Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference

September 10-11, 2025

The 2025 Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference is an event focused on strategies to prevent all types of substance use. The theme for this event is "Prevention Works! Investing in Our Future and Healthy Communities."

Workshop proposals are due by February 16.

What are the goals and objectives of this event?

The 2025 Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference is Wisconsin's only statewide event for the substance use prevention field. People working to prevent the initiation of substance use should attend to:

• Enhance knowledge of substance use prevention initiatives and resources across Wisconsin: Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of substance use prevention services and initiatives in Wisconsin that support connection, safety, and improved quality of life.
• Strengthen collaboration and networking among substance use prevention professionals: Attendees will have opportunities to collaborate, exchange best practices, and form partnerships across sectors, including public health, education, law enforcement, and community organizations.
• Develop practical substance use prevention strategies: Attendees will leave this event with actionable prevention strategies and evidence-based tools that can be implemented in their communities.

Who should attend this event?

All people interested in building healthy communities are invited to attend the 2025 Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference. The information shared at this event will be most useful for:

• Substance use prevention specialists: People involved in the design and delivery of substance use prevention programs, including school-based programs, workplace initiatives, and community-based programs.
• Public health professionals: People who are responsible for tracking trends in substance use, including epidemiologists, health educators, and public health officials.
• Tribal nation leaders, local community leaders, and local organizers: People in elected positions, community activists, and organizers working to improve the health and well-being of their communities.
• Social workers, counselors, peer specialists, and recovery coaches: Professionals in the mental health and substance use field who support people impacted by substance use.
• School administrators, teachers, counselors, and other educators: People working in a K-12 setting and higher education involved in educating young people about substance use risks and healthy behaviors as well as supporting students at risk for substance use.
• Youth leaders and advocates: People who are focused on promoting positive, healthy lifestyles among young people and preventing substance use among young people.

While this event is geared toward people living and working in Wisconsin, people from other states are invited to attend.

What is on the agenda?

The agenda for the 2025 Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference will be shared here no later than May 1.

The agenda is expected to include two keynote presentations and 25 breakout sessions covering substance use prevention fundamentals, substance use coalition building and sustainability, evidence-based practices for substance use, health equity, social determinants of health, data, media literacy, and media campaigns.

A call for workshop proposals is open through February 16. The team planning this event will review the submissions to establish the lineup of workshops. Keynote speakers will be selected by the team planning this event. 

What is the cost to attend?

The registration fee for the Wisconsin Substance Use Prevention Conference has not yet been set. This information will be shared here as soon as it is available.

The registration fee will cover access to all sessions.

All attendees will have access to session recordings for three months after the event at no additional charge.

Continuing education units or credits will be offered at no cost to all people who participate in the live event. These will be general continuing education units or credits. It is up to the attendee to determine if the continuing education units or credits are suitable for their certification or license. No specialized continuing education units or credits will be offered.

Lodging will be available at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells at $98 per night for single occupancy. The hotel room block is not yet open for reservations.

Is exhibit space available?

There is no space for exhibitors at this event. All attendees are welcome to share information about programs and services through the Whova app at no cost.

This event is organized by the Division of Care and Treatment Services in collaboration with UW-Milwaukee's Center for Inclusive Transition, Education, and Employment.

Send questions about this event to dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

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