IS filled a retreat or a conference?

It’s neither! It’s both! We think Filled has all the best of a retreat and a conference rolled into one! The very first Filled Retreat hosted 85 foster & adoptive moms. There was only one speaker, we sat on metal folding chairs, and the food wasn’t great–but we loved it! It made us excited for how we could combine the intimacy, fun, and connection you would experience at a small retreat with the excellent content and organization you would expect from a large conference. Filled 2027 will include the same elements that make you feel seen and help you connect with other foster & adoptive moms right alongside the very best speakers, worship, and experiences of a large conference. We expect 1,200 women this year and will continue to do our best to help you connect in smaller, more intimate spaces throughout the weekend!

What is the difference between “full Registration” and “partial registration?”

A FULL REGISTRATION costs $350 and includes all sessions, workshops, snacks & drinks, special activities & goodies, and FIVE MEALS (Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast & lunch & dinner, Sunday breakfast). A PARTIAL REGISTRATION costs $300 and includes all sessions, workshops, snacks & drinks, special activities & goodies, but NO MEALS. Upon check-in, attendees with full registrations will receive a special bracelet that will serve as a meal ticket. This bracelet is required to enter the dining room. Due to limited seating capacity, only those with a bracelet will be permitted to enter the dining room. For attendees who choose the partial registration/no meals option, there are dozens of coffee shops, eateries, and restaurants within walking distance of the convention center.

I’m not a Christian. Can I still attend Filled?

Filled is a Christian retreat with Biblically-based, Christ-centered teaching, contemporary worship, and times of prayer. That said, at past Filled retreats, we’ve had women of different faiths and women who don’t ascribe to any faith who have shared that they felt welcomed and comfortable and refreshed! All are welcome!

I’m nervous about coming by myself. PLEASE ease my mind!

About half of the women who’ve attended Filled come by themselves! We are very intentional to help you find your people–including connection groups, small discussions, a special meetup for ladies attending on their own, guided meal times, and gathering women by role/season/location. We asked the moms who attended Filled alone if they felt comfortable, and here’s how they responded: It was amazing. Not once the whole weekend did I feel out of place or awkward. Everyone was amazingly welcoming and friendly. • It brings tears to my eyes how welcomed I felt • My roomies were great! • I absolutely felt perfectly comfortable and connected. Not even once did I get hung up on the fact that I was alone. • I felt extremely comfortable and welcomed. • I was so nervous but was instantly welcomed with warmth and comfort. I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to come.

Where is Filled located?

The Lancaster Marriott is conveniently attached to the Lancaster Convention Center. The location boasts spacious, state of the art meeting rooms; modern, luxurious guest rooms; delicious, high quality meals; ample open space for connection & rest; and beautiful views of the city. This location offers a level of restorative comfort that we’ve been unable to offer at former venues. We are thrilled to be able to bless and pamper you like never before!

You can reserve your hotel room at the Lancaster Marriott here. The hotel offers rooms that include either 1 King bed or 2 Double beds. Feel free to coordinate with your friends (or connect with someone in the Filled Rides & Roommates Connection Group) to share a room and split the cost!

What if i can’t make it in person?

We have a few other options for you!

FILLED VIRTUAL brings the excellent content of Filled to moms who can’t attend in person due to financial, family, or travel constraints. This $75 ticket includes a livestream of ALL main stage sessions & workshops, access to exclusive online FILLED VIRTUAL community, & virtual event guide, as well as FREE access to FILLED RECALL, which includes audio recordings of all workshops (available by June 1, 2027). Keep in mind that the real magic of Filled is connection & community–being surrounded & seen by so many moms who understand–so while this is a great option for someone who truly make it, we encourage you to be in the room where it happens! This ticket is for personal viewing only and NOT groups.

FILLED HANGS allows a small group of moms to enjoy Filled virtually together (think your girlfriends in your living room or–even better–an Airbnb!).

