Opening Remarks  - Hybrid Session Option

Welcoming remarks and additional announcements. ​

Before Their Time: Lessons in Crisis Intervention from The Great War to Coconut Grove  - Hybrid Session Option​

​​Presenter: ​Drew Martel, LISW, CADC, Chief Clinical and Training Officer with Foundation 2 Crisis Services

The essence of 'continuum of care' thrives on the understanding and application of historical lessons, on-going care methodologies, and the anticipation of future needs. "Before their time: Lessons in Crisis Intervention from The Great War to Coconut Grove" embraces this ethos, focusing on the evolution of crisis intervention strategies and how they continue to shape the crisis care continuum. The presentation will weave through a historical narrative, starting from the crisis intervention methods applied to soldiers during The Great War (WW1) and culminating at the disastrous Coconut Grove nightclub fire in 1942.​

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical evolution of crisis intervention strategies, starting from The Great War up until the Coconut Grove Fire, and how these strategies have informed present day crisis care and intervention.​​

2. Participants will identify key lessons, including successful strategies and areas of improvement, that can be applied to modern crisis service provision.

3. Participants will learn how to apply these historical insights to enhance their crisis services, primarily in the realm of crisis intervention.​

​1) Addressing The Role of Substance Use with Suicidal Ideation - Hybrid Session Option

Presenter(s): William Hutter, PsyD, LMFT, Faculty at Northwestern University and private practice clinician

Learning Objectives:

This workshop will highlight some of the main concerns to focus on when addressing substance use in mental health crisis care. We know that for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), crisis response may be the first and only chance to get it right, and impact not only the outcome of the crisis itself, but the entire recovery process. As such, the six core principles of SAMHSA's crisis tool kit will be reviewed with a pathway to incorporating them with best practices. Case examples will be used to highlight how this looks both pre and post the COVID 19 pandemic.

1. Attendees will enhance their learning around the incorporation of substance use assessment in crisis situations.

2. Attendees will experience a review of the six core principles and how to embody best practices within.​

3. Attendees will learn some of the findings found in recent research involving SUD, crisis services and the COVID 19 pandemic.​

2) How To Save A L.I.F.E.: In-Field Suicide Prevention for Non-Mental Health Professionals​

Presenter(s): Jessi Beyer, MA, Crisis Co-Responder and #1 Best-Selling Author, Volunteers of America Western Washington, Marysville, WA

Even in areas with mobile crisis programs staffed with mental health professionals (MHPs), it’s usually police, fire/EMS, and jail, hospital, and school staff who make the first contact with a client in crisis. While MHPs train for years to prevent suicide, first responders often never receive enough training to successfully support clients with suicidal ideation. In this presentation, crisis co-responder Jessi Beyer will teach the suicide prevention framework usually reserved for MHPs to all first responders so they can feel confident supporting a client with suicidal ideation until they can be connected with formal mental health support.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify warning signs and risk factors for suicide. 

2. ​​Participants will be able to assess a client's safety by asking directly about suicide. 

3. Participants will be able to create a safety plan with the client and reduce access to potential suicide methods.

3) Neurodivergency in Social Work Tools and Strategies for Neurodivergent Social Workers​

​Presenter(s): Raymond Partlo, BSW 

                       David Stanely, CPS (Certified Peer Specialist)

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to work with their Diagnosis (working against your diagnosis causes burnout and fatigue).​

2. Use tools, tips, strategies to help them over come hurdles that may be present due to a diagnosis. 

3. Seeing Beyond their Diagnosis / They are not their diagnosis.​
   

4) The Wild West Of Teen Dating Violence - And What To Do About It

5) Cultivating a Culture of Least Invasive Intervention

Presenter(s): Erin Neilan Miller

                       Melissa Hackl, Program Manager, 988 Wisconsin Lifeline

Oftentimes people experiencing a mental health crisis find the response misaligned with their needs. This makes navigating the crisis and beyond exponentially more difficult. The introduction of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2022 was intended to help offer alternative solutions. In this session, we will explore the philosophies and approaches of 988 Wisconsin Lifeline in creating a culture of least-invasive interventions for those who reach out to 988.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will gain an understanding of 988 Wisconsin Lifeline's approach to least invasive interventions.

