MAKE YOUR MARK! CONFERENCE
September 16-17, 2026
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center | 2100 Green Hills Dr, Ames, IA 50014
This year's event is the 13th annual Make Your Mark! Conference. The last 12 conferences have brought Iowans with disabilities, direct care support professionals, parents and family members, and other disability advocates together to increase civic engagement, advocacy and leadership skills.
Want to volunteer?
Register as an Attendee and email us at contactus@iowaddcouncil.org to let us know you're interested in helping out!
2026 THEME: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ADVOCACY!
Step into the spotlight and share your story! This year’s theme celebrates the power of visibility, voice, and action in advocacy. Just like a powerful film, every story has the ability to inspire change, influence others, and leave a lasting impact.
We encourage Iowans with disabilities to take center stage—amplifying their voices, building confidence, and advocating for more inclusive communities. Whether you're behind the scenes or in the spotlight, your role matters.
WHO WILL ATTEND THE MYM! CONFERENCE?
The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council) Make Your Mark! Conference is geared toward Iowans with disabilities who want to be more involved in advocacy at a local, state, or federal level. Parents, family members, caregivers, direct support professionals, and other disability advocates are also expected to be in attendance.
APPLY TO BECOME A PRESENTER!
Are you interested in presenting at this year's conference? Applications are being accepted until May 15!
We are interested in presentation ideas that help people with disabilities learn how to be more involved in their communities, become leaders, and advocate for themselves and others.
Presentations should focus on one of the following categories:
- Advocacy
- Community Inclusion
- Employment and Financial Independence
- Grassroots Organizing
- Leadership
- Self-Care or Wellbeing
- Self-Determination
- Volunteerism
Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities
Download our sponsor and exhibitor flyer for details about each available participation level!
Conference Video
Check out some of the excitement from last year's event.
AWARDS
MIA PETERSON SELF-ADVOCACY AWARD
Mia Peterson was a self-advocate who dedicated her life to advocating for individuals with disabilities.
Through her ongoing efforts, she successfully helped make meaningful changes within the disability community. After Mia passed away in 2021, we created the Mia Peterson Self-Advocacy Award in her honor, to recognize an Iowan with a disability who embodies Mia’s legacy and works to advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities.
RIK SHANNON DISABILITY CHAMPION AWARD
Rik Shannon dedicated his professional life to improving the lives of Iowans with disabilities during his 23 years as the Public Policy Manager at the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council.
After starting his retirement adventure, Rik enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, and of course cycling. Rik unfortunately passed away in 2025. The Iowa DD Council wants to honor Rik’s legacy by recognizing disability champions who have devoted their careers to creating a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities by raising awareness, implementing positive changes, and advocating for equal opportunities.
CALMING ROOM
If you need to take a break from the conference and relax in a quiet space, head to our sensory-friendly calming room!
This is an area with low lighting and calming activities that will be available during the entire event.
Signs will be displayed to help you find the room.
