Special Events: Network and Celebrate
Year after year, one of the most popular aspects of National Council conferences is the tremendous diversity of activities, programs, and events.
From lighthearted ice-breaker activities to intense group discussions on hot topics … and from practical, hands-on experiences to explorations of leading-edge theory and research, conference attendees can pick and choose from a variety of creative sessions and workshops that set the industry standard!
- Technology Town Hall
- Negotiating CEO Compensation
- Personal and Professional Development
- Wellness Walks
- Secrets of Southwest Cooking
- Social Media Idea Lab
- First Annual Wii Bowling Classic
- Tour the Center for Health Care Services in San Antonio
- Shake a Celeb's Hand
- Awards of Excellence Dinner
Community Connections—Networking, Networking, Networking
Attendees have asked for more opportunities to be involved and engaged. Community Connections delivers — with facilitated discussions that let you share your successes, challenges, and insights. We’ve selected some of the field’s hottest topics, including those most discussed on the National Council’s listserve in recent months. Join us for a lively give-and-take on your choice of such topics as:
- In house pharmacy: own it or outsource?
- Electronic health records: should you move ahead in tough times?
- Telehealth: what does it take to create an effective network?
- Serving veterans: are there opportunities for you?
- Where can you find the best board members?
- How do lone addictions professionals thrive in community behavioral health?
- How do you incentivize direct service staff?
- Hiring people in recovery: how do you overcome common challenges?
- Smoking cessation for consumers and staff: what policies have worked?
- What can you learn from colleagues who’ve been on study missions abroad?
New CEO University
New This Year — Free Minicourse Included in Conference Registration This “supersession” provides a national perspective on the evolving role of the CEO and other leaders as responsible forces of change in organizations and society at large. Hear what seasoned CEOs wish they had known when they started and learn how new executives can survive, and thrive, in challenging times.
Psychotropic Medications for Children: Beneficial or Risky?
New This Year — Free Minicourse Included in Conference Registration
Join the debate about prescribing psychotropics for children, and concerns about the drugs’ off-label uses and use by non-psychiatrists. Three child psychiatrists share insights into current research and practice, directions in state and federal policy, and such issues as ethics and informed consent.
Technology Town Hall
New This Year!
Join us in our first-ever town hall on technology. If it’s time for you to “get on the bus” on such emerging trends as electronic health records, telemedicine and e-prescribing, here’s your chance to learn from thought leaders and early adopters about how technology can increase competition, lower costs and change how we deliver services.
Negotiating CEO Compensation
Back by Popular Demand! By Appointment Only
In today’s economy, negotiating or re-negotiating employment contracts may be among the most challenging tasks facing CEOs and boards. How do you protect your organization’s interests while attracting the highest caliber professionals? Get answers from Stuart Meyers, an acknowledged guru on recruitment and succession planning in behavioral healthcare.
Consultations are 30 minutes long and by appointment only. Time slots are limited and reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Nathan Sprenger at 202.684.7457, ext. 240 or NathanS@thenationalcouncil.org to schedule your appointment.
Personal and Professional Development
Boost your self-confidence … improve your financial prospects … or get an extreme makeover — all on a budget! From fine-tuning your attire to energizing your presentations, you can learn the secrets of success from noted experts in sessions such as:
- Minding the Money: An Investment Guide
- Dress for Success
- Speak Like a Pro
- Common Mistakes People Make When Writing and How to Fix Them
- Decorate the Home or Office of Your Dreams
Pace Yourself — With Wellness Walks!
Walk every morning with friends old and new along San Antonio’s famed Riverwalk to stay fit, feel centered, and have fun.
Secrets of Southwest Cooking
Join master chef Dianna Barrios-Trevino of Los Barrios Restaurant to make and taste salsa, guacamole, gorditas and taquitos… and take home popular recipes. ¡Qué rico!
Social Media Idea Lab
New This Year!
Drop in at our glass-enclosed idea lab for an extraordinary hands-on learning experience. Learn how to use social media to create the right mix of high tech/high touch in your organization. Discover how colleagues are using it to connect with donors, consumers, and the future workforce. Experts provide one-on-one lessons in Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, wikis, blogs, YouTube, Second Life and more. Featured presentations demonstrate how you can use public channels to get your messages out, network with key contacts, and support online communities for consumers.
First Annual Wii Bowling Classic
New This Year!
Get your game on … because the fun starts here! Stop by one of our many Nintendo Wii stations — and be part of our amazing virtual bowling tournament. Some say it’s a life-changing experience … but all we know is that it’s the perfect opportunity to play with friends old and new! Stay tuned for unfolding tournament details as we “roll them out”!
Tour the Center for Health Care Services in San Antonio
New This Year!
Tour three nationally-recognized programs run by Center for Health Care Services, a National Council member in San Antonio. Visit the 24/7 Crisis Care Center; the Restoration Center serving homeless and other adults with substance abuse/dependence issues involved in the criminal justice system; and the Bexar County Jail Diversion Program, which focuses on diversion and treatment before, during and after incarceration. Learn how the center saved the county millions through its award-winning jail diversion program.
This field trip is limited to the first 55 registrants — contact Thea Browning at 202.684.7457, ext. 225 or TheaB@thenationalcouncil.org to sign up.
Shake a Celeb’s Hand and Support Project Helping Hands
Tickets $25; available with Registration
Get face time with world-renowned celebrities and business leaders like David Gergen, Sissy Spacek, and Craig Newmark — as you support a worthy cause! By purchasing tickets for these special events, you can rub elbows with our distinguished speakers for a truly unforgettable experience. All proceeds go to the National Council’s charity, Project Helping Hands, which springs into action when disasters strike, helping local mental health and addictions communities carry on with their missions.
Awards of Excellence Dinner
Tickets $95; available with Registration; Tuesday, April 7
Celebrate excellence in mental health and addictions at the National Council’s annual Awards of Excellence Dinner. Enjoy an inspiring and memorable evening of ambience and elegance while witnessing a celebrity performance. Buy individual tickets or reserve a table!
The awards recognize and honor organizations and individuals who have significantly contributed to the mental health and addictions service industry and improved the lives of consumers and their families. Awards are given in the following categories:
- Excellence in Community Collaboration
- Excellence in Consumer and Family Advocacy
- Excellence in Grassroots Advocacy
- Excellence in Innovation
Sponsored by Wiley, $10,000 grant to winning organization - Excellence in the Use of Technology
Sponsored by Qualifacts Systems, Inc., $10,000 grant to winning organization
- Lifetime Achievement (Board/Volunteer)
- Lifetime Achievement (Staff)
- “Rookie of the Year” Emerging Leader
