December 9

Diamond Sponsor Speaker - INdigital

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Caleb Branch - VP Market Management, INdigital

Session: Embracing Change, Driving Innovation: The Future of 911
Join us as we kick off Dare to Be Great 2024 with a session celebrating the resilience and innovation of 9-1-1 telecommunicators. This session will leave you inspired to embrace change, reframe challenges as opportunities, and continue daring to be great every day.

December 9

Diamond Sponsor Speaker - INdigital

8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Jennifer Poole, ENP - Regional Account Manager, INdigital

Session: Finding a Home and Family in 9-1-1
Fourteen years in a dark 911 center, feeling alone and lost in a profession I loved so much. We often spend so much time dealing with the worst day of someone's life-so how do we find the rainbow in such a thankless profession? We do it by finding our family and home in the community of 911 heroes everywhere! Spend a few minutes learning how to meet like-minded professionals you can count on during both the dark and bright days. A family that will cheer you on, no matter what.

A community built of unsung heroes-including YOU!

December 9

Keynote Session

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
April Heinze, ENP, CMCP - VP, Chief of Operations, NENA

Session: Serve with pride and lead with confidence
ECC operations are ever-evolving, highlighting the need for adaptation. How can we navigate this? We will explore practical approaches to adapting to new ECC dynamics, discuss actions we can undertake to emerge as influential leaders in our 9-1-1 community, share valuable insights and skills, and provide resources to help you Dare to be Great!

December 9

Married to the Mic: Lessons Learned from being a Dispatch Spouse

10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Wendy Bundy - Midnight Angel Training & Wellness

This session focuses on what it's like to be a dispatch spouse and the unique challenges that come with being in that role. Wendy was a 911 dispatcher and met her husband in that line of work. This session will talk about what that transition was like for their family when she left the field, but her husband stayed, the open communication/boundaries that needed to be put in place, and other tips/tricks for family members to understand/support their loved ones in the hot seat.

December 9

911 - All Over the World

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Ruth Lagerquist, ENP - Director, Sheridan County 911, MT

Have you traveled outside the US and wondered who to call for an emergency? What number do we use in Italy? We can find out together and learn some interesting facts about Emergency Communications all over the world.

December 9

Navigating Your Career Journey

1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Lisa Dodson, ENP, MPA - Regional Service Manager NGCS, Motorola

Professional growth can be challenging and sometimes daunting when you need to explore opportunities with other organizations in order to advance in the 9-1-1 industry. Drawing from my experience transitioning from a government public sector role to a thriving career in the private commercial sector, we'll explore strategies to challenge yourself, embrace growth, and overcome imposter syndrome. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, this session will provide practical advice and inspiration to help you navigate your career journey with confidence and resilience.

December 9

Get Over It! How Living in the Past Sabotages Our Future!!

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Barry Furey - Barry Furey Consulting & Training

You say you don't get no respect? You say it's always gonna be like this? That nothing's ever gonna change? Well, put down your crying towel and buckle up, cupcake! Here's how we got here. Here's the path out. Addressing and identifying the problems that face us are our first steps toward improvement. Nationwide success begins with local victories. Are you ready to get started? Then listen up for an hour - get energized - then lead the charge in your organization toward professional recognition.

Let's go!

December 9

Always Bet On You!

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Samantha Hawkins, CMCP - 911 Trainer, Moetivations

Through this engaging hour of learning, attendees will discover why they are "the most important investment" they will ever make, and why "betting on YOU" is the best gamble you'll ever take! Drawing from my experiences, participants will learn to develop a mindset of self-belief and understand the value of starting small. This session will provide valuable insights into "owning your 9-1-1 journey" and committing fully to professional development. Attendees will leave inspired to be all-in on their growth, embracing continuous learning and unwavering
self-confidence.

December 9

After the Greatness - Live Broadcast

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m Eastern

Speakers:
TBA
Ricardo Martinez II - Within the Trenches Media

After the Greatness is a live broadcast that can be watched on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The show recaps the days events and will include Diamond Sponsor guests.

