2026 Conference Schedule

Kick off the conference with an energizing welcome from YCMHA, an overview of the event, and key updates on the state of mental health in Montana. This session sets the tone for two days of connection, learning, and collaboration.

Check in, pick up your name badge and tote bag, and enjoy coffee or tea while browsing the vendor expo and networking with colleagues before sessions begin.

Choose from multiple concurrent sessions designed to give you practical tools, fresh insights, and evidence-based strategies you can apply in your work. Each session falls under one of our three focus tracks — Clinical Practice & Innovation, Systems, Collaboration & Access, or Provider Well-Being & Leadership — so you can customize your conference experience to match your professional goals and interests.

Pause to recharge with coffee or tea and take time to explore the vendor expo. This is a great opportunity to connect with sponsors, gather resources, and network with colleagues before heading into the next round of sessions.

Choose from multiple concurrent sessions designed to give you practical tools, fresh insights, and evidence-based strategies you can apply in your work. Each track highlights a different focus area—clinical skills, systems and advocacy, or innovation and technology—so you can tailor your conference experience to your professional interests.

Hear directly from Montana providers who are finding innovative ways to overcome barriers and expand access to care in their communities. This interactive panel will highlight practical examples of collaboration, creativity, and resilience, followed by audience Q&A to spark conversation and connection.

Enjoy a catered lunch while connecting with fellow attendees and exploring the vendor expo - an ideal time to network and recharge for the afternoon sessions.

Choose from one of three 90-minute, workshop-style presentations designed to give you hands-on learning and practical skills you can apply right away. Each session falls under one of our three focus tracks — Clinical Practice & Innovation, Systems, Collaboration & Access, or Provider Well-Being & Leadership — so you can customize your conference experience to match your professional goals and interests.

Take advantage of this final opportunity to visit the vendor hall, explore resources, and connect with sponsors and exhibitors before the conference wraps up for the day.

Choose from multiple concurrent sessions designed to give you practical tools, fresh insights, and evidence-based strategies you can apply in your work. Each session falls under one of our three focus tracks — Clinical Practice & Innovation, Systems, Collaboration & Access, or Provider Well-Being & Leadership — so you can customize your conference experience to match your professional goals and interests.

Join us as we close out the first day with key highlights, important announcements, and a preview of what's ahead on Day 2 including a sneak peek at our keynote session.

Unwind after a full day of learning with light appetizers, a cash bar, and great company. This casual mixer is the perfect chance to connect with colleagues, build new relationships, and enjoy some fun together before Day 2.

Start your morning with coffee and informal networking. This relaxed time gives you a chance to reconnect with colleagues, meet new peers, and get energized before diving into the keynote session.

Be inspired and energized as our keynote sets the stage for Day 2 with fresh insights, big-picture perspective, and practical ideas to strengthen mental health care in Montana. This session will challenge us to think differently and leave us motivated for the work ahead.

Take a quick pause to recharge with coffee or tea and enjoy informal networking. A few of our vendors are still set up in the expo room - stop by to explore resources and connect before they wrap up.

Choose from multiple concurrent sessions designed to give you practical tools, fresh insights, and evidence-based strategies you can apply in your work. Each session falls under one of our three focus tracks — Clinical Practice & Innovation, Systems, Collaboration & Access, or Provider Well-Being & Leadership — so you can customize your conference experience to match your professional goals and interests.

Refresh with coffee or tea and take a few minutes to network with colleagues. During this time, we'll also highlight and thank our sponsors whose support helps make the conference possible.

Join small-group conversations designed to spark practical ideas and collaboration. Twenty roundtables, each limited to 8-10 participants and will focus on specific topics such as rural access, trauma-informed care, telehealth, workforce well-being, and more. Attendees will participate in three 20-25-minute discussions, choosing different tables each round.

Recharge with a catered lunch and take time to connect with colleagues. This mid-day break is a chance to relax, share insights from the morning sessions, and continue building connections with providers from across Montana.

This session brings everyone back together to explore system-level strategies for strengthening Montana's mental health network. Presenters will highlight opportunities for interagency collaboration, policy innovation, and cross-discipline partnerships that can expand access, reduce barriers, and create a more connected continuum of care across the state.

Take a moment to recharge and connect with colleagues one last time before the closing session. This is your final chance to network, exchange contact information, and reflect on the ideas you’ll carry forward from the conference.

Choose from multiple concurrent sessions designed to give you practical tools, fresh insights, and evidence-based strategies you can apply in your work. Each session falls under one of our three focus tracks — Clinical Practice & Innovation, Systems, Collaboration & Access, or Provider Well-Being & Leadership — so you can customize your conference experience to match your professional goals and interests.

As the conference comes to a close, join us for an inspiring conversation focused on turning insights into action. Together, we'll reflect on key takeaways, identify opportunities for collaboration, and leave with practical next steps to continue bridging the gaps in Montana's mental health network. We'll close the conference with final thank-yous to our sponsors, speakers, and volunteers, and share upcoming YCMHA initiatives so you leave with inspiration and a clear sense of what's ahead.