The Mental Wellness Symposium, a joint initiative of the First Responder Center for Excellence and the University of IOWA is bringing together leading experts, fire service professionals, and mental health specialists to discuss mental wellness.

Event Dates: May 31 – June 3, 2026

Location: Iowa Memorial Union, 125 N. Madison Street, Iowa City, IA 52245

Registration $400 Includes

🎟️ One (1) conference ticket
🎉 Special event access (see Receptions & Special Events below for details on what’s included)

Meals

📍 Burge Market Place | Burge Residence Hall
🚶 7-minute walk from the venue

Breakfast and lunch will be provided at Burge Market Place, offering a buffet-style dining experience with multiple stations and made-to-order options.

🎟️ Meal tickets included in registration packet
⚠️ Burge Market Place is CASHLESS
🍽️ A meal ticket is required for each meal

Travel

✈️ Cedar Rapids Airport (CID)
🚗 15–20 minute drive from the venue

All major airlines serve Cedar Rapids; however, flight availability is limited. We recommend booking early for the best options.

AGENDA

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration | IMU Hubbard Commons

🚍 Transportation to Kinnick Stadium

4:40 PM – Pick up Hilton Garden Inn (Front Entrance)
4:50 PM – Pick up Hampton Inn (Parking Lot)
5:00 PM – Drop off (Kinnick Stadium, Gate F & H)

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Opening Reception | Ted Pacha Family Club

5:15 PM
Welcome Remarks

6:15 PM
Group Photo | End Zone

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Stadium Tours

7:00 PM
Reception Concludes

🚍 Return Transportation

7:00 PM – Pick-up (Kinnick Stadium)
7:10 PM – Drop off Hampton Inn
7:20 PM – Drop off Hilton Garden Inn

MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026

6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration | IMU Hubbard Commons

6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Exhibitors | IMU Hubbard Commons

🚍 Morning Transportation to Breakfast

6:45 AM & 7:15 AM – Pick up Hilton Garden Inn
6:55 AM & 7:25 AM– Pick up Hampton Inn
7:05 AM & 7:30 AM – Drop off Burge Market Place

7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast | Burge Market Place

8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
Welcome | IMU Main Lounge

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
Keynote: Rethinking Suicide Dr. Craig Bryan

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Break

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
After the Sirens: The Echo that Remains Frank Leto

🚍 Lunch Transportation

11:30 AM – Pick up IMU
11:40 AM – Drop off Burge Market Place

12:35 PM – Pick up Burge Market Place
12:40 PM – Drop off IMU

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Lunch | Burge Market Place

The Magic Is Us – Lightning Talks

12:45 PM – 1:15 PM
K9 Crisis Response: A Resource Without Words Josh Baltz & JETHRO
Perspective Appreciation Nick Shepard
Humble Connection: The Human Side of Recovery Jason Palmatier

1:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Addressing Psychological Risks after Critical Incidents Emily J. Haas

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
From Evidence to Action: Zero Suicide in the Florida Fire Service Kellie O’Dare, Ph.D. & Jeff Orrange

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
PM Break – IMU Hubbard Commons

2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Expectation, Action, Impact: Let Us Navigate Together Kimberly Lightley

🚍 Return to Hotels

4:15 PM – Pick up IMU
4:25 PM – Drop off Hampton Inn
4:35 PM – Drop off Hilton Garden Inn

4:15 PM – 6:00 PM
Dinner on Your Own

🚍 Welcome Reception Transportation

6:00 PM – Pick up Hilton Garden Inn
6:10 PM – Pick up Hampton Inn
6:30 PM – Drop off Walker Homestead Winery

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception | Walker Homestead Winery

🚍 Return

8:30 PM – Pick up Walker Homestead Winery
8:50 PM – Drop off Hampton Inn
9:00 PM – Drop off Hilton Garden Inn

TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026

6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration | IMU Hubbard Commons

6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Exhibitors | IMU Hubbard Commons

🚍 Morning Transportation to Breakfast

6:45 AM & 7:15 AM – Pick up Hilton Garden Inn
6:55 AM & 7:25 AM – Pick up Hampton Inn
7:05 AM & 7:30 AM – Drop off Burge Market Place

7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast – Burge Market Place is cashless. Meals must be purchased using the meal tickets provided at registration

8:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Welcome Chief Frank Leeb & Chief Dena Ali

8:45 AM – 9:45 AM
First Responder Relationships A. Aaron Back

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Helping the Helpers: The Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness David Dachinger

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
AM Break

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Looking Beneath the Surface: A Scientific Understanding of Trauma and Stress Among First Responders Dr. Brooke Bartlett, Ph.D.