December 10

Diamond Sponsor Speaker - RapidSOS

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
TBA

Session: TBA
TBA

December 10

Diamond Sponsor Speaker - RapidSOS

8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
TBA

Session: TBA
TBA

December 10

Gold Sponsor Speaker - Prepared

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Brandi Powell - PSAP Ambassador, Prepared

Session: Worst Case Scenario: Leveraging Al in 911
"Worst Case Scenario: Leveraging Al in 911" is a critical breakout session designed for 911 dispatchers to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in transforming emergency response systems. By examining well-known cases where technical or training errors led to tragic outcomes, this session will highlight how Al can be a pivotal tool in preventing similar mistakes. The discussion will focus on Al's capabilities, such as real-time transcription, accurate summarization, and enabling dispatchers to verify information promptly. Additionally, Al can send crucial messages, facilitate keyword monitoring by supervisors, and enhance quality assurance, training, and realtime processing. Join us to discover how these advanced technologies can be integrated into daily operations to improve response accuracy and save lives.

December 10

Gold Sponsor Speaker - Showalter & Company

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Doug Showalter - CEO, Showalter & Company

Session: MULTI-GENERATIONAL MYTH-BUSTERS
Generational labels often create stereotypes that fuel unnecessary biases and assumptions about people based on their age. Some researchers suggest these labels create a self-fulfilling prophecy, with individuals behaving as expected of their generation. While generational generalizations are widespread, they can harm work environments by boxing people into roles based on birth years, as inaccurately as a horoscope. Instead, let's focus on each employee's unique skills, life experiences, and perspectives, recognizing them as individuals rather than representatives of an age group.

December 10

Gold Sponsor Speaker - Denise Amber Lee Foundation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Tina DeCola - Instructor, Denise Amber Lee Foundation

Session: Human Trafficking Preparedness for the 9-1-1 Professional
Human trafficking is perhaps the fastest growing crime in our nation. Despite media awareness in recent times, human trafficking is almost hidden in many circumstances. It manifests itself in unimaginable ways and is growing at an incredible pace. In this presentation 9-1-1 professionals will learn critical factors about human trafficking, its link to other heinous crimes, and resources to aid them in these calls. Awareness and preparedness for this ever-growing threat is key to identifying victims and traffickers.

December 10

Silver Sponsor Speaker - Latinas of 911

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Josephine Rios - Founder, Latinas of 911

Session: Promoting Yourself Within the 911 World
Participants will learn the importance of self-promotion, networking, and personal branding in the 911 industry, with insights on how to build a brand and mentor others.

December 10

Silver Sponsor Speaker - Tenacious Telecommunicator

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Valerie D'Intino, ENP, RPL - Co-Founder, TT
Toby J Akers Jr, CMCP - Co-Founder, TT

Session: Untapped Potential
Ready to level up your 911 career? This session is packed with tips to help you grow, lead, and tackle challenges like a pro. From stepping into leadership to sharpening your skills, you’ll leave inspired and ready to seize new opportunities in our ever-evolving industry!

December 10

Keynote

12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Lauren Sisler - ESPN

Session: TBA
TBA

December 10

Emotional and Spiritual Survival in the Comm Center

1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Elizabeth Abshire - Retired 911 | Author/Speaker

We hear voices every day. They are voices of pain, anger, grief, joy, excitement and so much more. Our mission is to hear those voices and respond by sending help. In the process, we experience and often absorb their emotions. This course will give you tools to prevent you and your dispatch family from becoming callous and hard-hearted by maintaining your emotional and spiritual health.

December 10

The Things Great Leaders Say

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Emily Smith - 911 Trainer, Cobb County 911, GA

A good leader needs to know how to direct. A great leader needs to know that the words they say make all of the difference. Let's take a look at a few sayings that some great leaders, whether informal or formally titled, say!

December 10

Transformation and Renewal through Resilience

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Amayrani Padilla-Cortes - Supervisor, Buncombe County 911, NC

In this virtual session, I share my journey of overcoming cumulative trauma and burnout and finding a transformative renewal through resilience. As a mother of four, working two jobs while attending college full-time. For many years I neglected my family and any type of
self-care. I eventually found healing and purpose after attending a life-changing wellness retreat focused on peer support. Now, as a member of my center's peer support team, I help others navigate critical incidents. This is my story of resilience and the importance of self-care.

