schedule

SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2025

KEYNOTE

Finding Hope in the Fight for Justice: Beth Holloway’s Story

Stage One

stage one

  • Justin Evans, & Robin Warder

    In an age where advocacy often takes place online, safeguarding your personal information is essential. Join Justin Evans, Josh Hallmark, and Robin Warder—three prominent voices in the true crime community—for a vital discussion on digital privacy and how to protect yourself while advocating for justice.

    Justin Evans, co-host of The Generation Why Podcast, brings over a decade of experience navigating the intersection of advocacy and storytelling. Robin Warder, host of The Trail Went Cold, brings a unique perspective through his storytelling.

    Families of the missing and murdered often put themselves in the spotlight to raise awareness, which can expose them to potential risks. This session will equip you with tools to secure your online presence, navigate advocacy safely, and maintain control over your personal information.

  • Laurah Norton & Special Guests

    This session, Laurah Norton, will focus on the gaps in coverage for unidentified persons, approaches to conscious storytelling and garnering public support for John and Jane doe victims, and how searches for missing and unidentified persons should be connected through media coverage and research practices. Special guests will offer personal and professional perspectives on what's when a Doe case is resolved, and the questiosn that remain

  • Crystal Gutierrez

    Crystal Gutierrez, Emmy Award-winning journalist and advocate, invites you to an emotional and empowering session designed to help families of the missing and murdered amplify their voices and find answers.

    Crystal will share her proven five-step approach to engaging the public and the media. These practical and straightforward steps—Share, Engage, Relate, Feel, Share—are designed to help families make their loved one’s case relevant in the world of social media, a key gateway to traditional news coverage. By making your story impossible to ignore, these strategies can lead to more awareness, more tips, and, hopefully, the answers you’ve been searching for.

  • Julie Murray & Shayna Richard
    Navigating the aftermath of a crime or a missing person’s case can be overwhelming for families seeking justice. In this session, Shayna from Light the Way and Julie Murray will discuss the critical role of victim advocates, how they support families through trauma, and the importance of building a strong advocate-family relationship. Attendees will gain insight into effective collaboration, common challenges, and ways to ensure that advocacy remains centered on the needs of the families.

  • Ron Brumbarger

    As artificial intelligence advances, its impact on homicide investigations is becoming increasingly significant. In this session, Ron Brumbarger will discuss how AI is revolutionizing case research, from analyzing patterns in unsolved homicides to uncovering connections that may have been previously overlooked. Attendees will gain insight into the capabilities of AI in crime analysis, ethical considerations, and how these technologies could shape the future of investigative work.

  • Haley Gray, Whitney St. Andre, Steve & Renee Patten

    When the unthinkable happens, families often find themselves thrust into the role of advocate. This session is designed to provide families of the missing and murdered with actionable tools to navigate the complex journey toward justice. Certified Victim Advocates, Haley Gray and Whitney St. Andre from True Crime Research Training, joined by Steve and Renee Patten, parents of Morgan Patten, will share key advocacy efforts that families can employ to raise awareness, amplify their loved one’s story, and research techniques to uncover critical details about your loved one’s case. The goal is to empower participants with the knowledge and skills to take an active role in their loved one’s case and become advocates for change in their communities.

stage two

  • Haley Gray & Jordan Taylor

    Join FOIA expert Jordan Taylor and advocate Haley Gray for this informative session. Discover what the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is, how it can serve as a powerful advocacy tool, and gain step-by-step guidance on filing FOIA requests to access critical information for your loved one’s case.

  • Nichole Schmidt & Tara Petito

    Gabby Petito’s story captured global attention, shining a light on the urgent need for domestic violence awareness and action. In the wake of her tragic murder, the Gabby Petito Foundation was created to turn heartbreak into meaningful change.

    This session will explore how the Foundation is working to support survivors of domestic violence, assist in locating missing persons, and drive proactive change through awareness, prevention strategies, and education. Attendees will learn about the critical role of community engagement, collaboration, and advocacy in making a lasting impact.

    Through shared experiences, powerful insights, and a call to action, this session will highlight how we can all play a part in saving lives, bringing missing loved ones home, and preventing future tragedies. Together, we can create a world where stories like Gabby’s are never repeated.  We would love to hear from you!  Q&A welcome!!

