​Our approach reflects the reality that many of the parents, presenters, and staff who participate in OyACE are deeply committed to community leadership but may face financial constraints. These stipends are designed to acknowledge contributions while helping ensure participation is possible for a broad and diverse group of people.

Presenter Stipends
This stipend is intended as a reimbursement to help offset preparation time and incidental expenses (mileage, hotels, etc) related to presenting.  It is not intended as compensation (payment) for the presentation.  
​
Presenters will also receive:

• Conference access for the day of their session
• Meals provided during the conference
• On-site support from the OyACE team

Why does OyACE offer Expense stipends instead of full travel or lodging coverage?
OyACE prioritizes keeping registration affordable and offering scholarships for families who could not otherwise attend. Given limited funding, stipends allow us to support more people overall while still acknowledging the contributions of presenters and staff.

Who is eligible for stipends?

• Presenters approved to lead sessions are eligible for a $100 stipend per session.
• General attendees do not receive stipends but may qualify for registration scholarships.

When and how are Expense stipends paid?
Expense stipends are distributed after the conference, once participation has been confirmed. Additional details about payment method and timing will be shared directly with presenters and staff prior to the event.


Does OyACE reimburse mileage or travel costs?
For 2026 we are not reimbursing mileage.  We hope the expense stipend will help offset the costs for presenters to come to the conference and participate.


What if I don't need the Stipend?  Presenter Donation Option OyACE understands that the true cost of participating in the conference—when accounting for two nights of lodging in Seaside, round-trip mileage from your home, meals, and incidental expenses—is significantly more than the modest stipend we are able to offer. Based on these factors, the estimated value of participation is approximately $800, not including preparation time or professional expertise. For presenters who do not need a cash stipend, OyACE can provide a donation acknowledgment letter reflecting this estimated value, which may be used for tax purposes in accordance with IRS guidelines. Final determination of deductibility rests with the individual and their tax advisor.

By accepting an invitation to present at OyACE – Oportunidades y Aprendizaje Conferencia Educativa, presenters agree to the following terms and conditions.


🤝 Volunteer Status
Presenters at OyACE serve in a volunteer capacity. While OyACE offers a modest stipend or donation acknowledgment to help offset participation costs, this does not constitute employment, wages, or contractor compensation. Presenters are not employees or agents of OyACE and are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and professional obligations.


📸 Photography & Media Use
OyACE may photograph conference sessions and activities for educational, promotional, reporting, or archival purposes. By presenting at OyACE, presenters grant permission for their image, voice, name, and presentation materials to be used in conference-related media unless a written opt-out request is submitted in advance.  Recording of sessions is prohibited without specific written authorization from OyACE Conference organizers. 


🎤 Presentation Responsibilities
Presenters agree to:

• Deliver the approved session as scheduled
• Arrive on time and prepared for their assigned presentation
• Communicate promptly with the OyACE team regarding any changes or concerns

Failure to present without prior notice may result in forfeiture of any stipend or acknowledgment.


♿ Accessibility & Accommodations
OyACE is committed to accessibility. Presenters who require accommodations (technology, interpretation, accessibility support, dietary needs, etc.) should notify the OyACE team as early as possible so reasonable arrangements can be made



🏫 Conduct & Professional Expectations
OyACE is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. Presenters are expected to engage professionally and respectfully with participants, staff, and other presenters. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior may result in removal from the conference and forfeiture of stipend or acknowledgment.



🔄 Schedule, Program & Session Changes
OyACE reserves the right to adjust the conference schedule, session times, room assignments, or program structure as necessary. Any changes will be communicated to presenters as promptly as possible.



⚠️ Liability
Presenters participate in OyACE at their own risk. OyACE, its organizers, partners, and sponsors are not responsible for personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property incurred during the conference.

Are meals included?
Yes! Breakfast and lunch are provided for both adults and children. There will be no evening event on Friday night, so families are free to enjoy dinner together in Seaside.


Is childcare provided?
Yes! There will be two levels of childcare, both offering a variety of engaging and age-appropriate activities. Snacks and drinks will be available throughout the day.


What will older students be doing?
Older youth will have plenty of fun, hands-on options sponsored by the Young Leaders Program. There will be at least three activities available at any time—most based on our SimuNation™ experiential learning model.


Will parents be expected to purchase anything?
No!  We don’t allow direct sales or solicitations during breakout sessions. Anyone wishing to sell materials must reserve a table in the exhibit hall.


What should parents bring?
Nothing special is required—just whatever you and your family need for your stay in Seaside.


What kind of presentations will there be?
We already have several presenters confirmed, including sessions for Title I-C for parents and educators in English and Spanish.  We would love others to get involved!  Visit us at SeasideConference.org to register as a presenter.


How did you come to run this conference?
I founded OyACE after many colleagues, families, and students expressed disappointment over the closure of OACE. As OACE’s former president, I couldn’t let such an impactful event end. With support from a nonprofit organization, the Young Leaders Program, I stepped in to continue the tradition. 




What is your experience running events?
Prior to being President, I coordinated and emceed the OACE Conference for nearly a decade. Before that, I served as President of OATAG and ran the statewide TAG Conference for about ten years. Through YLP and my work in public education, I’ve organized large-scale events, residential summer camps, and ongoing educational programs year-round for more than two decades.  




How are you connected with past organizers?
I, myself, was one of the longtime organizers of this event, and as such I hold deep respect for OACE and the many dedicated individuals who made it such a meaningful experience over the years. Indeed, it has been an important part of my life—and the lives of countless families and educators—for a long time.  For that reason, I could not let it just fade away.
Additionally, and more importantly, OyACE continues and expands upon the original vision of the conference, while honoring the traditions that made it so special. We were deeply saddened by the passing of Yolanda Tavera, a dear friend and longtime OACE organizer. Through OyACE, we seek to honor her legacy and ensure that this valuable learning experience endures for future generations.


How is Young Leaders involved?
The Young Leaders Program (YLP) fosters youth leadership, civic engagement, and essential life skills through immersive SimuNation™ learning experiences. We believe that empowering parents strengthens families and communities—so expanding our work to include adults was a natural evolution. We are fully committed to making OyACE an exceptional educational experience for all, built intentionally from the ground up in Spanish. Even the conference name, OyACE—Oportunidades y Aprendizaje Conferencia Educativa—was created in Spanish first, rather than translated from English as an afterthought.


What is changing?
We’re working to preserve the best parts of the conference while introducing fresh, engaging elements. For example, this year we’re replacing the traditional keynote address with the Kaleidoscope event—an interactive and creative experience designed to spark new ideas and connections. We’ve also condensed the schedule to two full days (Friday and Saturday) and removed the evening reception to give families more time together. In addition, we’re bringing back childcare, an essential and much-appreciated part of the program.


In Conclusion...
We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring and family-friendly event! The OyACE Seaside Conference will be held Thursday and Friday, January 30–31, 2025, at the Seaside Convention Center.
Come connect, learn, and celebrate with educators, families, and students from across Oregon.
We can’t wait to see you there!  Register at www.SeasideConference.org