20th Annual Mental Health & Substance Use Recovery Conference
October 17-18, 2024
Kalahari Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Health and Human Services, See Stevens Point Offerings

Building Connections: Recovery Takes A Village

Thursday-Friday, October 17-18, 2024

Kalahari Resort and Convention Center
Wisconsin Dells, WI​

​Details​​


Conference Objectives:
  1. Increase knowledge and skills to promote wellness, prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, holistic care, and continuous quality improvement with the use of best practices for their community across the lifespan.
  2. Promote meaningful involvement in person and family-centered planning, services, supports, and system change.
  3. Increase knowledge of peer supports, peer-run programs, and topics related to Certified Peer Specialist in Wisconsin.
  4. Increase knowledge and skills regarding special topics in mental health, substance use disorder, and integrated treatment.
  5. Acknowledgement of the role that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, equity, social determinants of health, and intersecting levels of oppression play in substance use and mental health so these factors can be considered and incorporated into the work the previous objectives seek to address.

​Who Should Attend


Behavioral health professionals, people in recovery and family members, clinicians in the criminal and juvenile justice system, adolescent treatment professionals and educators, and anyone interested in the topics discussed.

2024 Workshop Proposal


The workshop proposal deadline was March 1, 2024. 

Selected workshop presenters will be notified by email by May 17, 2024.

If you have questions, please email the UWSP Conference Planning Team at​ uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.

Registration Information

​2023 MHSUR FEES

​​

​Registration Deadline

​Both Days In-Person
​$355 on or after Sept. 16, 2023
​October 12, 2023
​One Day In-Person
​$285 on or after Sept. 16, 2023
​October 12, 2023
​*Both Days Virtual
$200
​October 19​, 2023

If you are paying by check, please fill out the paper registration form​

Submit a 2024 Workshop Proposal



The 2024 Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Conference is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, October 17-18, 2024. It is anticipated that this event will take place in-person at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells, with an option to attend virtually.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) and the conference planning committee are accepting proposals for 90-minute workshops.

Proposals that focus on emerging trends, are inclusive of diverse perspectives that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, demonstrate evidence-based practices, promote strength-based approaches, include the voice of lived experience, address underserved populations, enhance skills, support mental health and substance use recovery work, and energize participants are encouraged. Proposal Deadline is March 1, 2024. Please submit one form per proposal.​


UWSP Continuing Education and Outreach staff and the conference planning committee will review all proposals. Selection criteria includes:

• Demand/interest for the topic.
• Presenter(s) experience and qualifications.
• Diverse perspectives that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Learning objectives.
• History of the topic at the conference, including frequency of similar offerings.
• Previous conference evaluation feedback, if applicable.
• Preference may be given to proposals on topics that have not been presented at recent conferences.​​

The Conference will offer a complimentary registration and one night of lodging for up to 3 presenters. A possible small honorarium will be considered.

The Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Conference is committed to equity and inclusion. UWSP and the conference planning committee recognize that people come from different contexts and circumstances. This means that on a structural level, some individuals have fewer barriers preventing them from speaking at events like conferences and some individuals have significantly more. These systemic barriers are often a function of racial background, class, gender, and ability. The barriers themselves could be financial, physical, geographical, or social. Individual requests for additional compensation to alleviate financial barriers such as travel, etc. are welcomed and will be considered. Indicate your compensation need later in this proposal.

Selected workshop presenters will be notified by email by May 17, 2024.

If you have questions, please email the UWSP Conference Planning Team at​ uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.


2024 conference information is tentative.

2024 Workshop Proposals

The proposal deadline was March 1, 2024. This form is now closed. 

Selected workshop presenters will be notified by email no later than May 17, 2024.

​Email questions to uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.​​

Click on the grey drop-down boxes below for the 2023 conference information. 2024 conference information will be posted at a later date.

2023 Keynote Speakers

Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC​

Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC is an international speaker and consultant in behavioral health whose presentations have reached thousands throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, West Indies, and Guam. He is the recipient of four lifetime achievement awards including the prestigious NAADAC Enlightenment Award. He was one of three finalists for the National Association for Addiction Professionals 50th Anniversary Legends Award. Mark is also the recipient of the Illinois Certification Board's Professional of the Year Award, The Illinois Certification Board, Jessica Hayes Lifetime Achievement Award and The Barbara Bacon Award for outstanding contributions to the social work profession as a Loyola University of Chicago alumni.

