February 5-7, 2026 | Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa, CA (In Person or Virtual)
Symposium
Overview
Step into the nation’s premier three-day event designed exclusively for professionals who plan for individuals with disabilities and administer special needs trusts. Whether you are a seasoned expert or just entering the field, this immersive experience will elevate your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and expand your network. Join nationally recognized leaders in special needs planning for a dynamic mix of cutting-edge education, real-world case studies, and hands-on learning. With countless opportunities to engage with top minds in the field, this is more than a conference, it is a career-defining experience. Come for the education. Leave with inspiration, insight, and a powerful community behind you.
Highlights
⦿ Earn up to 25 Hours of CLE/CE Credit – California attorneys and private professional fiduciaries can earn up to 25 hours, including 2 hours of Ethics credit. California Certified Specialists in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law can earn up to 20 hours of certified specialist CLE , all in one unforgettable weekend.
⦿ Celebrate 10 Years of Excellence – We are pulling out all the stops for our 10th anniversary! Join us for a next-level experience with world-class speakers, luxurious Napa hospitality, and top-tier educational content designed to inspire and empower.
⦿ Attend In Person or Online – Join us live in beautiful Napa Valley to network with like-minded professionals while enjoying amazing food and wine, or attend virtually from anywhere and still access every session in real time.
⦿ A Curated 3-Day Experience – Thursday kicks off with a full day of Fundamentals, perfect for newer professionals or those needing a refresher. Friday and Saturday dive into intermediate and advanced content, designed for seasoned attorneys and fiduciaries ready to tackle the toughest issues in special needs planning.
⦿ Elite Faculty – Learn from over 20 of the nation’s foremost experts in special needs planning , including pioneers in public benefits law, SNT drafting and administration, disability rights advocacy, and quality-of-life strategies for persons with disabilities.
⦿ Best-in-Class Sponsors & Exhibitors – Meet the most trusted and innovative providers in the field , ready to help you deliver cutting-edge services and support to your clients and beneficiaries.
"Thanks so much to you and Michele for putting on such a fantastic conference. Myself and the rest of the team had a lot of takeaways that we can implement directly into our practice."
"Presenter knew his stuff and kept me interested! "
"Wonderful presentation and speaker. Powerful message! very engaging and informative."
"Might have been the best, most inspiring CEU educational session I’ve ever attended."
"Fantastic Speakers! Was very informative and inspiring. Advocates are KEY when dealing with clients’ special needs."
"I would like to thank you for your willingness and hard work in putting on the Symposium. The knowledge you share is very valuable to me, and hopefully to those I support directly (the trustee) and indirectly (the disabled person). I am grateful."
"Wonderful speaker, Mr. Martinis was very passionate and inspiring, A profound presentation."
Learn from the experts while enjoying world-class food, wine and scenery at a five star resort.
Meet the
Speakers
We have gathered a fantastic group of experts to speak at this year’s symposium who all have deep knowledge and passion for special needs planning, SNT administration, and advocacy for persons with disabilities.
The speakers provide real-world experience in the latest strategies and knowledge to assist both experienced trustees and fiduciaries and those beginning their journey in this area of practice.
National Director for The Academy of Special Needs Planners. Author of several books on Special Needs Trusts.
Presenter
Michele Fuller
Special Needs Planning Attorney of the Year, Women in Law 2016. Elder Law, Pooled trust, Special Needs Expert.
Meet our
Premier Sponsors
Thank you to our top sponsors!
Diamond Sponsor:
Phillips Bonding and Insurance Agency
Platinum Sponsor:
Andrew De Vries, MBA- Probate, Trust and Conservatorship Real Estate Broker
Powerpoint Sponsor:
Merrill -The Special Needs Team
Online Streaming/App Sponsor:
True Link Financial
Lanyard Sponsor:
Prudent Investors
Key Card Sponsor:
Michael Stephens
Symposium Archives
Past Sessions Now Available for Purchase
Through our sister site, Moving to Mastery, all sessions from 2021 to present are available in e-learning format to study at your convenience from home.
Sessions and Materials for 2021 Symposium:
The 2021 Special Needs Planning Symposium provided attendees with valuable insights into Supplemental Security Income, Pooled SNTs, Crisis Planning in Times of Emergency, the Taxation of Third Party SNTs, Limited Conservatorships and Making Decisions, as well as a Judge’s Review of Account and Report.
The 2022 Special Needs Planning Symposium highlighted Jonathan Martinis’ insights on Supported Decision-Making, as well as topics such as Protecting Inherited IRAs, the intersection of Family Law and Special Needs Planning, and perspectives from the Judges Sandra Bean, Daniel Juarez, and Mary T. House.
The 2023 Special Needs Planning Symposium provided attendees with valuable knowledge and strategies to enhance their special needs planning efforts through expert sessions on Drafting the SECURE SNT, using Disability Rights Agencies for effective advocacy, Financial Planning tailored for individuals with disabilities, an overview of ABLE Accounts, and insights into Tax Benefits available for families with persons with special needs.