What does DADCON cost?
The registration fee is $325 per person, which includes the program, shared lodging, and all meals. Early bird registration is $295 (until September 2nd). Because we don't want cost to be a barrier to men who can't afford it, there are scholarships available. These are provided due to the generosity of men in the NMMW community. For men with moderate needs, the cost is $225, and men with significant need, the cost is $75. Scholarships will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Simply select at checkout and the registrar will confirm your scholarship.
What are the lodging options?
The standard registration includes shared lodging, and you can request a specific person to bunk with. Ghost ranch has simple, clean rooms with shared bathrooms. Alternately, you can request an RV or campsite in Ghost Ranch's campground (which has a restroom/bathhouse). There are also a limited number of semi-private rooms (single rooms with shared bathroom), which will first be reserved for men with special needs. Just request it at checkout along with a general idea of your needs and the registrar will do his best to accomodate you.
I'm a member of the LGBTQ community. Is this for me?
We have a growing and vital group of gay men in our community, and we almost always have workshops focusing in LGBTQ issues. These have been some of the best and most attended workshops in recent years. We absolutely welcome and invite you to attend!
What is the schedule?
Check In begins Thursday afternoon (October 25). Thursday evening will have a potluck dinner followed by evening program with the whole group and small groups. The conference wraps up Sunday at noon. A more detailed schedule will be sent to attendees prior to the start date.
What actually happens?
There are full group activities, small groups, breakout workshops, and various ceremonies that have been developed over the 34-year history of the New Mexico Men's Wellness. You are not required to attend any of it, but highly encouraged to at least take part in the main events and any workshops that appeal to you. There is plenty of time and space to get to know other men and explore the natural beauty of Ghost Ranch. We will have a group of men who will help orient new men to the conference and how to best participate.
What if I'm not a father?
Though one goal of the conference is to support fathers as they navigate the difficult terrain of parenting, this conference offers a big exploration of fatherhood and how we "be" men in the world. We aren't all be parents, but we all have fathers. It will be valuable for everyone, regardless if you are a parent or not.
What do I need to bring?
We will send out a welcome letter with details about what to bring and what to expect prior to the start date of the conference.