FILLED RECALL is available to anyone who misses registering for Filled before it happens, but still wants to view the great main stage content afterward. This $40 ticket includes video recordings of all main stage sessions & workshops and audio recordings of all workshops. You can access FILLED RECALL 2026 here. Filled Recall 2027 will be released June 1, 2027.

FILLED LOCAL events will be announced in fall 2026. These events stream recordings of all Filled main stage sessions & workshops and create in-person contexts for connection, fun, & refreshment…right in your hometown! Fill out the Filled Local Host Interest Form if you’re interested in bringing Filled Local to your community.

Who WILL BE SPEAKING?

You can find the line up here. Our speakers include foster and adoptive parents, former foster youth, adoptees, excellent Biblical teachers, and experts in parenting, trauma, and attachment. We are committed to bringing orthodox Biblical theology and research-based, practical education from gifted speakers who bring diversity in race and ethnicity as well as perspective and lived experience within foster care/adoption. If you are an expert in the foster care/adoption space and are interested in presenting a workshop, please fill out this form: Workshop Submission Form.

I have special dietary needs. Can you accommodate me?

We will offer gluten free, vegetarian, and dairy free options at all meals and snack times. In the dining room, foods for special diets will be available at a separate buffet line. Any meals that include allergy sensitive foods will be deconstructed and will list individual ingredients. A chef will be available for any dietary questions. We also offer a separate meal bracelet for anyone who identifies as having special dietary needs to ensure that allergy sensitive foods do not run out. If these accommodations still do not meet your dietary needs, a partial ticket (without meals) might be the best option for you!

We do our best to offer fun & delicious gluten free, vegetarian, and dairy free snacks anytime we offer special treats. You can find these allergy sensitive snacks at specially marked tables throughout the weekend.

Can I tag on an extra night before or after the retreat?

Yes! The discounted rate for hotel rooms is offered for Thursday night and Sunday evening also. Make sure to reserve your room. Meals will not be included for any extra days, but the Lancaster Marriott has numerous restaurants, each with wonderful atmosphere and impeccable food. **Availability for adding on an extra day is limited, so room reservations are first come, first served.

I can’t come for the whole weekend. Can I get a day pass?

Day passes are NOT available, but a partial registration for the weekend (meals not included) is available at a discounted rate. Entrance to the main sessions, workshops, and special activities require full or partial registration. Guests, family members, etc. cannot join attendees without a registration for any portion of the event.

How do I get there?

Please visit our Travel & Lodging Page for more information about transportation. Visit the Filled Rides & Roommates Connection Group to coordinate rides with other attendees.

are there sponsorship opportunities for organIZATIONS and vendors at Filled?

Yes! You can read all about our sponsorship packages here. Please reach out to filled@fosterthefamily.org to request more information.

Can i volunteer at Filled?

Yes! Volunteers can sign up to serve one shift, multiple shifts, or the entire weekend. Shifts are typically 2–4 hours and include opportunities like setup, book sales, and party prep. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the Volunteer Interest Form, and our Event Coordinator will send a sign up sheet in December 2026. Volunteering allows you access to the main session or workshops before/after your shift.

Are scholarships available?

This year we are launching a scholarship program for moms who need financial assistance to attend Filled. Please fill out the Scholarship Application Form to be considered for a scholarship. Many moms have also received funds from their church or agency to subsidize the cost of registration. We can coordinate with your church or agency directly if they need to provide funds directly. Applications are due August 31, 2026. scholarships are given out as funds are available October 1, 2026. Please email filled@fosterthefamily.org for help.

Can I bring my child or animal?

Children and pets are NOT permitted at the Filled Gathering for any reason. This is a moms only event.

What if I can’t make it?

We are unable to issue refunds for any cancellations. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket by selling or gifting it to another attendee. To complete the transfer, forward your ticket QR code to the new attendee. The QR code is required for entry and will serve as the ticket for admission. We ask that the new attendee complete the ticket transfer form prior to the event.

If your ticket is unused, your registration fee can be considered a tax deductible donation and a receipt can be provided.