2. Participants will learn about trainings provided to support a least-invasive intervention approach.

3. Participants will understand the 988 Wisconsin Lifeline internal review process and how it aligns with a culture of least invasive interventions. 

6) Nurturing Safety, Dismantling Stigma, and Fostering Support in Crisis Intervention  - Hybrid Session Option

Presenter(s): Mitchell Sherman, CPS, IPS, eCPR, Manager of Pure Support Delavan Wisconsin

                       Karen Iverson Riggers, Member/Owner, BA CPS​

Embark on a transformative journey with our workshop, "Nurturing Safety, Dismantling Stigma, and Fostering Support in Crisis Intervention." Thisevidence-based session addresses core questions, providing actionable insights through discussions, exercises, and case studies. Participants willgrasp safety dynamics, stigma combat strategies, and practical methods for an inclusive crisis intervention community. Join us in navigating stigma,safety, and support to enhance your role in crisis intervention.​

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Explore evidence-based practices that answer the fundamental question: "Who are we keeping safe through crisis?" Understand the intricate dynamics involved in safeguarding individuals in crisis, ensuring organizational well-being, and prioritizing the mental health of crisis intervention professionals.

2. Investigate the impact of societal stigma on crisis intervention. Uncover the ways stigma hinders effective mental health support and crisis intervention. Through interactive discussions and case studies, gain practical strategies to dismantle stigmatizing attitudes and cultivate a stigma-free environment within crisis settings.

3.  Delve into strategies that enhance collaboration and support across diverse demographics within the crisis intervention community. Learn to navigate and address unique challenges faced by individuals from various backgrounds. Gain practical tools to foster inclusivity and understanding, promoting a unified approach to crisis intervention goals.​​

7) Ethics in Action: Innovative Approaches to Crisis Intervention -  Part 1​

Presenter(s): Drew Martel, LISW, CADC, Chief Clinical and Training Officer with Foundation 2 Crisis Services

Not your typical ethics training: Join Drew in this two-part session on ethical decision-making within crisis services. From classic (and bizarre) ethical dilemma exercises to a pragmatic model, this training aims to equip crisis intervention staff and organizations with the tools necessary to conceptualize situations through the lens of ethical decision-making. Participants will engage in several challenging, fun, and experiential exercises and dilemmas, as well as a review of the history, key figures, and frameworks that have shaped the field.​

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify and explain key ethical principles such as autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity. 

2. Participants will learn to apply ethical decision-making frameworks to analyze and resolve ethical dilemmas. 

3. Participants will gain knowledge of the professional and legal ethical standards that govern their practice. ​​​

8) Crisis Intervention and the Law: Requirements, Tips, and Best Practices  - Hybrid Session Option​

​Presenter(s): Zachary Bosch,  J.D., Senior Attorney, Waukesha County Corporation Counsel, Waukesha, WI

                       Jonathan Martin, J.D., Attorney, Waukesha County Corporation Counsel, Waukesha, WI

Attorneys Zach Bosch and Jon Martin from Waukesha County Corporation Counsel will provide insight into the legal requirements and best practices for emergency detentions (Ch. 51), protective placements (Ch.55), and protective services (Ch.55), when to use each, and other considerations that should be contemplated. We will provide overviews of Chapters 51, 54, and 55 of the Wisconsin Statutes and provide in depth details on the expectations of county attorneys and the court. We will also provide a detailed explanation on how to determine the county of responsibility and ways counties may work more collaboratively with one another.  

Learning Objectives:

1. ​ Participants will be able to understand the intricate legal differences between Chapters 51, 54, and 55.

2. Participants will be able to better serve their respective clients by knowing which legal intervention is best for different situations. 

