May 15, 2026
8:30AM - 5:00PM EDT
FLARE Conference
American University
2026 FLARE Conference: 250 Years of First Ladies Making History
Sponsored by:
FLARE and American University's School of Public Affairs First Ladies Initiative
Join us for FLARE's Conference in honor of America's 250th Celebration! This event will bring together scholars, teachers, institutions, first ladies staff, biographers, archivists, journalists, historians, students and anyone with an interest in US Presidential first ladies for a day-long conference at American University.
Scheduled events:
Patrons Event
Thursday, May 14, 2026
6:00-7:30 pm in Kerwin Hall 301
Register as one of the Patron sponsors to attend this private event the night before the conference. We'll welcome our keynote speaker and panelists and provide ample opportunities to meet and network with friends and colleagues.
FLARE Conference
Friday, May 15, 2026
8:30 am- 5:00 pm
Mary Graydon Student Center, Room 128
Registration Categories and pricing:
FLARE Members:
- $50 In-person registration
- $5 Virtual registration
Non-Members
- $100 In-person registration
- $10 Virtual registration
American University Students, Staff, Faculty and Administration
- Complimentary registration
Sponsorship Opportunities
Patrons Event Sponsorship (Includes Conference Registration)
- $150 Patron – Conference registration for one, admission to private evening, Wine & hors d’oeuvres, name listed in conference booklet under “Patrons”
- $250 Supporting Patron – all of the above, reserved seating at conference, recognition slide before keynote
- $500 Founders Circle Patron – All above, invitation to private meet & greet with the keynote speaker, name listed on FLARE website for one year.
$1,000 Conference Sponsor
- Logo on invitation, verbal recognition during the conference, organization's logo on a recognition slide before keynote, two conference registrations.
Hotel Recommendations
Churchill Hotel
The Churchill Hotel, located near Embassy Row, is easily accessible to the Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red Line)- a hub for those traveling throughout DC. Located a 5 minutes walk from DuPont Metro Station, the Churchill Hotel is four stops from the American University campus.
The Royal Sonesta in Dupont Circle
The Royal Sonesta in Dupont Circle is an upscale hotel experience located near Embassy Row. Only a few minutes walk from the Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red Line), The Royal Sonesta provides easy access to downtown Washington, DC. The Royal Sonesta is four stops from the American University campus.
The Normandy Hotel - Modus Hotel - Dupont Circle
Located off of Connecticut Avenue, The Normandy Hotel sits between Dupont Circle and the neighborhood of Adams Morgan. Around a ten minute walk from the Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red Line) and 12 minute walk from the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro Station (Red Line), this hotel's location provides access to all parts of the DC area. The Normandy Hotel is four or three stops (respectively) from the American University campus.