Mark is the author of five books on behavioral health recovery. Recent writings include: Slipping Through the Cracks: Intervention Strategies For Clients With Multiple Addictions Disorders and Relationship Detox: A Counselors Guide To Helping Clients Develop Healthy Relationships In Recovery. He was lead writer on a trauma informed gun violence prevention curriculum which is being implemented in several large cities in the United States. His groundbreaking monograph Recovery Management co-authored with historians William White and Earnest Kurtz helped shift addictions treatment and recovery from the acute care model solely towards a Recovery Oriented System of Care. Mark has had two stories published in the New York Times bestselling book series, Chicken Soup for The Soul.

Mark has also had a 30 year career as a university educator having taught at The University of Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago, and Illinois State University School's of Social Work. He is co-founder of Serenity Academy Chicago, a program which sponsors recovery-oriented peer groups in local high schools​.

Chardé Hollins, Founder & Executive Director; LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; CCTP-II, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II​​

 ​Charde Hollins is an independently licensed clinical social worker trained in suicide prevention and trauma treatment. With over ten years of experience working with justice-involved youth and trauma-affected communities, Charde' formerly served as a social worker in schools, health care, corrections, and advocacy for court-involved youth. She is highly regarded for her ability to gain rapport and culturally adapt efficacious interventions that have been shown to work but remain in need of cultural refinement. As a result, she thrives in increasing client engagement and stakeholder buy-in through her evidence-based, culturally competent, and innovative strategies.  Charde' is skilled in leading community stakeholders within health care, education, mental health, and for-profit organizations in creating a strategic plan for addressing racism to ensure equal access to quality care and culturally specific treatment. She is currently a grants manager overseeing non-profit, behavioral health, addiction, and prevention agencies. She is also the owner of Relevant Connections, LLC, where she assists nonprofit, corporate, and faith-based agencies in increasing community impact through procurement, culturally competent services, behavioral health education, and civic engagement. 




*Some sessions have been selected to be livestreamed. Those sessions being offered in a hybrid format are indicated below in the full conference agenda. Virtual conference attendees are eligible for the same number of Continuing Education Hours as those attending in-person.​

Thursday, October 17, 2024 

 7:15-8:15 a.m. | Check-In

Check-in to pick up your conference materials. 

 8:15-9 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Ceremony

Bad River Youth Drum Circle



Presenter: Bad River Youth

“In our culture the drum is the grandfather and is the way we start our gatherings in a good way. It is grounding for most people and brings an inner peace as the drum is like a heartbeat.” - Lynn Maday-Bigboy





Welcoming Remarks

 9-10:15 a.m. | Opening Keynote

Opening keynote details to come. 

 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Breakout Sessions 1-8

Session information will be announced at a later date. 

 1-2:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions 9-15

​Session information will be announced at a later date. 

 2:45-4:15 p.m. | Breakout Sessions 16-22

​Session information will be announced at a later date. 

 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Listening Sessions (Optional)

DHS Listening Session 

​Leaders from the DHS Division of Care and Treatment Services will host a listening session that follows a question-and-answer format. Share your thoughts about current programs and service needs. People in recovery, service providers, tribal nation and county health and human services staff are welcome.​

SCAODA Listening Session 

The State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA) has been providing leadership and coordination regarding alcohol and other drug use issues confronting Wisconsin for more than 50 years. SCAODA's work includes advising state agencies on substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery activities; reviewing pending legislation, including state budget proposals; and developing plans to guide administration of the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant. Members are appointed by the Governor and represent state agencies, the legislature, treatment providers, consumers, and citizens. This session will briefly cover the history of the Council and explore its current role in addressing substance use issues across Wisconsin. The majority of the session will feature the Council’s annual listening session, which is a public forum and opportunity for conference participants and members of the public to provide input to the Council on statewide substance use disorder issues, utilization of the Substance Abuse Block Grant funds, and programmatic and service needs. Representatives of the State Council will be present to take input and participate in the discussion.

 7-8 p.m. | Recovery Meeting (Optional)

This meeting is for anyone in recovery and will be chaired by a person in recovery to offer and provide the opportunity for support. This meeting is an informal gathering of all forms of recovery and not specific to any single support or fellowship group. Out of respect to everyone’s anonymity this meeting is not open for observation from individuals not in recovery.

Friday, October 18, 2024

 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Check-In

Check-in to pick up your conference materials. 

 8:30-10 a.m. | Breakout Sessions 23-29

​Session information will be announced at a later date. 