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Behind the Badge and the Couch Margaret Riback

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Lunch

🚍 Lunch Transportation

11:30 AM – Pick up IMU
11:40 AM – Drop off Burge Market Place

12:35 PM – Pick up Burge Market Place
12:40 PM – Drop of IMU

12:45 PM – 1:00 PM
Reprogramming the First Responder Brain Jim Burneka Jr.

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Suicide Prevention by Design: Engineering Better Solutions for Wicked Problems Chief Dena Ali & Chief Frank Leeb

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Project FIREPROOF: Survey Results of IAFF Peer Support Suzy Bird Gulliver, Ph.D. & Brandon Dreiman, JD, CPRC

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
PM Break

2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Returning to Ourselves: Integrative Approaches to Trauma Care Melissa Lawlor

3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
The Invisible Scar Brandon Cory

3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Closing Remarks Chief Frank Leeb & Chief Dena Ali

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

🎉 Vendor Happy Hour | Hubbard Commons
(1 drink ticket included | cash bar)

🚍 Return Transportation

4:15 PM & 5:15 PM – Pick up IMU
4:25 PM & 5:25 PM – Drop off Hampton Inn
4:35 PM & 5:35 PM – Drop off Hilton Garden Inn

Dinner on Your Own Suggest: Burge Market Place or Big Grove Brewery

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026

6:00 AM
Registration

6:30 AM
Exhibitors

🚍 Morning Transportation to Breakfast

6:45 AM & 7:15 AM – Pick up Hilton Garden Inn
6:55 AM & 7:25 AM – Pick up Hampton Inn
7:05 AM & 7:30 AM – Drop off Burge Market Place

7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast

8:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Welcome Chief Frank Leeb & Chief Dena Ali

8:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Advanced Skills for Managers Chief Manuel Almaguer

9:15 AM – 9:45 AM
Built to Last: A Tactical Approach to Firefighter Performance Kory Pearn

9:45 AM – 10:00AM
AM Break

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Sleep and Fatigue Management Principles for First Responders Dr. Zlatan Krizan

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Practical Sleep Science: New Findings from FEMA FIREZzz Project and Shift Start Time Case Study Joel M. Billings, Ph.D.

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Closing Chief Frank Leeb & Chief Dena Ali

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch on Your Own Suggest: Burge Market Place

🚍 Return Transportation

12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – Pick up IMU
12:10 PM & 1:10 PM – Drop off Hampton Inn
12:20 PM & 1:20 PM – Drop off Hilton Garden Inn

Optional Experience

🚍 Transportation

1:00 PM – Pickup Hilton Garden Inn

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Field of Dreams Movie Site Tour

4:00 PM – Depart Field of Dreams Movie Site

5:30 PM – Return to Hotel Drop offs

SPEAKERS

Craig J. Bryan, PsyD, ABPP – DAY 1 KEYNOTE
Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Suicide Care Clinic, University of Vermont

A. Aaron Back – DAY 2 KEYNOTE
A retired Captain of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (1993–2021) and currently serves as a Special Reserve Agent with NC Alcohol Law Enforcement

Dr. Brooke Bartlett, Ph.D. – DAY 2 KEYNOTE
CEO & Owner, Center for Trauma, Anxiety, and Stress, Inc. (CTAS)

Joel M. Billings, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Program Chair of the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Frank Leto
(Retired) FDNY Captain | Deputy Director of the Counseling Service Unit (CSU) of FDNY

