SSTA Conference: Breaking the Silence

Will I be able to keep my identity/attendance confidential?

You may register or participate using a pseudonym. We will have a policy that no images or video or audio recordings be made at the conference unless consent is asked and obtained from all who are included in the image or recording. We plan to have a designated area with an opaque background for photos and selfies. That said, 5WAVES will not be able to monitor all places at all times, and we will depend on conference attendees to respect this policy and remind each other to follow it. 

 

Are there any discounts available? 

At this point, we are offering a low early bird rate for everyone. All those who register have the option to donate to a scholarship fund, and we are also seeking sponsorships. If cost is a barrier for you to attend, please contact info@5waves.org after March 15, when we will know more about how much flexibility and assistance we will be able to provide. 

 

If I give a presentation, do I still have to pay? 

As 5WAVES is a very small nonprofit, we will need those who present to register and pay. We have set the fee at a level we hope will be affordable for most. If cost is a barrier that would prevent you from presenting, please submit an application anyway. If you are selected to present, contact us about financial assistance at that time, and we will work with you on affordability. 

 

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the buildings and rooms where conference sessions, exhibits, and meals will be held is accessible via ramps and elevators. The main building is adjacent to the parking lot. We are still awaiting confirmation regarding the accessibility of dorm rooms. 

 

What does that little hand symbol mean?

It means that this event will include ASL-English interpretation, to assist in communication between those who are Deaf or hearing impaired and those who use spoken English. 

 

If I have a book or a nonprofit, can I promote it?

We hope to schedule some time during the conference day for an author reception, when authors can bring sample copies of their books, share flyers with codes for book sales, and interact with each other and conference attendees. Check back later for more information. Another option is to purchase an exhibit table for $200. Exhibit tables be used to promote books, nonprofits, therapy and healing services, etc. Book and organization promotions will not be allowed as part of presentations. If you are selected to present, you will not be able to promote your book or business during your presentation time. 
 

What if I go and I’m triggered? 

We will vet presentations and request that they not include explicit details of sexual activity. However, we realize that everyone’s triggers are unique, and there is potential for strong emotional reactions anytime SSTA is discussed. We will have trauma-informed professionals on site and a room dedicated to calming and assistance during the conference.

 

Will siblings who are responsible for sexual harm be allowed to attend?

5WAVES does not have the capacity to screen attendees; it is possible that people who have displayed harmful or abusive sexual behavior are present in any public space. 

 

If you are a person who has ever sexually harmed your sibling(s), we expect that you obtain consent from any sibling you harmed before you attend this conference. We also ask you to keep in mind that there will be survivors of SSTA and other types of sexual assault in all conference spaces, and prioritize their mental health and emotional safety at all times.  

 

We will not have programming that is specifically aimed at siblings who have harmed; however there will be discussion about treatment and support for siblings who have caused harm in sessions for parents and practitioners, and workshops on healing or relationships may have useful insight for those who have acted in harmful or abusive ways in the past. 

 

Is food provided in the ticket price?

The price includes a coffee/tea/water station, and a light lunch. 

 

I have special dietary needs. Can you accommodate them?

We will post the planned menu on the conference program when it is available. However, it is subject to change. We recommend that anyone with special dietary needs bring their own food, to ensure your own health and safety.  We will not offer discounts or refunds to those who cannot eat conference-provided meals.

 

Are conference tickets refundable? 

No, unless unforseen circumstances force the conference to be cancelled. 

 

What about next year?

5WAVES is hosting this first-ever SSTA conference; however, we have no current plans to host future conferences. So if you are interested, be sure to register for this one!