  • Claressa Patton
    Address the need for individuals and families to move through the process of grief to healing. Grief is a universal experience as both individuals and service providers. It is important to learn strategies to cope with it personally and professionally. I will discuss my book, Healing in Pieces. The book is about trauma, emotional restoration, and putting life together one piece at a time. Grief can be a result of death, divorce, incarceration, financial changes as well as other things. Claressa will discuss the process of healing, how that can look different for everyone, and theimportance of acknowledging personal grief. Claressa will discuss secondhand trauma and self-care through the lens of a Victim Advocate.

  • DNA Doe Project

    Thousands of unidentified individuals remain without a name, leaving families searching for answers. DNA Doe Project is dedicated to solving these cases through forensic genealogy, helping law enforcement and families reunite missing persons with their identities. In this session, representatives from DNA Doe Project will share how their nonprofit works to identify John and Jane Does, the process of investigative genetic genealogy, and how families and advocates can support their mission.

  • John Lordan

    When a loved one goes missing, knowing what steps to take can make all the difference. In this session, true crime researcher and host John Lordan will walk attendees through a comprehensive missing person checklist, covering immediate actions, essential resources, and how to work effectively with law enforcement and media. Whether you’re an advocate, family member, or community member, this session will provide critical tools to navigate the search for answers.

  • Kristen Seavey, Sarah Krebs & Nina Innsted

    Kristen and Nina are joined by special guest, Sarah Krebs, to share their experiences working with law enforcement, offering practical advice to foster effective communication. They will also discuss best practices and key strategies that have helped families build stronger partnerships with investigators in their pursuit of justice.

  • Sydney Pacha & Kendall Mills

training

  • 10:05 am
    This workshop will address the challenges and barriers that hinder effective collaboration among various stakeholders involved in responding to crime victims. Participants will explore strategies to enhance coordination and cooperation between law enforcement, victim service providers, health care professionals, and community organizations. The goal is to improve the overall response to crime victims, ensuring they receive comprehensive and timely support.

    As a result of this training, participants will be able to: Recognize and understand two common barriers to effective collaboration among different agencies and organizations involved in crime victim support; learn two effective communication techniques to facilitate better information sharing and coordination among stakeholders; and explore three methods to foster trust and cooperation between different agencies, including law enforcement,

    social services, and health care providers

  • 1:30pm
    This workshop explores the profound effects of traumatic grief on those who experience a significant loss. Participants will gain insights into the unique challenges faced by those grieving a traumatic loss, including the emotional, psychological, and social impacts. This workshop aims to provide practical strategies for supporting individuals through their grief journey, fostering resilience, and promoting healing within the family and community.

    As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

    • Define and differentiate traumatic grief from two other types of grief and recognize its unique characteristics and manifestations.

    • Explore two common reactions and coping mechanisms of traumatic grief on friends and family members.

    • Learn three effective strategies for providing support to those experiencing traumatic grief, including communication techniques, emotional support, and practical assistance.

    • Identify one way to foster resilience in individuals and families dealing with traumatic grief, helping them to navigate their grief journey and find a path to healing.

  • 3:20pm
    This workshop is designed for professionals who are exposed to the trauma and suffering of others, such as health care workers, social workers, counselors, and first responders. Participants will learn about the concepts of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma, understanding how these phenomena can affect their well-being and professional effectiveness. The workshop will provide practical tools and strategies to mitigate these impacts, promote self-care, and build resilience, ensuring that participants can continue to provide high quality care and support to those in need.

             As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

    • Understand the definitions, symptoms, and differences between compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.

    • Identify three physical, emotional, and behavioral signs of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma in oneself and others.

    • Learn two effective coping mechanisms and self-care practices to manage stress and prevent burnout.

    • Explore three techniques to build personal and professional resilience, including mindfulness, peer support, and work-life balance strategies.

SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2025

stage one

  • Nina Innsted, Sarah Krebs, & Julie Lopez

  • Jenn Rivera

    In this session, we'll explore how independent investigative podcasting plays a vital role in bringing attention to overlooked or forgotten true crime cases. While traditional media may move on from cases quickly, independent podcaters have the freedom to shine a light on these important stories. Through ethical storytelling and a focus on advocacy, we'll discuss how podcasting can amplify the voices of victims and their families, ultimately driving change and justice.

  • Alison Duiker

    In 1981, Lonene “Lonnie” Rogers disappeared, leaving her family in unimaginable pain and uncertainty. Her daughter, Alison Duiker, has spent decades searching for answers while channeling her grief into action. Now, Alison is leading the charge for "Lonnie’s Law," proposed legislation in Pennsylvania that would allow families access to cold case files after 20 years without resolution.