3. Participants will be able to identify legal problems more quickly and be able to problem solve with the appropriate personnel.​

9) How to Build and Operate a Co-Responder Model: System Breakdowns and Successes  - Hybrid Session Option

​​Presenter(s): Sunny Schneider, Specialist Crisis Response Unit Police Officer, Waukesha Police Department, WI

                     Jason Fink, Patrol Specialist Crisis Response Unit and Neighborhood Engagement Unit, Waukesha Police Department, WI

                     Anna Diaz, Waukesha Crisis Response Unit Clinical Therapits, LPC

Co-responder models between law enforcement and crisis clinicians are on the rise throughout the country. Here we will discuss how to begin building your own co-responder model from the law enforcement perspective. We will examine ways to relationship build and collaborate with major community partners such as hospitals, shelters, ADRC, and more. We will explore how a co-responder response approaches memory care, group home, autism, mental health, and other police originating calls for service. We will address ways to "think outside the box" on repeat citizen contacts, exit strategies, 51.15 law, and more. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to make connections with local community partners for positive outcomes.

2. Understand more about the law enforcement perspective and response to crisis incidents. 

3. Help develop a flow chart to use as a resource for families in crisisGain a better understanding of the system breakdowns and successes occurring in other jurisdictions.
   

10) Crisis and Neurodiversity 101​

​Presenter(s): Cheyenne Ver Voort, BS, MEd, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Instructor, Services Coordinator, Agape of Appleton, Appleton, WI

What is neurodiversity? What happens when a neurodivergent person is in crisis? How can I help more than I hurt?

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe the framework of neurodiversity.
   

2. Participants will be able to identify potential differences in neurodivergent clients experiencing a mental health crisis.

3. Participants will be able to use awareness of potential differences to better assess, support, and assist during crisis situations.

11) Connection is Prevention

Presenter(s): Lynn McLaughlin, Member/Owner, BA CPS

                       Karen Iverson Riggers, Member/Owner, BA CPS

Learning Objecives:

1. Participants will learn the fundamentals of connecting with others, especially people in distress or crisis.

2. Participants will learn how to connect with their own emotions to enhance connection.
   

3. Participants will learn how connection is a fundamental of healing. 

12) The Right Kind of Support in the Hardest Times of Life; Parents Supporting Parents​

Presenter(s): Jill Clopper, Certified Parent Peer Support

                       Beth Trejo, Certified Parent Peer Support

Supporting a youth in crisis should involve supporting the parents or caregivers as well. A Certified Parent Peer Support can meet a parent's needs in a unique way, unlike any other in a system of care. Two Certified Parent Peer Supports will share about how they work within care teams to address the unique needs of each family with empathy, advocacy, education and more.  

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the role of a Certified Parent Peer Support beyond the job description.

2. Consider what healing looks like and how thinking holistically can help to understand this in a different way.

3. Learn how to integrate CPPSs in order to overcome barriers with families and increase engagement with care services.

13) Validation Strategies as a Tool for Managing Conflict​

Presenter(s): Lesley Chapin, Psy.D., DBT-LBC certified clinician, Vice President Pauquette Center for Psychological Services​

The natural response to invalidation is defensiveness and further emotional escalation. During periods of crisis, this can inadvertently increase tension and polarization, making it more difficult to resolve problems and stabilize the situation. Validation strategies are one of the best tools we have for managing situations where emotions run high. Validation can help to soothe, re-regulate, and engage in interactions more effectively. In this session, participants will learn about what validation is, the many different ways to validate (even when it's difficult), and what NOT to validate. ​

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Participants will be able to define validation.
   

2. Participants will be able to identify the six levels of validation.

3. Participants will be able to identify common "validation traps".​​
   

14) Ethics in Action: Innovative Approaches to Crisis Intervention - Part 2​

Presenter(s): Drew Martel,  LISW, CADC, Chief Clinical and Training Officer with Foundation 2 Crisis Services

Not your typical ethics training: Join Drew in this two-part session on ethical decision-making within crisis services. From classic (and bizarre) ethical dilemma exercises to a pragmatic model, this training aims to equip crisis intervention staff and organizations with the tools necessary to conceptualize situations through the lens of ethical decision-making. Participants will engage in several challenging, fun, and experiential exercises and dilemmas, as well as a review of the history, key figures, and frameworks that have shaped the field.​

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify and explain key ethical principles such as autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity. 