December 10

After the Greatness - Live Broadcast

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m Eastern

Speakers:
TBA
Ricardo Martinez II - Within the Trenches Media

After the Greatness is a live broadcast that can be watched on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The show recaps the days events and will include Diamond Sponsor guests.

December 11

Diamond Sponsor Speaker - The 360 Dispatcher

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Joe Serio, Ph.D. - President, The 360 Dispatcher

Session: The Secret of Your Success
In most success stories it is easy to see patterns of behavior that underlie accomplishments. Successful people do not work arbitrarily: they approach challenges in a specific way; they have a certain type of thought process; they nurture a special kind of attitude. In this 30-minute session, Joe will talk about one of the cornerstone characteristics that define successful people.

December 11

Diamond Sponsor Speaker - The 360 Dispatcher

8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Amy Patin - Program Director, The 360 Dispatcher

Session: Leading with Love
Do you love to go to work? At my last agency, going to work was like getting to hang out with my friends all day. Work didn't feel like work. Do you want to know how we built this culture? We did it through love, kindness, trust, and empathy. Let me tell you what that looks like.

December 11

Gold Sponsor Speaker - Prepared

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Sondra Wesley - PSAP Ambassador, Prepared

Session: Beyond the Call: Leveraging AI and Real-Time Data to Revolutionize 911 Dispatch
Let's discuss how Al and real-time data can enhance 911 dispatch operations, reduce stress, and improve response times-while maintaining the critical human element. This session will provide practical insights and examples, offering actionable steps to optimize your center's efficiency.

Join the conversation!

December 11

Gold Sponsor Speaker - Showalter & Company

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Doug Showalter - CEO, Showalter & Company

Session: PARANORMAL ACTIVITY - THE SUPERVISOR CONNECTION
Ever feel haunted by supervisors who only show up when things go wrong or those from the past who earned respect but are long gone? This class dives into the often eerie world of supervision, exploring why some people are promoted for the wrong reasons or lack the skills to lead effectively. We'll provide guidance on becoming the supervisor you aspire to be and examine lessons from supervisors of the past, present, and future. Let's uncover what it takes to lead with skill and integrity.

December 11

Gold Sponsor Speaker - Denise Amber Lee Foundation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Tina DeCola - Instructor, Denise Amber Lee Foundation

Session: A Helping Hand: Peer Support in Your Communication Center
We are the FIRST responders. Call after call, day after day, we listen to people experience the worst day of their entire lives. But at the end of that day who takes care of us and who do we turn to? Learning to take care of each other is crucial in our industry. Therefore, having the tools and resources at hand when your team is in crisis or after a critical incident can make a huge difference in the health and well-being of your center. In this class, through instruction, hands on exercises, and scenario training, you will learn how to set up a peer support team, learn debriefing and defusing skills, suicide awareness, listening skills, and compassion fatigue.

December 11

Keynote Session

11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Juliet Brown - QA Administrator, Moetivations

Session: Dare to be Yourself
In a world that often encourages conformity, daring to be yourself is a powerful act of courage and authenticity. Being yourself can be a daunting task. Will they accept you? Will you be okay if they don't? In this presentation, we talk about that gut wrenching feeling before you speak and the power you have to control your own story. For out of all the people that don't accept you, there is one that does. And sometimes, the one that does needs to see you be courageous so that they can find courage in themselves.

December 11

Neurodiversity in 911: Embracing the benefits of a diverse workforce in Emergency Communications

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
William “Will” Young - CTO, Clearwater PD, FL

Neurodivergence isn't simply a buzzword, it's a reality for an estimated 15 to 20% of the population in just the United States. Chances are one of your partners is neurodivergent and you don't even know! Learn strategies to foster a more effective, empathetic and resilient team from a former public-school educator turned Public Safety Telecommunicator who happens to also be diagnosed Autistic. Discover the benefits of embracing neurodiversity in the ECC and learn practical steps to create a supportive environment for everyone.