    In this session, Alison will share her deeply personal journey, from navigating the frustration of unanswered questions to becoming an advocate for transparency and justice. She’ll offer insight into the legislative process, the importance of empowering families, and how persistence can lead to change—even in the face of decades-long challenges.

  • Jaz - Missing in America Network


    Jaz Dequier, founder of the Missing In America Network, brings years of experience and compassion to the forefront of missing persons advocacy. With a mission driven by empathy and a commitment to finding answers, Jaz has supported countless families through the heart-wrenching challenges of locating missing loved ones. Her work with Missing In America Network has become a beacon of hope, fostering collaboration among law enforcement, volunteers, and communities across the country.

    In this session, Jaz will provide a deep dive into actionable strategies for advocacy and awareness, focusing on:

    Building Awareness Campaigns: Proven methods for mobilizing communities, designing impactful flyers and billboards, and leveraging social media to spread the word effectively.

    Community Engagement: Tips for organizing vigils, search efforts, and outreach events to maximize local involvement and support.

    Navigating Law Enforcement Relationships: Practical advice for working with police departments, sharing resources, and taking action when reports are delayed or denied.

    Ethical Advocacy: Balancing transparency, professionalism, and safety when managing public campaigns and social media accounts.

    Jaz will also share her expertise on working collaboratively with other advocacy groups, ensuring unified messaging and maximizing impact for missing persons cases.

stage two

  • John Palmer

    Join John Palmer as he shares his deeply personal story of turning heartbreak into action. After the tragic loss of his wife, Katie, John refused to let her story fade. Instead, he became a relentless advocate, pushing for accountability, fighting for legislative reforms, and working to elect a new District Attorney in his community.

    In this session, John will talk about the challenges, victories, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re navigating the justice system, building community support, or simply looking for inspiration, John’s journey will offer practical advice and hope. This session is for anyone who has lost a loved one to violence and wants to learn how to make meaningful change.

  • Candice Cooley

    Candice Cooley, mother of Dylan Rounds and advocate for missing persons, shares her unique insights into the tools and techniques that can make a difference in search and rescue efforts. Drawing from her own experience, Candice highlights the critical role of K9 teams in locating missing individuals and how cellular data can provide crucial leads in investigations.

    In this session, Candice will dive into:

    K9 Search and Rescue: The training, capabilities, and limitations of K9 teams, and how they’ve been instrumental in searches.

    Using Cellular Data: How technology like GPS, pings, and location data can be analyzed to narrow search areas and uncover vital clues.

    Lessons Learned: Practical advice for families and advocates on leveraging these resources during the critical early stages of a search.

    Candice’s firsthand experience and passion for finding answers make this session both informative and deeply inspiring.

  • Traci Onders & Allen Grasser

    Traci Onders and Allen Grasser will present the case of Rhinelander John Doe, now known to be Norman Grasser. This incredible case was worked by the inaugural cohort of Ramapo College's investigative genetic genealogy certificate program. Traci, now a program assistant with the IGG Center, was a student on the team working to identify Rhinelander John Doe in the Spring of 2023. Traci will describe the twists and turns of the genealogy process which ended with a clue left online by Grasser's own family. Allen Grasser, Norman's brother, was the first to receive the news of Norman's identification. Allen will share the long journey of searching for his brother since 1980, and will describe the many strange and miraculous coincidences that contributed to finding Norman after over 40 years, and the emotional impact of this journey. Traci and Allen will provide recommendations and raise awareness of the things families of the missing, law enforcement and the public can do to help identify the unknown.

  • Madison McGhee

    In this heartfelt and raw session, Madison McGhee shares her journey of turning grief into action after the 2002 murder of her father, John Cornelius McGhee. With no real accessible information about the case, Madison took it upon herself to raise awareness and advocate for justice. She has done everything she can to make her father's story visible to the public and, through the visibility, hopes to close this ice cold case. Through sharing her journey and powerful reflections from lessons learned along the way, Madison highlights the importance of self-advocacy in the face of systemic silence. She also sheds light on the responsibility of true crime consumers to demand ethical storytelling and prioritize the voices of those directly impacted. This session will inspire attendees to become their own advocates, take action for causes they believe in, and push for change within the true crime genre-- all while fostering hope and resilience through the pwer of storytelling.