2. Participants will learn to apply ethical decision-making frameworks to analyze and resolve ethical dilemmas. 

3. Participants will gain knowledge of the professional and legal ethical standards that govern their practice. ​​
   

​15) Partnerships for Better Outcomes in Crisis: Adult Protective Services and Crisis Programs  - Hybrid Session Option​​

Presenter(s): Brianne Zaborowske, LCSW​ 

                       Laurie Kohler, MSW, LCSW

Given the complexity of concerns facing adults at risk in crisis, there is often a need for Crisis and APS to work together for the best possible outcome. This session will explore the intersection between Adult Protective Services and Crisis response systems and ways in which a collaborative approach can be beneficial to support individuals at risk in crisis, their families, and care providers. Understanding the roles and resources of the two systems will prepare participants to understand how and when to engage a collaborative approach and the benefits of approach for supporting individuals at risk in crisis.

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Participants will be able to overview of the roles, responsibilities, resources, and guiding principles of both the Crisis and Adult Protective Services Systems.

2. Participants will be able to explore how a teaming approach between Crisis and Adult Protective Services can lead to more comprehensive assessments and better client outcomes.

3. Participants will be able to discuss best practices for collaborative initiatives including how to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new ones to improve collaboration between Crisis and Adult Protective Services. ​

16) Suicide Intervention by the Co Responder Team​

Presenter(s): Phillip Antony, Deputy Sheriff, Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, Crisis Assessment Response Team, Milwaukee, Wisconsin​

In this session I will discuss principles of negotiations, how to negotiate as a team with suicidal individuals, effective communication skills in negotiations, how to employment negotiation strategies to build rapport and influence behavior, and provide real world examples of my own experiences working within Milwaukee county for the Crisis Assessment Response Team.  

Learning Objective:

1. ​Identify the types of roles within the negotiation team and discuss strategies on how to work together.

2. Identify Active listening skills (ALS) and the role the play in influencing behavior.

3. Identify strategies to incorporate when responding to a person in a suicidal crisis​​

17) No, Really....How Are You?

Presenter(s): Chuck Price, MS Owner/Consultant, Blue Collar Consulting, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 

A trauma-informed approach to Human Services, and other systems, is certainly a great foundation, but what if being "informed" is still not good enough? As a system and as leaders, we know so much more, we know so much better.  When we know better, it is time to do better. Chuck will talk about bringing "humanness" into the work and the importance of creating a trauma-informed environment/culture. Chuck will discuss how the organization can intentionally focus on a culture that is healthy, safe, and thriving. Chuck will also talk about the implications, but more importantly the benefits, of a healthy regulated workforce.

Learning Objectives:​

1. Benefits of a trauma informed workplace on employee well-being and outcomes for those they serve. 

2. Steps an agency/organization/department can take to recognize and contribute to employee well-being and health. 

3. Attendees will be able to identify importance of their own health and well-being.
   

18) The Role of a Peer Specialist Training for Non Peer Specialists​

Presenter(s): Jessica Perez

                      Amy Yonker ​

Learning Objectives:

1.  Understand what a Peer Specialist is and is not.
   

2.  Learn the Scope of Practice, Core Competencies, and Code of Ethics of a Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist. 

3.  Understand the art of self disclosure. 

19) Crisis, Criminal Justice, and Sex Education: Beyond Rolling Condoms on Bananas

Presenter(s): Valerie Gonsalves, PhD 

                       Lisa Dunham, Clinical Manager

Youth suffer from depression, anxiety, isolation and increases in thoughts of self-harm and suicidality as a result of criminal justice involvement. Therefore, implementing effective means of preventing involvement with the criminal justice system is one way to help manage mental health crises. Youth who do not receive proper sex education can have criminal justice involvement, as they may not know about consent or child pornography. This talk will provide practical strategies for professionals as to how to assist the families they work with essential components of healthy sexuality.

