September 22-23, 2025

Denny Sanford Premier Center

Sioux Falls, SD


Description:  This is a two-day professional development event designed to empower service providers to better support military families and veterans, especially in rural communities. This conference will bring together social workers, healthcare providers, educators, and nonprofit leaders to share best practices, build collaborative networks, and enhance access to vital resources for military-connected people.


In addition, Community Action for Veterans will be sponsoring a VA 1-on-1: Veterans Assistance Expo, where VA staff, veteran service organizations, community providers, and government partners offer direct services, resources, and information.

Updates

LEARNING TRACKS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Conference offers three learning tracks:

  • Mental Health
  • Rural Challenges
  • Military Families & Caregiving.


Sessions are designed for professionals in social work, healthcare, education, and community leadership who support veterans, service members, and their families.


Up to 11.25 CEUs are available, with certificates or documentation provided upon request.


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

Please visit this page often for updated information.