Save the dates of Nov. 2–5, 2021, for the 2021 NCFR Annual Conference. Due to current pandemic conditions, NCFR is planning at this time to host a virtual conference for 2021.

The health and safety of conference participants is of foremost concern to NCFR and is the basis for this current direction.

In a January 2021 survey, a majority of NCFR members and past conference attendees reported uncertainty with being able to travel to a conference in 2021. Over 60% of respondents cited either employer or state-level travel restrictions, and over 64% reported personal discomfort in traveling due to the pandemic.

NCFR will continue to monitor health recommendations for large gatherings from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
 

Building Upon the 2020 Conference

NCFR’s first ever virtual conference in 2020 was a great success. While attendees missed many aspects of meeting in person, results from the postconference survey showed attendees were overall highly satisfied.

Many sessions, including paper presentations and business meetings, enjoyed higher than average attendance and engagement. Attendees took advantage of virtual methods to make and sustain connections with others. Discounted registration pricing and a grant available for Students of Color opened the door for many who otherwise would not have been able to attend.

NCFR chose to move its entire 2020 program online, including plenaries, receptions, and poster sessions. While some conference formats worked better than others, the postconference survey provided feedback on areas needing improvement, and we will work hard to make the virtual experience even better for 2021.

Another major concern from survey respondents is an actual or anticipated loss of employer funding for conference registration in 2021. NCFR plans again to keep registration prices as low as possible, while still providing a high-quality conference experience.

NCFR is grateful to everyone who completed our recent surveys and will utilize this feedback as planning continues. With so much still uncertain as to how and when life will return to normal, one thing remains certain: there is a profound need for family scholars and professionals to work together to understand and strengthen families amidst the many challenges in our world.
 

Submit a 2021 Proposal

Review the 2021 call for proposals that includes calls from NCFR’s 10 sections, Affiliate Councils, Students and New Professionals (SNP) group, and for the Theory Construction & Research Methodology preconference.

The popular interactive paper and workshop formats from 2020 will return. NCFR is also accepting proposals for paper sessions, traditional workshops, symposiums, and posters.

The deadline for proposals is March 1, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. PST.