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Participants will be able to describe why comprehensive sexual education is essential to prevention of sex crimes

2. Participants will be able to discuss how to assist families with essential and unfamiliar components of healthy sexuality. ​.

3. Participants will be able to discuss how to manage youth technology and implement a technology contract.  ​

20) The Art of Connection: Community Building Skills in Uncivil Times​  - Hybrid Session Option

Presenter(s): Kenneth Ryback, Program Coordinator, Community Buidling Milwaukee - a program within Wisconsin Community Services, BS in Criminal Justice 

                       Karole Kimble, CEO and Chief Communication Officer for Kimble Communications, BA in English and MBA in Business Administration

Community Building has been shown to enhance already existing programs and enhances an individua's skills in Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Emotional Intelligence. Community Building skills and principles lead to increases in empathy, active listening, cultural competence, self-care, and patience. This proposed session provides basic information about Community Building and Community Building Milwaukee through dyad exercises and some facilitator mini-lecture.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn the 4 Stages of Relationships as described by Dr. M. Scott Peck.

2. Enhance TIC, MI, and SEL skillsets and transform your ability to listen. 

3. Experience a taste of the renewal, connection, and peace of True Community. ​
   

21) Cannabis Induced Psychosis: Implications for Crisis Intervention  - Hybrid Session Option

Presenter(s): John Puls, LCSW, MCAP, Founder, Full Life Comprehensive Care, Boca Raton, FL

Cannabis is the most used substance nationwide after tobacco and alcohol (NIH, 2020). Approximately 16 million Americans report regularly using cannabis (NIH, 2020). The vast majority of cannabis users begin using during their teenage years (NIH). Problems have arisen with the broad legalization of cannabis, including a failure to account for increased toxicity and the dangerous effects on early teens and young adults. Rapid increases in anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis-related hospitalizations from cannabis are causing alarm. This presentation will seek to highlight the growing risk of cannabis induced psychosis and related issues. 

Learning Objectives:​

1. Participants will be able to comprehend a basic understanding and history of cannabis policy throughout the United States. 

2.  Participants will be able to support individuals and families in crisis from cannabis induced psychosis and related disorders.

3.  Participants will be able to utilize evidenced best interventions when working with individuals impacted by cannabis induced psychosis.​

22) Embedding Crisis in 911 Dispatch​

Presenter(s): Jennifer Wrucke, Health & Human Services Coordinator - Crisis Intervention 

As much as local county crisis lines and 988 are promoted, our communities still heavily rely on 911 and local law enforcement to be the first responders to mental health crises. Following nationwide models of 911 crisis call diversion programs, Waukesha County has embedded a crisis counselor into Waukesha County Communications, the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for most law enforcement agencies in the county. This workshop will provide an overview of how this position expedites crisis response, inserts crisis staff in calls for service that require a mental health response, and monitors data related time spent on mental health calls

Learning Objectives:

23) Be Our Guest: Discovering the Intersection of Hospitality and Crisis Services

Presenter(s)​: Travis Atkinson, MS, LPC 

                        Tess Parker, MSW, LMSW

Hundreds of communities have taken great strides in designing and operating a behavioral health crisis system that is accessible, community-based, and person centered. So how do we take crisis services from good to great? It might boil down to one word: hospitality. From service design and delivery to workforce, crisis services must be infused with elements of hospitality to achieve their greatest purpose. ​In this session, unlock the secrets of hospitality in service industries while discovering their relevance in crisis settings. Learn how to put the elements of hospitality into practice while avoiding the pitfalls of ignoring hospitality.

Learning Objectives:

1. ​Understand the essential elements of unreasonable hospitality in workforce, service design, and service delivery. 

