Welcome to the 8th Black Mental Health Symposium (BMHS), our first ever hybrid event! The planning committee and I are so excited for you to experience our labor of love. Here's information to help you maximize your experience at the event:

BEFORE THE EVENT

Remember that the event takes place Sept 28-29, on Eastern Standard Time, 9-5 pm at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront, 225 E. Coastline Drive, Jacksonville FL. Online attendees will be permitted into the virtual event about 10 minutes before the BMHS starts.

Use THIS LINK to create an account in Hopin (please be sure to use Google Chrome or Firefox for the best experience, Safari is not recommended at all). The link is not to be shared, please and thank you!

When you create your profile, please include your name, preferred pronouns, and the number of BMHS you have attended (i.e., LaTonya Summers she/hers 8). After completing your profile you may download the Hopin app on your mobile devices and find the BMHS. All attendees can use the app to enhance your BMHS experience.

In-person attendees who arrive on Wednesday, Sept 27 may participate in the Meet & Greet at 6pm EST and enjoy a private screening of the short film Untrained from 7-8 pm. Please note there is a $10 parking fee per car.

DAYS OF THE EVENT

In-person attendees may pick up tote bags at the registration table as early as 8 am EST on Thursday, September 28 and visit exhibitors. Online attendees may log into the event by going to HOPIN and accessing your account. Click on the 2023 BMHS. Your virtual tote bags will be waiting.

Online attendees, once in HOPIN follow the SCHEDULE. To see the opening acts, awards ceremony, trap yoga, panel discussion, keynote speakers, and between-session reprieves click on STAGE. Enjoy sessions by clicking on SESSIONS. Meet new people by clicking on PEOPLE, visit our amazing sponsors and exhibitors by clicking on EXPO. 

All attendees can earn up to 12 CE credits hours from NBCC or NASW. You must attend sessions in their entirety by clicking on the CHECK IN and CHECK OUT buttons, and completing a survey after each session. A CE certificate will be sent to you after the event.  

Lunch is provided for in-person attendees on Thursday and Friday, and on Friday for online attendees (Grub hub e-gift certificates will arrive via email before 9/27 by noon--check your spam folder, too. Request: please patronize a Black-owned eatery.) In-person attendees who purchased tickets to the Cookout will receive a wristband.

Any attendee can enjoy Trap Yoga at 7:30 am on Friday. In-person attendees may bring a towel if you do not have a mat. The online EXPO will remain open until 11:59 pm Friday for any attend to visit exhibitor booths you missed..

AFTER THE EVENT

Reflect on the theme: Learn. Lead. Liberate. May what you learn at the BMHS empower you to lead and liberate others.

Thank you for coming to the BMHS! Your participation helps us ensure that 1 million Black people are mentally well.

Warmly with wellness, Dr. LaTonya Summers