Schedule

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

  • 6:00 - 6:30 PM | Early Registration, Meet & Greet All Welcome Reception 

  • 6:30 - 7:30 PM | ⭐ National MWC Volunteer Awards Ceremony ⭐ 

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

  • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM |  Registration and Wellness Expo Access 
  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Morning Speakers and Programming
  • 12:00 - 1:30 PM | Lunch Break Together (lunch included)
  • 1:30 - 4:30 PM | Afternoon Speakers, Panel, Activities and Programming
  • 7:30 - 10:00 PM | 🎶 Themed Social Networking & DJ Dance Party 🎶

Location

Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs
2000 Hotel Plaza Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

*Arrive Thursday or Friday, 6/18-6/19, Check-out Sunday, 6/21

Special Group Rate: $209/night
📞 Call: 1-800-325-0720
🔑 Group Code: *Receive upon registration

  • Hotel amenities such as the use of the fitness center, business center, pool, resort area, as well as complimentary hot breakfast and complimentary 5:30 Kickback® (dinner) are included for registered hotel guests only.
  • Parking discounted at $15/per vehicle per day for all event guests. *For the guests just coming in for the day, they will need to stop by the front desk to pay for their parking so we can validate it before they leave the parking lot.
  • Bonus: Walking distance to Disney Springs. 

Presenter(s)

Speaker Bio:

Carolyn Moor is the Founder and President of Modern Widows Club® | The Movement for Widow Care, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and public health charity empowering widows and their families to thrive through resilience, leadership, and renewed purpose. A TEDx speaker, author of four books — including 31 Heartfelt Prayers for Widows and Legendary Widows: Stories of Legacy — and podcast host, Carolyn has spent over 15 years transforming personal tragedy into a global movement featured on NPR, CBS Sunday Morning, AARP The Ethel, The Oprah Winfrey Show, the Wall Street Journal, and Psychology Today. In 2025, she was appointed to the national Bereavement Support Advisory Council at New York Life Foundation. Learn more at modernwidowsclub.org.

Carolyn Moor

Modern Widows Club Founder

Presenter(s)

Presenter Bio:

Tara Collingwood is a nationally recognized expert and spokesperson on nutrition, fitness, and health promotion and is quoted in a variety of media including television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and websites. She is a past National Media Spokesperson for the professional organization of 80,000 Registered Dietitians, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Tara is the author of Pregnancy Cooking & Nutrition for Dummies (2012) and co-author of Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies (2014) and All In One Pregnancy (2016). She is also the nutrition consultant to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Tara was the team dietitian for the Orlando Magic NBA team and nutrition consultant to University of Central Florida (UCF) Athletic Department for 12 years. Tara is a performance coach at the prestigious Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute where she teaches senior executives how to manage their energy. She also has a private practice in Orlando, FL. Tara lost her husband Stephen Gidus to cancer in 2012. She married John Collingwood in 2015 and is busy raising her two sons, Basil, Levi, and two stepsons Maxim, and Samuel. Learn more about me at my website. Instagram - @dietdivatara

Tara Gidus Collingwood

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer and Wister

Presenter(s)

Presenter Bio:

Dr. Mari Marquez is a personal growth educator who specializes in personal development and post-traumatic growth following the loss of loved ones. She is an international selling children's book author and holds a Ph.D. in psychology. Through her work, Dr. Mari offers research-backed tools for adaptation and personal growth in both English and Spanish through her workshops, resources, and her "Growth After Loss" podcast. She is a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and serves as a facilitator for the Resilient Parenting Program through Arizona State University. Additionally, she co-leads a Spanish-speaking support group with the Modern Widows Club. Dr. Mari has received specialized training in post-traumatic growth, grief support, and prolonged grief disorder. She has had the honor of supporting many affected by traumatic losses in navigating their grief. Learn more about me at my website. Instagram/Facebook & Youtube @drmarimarquez

Dr. Mari Marquez

Personal Growth Educator After Loss- PHD., MBA

Speaker(s)

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Marissa Magsino who knows the effects of grief and loss both as a widowed woman and as a professional physician. Understanding what is physiologically happening in our bodies is important and Dr. Magsino brings a practical guide regarding health issues of Widowhood aim towards disease prevention. From our research data, the physical impact widowhood has on the body in the areas of stress, anxiety, brain fog, PTSD and adrenal fatigue can cause serious illnesses. Come learn the warning signs, and how to address them. Your health in this stage of life requires real advocacy and learning from someone who knows. Dr. Magsino is both an internist and functional doctor who gets to the root of the issues. She’s brilliant and wants to share how to journey through this and create a holistic pathway. IG FB @Dr.Magsino MarissaMagsino.com.

Dr. Marissa Magsino

Medical doctor & 2025 Legacy Widow Award Recipient

Reclaim Your Life. Rediscover Your Strength. Reconnect With Joy. This is Where Widows Gather, Heal, and Rise Together

Register Today and Save Your Seat

Last year testimonials

“I went to last year’s event feeling broken. I left feeling like maybe, just maybe, I could put the pieces back together differently—and that I could and would be okay. It was inspiring and refreshing”

MWC and Widow Life Community Member

Sarah M

“To all other Wisters: If you ever get the opportunity to attend this event, you should go. The experience that I had was really mind blowing. From meeting Carolyn Moor, to the speakers (their topics), to meeting other Wisters and becoming friends, the vendors, the food and the organization. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to attend and you will be as well!”

Cape Fear Community Advocate

Sharon S

“It was wonderful to be surrounded by women who knew how I felt. We supported each other and made new friends.”

Donna Z

FAQ

  • I'm newly widowed. Is it too soon for me to attend?

    There's no "too soon." We have sessions designed for widows at every stage, from the earliest days to many years out. You'll find your place here.

  • What if I don't know anyone attending?

    Most attendees come solo and meet new friends quickly! We've designed multiple opportunities for connection, and our community is incredibly welcoming.

  • Can I bring a friend or family member who isn't widowed?

    This event is specifically designed for widows to create a safe, understanding space. We recommend widows attend solo or with other widowed friends. Some of the ladies do bring their adult daughters with them and we welcome that opportunity and hope to have some organized breakouts for them.

  • What's your cancellation policy?

    Refunds are given in emergency situations before June 1, once catering and event space is determined, no refunds can be given, you can transfer your event ticket to another widow in need or of your choice.

  • Will meals accommodate dietary restrictions?

    Yes! Indicate dietary needs during registration and we'll accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common allergies. Lunch is provided on Saturday.

  • Is there an age requirement?

    All adult widows 18+ are welcome. Most attendees range from 30s-70s, but all ages find their community here.

  • What should I wear?

    Comfortable, casual clothing. Think "business casual" to "Florida casual." Layers recommended for indoor air conditioning.

  • What is Included in my ticket?

    Access to both Friday and Saturday sessions, Friday Reception Snacks and Saturday Full Lunch Included, Wellness Expo Access, Event Materials, Premium Event Bag with Curated Wellness Products

  • What are hotel rates for the event?

    The hotel is Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs and our group rate is $209 a night. Instructions on booking and inside portal after purchase