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 Hampton, 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 Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Office of First Responder Wellness (OFRW) are committed to providing 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 in 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 for 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.
Conference Location and Hours:
Hampton Roads Convention Center
1610 Coliseum Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
Pre-Conference: Peak Performance Blueprint: Energy, Focus, and Flow for First Responders
- September 1, 2026, from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Main Conference: Register Here!
- September 2 - 3, 2026, from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
- September 4, 2026, from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Travel, Lodging, and Meals:
Lunch will be served on September 2 and September 3. Participants are responsible for all other transportation, meals, lodging arrangements, and related expenses.
Partial In-Service Credit (PIC):
Partial In-Service Credit (PIC) for Virginia law enforcement officers will be available.
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 Embassy Suites by Hilton. To get the group rate, please use the following link: Embassy Reservations
There is a limited number of 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:
The registration fee will be $75.00 per participant if paid by 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. Please click here for more information about the pre-conference.
Vendor Cost and Registration:
Vendors offering first-responder wellness-related products and services are invited and encouraged to participate in the conference. The registration fee for VENDORS is $500 per vendor (for up to two (2) representatives) 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.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AS A VENDOR
Note: Vendors who are non-profits or SWaM certified are eligible for a discounted rate of $250. Please contact Lori Walters at 804-824-3446 or lori.walters@dcjs.virginia.gov to be registered at the discounted rate.
Please note that the DCJS registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. It is the responsibility of the DCJS-assigned course coordinator to review the roster and make a final determination on acceptance into the course. Denied registrants will be notified via the email address provided during registration.
For More Information, Contact:
Chris Scuderi
(804) 278-7054
Email
Marc Dawkins
(804) 380-9709
Email
Lori Walters
804-824-3446
Email