About NAMICon

NAMICon will engage, challenge and include you in dynamic discussions and inspiring moments. It will introduce you to new ideas and tools you can take with you. It’ll connect you with people who will go from strangers to community—all in the name of mental health awareness, education and advocacy. Looking for more information? Visit our FAQ page or email us at [email protected].

What to Expect

There’s something for everyone at NAMICon, no matter your background.

Join us in Minneapolis (May 24-27) to attend more than 50 education sessions, meet others who are passionate about mental health, and make meaningful, lasting connections in an environment that energizes, inspires and educates.

Join us for the virtual conference (June 6-8) to watch sessions you missed in Minneapolis with live Q&A — as well as exclusive online-only sessions.

Both offerings curate inspiring sessions and space for anyone who may be interested in listening, learning or sharing their unique personal or professional expertise.

Click here for the in-person attendee social media toolkit!

NAMI Alliance Day

This event is dedicated to supporting the great work taking place across the Alliance. It precedes the general attendance portion of NAMICon and is designed specifically for NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates. We encourage field leaders in the following areas to join us: Board of Directors, Development/Fundraising, Education/Programs, Executive Directors, Public Policy/Advocacy and NAMIWalks.

Alliance Day is presented and developed by NAMI National’s Alliance Relations, Development, and Field Governance (ARDFG) Department and in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.

Program Themes

We are currently reviewing sessions proposals. Details and timing will be finalized in March.

Culture and identity in mental health

These workshops will explore how to promote equitable mental and emotional support for underreached communities. You’ll learn from subject matter experts experienced in matters of social justice, racial and ethnic identity, and equity-minded practice. Topics may explore:

How mental health disparities have created barriers for marginalized and under-resourced groups
Mental well-being for boys and men of color
Mental health services in rural communities
How to reduce barriers to care
How to promote culturally competent mental health care

Crisis response and intervention

When the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched in July 2022, the landscape shifted. How do current responses to mental health crises affect individuals, families, and communities? What are the next steps for funding and implementation? Topics may explore:

Crisis response models
National, state, and local funding
Best practice models for mobile crisis units
Barriers to care for people of color
Decriminalization of mental illness

Workplace mental health

We’re witnessing a unique moment in the workplace revolution following the pandemic. These workshops will explore strategic opportunities to partner with employers on the many ways to effectively address mental health at work given its bottom-line impact on productivity, performance, recruitment, retention, and so much more. Topics may explore:

Stigma reduction is essential, but what else is needed in creating psychological safety at work?
What are the ingredients for creating mentally healthy organizational cultures?
How do organizations tackle escalating rates of burnout and mental health concerns in young adults?
What policies and practices best support employees with mental health conditions at work?
What innovative practices are needed to improve access to mental health care services and supports in the workplace?

Youth and young adult mental health

More than a third of young adults have reported that their mental health keeps them from doing normal activities. What do we know about and how can we better respond to the unique mental health concerns of youth and young adults? How can NAMI adapt to the emerging needs of new generations? Topics may explore:

Navigating education, employment, housing, and health care systems
The mental health needs of first-generation college students
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adult mental health
Mobile crisis teams for children
Addressing trauma in children and adolescents

Innovations in research and treatment

The mental health field is continuously evolving. From neurobiology to virtual peer support, what are the trends, data and discoveries that will shape how we view and treat mental illness in the near future? Topics may explore:

Specific mental illnesses, including mood disorders, serious mental illnesses (SMIs), trauma, PTSD, and psychosis
Treatments, such as crisis care/hospitalization
Situations that affect people with mental illness, such as law enforcement response to mental health crises

Best practices for state organizations and affiliate

If you’re a NAMI state organization or affiliate, this track is designed specifically for you. What are the emerging and established best practices that can help NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates build their capacity? What practical lessons have you learned that you can share with your peers across the country? Topics may explore:

Grassroots and grasstops advocacy
Cross-cultural community engagement
Effective fundraising and donor development
Developing a more effective Board of Directors
Building partnerships with businesses and government