Each year, dads, mentors and father figures from around Wisconsin gather at the free Fathers in Focus conference hosted by UW–Madison Extension to connect and learn from each other and fatherhood experts.
The third annual Fathers in Focus is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Madison Area Technical College Truax Campus. Since 2024, Fathers in Focus has welcomed 250 dads, mentors, coaches and allies. The conference is designed by fathers, for fathers. Dads, father figures, and mentors from around the state can connect and be themselves, share their experiences and learn from each other. Madison College and Madison Area School District are collaborators for the event.
“In the spaces we create for fathers to share in, there’s tips and tools within those stories that can help others in their own journey of fatherhood,” said Fathers in Focus keynote speaker Mike de la Rocha, author of the USA Today Best-Selling book Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love and host of the Sacred Lessons podcast. “We heal when we’re in community.”
In 2026, the conference will feature 20 presenters and a panel discussion of fathers who are coaches and mentors. They’ll help dads build their parenting skills and social networks. The six conference tracks include three to four sessions each on the following topics:
- Co-Parenting
- Relationship and Parenting Skill-Building
- Child Support and Finances
- Custody Challenges
- Mental Health
- Justice-Involved Families
“Spaces like Fathers in Focus are so important, because at the end of the day, the most sacred thing in our lives are the relationships that we have with each other,” said de la Rocha. The event’s intentional connection of fathers “allows the Wisconsin and broader communities to see that this is not only possible, but this is happening, and that’s a very powerful and important thing to do in this moment,” he said.
With speakers and panelists from across Wisconsin and the country, Fathers in Focus offers a wide range of ideas for all dads. Service providers who work with fathers and families are also invited to participate and network. Continuing education units (0.5) are available for $75. All are welcome at the event.
Discover more about Fathers in Focus and register at go.wisc.edu/fathers by Sept. 14. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, snacks and beverages.
Fathers in Focus sponsors include UW Health and the UW–Madison Office of Child Care and Family Resources in the School of Education. Email FathersInFocus@extension.wisc.edu for sponsorship opportunities. Donations are accepted at this link.
