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2026 Behavioral Health Conference

August 11th-12th, 2026
Sioux Falls Convention Center

Registration will open in May. Stay tuned for additional details!

This comprehensive behavioral health conference will offer information related to suicide and substance misuse prevention, treatment, recovery supports, and reducing stigma. CEUs are available.

 

Registration is free and open until July 27th at 11:59 PM or until we reach capacity. For questions, please contact DSSPrevCont@state.sd.us.

Keynote Speakers

Lauren Sisler

Lauren Sisler

Lauren Sisler is a former collegiate gymnast, an Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, ESPN sideline reporter, author, and keynote speaker. Tragedy struck Lauren’s life when she unexpectedly lost both parents within hours of each other to their hidden battle with prescription drug addiction. Harnessing her pain as a catalyst for growth, Lauren embraced her story, transforming her anguish and heartbreak into a source of strength and healing. She now recognizes that living courageously and authentically can unlock remarkable potential, and she embodies this truth in every aspect of her life. Through vibrant storytelling, Lauren connects deeply with her audience, motivating them to redefine their own stories to find peace and purpose. Her message is clear: confront adversity with bravery, own your story, and let it propel you towards a future filled with greater meaning and fulfillment.

Dennis Gillan

Dennis Gillan

Dennis Gillan is on a mission to reverse the rising number of suicide deaths and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help. Deeply impacted by suicide in his own life, Dennis spent years on the sidelines before deciding to take action. While living in Chicago, he began volunteering on a suicide prevention hotline, offering support to those in crisis and discovering a powerful calling to help others. After moving to South Carolina, Dennis became actively involved with several nonprofits focused on mental health. Through this work, he advocates for stronger mental health support by raising awareness and lobbying lawmakers for change. Dennis’s true calling, however, is sharing his personal story. Drawing on more than 30 years of personal recovery and the loss of loved ones to suicide, he delivers talks that cut through the noise surrounding suicide prevention. With honesty, humor, and hard-won wisdom, Dennis creates space for real conversations and equips audiences with practical tools to recognize warning signs, respond with confidence, and help save lives.

Sam Quinones

Sam Quinones

Sam Quinones is a journalist, storyteller, former LA Times reporter, and author of five acclaimed books of narrative nonfiction. Quinones’ career as a journalist has spanned 38 years. He lived for 10 years as a freelance writer in Mexico, where he wrote his first two books. In 2004, he returned to the United States to work for the L.A. Times, covering immigration, drug trafficking, neighborhood stories, and gangs. In 2014, he resigned from the paper to return to freelancing, working for National Geographic, Pacific Standard Magazine, the New York Times, Los Angeles Magazine, and other publications. His landmark, Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic, was released in 2015 and narrated twin tales of drug marketing: pharmaceutical companies pushing prescription narcotic painkillers and Mexican drug traffickers hawking black-tar heroin like pizza. He also writes the weekly Dreamland Newsletter on Substack.

Continuing Education Credit

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are available through the following South Dakota licensing boards:

  • Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals

  • Board of Examiners for Counselors & Marriage and Family Therapists

  • Board of Social Work Examiners

  • One hour of Youth Suicide Prevention credit is available for educators by attending the QPR session, as approved by the SD Department of Education. A separate certificate will be issued. 

 

Full attendance at four breakout sessions and the three keynotes entitles attendees to a total of 7 continuing education credits. Instructions to obtain CEUs will be in the conference program.

Third keynote speaker to be announced at a later date. Stay tuned!

Breakout Session Speakers

Click the button below to learn more about the breakout session speakers.

 

 

Hotel Information

For those who plan to attend the conference and are traveling from out of town, there is a hotel block set up at the Sheraton Sioux Falls Hotel & Convention Center for $110.00 per night. The last day to book at this rate is Monday, July 20th, 2026. 

 

Please note that staying at this hotel is not a requirement but is provided for ease, as it is attached to the conference venue.

 

BH Conference Booth
2026 Behavioral Health Conference

Vendor Booths

Vendor applications must be received by Friday, May 15th. Priority will be given to organizations that provide statewide services. The conference is scheduled on Tuesday, August 11th and Wednesday, August 12th at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Completing an application does not guarantee space. Confirmed vendors will be notified by July 6th, 2026.


For questions, please contact DSSPrevCont@state.sd.us

Vendor Booth Application

Conference Materials

Click below to download the slides from previous conferences.

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