Melissa Lawlor
Fire Commissioner, Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Brandon Dreiman, JD, CPRC
Retired Captain and 23-year veteran of the Indianapolis Fire Department, an International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Peer Support & Resilience Master Instructor and a member of the IAFF’s Crisis Response Team

Kimberly Lightley
Independent contractor, she serves as a risk assessor, focusing on improving firefighter and public safety through collaboration at the community, county, state, and fire department levels

Chief Frank Leeb
Managing Director of the First Responder Center for Excellence and retired Deputy Assistant Chief with the Fire Department of New York

Chief Dena Ali
Raleigh (NC) Fire Department Battalion Chief and FRCE Behavioral Health Program Manager

Suzy Bird Gulliver, Ph.D.
Director of Warriors Research Institute (WRI), Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, and as Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at Texas A&M College of Medicine

Kellie O’Dare, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Deputy Executive Director, UCF RESTORES

Chief John Oates
President and CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute

Chief Manuel Almaguer
Assistant Chief, Denver Fire Department

Jim Burneka Jr.
(Ret.) Firefighter/Paramedic, Dayton Fire Department (Ohio)

Margaret Riback (Maggie), LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor and spouse of a first responder

Kory Pearn
Firefighter, Captain, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of CRACKYL Magazine

Jeff Orrange
Lieutenant with the Orlando Fire Department

Brandon Cory
Firefighter, City of Marquette (Michigan); Vice President, Great Lakes HOT; Michigan State Lead Advocate, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)

Emily J. Haas
Associate Director for Science at the NIOSH Division of Safety Research

David Dachinger
(Ret.) Fire Lieutenant and EMT; Producer & Host, Responder Resilience

Scott Lyon
Fire Chief of the Iowa City Fire Department

Jason Palmatier
Grateful Husband, Father and Career Firefighter and member of the NC Firefighter Peer Support Team

Josh Baltz & JETHRO
Captain, Wilmington Fire Department; Founding Member, K9 Crisis Response Program

Nick Shepard (Shep)
Lieutenant, Wilmington Fire Department; Founding Member, Perspective Appreciation Forum — a conflict-resolution approach centered on navigating uncomfortable conversations

Dr. Zlatan Krizan, Ph.D.
Behavioral Scientist | Professor of Psychology | Sleep & Fatigue Management Expert

LODGING

Graduate Iowa City

💲 $107 per night

📍 210 S. Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA 52240

Room Block Deadline: May 8, 2026

Guests must reserve using the booking link or by calling 319-337-4058.
📞 When booking by phone, reference “2026 FRCE Mental Wellness Symposium.”

RESERVE

Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown

💲 $99 per night

📍 328 S. Clinton St.
Iowa City, IA 52240

Room Block Deadline: May 8, 2026

Guests must use the booking link to make reservations.

RESERVE

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

💲 $110 per night

📍 255 E. Court St.
Iowa City, IA 52240

Guests must use the booking link to make reservations.

RESERVE

On-Campus Lodging – Catlett Residence Hall

💲 Single Room: $54 per night / per person
💲 Double Room: $40 per night / per person

📍 350 N. Madison Street
Iowa City, IA 52242

Room Block Deadline: May 11, 2026

If you’re looking for the college experience while saving a little money, Catlett Residence Hall is a great on-campus lodging option.

PLEASE READ MORE HERE

RESERVE

Element Iowa City

💲 $110 per night

📍 314 S. Clinton St.
Iowa City, IA 52240

Room Block Deadline: May 30, 2026

Guests may reserve using the booking link or by calling 319-248-7900.
📞 When booking by phone, reference “First Responder Center for Excellence Conference 2026.”

RESERVE

Hampton Inn Iowa City

💲 $109 per night

📍 4 Sturgis Corner Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246

Room Block Deadline: May 8, 2026

Guests may reserve using the booking link or by calling 319-339-8000.
📞 When booking by phone, reference “FRCE Mental Wellness Symposium 2026” to receive the group rate.

