Join national leaders in Chicago for two days of panels and conversation focused on “Establishing Permanence”— ensuring that alternative response becomes a recognized profession and a durable part of public safety systems. These programs are no longer “alternative”, they are becoming integral components of the public safety and wellness infrastructure.
Historically, 911 systems dispatch police to all types of emergencies—mental health crises, wellness checks, disputes—regardless of whether police are the best-equipped responders. Alternative response programs take a different approach, sending unarmed professionals like clinicians, peer responders, or mediators to appropriate calls. These programs are growing rapidly, but the work still lacks the structure and visibility of a true field.
That’s why this convening matters. Just like doctors, lawyers, police officers, and every other profession, practitioners in this field need infrastructure: standards, support systems, and a strong network. They need a professional identity, and they need a regular space to connect, reflect, and grow together. And they need a name (ideally, without a transient descriptor like “alternative”) that reflects their permanence in the public safety ecosystem.
Our vision is for this convening to become that space. A yearly gathering where people say “see you next year,” because they know that the professional infrastructure will be there to support them in this important work.
We ask that you limit attendees to three people per organization.
Regular Registration: January 23 – May 15, $500
Late Registration: May 16 – May 29, $550
Getting to Convene Willis Tower (233 S Wacker Dr)
From O’Hare International Airport:
CTA Blue Line: Take to Jackson-Blue or Monroe-Blue.
Travel time: 44–50 min, plus <10 min walk
Cost: $2–$5
From Midway Airport:
CTA Orange Line: To Quincy station (≈30 min total)
Cost: $2–$5
Taxi / Rideshare:
Taxi: $35–$50
Uber/Lyft: $25–$40
Travel time: ≈45 min (traffic-dependent)
Palmer House - Chicago central Loop, 13 minute walk, 0.6 mile
Hilton Canopy - Chicago Central Loop: 3 minute walk, 0.1 mile
Hilton Garden Inn - Chicago Central Loop: 3 minute walk, 0.1 mile
JW Marriott Chicago - 6 minute walk, 0.3 mile.
LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection - 6 minute walk, 0.3 mile.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown - 6 minute walk, 0.3 mile.
2026 Advancing the Field of Alternative Response Convening is made possible in part by the generous support from our funders: The Joyce Foundation, Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, American Arbitration Association Foundation, Heising-Simons Foundation, Neubauer Family Foundation, and Polk Bros Foundation.
If you'd like to support the Convening, please contact us.
1. Does the conference offer a virtual option? No, this is an in-person event. However, we encourage you to attend the AMSA virtual conference on March 2 & 3, 2026 if you're unable to attend the June convening.
2. Will you share the attendee/sponsor list at the conclusion of the convening? Yes, we will share the contact list with attendees and sponsors. You may opt out of sharing when you fill out the registration form.
How are communities, policymakers, and frontline professionals rethinking traditional public safety approaches?
The 2025 Convening in NYC explored innovative strategies for non-police crisis response—highlighting real-world examples, evidence-based practices, and the people driving change. Whether you're engaged in public health, emergency services, social systems, or community advocacy, this is your primer on forging more humane, effective responses in challenging moments.
All event specific sponsorships come with one free registration OR an exhibit table, and the Convening attendee contact list.
Conference Bag Sponsor: $12,000 (0/2)
Your Company's logo on gift bags, in addition to the Convening logo
Coffee Break Sponsor: $5,000 (0/4)
Recognition in the electronic program
Decor Sponsor: $5,000 (0/2)
Your Company name and logo on decor
Photographer Sponsor: $4,000 (0/1)
Photos featured on social media or reports will labeled “Photography sponsored by Your Company”
Lanyard Sponsor: $3,000 (1/1)
Your logo on all lanyards
Name Badge Sponsor: $3,000 (1/1)
Your logo on all name badges
Wellness Space Sponsor: $2,500 (0/2)
Your Company's name and logo on Wellness Room signage