April 30-May 2, 2026 @ Gideon Putnam Hotel, Saratoga Springs, NY
CONFERENCE KICKOFF
Thursday, April 30, 2026 - 11 am to 5 pm
ESSENTIALS TRACK
For professionals with fewer than 15 years mediating or partnering with mediators on cases
Session 1 Title:
Speaker:
Moderator:
(1 CLE and CE Pending)
Description:
Key takeaways:
ADVANCED TRACK
For professionals with more than 15 years mediating or partnering with mediators on cases
Session 1 Title
Speaker:
Moderator:
(1 CLE and CE Pending)
Description:
Key takeaways:
ESSENTIALS TRACK
For professionals with fewer than 15 years mediating or partnering with mediators on cases
Session 2 Title:
Speaker:
Moderator:
(2 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Description:
Key takeaways:
ADVANCED TRACK
For professionals with more than 15 years mediating or partnering with mediators on cases
Session 2 Title:
Speaker:
Moderator:
(2 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Description:
Key takeaways:
The Fun Stuff
Sponsored Cocktail Reception
Dinner
Professional Comedy Show
Awards Ceremony
Thursday, April 30, 2026, 6:30 pm
Conference Day 1 - Friday, May 1, 2026
PLENARY:
Title TBD: Educational & Inspirational
Speaker:
Moderator:
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 8:15 am to 9:45 am
(1 CLE and CE Pending)
Description:
Title TBD: Public Awareness
Speakers: Kevin Clark, Esq., and Nicolas Crocitto, Co-chairs of Public Awareness Committee,
Liz Vaz, Esq., and Alex Clark
Moderator: Renee O. LaPoint, M.S.
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 10:15 am to 11:45 am
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Description:
Key Takeaways:
Title TBD
Speakers:
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 10:15 am to 11:45 am
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Description:
Key Takeaways:
Sponsor SESSION?
Speaker: Lindsay Morris, Our Family Wizard, Platinum Sponsor
Moderator:
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 10:15 am to 11:15 am
(1 CEs Pending)
Description:
Key takeaways:
Lunch & Annual Meeting
Friday, May 1, 2026 ~ 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
President's Report
Treasurer's Report
Election Results
Member Town Hall
Session TBD
Speakers:
Moderator:
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 1:30 pm to 3 pm
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Description
Key Takeaways:
New Cyber/AI TBD
Speaker:
Moderator:
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 1:30 pm to 3 pm
(1.5 CLEs, CEs Pending)
Description
Key Takeaways:
NEW Title TBD: Update on the Law
Speakers: Helene Bernstein, Esq., Hon. Celeste Bailey, Esq., and Katie Martin, Esq.
Moderator: Connie Fraser
Friday, April 25, 2025 ~ 3:15 PM to 5:15 pm
(2 CLEs and CEs Pending)
NEW DESCRIPTION NEEDED... Members from Western, Central, and Downstate New York, who work with the courts, will share insights on recent mat-law cases and decisions specifically focusing on custody and parenting arrangements, child support and maintenance obligations, and equitable distribution of assets. Additionally, ethics, confidentially issues and other assorted topics will be addressed. Beyond case law, this session also will address critical topics such as ethical considerations, confidentiality challenges, and other nuanced issues. Participants can expect a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the latest legal trends and practical strategies to navigate these complex matters effectively.
The Fun Stuff
Sponsored Cocktail Reception
Dinner
Dance with Doc Scanlan's Band
Friday, May 1, 2026 6:30 pm
Conference Day 2 - Saturday, May 2, 2026
Session TBD:
Speakers:
Moderator:
Saturday, May 2, 2026 ~ 8:30 am to 10 am
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Description
Key Takeaways:
Session TBD
Speakers:
Moderator:
Saturday, April 26, 2025 ~ 8:30 am to 10 am
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Description
Key takeaways:
Session TBD
Speakers:
Moderator:
Saturday, April 26, 2025 ~ 8:30 am to 10 am
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Description
Key takeaways:
Session TBD
Speakers:
Moderator:
Saturday, April 26, 2025 ~ 10:30 am to 12 pm
(1.5 CLEs and CEs Pending)
Description
Key Takeaways:
You Asked For It!
Casual Lunch to Reconnect, Recap & Reinvigorate!
Saturday, April 26, 2025 ~ 12 pm to 1 pm (Or hang out longer if you like!)
