The Conference begins with an inspiring color guard presentation, and bagpipes/drums. You will then be welcomed by leadership from our major Training Partners and the President/CEO of the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center. We are very honored to announce that this year's Keynote Speaker is Elizabeth Smart.

In the early morning hours of June 5, 2002 while Ed and Lois Smart along with their six children were asleep in their Salt Lake City home, Brian Mitchell broke in and abducted their then 14 year old daughter Elizabeth Smart at knife point. Americans tuned in as investigation efforts continued for the next nine months.

We can all remember March 12, 2003 when the news broke that Elizabeth Smart had been recovered and was safely back with her family. Elizabeth’s captors had controlled her by threatening to kill her and her family if she tried to escape.  Her abduction and recovery motivated parents, law enforcement and leaders world-wide to focus on child safety, the vigilance of everyday people in finding missing children and the belief that there is always hope. We can never stop searching for each and every missing child.

During this past year Elizabeth triumphantly testified before her captor and the world about the very private nightmare she suffered for nine months and how she was determined to survive and continue her life after tragedy. Following her dream to share with others what has given her strength, Elizabeth just completed serving an LDS mission in France, and will continue at Brigham Young University majoring in music. She remains an active advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs and legislation. Two years ago, Elizabeth worked with four other recovered young adults and the United States Department of Justice to create a survivors guide entitled “You're Not Alone: The Journey From Abduction to Empowerment.”  The guide encourages children who have gone through similar experiences to not give up and know that there is life after tragic events.  Elizabeth recently started the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, dedicated to support and promote best practices for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, as well as sponsor prevention education materials through the radKIDS program.