HEPNet2024 definitely moved the needle for attendees - thank you for helping to make it a success!

See below for snapshots of what we saw, discussed, and learned. We can't wait to see you at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill from September 29-October 2, 2025!
Save the Date

Join us at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill September 29-October 2, 2025for the HEPNet Conference! This year's theme is Beacons of Safety: Guiding the Future of Youth Protection.

Hotel Accommodations

Carolina Inn   Carolina Inn | 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill NC

Guests can book by calling the hotel at (984) 276-1756 and asking for the room block, or by going online and using the booking link.  Room rates:  $264/night + tax

Affectionately referred to as “the University’s Living Room,” The Carolina Inn has been a beloved mainstay of the University of North Carolina since 1924. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Inn was built by John Sprunt Hill and donated to UNC in 1935. Ever-evolving and always stylish, it’s with timeless elegance and the spirit of tradition that this beloved landmark continues to flourish, offering gracious service, an atmosphere of celebration, and a true Carolina experience—all in the perfect Chapel Hill location.

Graduate hotel   Graduate Hotel |311 W Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC

Booking link | Room rates: $239/night + tax | Room block ends on August 28th

The Graduate Hotel is .7 miles from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. An undeniably local stay, Graduate Chapel Hill immerses you in Tar Heel traditions and local history, with creative interiors and college nostalgia. Located downtown, just steps from UNC, it's the perfect base for exploring. Stay and enjoy our Carolina Blue guest rooms, welcoming Trophy Room restaurant, and signature Graduate touches.

Transportation

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the closest airport to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It's located about 18 miles east of Chapel Hill. 

  • Taxi or car sharingAvailable at the airport, and some taxis have a flat fee to UNC 
  • ShuttleUNC offers an airport shuttle, but it has a rider limit so it's best to schedule in advance 
  • BusAvailable, but it typically takes longer than other options 

 Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is 145 miles from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. There's a frequent train from Charlotte to Durham, which is about 30 minutes from Chapel Hill.

Registration will be opening in March!


Click to add to calendar (note this is not registration)
 

 Interested in becoming a sponsor?  Contact us at [email protected] so that we can learn more about your sponsorship goals.

 

 

HOST A FUTURE HEPNET CONFERENCE 

Due by June 15 for consideration for next year. Submissions received after June 15 will be considered for hosting in two years, not the following.

 
 

PAST CONFERENCES

2024 Conference: Moving the Needle | Creating Space for Youth Safety | October 21-24, 2024 | Seattle, WA and virtual

2023 Conference: Youth Protection on My Mind | October 2-5, 2023 | Athens, GA and virtual

2022 Conference: Driving Youth Protection | September 13-16, 2022 | Indianapolis, Indiana and virtual

2021 Conference: Back to the Future | October 4-7, 2021 | Virtual

2020 Conference: Keeping Clear Vision in Times of Change | October 12-15, 2020 | Virtual

2019 Conference: Giant Leaps in Youth Protection in Higher Education | October 7-10, 2019 | West Lafayette, Indiana

2018 Conference: Innovate and Elevate: Building Awareness and Developing New Strategies | October 16-19, 2018 | Salt Lake City, Utah

2017 Conference: All In: Advancing Youth Protection in Higher Ed | October 17-20, 2017 | Clemson, South Carolina

2016 Conference: Conference on Youth Programs in Higher Education- Policy & Procedure: Two Step Toward Compliance | October 20-22, 2016 | San Antonio, Texas (hosted by Texas A&M)

2015 Conference: Minors on Campus Conference | October 21-23, 2015 | College Station, Texas (hosted by Texas A&M)

2014 Conference: Minors on Campus Conference | October 25, 2014 | College Station, Texas (hosted by Texas A&M)

2014 Meeting/Conference: Baltimore Meeting on Higher Ed Child Protection | May 12-14, 2014 | Baltimore, MD (hosted by Ann Franke)

We held the first in-person meeting in Baltimore on May 13-14, 2014. The University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA) accepted a proposal for a youth protection panel at its mid-Atlantic regional meeting. We gathered as a group of about 20 people for two separate conversations during that conference.