2. Gain knowledge about the financial and relational cost of not infusing practices of hospitality into crisis services. 

3. Learn three steps to infusing unreasonable hospitality into crisis settings. 
   

24) Veteran Suicide Prevention Through a Recovery Orientated Lens  - Hybrid Session Option

Presenter(s): Josh Andreini, LCSW - Clinical Coordinator for the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program through the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs

                       Chandler Miller, MSW, VORP Southern Program Supervisor

                       Todd Marks, Regional Coordinator for the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program   

The team from VORP will define who/what is a veteran, provide an overview of our program and other veteran specific resources across the state of WI. We will review suicide statistics and specific considerations to keep in mind when working with veterans and service members. Risk reduction and the Gun Shop project will be reviewed as it relates to veterans. Our program is focused around best practice approaches to prevent suicide and address veterans' whole-health recovery needs. 

Learning Objectives:

1. ​How to identify a veteran and understanding what it means to be classified as a veteran

2. Gaining resources and knowledge about veteran programming and services across the state of Wisconsin.
   

3. Understanding risks and approaches to veteran suicide prevention.​

25) Supporting First Responders in Crisis

Presente(s)r: Kristen Herreid, MSW, LCSW, AEMT, Mental Wellness Coordinator, Kenosha Police Department

Law enforcement professionals, firefighters, and other crisis responders are historically reluctant to seek therapy for help with their own emotional struggles. And when in crisis, are even more reluctant to have crisis care provided in the same community they serve.  This presentation highlights understanding specific cultural aspects of the first responder community and unique areas of concern when building rapport to engaging in crisis response with those who pledge to protect and serve our communities.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify unique cultural aspects to working with first responders in crisis.

2. Identify obstacles to first responders seeking mental health services. 

3. Explore the ways in which bias impacts public perception of first responders, and vice versa. 

26) Introduction to DBT's Crisis Survival Skills for Crises Driven by Emotion Dysregulation​

Presenter(s)​: Lesley Chapin, Psy.D., DBT-LBC certified clinician, Vice President Pauquette Center for Psychological Services

Crises are acute periods of time causing intense escalation of emotion and often an overwhelming urge to resolve the situation quickly. These crisis situations have a high potential for really negative outcomes and creating additional problems. Individuals who are prone to emotion dysregulation tend to find themselves in crises more often and reach their skills breakdown point more readily. DBT's crisis survival skills address these types of situations in order to help individuals tolerate acutely stressful situations more effectively so as not to make the immediate problem worse. This workshop will introduce these skills and when to use them

Learning Objectives:

Anatomy of a Life: A Queer Story of Living with Suicide​  - Hybrid Session Option

 Presenter: William Hutter, PsyD, LMFT

This keynote will share the lived experience of one person who grew up gay in rural Wisconsin, the role suicidal ideation has played in their life, and what they have learned living with chronic thoughts of suicide. ​

Learning Objectives:

Get recognized as a key partner in a highly regarded training event for crisis professionals!

Your organization can be a partner in keeping this conference affordable to participants and to maintain its relevance and viability to crisis professionals throughout the state of Wisconsin. Your support will allow the conference to maintain its reputation for top notch keynoters and important professional training topics.

The conference offers four levels of participation. We would also be happy to consider other arrangements you may want to offer.  

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Mail in Registration Form

 Diamond $3,500 | Platinum $2,500 | Gold $1,750 | Silver $1,000 

*After securing sponsorship, UWSP will contact your company representative in late August or early September to identify who will use the complimentary registration(s). Sponsorships obtained on or after August 26, 2024, are not guaranteed to be included in printed materials. Sponsorships and booth spaces might still be available after this date, but exhibit space is limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please email uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.

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The Crisis Intervention Conference reserves the right to deny sponsorship, exhibit booth content, and/or donations for any company/organization, or individual it deems unsuitable for the conference. The 28​th annual Crisis Intervention Conference and UWSP Continuing Education are not responsible for damages or loss by a vendor during the conference.

Sponsorships are non-refundable.

The 28th Annual Crisis Intervention Conference features an Exhibit Hall available to participants before, during, and after the conference. We encourage all vendors to get creative. Helpful information, self-care ideas, promotional offers, etc., are all welcome!

​​​

Mail in Registration Form

Booth Fee includes the following:​

• *One complimentary registration, including conference content and meals ($299 value!)
  