You've asked for more time during the conference to catch up with longtime colleagues and build bonds with new friends. Our closing lunch will give you focused time to socialize, discuss business, recap highlights from the conference - whatever you like. As you hit the road home and go back to helping clients, you will do so inspired and reinvigorated. Boxed lunches will be provided so you have the option of eating lunch in the hotel, going outside for a picnic, or heading home with some nourishment.
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Fun Stuff
Focus on YOUR Self Care and Healing
Yoga, sound baths, nature walks and other opportunities throughout the conference to take time to take care of yourself.
Business Expo
Promote your products and services to attendees Thursday, April 24, through Saturday, April 26. To promote your business click here.
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Event Terms and Conditions
NYSDRA MEMBERS and MEMBERS OF OTHER STATE ORGANIZATIONS THAT DO NOT PRACTICE IN NEW YORK, are eligible for NYSCDM member rates. Government and court employees are eligible for member rates as well. Please email [email protected]
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION: “New York State Council on Divorce Mediation has been certified by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board as an Accredited Provider of continuing legal education in the State of New York through July 24, 2025. CLE credits will be earned depending on sessions attended. All sessions are suitable for newly appointed and experienced attorneys. Continuing Education credits are provided for beginning and advanced mediators." [email protected]
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS for social workers are pending.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS for mediators and allied professionals will be provided for all sessions by NYSCDM.
FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIP: NYSCDM’s Financial sponsorship policy is available upon written request. To apply, write Connie Fraser at Crossbridge Office Park, 2000 S. Winton Road, Bldg. 4, Suite 305, Rochester, New York 14618 [email protected]
REFUNDS: For requests received via email by April 15, refunds will be granted as follows: amount paid, less a $75 administrative fee. Thereafter, no refunds will be granted. In the case of Covid-19, refunds or credits will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
ACCESSIBILITY: If you have any requirements for accessibility or other needs, please let us know on the event registration form or contact [email protected]
DIETARY ACCOMMODATIONS: If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know on the event registration form or contact [email protected]
SCHEDULING: All efforts were made to ensure the accuracy of the schedule. If there are any unforeseen changes, all efforts will be made to provide replacement speakers or sessions that are equally dynamic.
PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY & RECORDING: By registering and/or attending the NYSCDM Annual Conference, you are providing your consent to be photographed, videoed or otherwise recorded. Such content will be used at the discretion of the Council on websites, on social media platforms, in printed materials, and via other media assets. By physically attending and participating in the conference, you are waiving and releasing any claims related to the use of your likeness at the event. Currently, there are no plans to record or simulcast conference sessions. If that changes, this policy will cover that activity.
HEALTH AND SAFETY - The Council encourages all attendees to use their best judgment and appropriate precautions while attending this event. Currently there are no restrictions on gatherings in New York State. Should anything change, we will notify you. If you feel more comfortable wearing masks, practicing safe distancing or taking other precautions while attending the event, please feel free to do so. The Council will work with the hotel provide reasonable accommodations and use best health and safety practices for all attendees.
ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP POLICY - As a 501(c)(3) organization, the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation (NYSCDM) does not accept advertisements promoting political, religious, or ideological views. This policy ensures that all advertising content aligns with our mission to maintain an unbiased and professional environment for all members. NYSCDM reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication for any reason. NYSCDM also reserves the right to remove any advertisement at any time if it does not meet with our standards, violates our policies, or is deemed inappropriate or inconsistent with our values. NYSCDM is not obligated to provide an explanation for the rejection or removal of any advertisement.
By registering for this event, you hereby acknowledge and agree to the following:
1) The NYSCDM will follow New York State laws regulating events. At this time, there are no requirements for proof of vaccinations for Covid-19;
2) If you are not feeling well during the time of the event, due to any illness, you will use appropriate precautions to protect the health of other event attendees, which might include wearing a mask, safe distancing, not attending event sessions, etc.;
3) You are aware that there are inherent risks and hazards connected with attending in-person events that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken and you assume the risk of such risks, including, but not limited to, the potential of being infected with COVID-19;
4) Understanding the inherent risks, you are electing to voluntarily attend the event; and
5) You release the Council from any and all liability arising out of or relating to any injury or illnesses (including COVID-19) sustained by you while participating in or attending the event, including while in, on, or upon the premises where the event is being conducted, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.