Skip to Content

Conference 2026 Things to Know

Table of Contents

Important Details About our Event

Arrival

Doors open at 8 a.m. (sessions begin at 9 a.m.). The accessible entrance is to the left of the main doors.

Important: parking pass required

PRINT ME: Here is a link to a printable Conference Parking Pass to be placed on your dashboard. Extra passes will be available on-site if needed. Be sure to follow the directions below. GPS incorrectly directs you to the first parking lot, which is University Park and Ride. DO NOT PARK THERE – cars will be ticketed. Conference attendees need to follow conference signage and take the turn directly in front of the Friday Conference Center main entrance. Accessible parking is available.

Directions

100 Friday Center Drive, Chapel Hill, NC
From Raleigh or Durham (via I-40):

  • Take Exit 273A toward Chapel Hill (NC-54 West).
  • Continue on NC-54 West for approximately 2 miles.
  • Turn left onto Friday Center Drive (you’ll see signs for the Friday Conference Center).
  • Take the second right to find the visitors’ parking lot.
  • Visitor parking is located in the lot in front of the Friday Conference Center

Registration and Check-in

Check in at the registration table upon arrival. A physical ticket is not required.

Meals

Continental breakfast starts at 8 am. Lunch buffet will be available from 11:45 am -12:45 pm, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. There is no programming during lunch, and meals can be taken anywhere inside or outside of the conference center. The conference also features an all-day drink station and select snacks throughout the day.

Agenda and Materials

Our schedule, including the agenda and breakout sessions, as well as conference materials can be found on our event page.

Raffle

Each attendee will be entered into a raffle to win one of our fabulous (7) prizes. You can increase your chances of winning by purchasing additional raffle tickets for $10 each. You can purchase as many as you want. All proceeds go directly to advancing the mission of Disability Rights North Carolina. Winners will be drawn at 4 pm and displayed on a board by registration. You can pick up your prize then. Purchase raffle tickets here

Raffle prizes include

Visit our Exhibitors

Be sure to check out our exhibitor fair featuring more than 40 partner agencies, nonprofits, and service providers showcasing programs, tools, and supports available to individuals with disabilities and their families. It’s a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and discover valuable resources. They are in the main hall and lounges.  All attendees will receive a passport activity. For every exhibit you visit, you will receive an initial in that box on your passport. Attendees who submit their passports will earn additional raffle entries, increasing their chances of winning a prize.

Plenary

All are invited to attend at 1 pm. Cherene Caraco, Founder and CEO of Promise Resource Network, in a Conversation with Virginia Knowlton Marcus, DRNC CEO.

Quiet Room

This Windflower room is available for attendees who need a quiet space to rest or take a sensory break during the conference.

Access the Vote NC!

Find out key information on challenges and accommodations for disabled voters, and how to get involved beyond voting.

Business casual attire is encouraged.

Assistance and Accommodations

If you need assistance during the event, notify DRNC staff at the registration desk

Photography

Lastly, by participating in the event, guests consent to being photographed and/or video recorded.

Questions?

Contact us at conference@disabilityrightsnc.org if you have any questions between now and the conference.

Did you find what you needed today?

Let us know so we can improve!

Share