What do you get when you gather nearly 200 fathers, mentors, coaches, and allies join forces to teach, learn, and support each other? You get community, understanding, growth, and confidence. It’s not a dad joke, it was the second annual Fathers in Focus conference, held Oct. 18, at Madison College Truax Campus.

The dads and allies who attended Fathers in Focus walked away with more knowledge and understanding — of each other and of subjects in six tracks: Co-Parenting, Relationship and Parenting Skill Building, Child Support and Finances, Custody Challenges, Mental Health, and Justice-Involved Families. Participants not only learned about these topics, but shared their stories with each other and built connections.

In the videos below, you can watch the keynote, “The Infinite Journey of Fatherhood,” from R. Kweku Smith; and the panel discussion “Parenting, Grief and Mental Health: Real Talk with Everyday Dads.” There’s also a photo gallery that captures the meaningful and fun vibe of the day. Did we mention the DJ and Man Cave on site?

During the first Fathers in Focus Dad Joke Contest, the winning joke was: What’s a mummy’s favorite kind of music? (W)rap! The winner walked away with a football signed by the Green Bay Packers.

Stay tuned for the Fathers in Focus 2026 date — to be announced soon!

In the meantime, check out these ongoing free Focus on Fathers online classes and peer groups and the Raising Wisconsin’s Children online conference on February 4, 2026.

Thank you to our sponsors. Partnering Sponsor: Madison College. Platinum Sponsors: MGE Foundation and UW-Madison School of Education’s Office of Childcare and Family Resources. Sponsors: Culver’s Sun Prairie, EdVest 529, the HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study, Madison Metropolitan School District, and Summit Credit Union.

Thank you to the businesses that provided door prizes. Chocolate Shoppe, Elements Massage Sun Prairie, Forward Madison FC, Fontana Sports, Green Bay Packers, Kwik Trip, Madison Mallards and Madison Night Mares, Princeton Club, and Wonderstate Coffee.