December 11

A Practical Approach to Tactical Dispatch

1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Matt Glogolich, RPL, CPM - Critical Comms Training

Would you consider yourself a Tactical Dispatcher? Surprisingly, much of our work when dispatching critical incidents or even completing some of our most "routine" tasks employs the Tactical Dispatch philosophy. Join us while we break down the barriers of critical incident dispatch, and share knowledge and skills to prepare our FIRST first responders to utilize a proactive approach under the headset.

December 11

Empathy in Action: Enhancing Call-taker's responses to Domestic Violence Calls

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Daylan Rine - Change Leader

In this powerful session, Daylan Rine will explore the deeper reasons why domestic violence occurs. With this understanding, we can transform the way we lead in high-stress professions like 911 dispatch. Drawing from her own experience as a 911 professional, survivor of domestic violence, generational trauma breaker, and faith-driven leader, Daylan is passionate about faith-driven leadership and training for those who serve others in their most vulnerable moments. This session will highlight the elements of family violence, its lifelong impacts on children, the generational cycle of abuse, stigmas about family violence in public safety, and how to help someone experiencing domestic violence.

December 11

Imagine the Possible

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Brad Flanagan, ENP, RPL, MPA - Public Safety Change Makers

Delve into the world where 9-1-1 Telecommunications will find assistive technology to better equip them to handle the barrage of information they have to handle in their daily lives. This course will open your eyes to the technologies of tomorrow!

December 11

After the Greatness - Live Broadcast

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m Eastern

Speakers:
TBA
Ricardo Martinez II - Within the Trenches Media

After the Greatness is a live broadcast that can be watched on the Trenches community on Circle. The show recaps the days events and will include Diamond Sponsor guests.

December 12

Keynote Session

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Michelle Lilly, Ph.D. - Northern Illinois University

Session: What is Greatness?
This session will focus on the concept of greatness and how we can achieve the things that are most important to us in life.

December 12

The Ripple Effect, the subtle signs of stress

8:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Dave Ralph - Commander | (Ret’d) Paramedic Services

Participants in this session will learn from true lived experiences of the presenter the effects of Critical Incident stress and PTSI from actual experiences. How initially the first incident was not managed well and how the second incident was dealt with effectively.

December 12

Communicating Discipline: The Critical Exchange

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Kris Inman - Director of Program Development, The Healthy Dispatcher

For some trainers and supervisors, communicating messages of disciplinary action is a smooth, hassle-free experience from which all parties emerge unscathed. For others, any attempt at this discourse (regardless of methodology) is the stuff of nightmares. Why? What makes this critical form of communication so easy for some and so brutal for others? In this session we'll take a look at qualitative research involving real telecommunicators in 911 centers to get to the heart of what matters in these critical conversations.

December 12

Leadership Reimagined: Followership

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Steve Turchin - Supervisor, Surprise PD, AZ

John Maxwell once said "He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk." We will talk about the importance of followership and how it has become just as critical as the concept of leadership.

December 12

9-1-1, I Have the Emergency: How my 9-1-1 Job Saved my Life, Why Your Purpose is Important

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Gary Hill, ENP, CMCP - 911 Coordinator, Warren County 911, NJ

While our calls have often hurt us both mentally and physically. Our calls, our workplace can actually help us, even physically save us. In this presentation, we travel down the road of life. We learn about the struggles of home, work, and life of our presenter. We learn about how our job, and home life could bring us to the edge. To think about throwing away gods greatest gift, life. We'll learn about how important it is to have a purpose, a reason to fight, a reason to keep living.

December 12

PTSD? Me? No way.

1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Morrissa Ahl-Moyer - Director, NC Center of Missing Persons

As an experienced peer support member, one might assume they could easily recognize PTSD within themselves. However, like many others, we often prioritize helping others and neglect our own needs. This class chronicles the transformative journey of how a simple pair of boots led her to uncover and address past trauma. Through this journey, she navigates through anger, loss, hope, and strength, ultimately finding healing and self-discovery.

December 12

Realistic Wellness for Dispatchers

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Shannon Polito, ENP, RPL - Founder, Help for the Headset

Dispatcher roles can lead to severe emotional and mental fatigue, leading to neglect of self-care. Often, we're advised to be healthier without proper guidance or offered impractical choices. This course sets realistic wellness goals, empowering you to excel as a dispatcher, prioritizing health and resilience, making informed choices, and enhancing your overall well-being within the unique demands of the profession.

