion of reception during conference events
- Registered attendees email list following the event
Mille Lacs Lake Conference Sponsor - $15,000
(Two sponsorships available)
- Sponsor will be spotlighted at a conference lunch
- Logo and sponsorship level recognition on conference materials and website
- Logo and link on the conference website
- 1 Complimentary exhibit table
- 2 Complimentary conference registrations
- Registered attending email list following the event
Leech Lake Conference Sponsor - $10,000
(Three sponsorships available)
- Sponsor will be spotlighted at a conference breakfast
- Logo and sponsorship level recognition on conference materials and website
- 1 Complimentary exhibit table
- 1 Complimentary conference registration
Red Lake Conference Sponsor - $7,500
(Five sponsorships available)
- Sponsor will be spotlighted during a conference refreshment break
- Logo and sponsorship level recognition on conference materials and website
- 1 Complimentary exhibit table
- 1 Complimentary conference registration
Lake Minnetonka Conference Sponsor - $5,000
- Logo and sponsorship level recognition on conference materials and website
- 1 Complimentary exhibit table
Lake of the Isles Sponsor - $3,000
- Name (no logo) and sponsorship level recognition on conference materials and website
- 1 Complimentary exhibit table
Gull Lake Sponsor (Exhibitor) - $750
- Name included on list of exhibitors provided to all attendees
- Requires that exhibitors also purchase a full conference registration with meals ($375)
Customized Sponsorship Opportunities
We recognize that organizations have unique goals and budgets. We welcome conversations about customized sponsorship opportunities and partnership arrangements designed to maximize your organization's impact and visibility at the Roundtable. We would be pleased to discuss these opportunities with you by phone or Zoom and explore how your support can contribute to the success of this national event. Reach us at [email protected].
Things to Do
IV-E Roundtable 2027 Things To Do
- Theater: Orpheum Theatre (.2 miles from hotel) will be showing Hamilton
Art Museums:
- Minneapolis Institute of Art MIA (1.5 miles from hotel)
- Walker Art Center (1.1 mile from hotel)
- Sculpture Garden at Walker
First Avenue Tours (groups of 10-25, .1 mile from hotel)
Walking Tour of Nicollet Mall. What you’ll find on Nicollet.
Brave New Workshop (comedy, .2 miles from hotel)
Axe Throwing (.2 miles from hotel)
Escape Room (.3 miles from hotel)
Roxy's Cabaret Show (.6 miles from hotel)
Ghost Tour Trolley (start of route is 1.3 miles from hotel)
Candyland Store (across street from hotel)
Midtown Global Market (2.5 miles from hotel)
Meet Minneapolis - Things to Do
Wednesday, May 19th - Tours of the MN Child Welfare Training Academy (buses from evening reception)
Questions about the event? Reach us at [email protected]