Leading the Way to Bring the School Safety Vision into Focus
Executive Forum: Monday, July 20, 2026 at 10:00 am (by invitation only, click here for more information)*
Main Conference: Monday, July 20, 2026 at 1:00 pm through Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Conference Highlights
Get ready to sharpen your perspective! This year, we’re adjusting the lens on school safety—bringing clarity, insight, and innovative strategies for improving emergency response into view. Join us as we zoom in on the critical “lenses” that shape safe learning environments across Virginia.
Who Should Attend?
| Executive Leadership including School Superintendents, Superintendents, Police Chiefs, and Sheriffs* | Behavioral Threat Assessment Team Members | Safety Audit Team Members |
| Federal, State, and Local Partners | Crisis Management Team Members | School Administrators |
| Community Leaders | Educators | School Security Directors and Officers |
| Mental Health Professionals | Emergency Managers | School Resource Officers and other law enforcement working with schools |
Forum Location and Hours
Hampton Roads Convention Center
1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 23666
Main Conference: Monday, July 20, 2026 – Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Keynote presentations and workshop sessions will be held:
- 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Monday
- 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on Tuesday
- 8:30 am to 12:00 pm on Wednesday.
Conference Attendee Registration: $125 per person CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
The registration fee includes access to our main conference keynotes and breakout presentations, and lunch buffet on Tuesday, July 21st.
Sched will be used again this year for workshop registration prior to the conference. Be on the lookout for an email from Sched around May 1st.
CANCELLATION POLICY: No refunds will be given for cancellations made after July 6th, 2026. Click here to cancel registration or to name a replacement.
Lodging, Meals, and Travel
For the convenience of our participants, DCJS has secured blocks of rooms at several hotels at the state rate of $110 a night plus applicable taxes and fees. For more information on lodging, please visit our CONFERENCE LODGING INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS page.
Participants will be provided a buffet lunch on July 21st.
Please note: DCJS is not responsible for participant travel and lodging expenses.
Vendor Registration: $500 per organization CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AS A VENDOR!
Vendors of school safety-related products and services are invited to participate in the conference for a fee of $500 per organization. Non-profits or SWaM-certified vendors are eligible for a discounted rate of $125. Please email denae.griffin@dcjs.virginia.gov with your eVA ID number for the discount code. All vendors must complete our vendor interest form to receive a registration link.
- The registration fee includes an open-skirted table, electricity, Wi-Fi, and admission into conference sessions.
- Due to space constraints, we limit the number of representatives per organization to 2 at each table. If you plan to bring a 2nd representative, please email denae.griffin@dcjs.virginia.gov for the discount code.
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Hardwired internet is available upon request for an additional charge.
School Safety Sticker Contest
Calling all creative K-12 students in Virginia—we want YOUR artwork to help promote school safety across the Commonwealth! Design a sticker that reflects the 2026 theme, focusing on a school safety lens. Themes can include kindness, anti-bullying, building trust, emergency readiness, or feeling safe. Your design should be positive, inspiring, and easy to reproduce as a sticker. Click here for more details!
Partial In-Service Credit
Law enforcement officers will receive partial in-service credit hours for this forum.
School Security Officers and Campus Security Officers will receive in-service training credit for this forum.
This event is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Center for School and Campus Safety (VCSCS). Confirmed partners include the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), the Virginia Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP), the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS), the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA), the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA), the Virginia D.A.R.E. Association, and the Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA).
Contact Information:
Denae Griffin
Technical Assistance and K-5 School Safety Coordinator
804.750.3417
Email DenaeShellie Evers
Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety Supervisor
804.629.7042
Email Shellie