 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Breakout Sessions 30-36

​Session information will be announced at a later date. 

 12:45-2:15 p.m. | Breakout Sessions 37-43

​Session information will be announced at a later date. 

 2:30-3:45 p.m. | Closing Keynote and Concluding Statements

Closing keynote details to come. 

​Conference Information

 Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities

Sponsorship Opportunities​


GET RECOGNIZED as a key partner in a highly regarded training event for Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery professionals!

Your organization can be a partner in keeping this conference affordable to participants and to maintain its relevance and viability to mental health and substance use recovery professionals throughout the state. Your support will also allow the conference to maintain its reputation for top notch keynoters and relevant professional training topics.

The conference offers four levels of participation for your consideration, and we would be happy to consider other arrangements that you may offer. 

Registration will be available in early Spring. 

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


​Diamond
PlatinumGoldSilver
​Right of first refusal for 2024 conference​
​X

Exclusive sponsorship
​X
Logo on digital conference promotions(large)
(large)X (small)(small)
Logo/name on conference websites(large)
(large)(small)(small)
Logo/Name on conference brochure and printed program​4 times
3 times
2 times
1 time
Exhibit spaceDouble Booth
($790 value!)
Single Booth
($395 value!)
Single Booth
($395 value!)
Single Booth
($395 value!)
Verbal recognition during conference​4 times
3 times
2 times
1 time
*Conference registration(s)​8 ($2,840 value!)
($1,420 value!)
($710 value!)
($710 value!)
Slide show recognition at event​4+ slides
3 slides
2 slides
1 slide

*Once sponsorship is secured, UWSP will follow up with your company representative to determine who will be utilizing the complimentary registration(s). Please contact uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu for more information.


The 20th Annual Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Training Conference reserves the right to deny sponsorship, booth content, and/or donations for any company, organization, or individual it deems unsuitable for the conference.

Sponsorships are non-refundable.

Exhibitor Opportunities

  • 8 ft. Exhibitor Table
  • One Conference Registration
  • *Company or Organization Name Included in Conference Materials

Please note that additional exhibitors can be registered in the attendee registration link.

Registration will be available in early Spring. 

The 20th Annual Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Training 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.

Exhibit Booths are non-refundable.​

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Workshop Proposal Submissions

 

The 2022 Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Training Conference is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, October 20-21, 2022.  The 2022 theme is Care for Self, Care for Others: Building Resilient Communities."  It is anticipated that this event will take place in-person at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. 

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) and the conference planning committee are accepting proposals for 90-minute workshops.

Proposals that demonstrate evidence-based practices, promote strength-based approaches, include the voice of lived experience, address diverse populations, enhance skills, support recovery, and energize participants are encouraged. Proposals are due Friday, February 25, 2022.

UW-Stevens Point Continuing Education staff and the conference planning committee review all proposals. Selection criteria includes:

  • Demand for the topic
  • Presenter(s) experience and qualifications
  • Demonstration of diverse perspective or application
  • Relevancy (new or advanced level information) and best practices
  • Alignment with conference objectives
  • Achieving balanced recovery-oriented content related to mental health and/or substance use prevention, treatment, and wellness
  • History of the topic at the conference including frequency of similar offerings
  • Previous conference evaluation feedback (if applicable)
Preference may be given to proposals on topics that have not been presented at recent conferences.  

The Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Training Conference is committed to equity and inclusion. UWSP and the conference planning committee recognize that people come from different contexts and circumstances. This means that on a structural level, some individuals have fewer barriers preventing them from speaking at events like conferences and some individuals have significantly more. These systemic barriers are often a function of racial background, class, gender, and ability. The barriers themselves could be financial, physical, geographical, or social. Each presenter is initially offered the same compensation of complimentary conference registration and one night of lodging.  Individual requests for additional compensation to alleviate financial barriers are welcome. Indicate your compensation need later in this proposal.

Selected workshop presenters were be notified by email by Friday, April 29, 2022. 

Email questions to UWSP Continuing Education.

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Consumer Scholarships

The 2023 Mental Health & Substance Use Recovery Consumer Scholarship Application is now CLOSED.  

A limited number of scholarships will be available to consumers of mental health services and those that are peer specialists. Scholarships are considered on a first-come, first-served basis if criteria is met. Applicants will need to describe how they will share information obtained at the conference with local and/or statewide consumer groups. Other factors taken into consideration are past conference attendance, Peer Specialist status, and/or previously awarded scholarships.​ Preference is given to those who are both a consumer and a peer specialist. 

