FAQ

This conference is invite-only. If you are a researcher, health care or support professional, or self-advocate with experience in suicide prevention and/or autism, email events@weareiti.org to express interest in attending.

Lisa Morgan Consulting LLC and Independence Through Interdependence (ITI) are co-hosting the conference. This conference was funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award (EASCS-42244).

The conference will take place from Saturday, February 21 to Sunday, February 22, 2026. Sessions will start at 8:30 AM and conclude at 3:30 PM each day, with breaks scheduled throughout the day and optional evening activities.

The conference will be held in Columbus, Ohio. Most of the activities will take place at the Columbus Metropolitan Library: Main Branch. Sunday morning discussions will take place at Buckeye Bourbon House, located inside the Residence Inn Downtown Columbus hotel.

We have a hotel block at the Residence Inn Downtown Columbus between Friday, 2/20/26 check in – Monday, 2/23/26 check out. Even if your institution is covering expenses, you are welcome to book in our block. Book your room before January 30th to get our preferred rate of $159/night.

On-site valet for those driving to the conference (we will reimburse valet costs)

Features: all rooms are suites equipped with a kitchen, breakfast included, located in Downtown Columbus in a historic building

Location: 10-15 minute walk to the conference location with option to bus, drive, or take a rideshare

If you have access to institutional funding for part or all of the trip, we encourage you to use it so we can fund as many people as possible.

Hotel
We will reimburse stays at the Residence Inn Downtown Columbus between Friday, 2/20/26 check in – Monday, 2/23/26 check out using our booking link. Please book your room before January 30th to get our preferred rate.

Flight
We will reimburse economy round trip flights from your location to Columbus, OH (CMH). You may purchase your flight anytime (the earlier the better!). Please send a copy of your receipt to events@weareiti.org when you purchase your flight so we can ensure our budget estimate is updated and that you get reimbursed.

Driving
We will reimburse expenses for driving to the conference. This includes: 72.5 cents per mile driven to attend the conference (IRS standard rate) and hotel valet parking costs.

To get reimbursed, track the beginning and end location for each use of your car related to the conference, and the total miles driven on that use. You will submit the log to get reimbursed.

Food
Breakfast and lunch will be provided during conference days (2/21 – 2/22). We are working to confirm that we can cover dinner for all attendees. Stay tuned!

If you have access to institutional funding for part or all of the trip, we encourage you to use it so we can fund as many people as possible.

We will be paying reimbursements with Paypal or Zelle. (Note: we are no longer reimbursing via check in the mail)

We will reimburse all receipts submitted by March 1, 2026 by March 22, 2026. If you need earlier reimbursement due to your financial situation, let us know and we will arrange an earlier reimbursement for you.

Here is the process:

1. Submit your receipts, driving mileage log (if applicable), and your Paypal or Zelle account information to events@weareiti.org
2. We will send your reimbursement amount via email by March 22, 2026 (if materials are submitted by March 1; otherwise within 30 days).

Yes, the venue is accessible by COTA bus or rideshare services (Uber and Lyft). If you are driving, affordable parking is available at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s parking garage.

We will be providing a quiet room and fidgets for all to use. If you have received the RSVP via email, you can indicate the accommodations that you need, including American Sign Language translation, closed captions, dietary restrictions, and more. To update your accommodations or ask questions, email us at events@weareiti.org.