PRE-CONFERENCE REGISTRATION | MAIN CONFERENCE REGISTRATION | VENDOR REGISTRATION | VIRGINIA FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS WEBPAGE
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce the 2026 First Responder Wellness Conference in Norfolk, VA on September 2 – 4, 2026.
Description:
Enhancing first responder health and wellness not only strengthens their effectiveness on the job but also contributes to greater community safety. The DCJS and the Office of First Responder Wellness (OFRW) is committed to offering comprehensive training and resources focused on the holistic well-being of all first responder groups. This conference emphasizes the key pillars of wellness, empowering attendees to explore strategies for strengthening these pillars in both their personal and professional lives.
First responders face significant physical and mental health challenges due to the high-stress nature of their work. Behavioral health conditions like PTSD and depression can develop, with suicide rates alarmingly higher than the general population. In addition, first responders face a wide range of stressors beyond the immediate physical dangers of their jobs. These stressors can be chronic, cumulative, and deeply personal, often affecting their mental and physical well-being over time.
This conference is for first responder professionals to learn from experts in the field about resources and best practices when developing comprehensive health and wellness strategies.
Do not miss this essential training opportunity!
Topics Include:
- Strengthening First Responder Families
- Dropping the Shield
- Healthy Eating and Sleep
- Fitness That Supports the Job
- Sound Bath Meditation
- Fueling Resilience
- And More!
Who should attend?
This conference is open to all first responder groups, including but not limited to, law enforcement, fire/EMS, EMTs, dispatchers and corrections. This conference is also open to retired first responders, active and retired military, and civilian peer support and mental health clinicians who are culturally competent in first responder wellness.
Partial In-service Credit:
Law enforcement officers who complete this training are eligible to receive partial in-service credit hours.
Conference Location and Hours:
Hampton Roads Convention Center
1610 Coliseum Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
Pre Conference:
- September 1, 2026, from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Main Conference:
- September 2 – 3, 2026, from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- September 4, 2025, from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Meals, Travel, and Lodging:
Lunch will be served on September 2 and September 3. Participants are responsible for all other meals and travel expenses.
Hotel Information:
Embassy Suites by Hilton
1700 Coliseum Dr
Hampton, VA 23666
The group rate at the hotel is $100 per night (plus taxes).
Hotel reservations can be made directly with the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel. To get the group rate, please use the following link: Embassy Reservations
There is a limited number of registration and lodging scholarships available. Please click here to complete the scholarship application if you are interested in this opportunity. Applicants who are awarded scholarships will be notified via email, and reservations will be made on your behalf. Please do not contact the hotel directly.
Participant Cost and Registration:
Registration fee will be $75.00 per participant if paid via credit card at the time of registration. A $20 processing fee will apply to payments not made by credit card at the time of registration. Payment must be received prior to conference attendance.
Note: Included in the cost of the registration is the opportunity to attend the pre-conference. Register for the pre-conference here (link).
Vendor Cost and Registration:
Vendors with first responder wellness related products and services are invited and encouraged to participate in the conference. The registration fee for VENDORS will be $500 per vendor and $250 for non-profits if paid via credit card at the time of registration. A $20 processing fee will apply to payments not made by credit card at the time of registration. Registration fee will include a skirted table, electricity and Wi-Fi, lunch, and entry into Keynote and Breakout/Workshop sessions.