Diabetes Connections presents:
Moms' Night Out
March 6-7, 2026
Hilton Franklin Cool Springs
Registration closes 3/2
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About Moms' Night Out
Treat yourself to some time away with other moms who get it!
In the 19+ years since my son was diagnosed with type 1, I have attended dozens of diabetes conferences and events. Now I’ve taken the best elements from those events and created a brand new experience. We’re going to have lots of diabetes technology for you to see and learn about, stress-relieving social time where you can meet other moms just like you, and speakers who will leave you feeling energized and ready to face the challenges of parenting a child with T1D.
Want more info? Read about us on Beyond Type 1.
Can’t want to see you there,
Stacey Simms
ps. Can’t make it to Nashville? Check out our other upcoming cities here
What To Expect
Full schedule below
Exhibitor fair
learn about the latest in insulin pumps, CGM, and meter technology as well as diabetes management options.
Cocktails & Crafts: engage in a fun, hands-on activity while you get to know other moms. Enjoy signature cocktails and/or non-alcoholic drinks.
Dinner is included
Meet new friends and catch up with those you already know around a great meal you don’t have to cook (or carb-count)
Coffee and breakfast Saturday morning
Our speaker Saturday morning will send you home with practical advice to address the unique challenges we moms face.
All attendees will receive a swag bag full of freebies
(Event begins 4pm Friday and ends approx 1:30pm Saturday)
elements of schedule subject to change
Event Schedule
Friday
4pm Doors open, get your swag bag!
4-6:30pm Vendor Fair
4-6:30pm Check-Ins with educators (advance signups)
5-6:30pm Cocktails & Crafts
6:30pm Dinner & Opening Keynote
8pm Moms’ Night Out After Dark (socialize and enjoy)
Saturday:
9am Coffee & Breakfast
9:30am Speaker or panel
10:30 Ask Me Anything Panel
12pm T.E.A. Party Session (light lunch provided)
Speakers
Friday Opening Keynote: Patrick Mertes
Patrick Mertes was diagnosed with type 1 at age nine. His grandfather also lived with T1D, having been diagnosed as an adult. In 2019, Patrick and Michael Shelver, who also lives with type1, completed a 16,000-mile trek to climb up to the 50 highest points across America in as many days, officially known as Project 50-in-50. Patrick and Michael have continued their adventures. In 2024 they completed “R2R2R” (Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim) – an ultra running challenge at the Grand Canyon: 44 miles total, roughly 11,400’ in elevation gain, all in one day.
Patrick is also the founder of The Diabetes Family Connection, a North Carolina-based non-profit that provides camp and other programming for families touched by type 1. He currently lives outside of Nashville with his wife and three young children, who can often be found joining their dad on outdoor adventures.
More speakers will be announced soon!
Ken Rodenheiser
Kenny Rodenheiser is a dynamic Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with a robust nursing background. With extensive experience in diabetes management and education, Kenny is deeply involved in the diabetes community, advocating for and supporting individuals living with diabetes through professional and volunteer efforts. He has also served in leadership roles in both professional and volunteer settings. Kenny currently serves on the Board of Directors for Children with Diabetes and is always excited to get involved in the diabetes community.
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Check-In with our Experts
A check-in at Moms’ Night Out is your chance to sit down with an endocrinologist or diabetes educator and “check-in” with any questions you may have about T1D management. You should always bring any management changes to your child’s healthcare team, but these consultations will be reassuring and helpful.
When check-in signups open, an email will go out ONLY to those registered for that city. Slots are limited and will go quickly.
Anna Sabino, MSW, CDCES
Anna is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and has a masters in social work. She was diagnosed with type 1 while in kindergarten and now heads up Finding Smiles Coaching. Anna is most passionate about family dynamics, burnout, and navigating the transition towards adulthood.
Alicia Downs, RN, MSN, CDCES, BC-ADM
Alicia is the Director of Patient Care and Education for Integrated Diabetes Services. Alicia lives with type 1 and is passionate about advocating for the needs of patients, whether it be in overcoming insurance restrictions, obtaining community resources, or coordinating with school systems and medical providers.
The Venue
Hilton Franklin Cool Springs is in the Franklin business district and within two miles of CoolSprings Galleria. Downtown Franklin is 10 minutes’ drive, and the Charter House and Lotz House museums are six miles from our door. FirstBank Amphitheater presents concerts at Graystone Quarry, 15 minutes away. Enjoy on-site restaurant, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
About Your Host
Stacey Simms is the host of the long-running and award-winning podcast, Diabetes Connections. She is the author of “The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom, Real-Life Stories of Parenting a Child with Type 1 Diabetes,” and the upcoming “STILL The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom.”
Stacey’s son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just before he turned two, back in 2006; she’s been sharing her family’s experience with T1D ever since.
She has been featured in almost every diabetes publication and outlet including: Diabetes Self-Management and Diabetes Forecast magazines, Beyond Type 1, JDRF, Diabetes Daily, Healthline, DiaTribe, T1D Everyday Magic and more.
Contact Us
FAQs
This is a conference designed for mothers of children with diabetes and women with type 1. Please, no children in the conference space, this is meant to be a relaxing kid-free respite.
Friday:
4pm Doors open, get your swag bag!
4-6pm Vendor Fair
4-6:30pm Check-Ins with educators (advance signups)
5-6:30pm Cocktails & Crafts
6:30pm Dinner & Opening keynote
8pm – Socialize and hang out!
Saturday:
9am Coffee & Breakfast
9:30am Panel
10:30 Closing keynote
12pm T.E.A. Party
Relax & socialize before you head back home, event ends approx 1:30pm
No, but we urge you to do so! Part of the fun (and learning) at this conference is about being away from your children with diabetes, something we moms rarely get to do. Staying at the hotel is not required, but there will be informal socializing there after dinner and in the morning that you won’t want to miss.
No. The only groups that are allowed to hand out literature and/or demonstrate products are those with an agreement with us. There are lots of lower-cost options. Please let us know if you’re interested.
We’d love to take this show on the road! Reach out at info@diabetes-connections.com and let us know where we should go next!
