BizBash’s 10 Conferences That Captivate 2023 are Sponsored by Pixis Drones.
The basics: THE National Alliance on Mental Illness—the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization—hosted the 2023 edition of its annual convention, NAMICon, May 25-27 in Minneapolis Convention Center. This year’s event was themed “Together for Mental Health,” welcoming mental health advocates, people living with mental health issues, caregivers, researchers, clinicians and more for a diverse range of programs.
“This event brings together people from across the country and from diverse backgrounds who share the same interest in creating positive change by raising mental health awareness, advocating for policy issues, and making anyone aware of mental health issues and concerns “, has explained Wendy Porterowner of the main planning agency, Wendy Porter Events LLC (WPE). 
“NAMILand” was a place where attendees could get their questions answered by NAMI staff, purchase NAMI materials and books, and enjoy book signings and group conversations.Photo: Scott Amundson Photography
A renovated exhibition space: For the first post-COVID year, NAMI wanted to elevate the experience, particularly the exhibit space, known as the “Community Hub.” The team, which included staff members from WPE, NAMI and Velvet Chainsaw Advice— considered ways to make the exhibit hall more experiential and engaging to drive traffic to the more than 50 exhibitors and sponsors on site. Next, WPE collaborated with a local experiential agency Hana Avril Inc. And Viper Salon Services to bring ideas to life.
Highlights included an interactive coloring wall at the entrance; “NAMILand,” where attendees could get their questions answered by NAMI staff and purchase NAMI products; and NAMI’s “Expert Library,” which offered one-on-one consultations with experts. There was also an immersive photo booth and a 360-degree branded video booth; therapy dogs Used dogs and therapy horses Acres for life on the floor to show participants how animals contribute to mental health; a wellness salon offering massages, yoga and meditation; and art projects, a puzzle corner and virtual reality components. 
Tim Foss, visual storytelling artist and owner of More Belief, helped bring the sessions to life.Photo: Scott Amundson Photography
Thoughtful programming: In addition to the “Flash Stage” in the community center, which featured 30-minute sessions throughout the two days, the convention featured 50 workshop “impact sessions” and several plenary sessions illustrated by a visual storytelling artist from No more belief and produced by NAMI’s AV partner, Video West. During the opening session, fashion designer Kenneth Cole spoke about his creation of the Mental Health Coalition during the COVID pandemic. Later, advocates Carmella Wallace and rapper Master P joined for an emotional plenary session about their children, both of whom died from complications of mental illness.
And uniquely, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a Native American, helped attendees honor the native lands on which the conference was held by introducing a traditional Native American drumming experience. “NAMI honors and celebrates people from all backgrounds, religions, cultures and identities, and the NAMICon 2023 program sessions were intentionally planned to ensure as much inclusiveness as possible,” Porter said, noting that Minnesota was also home to George Floyd , who was honored at the event on May 25, the third anniversary of his death. 
During the opening plenary session, “NAMI included and recognized the importance of Minnesota’s Native American culture and the indigenous people who live in Minnesota,” Porter said, noting that the event also celebrated the third anniversary of the death of George Floyd, a resident of Minneapolis.Photo: Scott Amundson Photography
“In addition to the territorial recognition and honoring of Mr. Floyd, NAMI hosted an LGBTQ reception during the event, a youth and young adult reception, as well as morning prayer gatherings for various faith groups and live ASL interpreters,” Porter added. .
A welcome evening included entertainment from Adagio DJ Entertainment-with DJ Anna, who also happens to be a licensed mental health therapist. On the second evening of the conference, NAMI hosted the Me2/Orchestra, which is comprised of artists who have lived experiences with mental health, and a candlelight vigil for lives lost to mental illness and suicide. And to help with the mental well-being of attendees during a conference on such intense topics, NAMI morning walks were held outside and on-site quiet rooms provided places for people to escape if necessary, with access to crisis counselors. 
“NAMIWalks” were organized every morning.Photo: Scott Amundson Photography
Lessons learned: “Important takeaways from this event include the value of the right partners, thinking about programming to be relevant and inclusive for all audiences, and the importance of investment in the event,” said To carry. “Large events require an investment of time and money, but if you do it right, the resulting impact is invaluable, both for the individual participants and the organizations involved. »
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