Not all applicants will be guaranteed a scholarship. Please wait for UWSP to notify you of your status before registering. Applicants will be notified of their scholarship application status by August 14, 2023. Scholarship recipients will be emailed instructions with additional registration information. 

Scholarship Application Deadline: July 31, 2023. 

​Please contact uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu​ with concerns or questions. 

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Lodging

​Rooms at the Kalahari are sold out. 

Room blocks have opened at surrounding hotels due to the block of rooms at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center being sold out. Reservations should be made online to avoid excessive wait times and resort fees. Rooms are only available at the reduced rate for Wednesday, October 18, 2023 and Thursday, October 19, 2023. The group rate will only be available until Monday, September 18, 2023 or until the resort is sold out. Reservations can be made with the below link. 


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. 

Due to waterpark maintenance, overnight guests that have an arrival or departure date that goes from September 4th to October 27th, will be provided complimentary Tom Foolery passes for all the registered guests in their room. This is in consideration of the slide tower work and all the other projects around here this fall. Day pass and voucher guests will NOT receive TF passes.​​​

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.

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.  

Additional charges for waterpark passes may apply.  

Kalahari FAQ
Additional Information about Staying at the Kalahari

 Whova: Conference App


For both the in-person and virtual Institute, we are excited to introduce you to 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. 


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

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

More information will be coming soon, but if you would like a sneak peek, watch the Whova How-To Guide! Additional information about Downloading Whova will be provided when you register.

Whova User Guide with Sound

Whova User Guide without Sound with Captions

Get Whova Now.png

 Special Dietary Requests

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., kosher, low salt, low carb, keto, etc.), you may wish to make alternative meal arrangements. 

Conference fees cannot be adjusted due to special dietary needs. 

 Continuing Education Hours

Continuing Education Hours are a measure of participation in continuing education programs. CEHs are earned by participating in the live sessions. Attendance in the live sessions will be recorded. You will not be able to earn CEHs by watching recorded sessions. It is the individual's responsibility to report CEHs earned to their appropriate credential or licensing board. A link will be provided after the conference for registrants to receive a printable, personalized CEH Certificate of Completion via email.  ​

The 2023 conference has been approved for a total of 11.25 Continuing Education Hours from the National Association of Social Workers, Wisconsin Chapter. 








 Language Matters

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.  

 Covid Policy

KALAHARI COVID POLICY

At this point, to attend the conference, there is not an official mandate on masking or attendee vaccination status/proof of negative test. The situation remains very fluid and, as such, if protocols should change, we will be certain to inform all conference registrants.Please direct questions or concerns to uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.

 Minimum Computer Standards for Virtual Conference Participants

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. 

Need help with using Zoom? Click here for our Zoom Tutorial Help page! Click here to download Zoom Client for Meetings. 

​​ ​

The DHS Data Café


The Data Café is back! Please find us in the Maji Lounge throughout the conference. There are many places to find substance use-related data, but what does it actually tell you? Find out what data says about your geographic and demographic areas. Ask us questions about information you may need for an initiative or grant. We'll demonstrate some of the most recent interactive data tools at DHS. Tools include information on opioid and drug data, overdose trends, substance use and mental health service data, treatment access, and more. Come also learn about DHS's in-development suspected overdose surveillance and alert system that will map overdoses across the state in near-real-time. Discuss with us how it could be useful to your work and provide any feedback about the system's features you would find most useful. We look forward to talking data with you!

2023 Conference Sponsors



Platinum Sponsor: 

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Gold Sponsor:

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Silver Sponsors:

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​​This conference would not be possible without our generous conference sponsors! Thank you!

​Contact Information


Call UW-Stevens Point Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 for assistance with registration.

Email UW-Stevens Point Conferences at uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu if you need assistance with registration and/or with questions about conference content.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least four weeks in advance.  Please contact UW-Stevens Point Continuing Education at uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.

2023 ​Cancellation Policy

The registration fee is completely refundable through Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Refunds requested between October 5-11, 2023 will be charged a $50/registrant administrative fee. No refunds will be granted on or after October 12, 2023. Substitutions may be made at any time, but no-shows will be responsible for the full registration fee. On-site registrants will not be guaranteed meals, conference materials, and/or complimentary items. Please contact UWSP Continuing Education if you have not received confirmation of your registration.


                      
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