• One 4'x8' skirted table designed for table-top exhibits
  
• Access to more than 600 consumers and family members, administrators, front-line workers, and community professionals involved in crisis intervention.
  

​The University WI-Stevens Point and the conference planning committee are accepting proposals for poster board presentations. Desired proposals include research relevant to mental health crisis intervention, suicide prevention, community mental health, emergency psychiatric practices and substance use disorders.

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We are currently looking to expand the identity of the committee, as the world around us changes and the people we serve grows. In this exploration, we have noted a need to bring more diverse voices to the table, to better meet the needs of various communities across our State. This shift involves not only aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) based on cultural identity, but also within one’s professional/vocational role.

If you feel that you are in a place to join our committee and contribute in meaningful ways as we expand our efforts in DEIB, we look forward to hearing from you and reviewing your application.​

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​​ ​

​​​​We are excited to again bring you Whova!  Whova is more than just a conference app for your phone or tablet, it also offers a desktop platform for those attendees that prefer using a laptop or desktop computer. More information will be sent t​​o conference registrants, but if you would like a sneak peek, watch the Whova How-To Guide. More information on how to download the Whova will be emailed to conference attendees.

      The following is just a sample of what you will be able to access through Whova:                                                                                                               

• Session Handouts                                                                                                                                              
  
• Session Evaluations
  
• Conference Agenda ​
  
• Session Locations (in-person) and Links (virtual)
  
• Presenter Bios
• Networking Opportunities
  
• Exhibitor Information  
  

Lodging at the Kalahari Resort

A block of rooms is available at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center. Reservations should be made online to avoid excessive wait times and resort fees. Rooms are only available at the reduced rate for Wednesday, September 18, 2024 and Thursday, September 19, 2024. Please reserve your room as soon as possible as the group rate will only be available until August 18, 2024 or the resort is sold out. 


If you are unable to book a room at the block rate before August 18, 2024, please contact us at uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu​. UWSP Continuing Education, the Conference Planning Team, and WI DHS do not have control over Kalahari policies or room rates once the room block expires or fills to capacity.  

Important Information from the Kalahari

Per their policy, the Kalahari does not accept completed Credit Card Letter of Authorization forms, Tax Exemption forms, nor Purchase Orders at hotel check-in. They have a dedicated team that pre-approves these forms to ensure validity prior to check-in.  These forms should be submitted no later than 7 days prior to check-in via email or fax 608-254-6116.

As part of our check in requirements, you are required to present the card used to book your room(s). If this card will not be present, a Letter of Authorization MUST be completed and delivered to wireservationssupport@kalahariresorts.com no less than 7 days prior to your arrival.​

The Kalahari highly suggests attendees submit these forms at least two weeks in advance of check-in so their team can process them in a timely manner. Failure to follow this procedure may result in full room and tax charges to your personal card, since their Front Desk will not accept these forms at check-in. The Kalahari General Policy Page explains their policies in full detail. 

Kalahari FAQ
Additional Information about Staying at the Kalahari​

UWSP Continuing Education works hard to communicate all special meal requests and allergies to the conference venue. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we cannot guarantee all special dietary needs can be met. If you have dietary needs (i.e., low salt, low carb, keto, dairy-free, etc.), you may wish to make alternative meal arrangements.  

Continuing Education Hours are a measure of participation in continuing education programs. Individuals should consult with their professional association and/or licensing board regarding the applicability of the conference for their profession. It is the individual's responsibility to report CEHs earned to their appropriate credential or licensing board.

The 2024 conference is seeking for approval​ for a total of 8.0​ CEHs by the National Association of Social Workers, Wisconsin Chapter. A link will be provided after the conference for registrants to receive a printable, personalized CEH Certificate of Completion via email.

Learn more about the importance of Person-First Language.

Learn more about why Pronouns Matter.

Learn more about appropriate language with respect to suicide at Prevent Suicide® Wisconsin.  ​

Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum computer standards for participating in the virtual conference via Zoom.  Zoom works best with Chrome or Firefox. UWSP is not responsible for participant technological issues, including, but not limited to, inadequate bandwidth and/or registrant equipment malfunction.