UPDATE: July 11, 2025

Registration is now open for the 2025 CAV Conference, taking place September 22–23, 2025, at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

This two-day event is focused on building stronger systems of support for military-connected people — including service members, veterans, caregivers, and their families. Attendees will gain practical tools and real-world strategies across healthcare, education, behavioral health, and community leadership.

Breakout Sessions Include:

• The Aftermath of War – understanding moral injury and the path forward
• Recovery is a Team Sport – strength-based strategies for behavioral health
• Regulate to Elevate – techniques for nervous system regulation
• Stigma to Support – peer support strategies in rural and military communities
• Expanding Resiliency Support for Military and Veteran Families – partnering with the American Red Cross
• Supporting Military Families of Children with Disabilities – bridging military and civilian systems

👉 More breakout sessions to be announced soon.

 Keynote Highlights:

• Leading with Heart – opening session with leaders from tribal, federal, and healthcare sectors
• Heart of a Warrior – 4-hour capstone with USMC veteran and leadership coach Kelley Moore

Sessions are eligible for CEUs.

Also featuring the VA 1-on-1 Veterans Assistance Expo — a public-facing event where veterans and families can connect directly with services, no conference registration required.

BE A VENDOR AT THE 2025 CAV ANNUAL CONFERENCE!

This is a great opportunity to connect with social workers, healthcare professionals, educators, and nonprofit leaders who support the veteran and military community. Your participation helps bridge the gap between essential services and the communities that rely on them. Showcase your offerings, expand your reach, and join a network committed to improving the lives of service members, veterans, and their families.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Two Days, Two Different Audiences

Day One: Conference Attendees

Day Two: Conference Attendees AND Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families (VA 1-on-1: Veterans Assistance Expo)

VENDOR GUIDELINES AND INCLUSION CRITERIA

Our goal is to create a welcoming, mission-aligned environment that strengthens the support network for service members, veterans, and their families. To ensure a positive experience for all attendees, vendors must meet the following inclusion criteria:

• Relevance to Community Needs. Vendors must offer services, resources, or products that strengthen community health, well-being, or resilience. Direct support to military-connected populations is preferred but not required.
• Commitment to Learning. Vendors should demonstrate a willingness to learn about the unique needs of military-connected individuals and serve diverse populations with cultural sensitivity and awareness.
• Commitment to Community Support. Vendors should demonstrate a commitment to strengthening communities through healthcare, mental health services, education, social services, employment support, or related fields.
• No Predatory Practices. Vendors must not engage in high-pressure sales, misinformation, or practices that exploit vulnerable individuals (e.g., predatory lending, misleading educational promises).

PLEASE DO NOT LET THE COST OF A VENDOR BOOTH GET IN YOUR WAY OF REGISTERING FOR THE RESOURCE FAIR. IF YOUR ORGANIZATION HAS LIMITED FUNDING, PLEASE EMAIL JILL AT JILL@SDVETS.ORG

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

IMPORTANT DATES

Proposals due by June 15, 2025 

Notice of selection by June 30, 2025

Presenter electronic materials due by September 12, 2025

Conference presentations held on September 22-23, 2025

The CAV Conference Committee announces their call for papers to solicit proposals for Breakout Sessions (75 minutes) at the 2025 CAV Conference. We seek engaging and informative presentations that align with one of three learning tracks. The Breakout Sessions will occur on September 22nd or 23rd, 2025. Proposals should include a presentation title, selected learning track, presenter information, abstract, learning objectives, format, target audience, and a brief biography.

Presenters will:

• Receive maximum exposure and CEU’s by presenting at the statewide conference.
• Educate and engage social workers and professionals from across the region.
• Add a professional presentation to their vitae.

Participants will earn CEU’s by attending your session. Come prepared to challenge attendees and share your training, experience, and education.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS IS CLOSED

Please visit this page often for updated information.