December 12

Grow-mance: Friendship as a Catalyst for Growth

4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Eastern

Speaker:
Juliet Brown - QA Administrator, Moetivations

In this presentation, we'll explore the profound impact of having a friend who inspires and challenges you to be your best self. We'll discuss how such a friendship fosters personal growth, encourages resilience, and cultivates a mindset of continuous improvement. By sharing real-life examples and practical tips, we'll highlight the ways in which a supportive friend can motivate you to reach new heights and embrace your potential every day.

December 12

After the Greatness - Live Broadcast

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m Eastern

Speaker:
Ricardo Martinez II - Within the Trenches Media

After the Greatness is a live broadcast that can be watched on the Trenches community on Circle. The show recaps the days events.

December 13

Hear Us Out… Admin isn’t “always against you” (Panel Discussion)

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Eastern

Speakers:
Keely Heyman, CPE, ENP - (Ret.) MVEC 911
Anne Camaro, MPA, ENP, CPE - Director, NVRDD 911
Roxy VanGundy, ENP, CPE - Director, Lyon County 911
Tina Buneta, ENP, CPE, RPL - Director, Aurora 911
Kevin Lessard, MPA, ENP, CMCP - Director NMRECC 911

This panel brings together directors of 9-1-1 centers to dive into the often unseen challenges of leadership in emergency communications. As leaders, we face constant pressures-from balancing operational needs to navigating staff expectations. We'll discuss the barriers we encounter, including the difficult, sometimes unpopular, decisions we must make.

December 13

Staffing in the 911 World: How to Hire and Develop Quality Employees and Create a Desirable Work Environment to Encourage Lifelong Careers (Panel Discussion)

10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Eastern

Speakers:
Kelley Cunningham, ENP, MPA - Director, Eaton County 911
Libby Howland, ENP - Supervisor, Eaton County 911

Staffing challenges in the 9-1-1 world require a strategic approach to hiring and employee development. In this session, Supervisor Libby Howland and Director Kelley Cunningham from Eaton County 9-1-1, Michigan, share essential strategies to attract, train, and retain high-quality employees while fostering a supportive work environment that encourages long-term careers.

December 13

NENA Wellness Program (Panel Discussion)

12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Eastern

Speakers:
Roxy VanGundy, ENP, CPE - Director, Lyon County 911
Courtney Doberstein, ENP - Director, HRECC 911
Cassie Sexton - Partner Success Manager, Mindbase

Discover how the NENA Wellness Program is transforming the approach to mental health and well-being in the 911 profession. Join members of the NENA Wellness Committee for an insightful panel discussion that provides an overview of the program, its initiatives, and the resources available to enhance wellness in your center. Panelists will share their personal journeys toward wellness and how these experiences inspired their participation in the committee. Learn practical strategies, explore valuable tools, and connect with a network of professionals committed to supporting the health and resilience of our 911 workforce.

December 13

No Dispatcher Left Behind (Panel Discussion)

2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Eastern

Speakers:
Cinnamon Reiheld - Co-host, After the Tones Drop Podcast
Erin Maccabee - Co-host, After the Tones Drop Podcast
Roxy VanGundy, ENP, CPE - Director, Lyon County 911
Ricardo Martinez II - Founder, Within the Trenches Media

It has been said that it takes a special type of person to work as a 911 professional. The mission to serve and the love for this profession quickly get into your blood, but what happens when the mission ends? For some, we may feel lost. Who am I now? When the voices of haunting calls return who can we reach out to? We can reach out to our 911 family, however, once we are out, some of us feel as though we can no longer reach out to them. Some of us are left struggling alone. In this session, we will explore what people go through when they leave dispatch and how others have overcome these challenges—ensuring that no dispatcher is left behind.

December 13

After the Greatness - Live Broadcast

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m Eastern

Speakers:
TBA
Ricardo Martinez II - Within the Trenches Media

After the Greatness is a live broadcast that can be watched on the Trenches community on Circle. The show recaps the days events.