RESERVE

RECEPTIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Opening Reception

📅 Sunday, May 31, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Ted Pacha Family Club (North End Zone) Kinnick Stadium

Kick off the 2026 Mental Wellness Symposium at the iconic home of the Iowa Hawkeyes. Connect with fellow attendees while enjoying appetizers and a unique behind-the-scenes stadium experience.

Event Highlights:
📸 Group Photo: 6:15 PM (End Zone)
🍽️ Appetizers Provided
👔 Dress: Business Casual / Casual

🚍 Transportation to Kinnick Stadium

4:40 PM – Pick up Hilton Garden Inn (Front Entrance)
4:50 PM – Pick up Hampton Inn (Parking Lot)
5:00 PM – Drop off (Kinnick Stadium, Gate F & H)

🚍 Return Transportation

7:00 PM – Pick-up (Kinnick Stadium)
7:10 PM – Drop off Hampton Inn
7:20 PM – Drop off Hilton Garden Inn

Welcome Reception

📅 Monday, June 1, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 The Barn at Walker Homestead
3867 James Ave SW, Iowa City, IA

Join us for an evening of connection and conversation in a beautiful countryside setting at Walker Homestead. Enjoy time with fellow attendees while taking in the relaxed atmosphere, light fare, and refreshments.

Event Highlights:
🍽️ Appetizers Provided
🍷 1 Drink Ticket Included
👔 Dress: Casual / Business Casual

🚍 Welcome Reception Transportation

6:00 PM – Pick up Hilton Garden Inn
6:10 PM – Pick up Hampton Inn
6:30 PM – Drop off Walker Homestead Winery

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception | Walker Homestead Winery

🚍 Return

8:30 PM – Pick up Walker Homestead Winery
8:50 PM – Drop off Hampton Inn
9:00 PM – Drop off Hilton Garden Inn

Iowa City Beer Mafia Tour & Tasting

Downtown Iowa City (Walkable)

📅 Monday, June 1, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 John’s Grocery
401 E. Market St.
Iowa City, IA

Step into a fascinating and little-known chapter of local history on this guided walking tour through downtown Iowa City. Discover the story of the “Beer Mafia” while visiting historic locations—including underground lagering caves—and hear behind-the-scenes insights tied to an upcoming Hollywood film inspired by these events.

Important Details:

Check in at the FRCE table upon arrival and let staff know you are with FRCE

Tours are guide-led and may be split into smaller groups

Walking tour duration is approximately 1 hour

Beer tasting will take place following the tour

Vendor Happy Hour

📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📍 Vendor Exhibit Area – Hubbard Commons

Event Highlights:
🍹 1 Drink Ticket Included
🤝 Networking with Vendors & Attendees

VENDOR PASSPORT CHALLENGE

Be sure to participate in the FRCE Vendor Passport Challenge for a chance to win exciting prizes.

How It Works:
• Passport card is included in your registration bag
• Visit vendor tables and collect a mark at each stop
• Turn in your completed card during Vendor Happy Hour
• Completed cards will be entered into the raffle

Prizes:
🥇 1st Prize: FRCE Green Gear Bag
🥈 2nd Prize: Brothers Helping Brothers Conference Ticket (October 2027)
🥉 3rd Prize: Hope Out of Darkness by Chief Dena Ali
🏅 4th Prize: Cornerstones of Leadership by Chief Frank Leeb

Field of Dreams (Optional Tour)

📅 Wednesday, June 3, 2026
⏰ 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Field of Dreams Movie Site 28995 Lansing Road, Dyersville, IA

Step onto one of the most iconic fields in movie history with a visit to the legendary Field of Dreams site. Enjoy a unique experience that blends nostalgia, history, and fun—including time on the field and special interactive moments.

Event Highlights:
⚾ On-Field Experience
🎬 Guided Tour of the Historic Site
🧢 Interactive “Ghost Player” Experience

Transportation:
🚌 1:00 PM
Motorcoach Departure to Field of Dreams

Pickup: Hilton Garden Inn

🚌 4:00 PM
Motorcoach Return to Hotels

Drop off: Hilton Garden Inn

🕔 5:30 PM
Estimated Arrival at Hotel Drop-offs