20 Years of ADHD Conferences: Memories, Mayhem & Why We Keep Coming Back

What happens when four ADHD advocates get together to reminisce about twenty years of ADHD conferences?

There are stories about discovering ADHD in unexpected places, meeting heroes in bathrooms and coffee lines, trying to choose between dozens of fascinating sessions, and finding a community where you can show up exactly as you are.

In this special edition of ADHDKC Conversations, Kristen Stuppy and Caroline Danda are joined by Jeremy Didier and Tonya Miles for a fun trip down conference memory lane as we look ahead to ADHD 2026 in Baltimore this December.

Tonya shares the story of attending her first CHADD conference in 2006 to learn more about her son’s ADHD — and unexpectedly recognizing herself in a book about women with ADHD. Jeremy recalls the validating experience of being surrounded by people who understood ADHD, along with some memorable encounters with well-known experts in the most unexpected places. Caroline reflects on attending the Kansas City conference for the first time and how volunteering helped her feel connected and less overwhelmed. Kristen shares how one talk was so well done she worked up the nerve to ask the speaker to talk to the ADHDKC Parent Group. (It’s hard to make a big ask of a person you don’t know at all!)

We also talk about:

• How the conference has evolved from the CHADD conference into the International Conference on ADHD.

• The challenge and privilege of having so many valuable sessions to choose from.

• The importance of quiet spaces, sensory-friendly options, peer support groups, and activities for different needs and interests.

• Presentations and speakers who made a lasting impact.

• Why the people and connections keep bringing us back year after year.

• The unique experience of volunteering, presenting, and contributing to the ADHD community.

• The puppies, parties, talent shows, coffee lines, and other moments that make the conference more than just an educational event.

And, of course, we share plenty of laughs along the way—including some fun conference photos that help bring these memories to life.