NatCon25 Behind the Scenes: Turning Concepts into Curriculum 

What separates NatCon from the conference competition? It starts with the curriculum. Specifically, our lineup of diverse speakers representing all facets of the field — from researchers and medical directors to documentary filmmakers, government officials and technology innovators. We sat down with our very own Michael Hawkins, director of conference education (pictured above on left), to learn more about building the NatCon25 curriculum.

NatCon is renowned for bringing the best minds in behavioral health care to the stage. What factors do you consider when selecting speakers?

“We consider a wide range of things when developing the NatCon learning program. We strive to have a lineup of speakers that is as diverse as the communities our members serve every day. We also look for a variety of perspectives and experiences that can help our members achieve their objectives. The goal is to have a program that includes a combination of national experts — we typically have a few hundred each year — who can speak to the latest trends with those working on the ground.”

You’ve been supporting NatCon’s curriculum development for several years now. In your opinion, what separates our speaker lineup from the competition?

“I’m biased, of course, but I would say it’s our National Council members. Many of them take the stage to share their stories and insights. They do hard work that requires extensive training and experience that saves lives. Far too often they encounter entrenched barriers that require innovative solutions. At NatCon, we give them a platform to highlight the creative things they are doing in their communities to help others find similar solutions.”

What do you enjoy most about building the learning program?

“I most enjoy getting to hear directly from so many organizations that are making a difference. They are proud of their work and their hard-earned success — as they should be. It is incredible to see how many people face such universal challenges but find unique ways to overcome them. At the heart of all their work is the wellbeing of the people that come to them for help, and time and time again I hear stories of solutions that are grounded in what’s best for their clients first.”

You and your team spend a lot of time building such a comprehensive and forward-looking program. What’s it like when you’re finally on site and get to listen to the speakers?

“Like anyone that spends a considerable amount of time on something, I find it incredibly rewarding to see it come to fruition. With so much happening at once, I don’t get the opportunity to see everyone present, but the energy we all feel on site is apparent and palpable. There is a sense of community at NatCon. A feeling that we’re all in this together. I hear from so many attendees that they leave inspired by their peers and are eager to return home to put into practice what they’ve learned.”

From actor Rob Lowe talking about his lived experience to author Daniel Pink exploring the science of regret, there have been a lot of incredible speaker moments. Do you have a favorite?

“I have many great NatCon memories, but one that really sticks out is a presentation from Cynthia ‘Cynt’ Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, at NatCon22 in Washington, D.C. It was our first in-person NatCon since before the COVID-19 pandemic, and we wanted a speaker who was going to bring the house down with their storytelling and energy. We had even joked that we wanted people dancing in the aisles. Well, Cynt delivered in a big way. She had attendees join her on stage and they led the 5,000-person crowd in a rendition of the Cupid Shuffle! Beyond the fun, she delivered a talk that was powerful and important. She also spent time with attendees who were touched by her presentation. It was special.”

We can’t wait to see what you have planned for NatCon25! Can you give us a sneak peek?

“We’re still in the early stages of building the agenda now, and we are eager to see all the presentations proposals that are coming in! In terms of a ‘sneak peak,’ we have two great keynotes to announce soon. One of them knocked our socks off as a Thought Leader at NatCon24 in St. Louis, so we’re bringing them back for a bigger role this year. We can’t wait for more people to see them in Philadelphia!”

Are you interested in speaking at NatCon25 from May 5-7 in Philadelphia? Act fast — the deadline to submit a presentation proposal for consideration is Sept. 16! Questions? Contact us.