BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS TO EXCEL EACH AND EVERY DAY
Save the Date for the 4th annual wellness conference equipping first responders with education, tangible tools, and connections to implement stronger wellness messages and programs personally and in their agencies. The Frontline Convention agenda includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities with fellow first responders and a resource network of select providers. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to resilience development, wellness (physical, emotional, mental, financial, relational, and more), peer support, treatment, and department programming and culture.
If you have questions related to Frontline Convention, please contact Program Outreach Director, Meg Krase (mkrase@100clubil.org).
Registration Rates:
$150 for all previous attendees from June 2-30, 2025
$200 standard registration starting July 1, 2025
$150 for groups of 5+ or more*
*If you are in need of group rate registration, please contact Julia Rottman (jrottman@100clubil.org).
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
STEVE JAMES
Stephen James, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Elson S Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane. His research focus includes the interaction between physical stressors [such asleep related fatigue], law, policy, training and practice relating to operational performance for military and law enforcement personnel. Dr. James strives to better understand the dynamics of performance in a wide variety of military and policing tasks; driving, citizen encounters, crisis intervention, and deadly force encounters.
Dr. James utilizes simulation technology to evaluate training and performance of military and law enforcement personnel. This research has led to more effective, and more cost effective, training and greater public safety. To date his research has been foundational in the development of the DARPA Strategic Social Interaction Module Tactical Social Interaction training development, a program designed to teach young warfighters and law enforcement the balance between tactical considerations and relationship building; the creation of an Enhanced-CIT, a program to move beyond the Memphis model; and the ground up rewriting of the Oregon Basic Police Academy, one that is evidence based and research driven. Dr. James also sits on a number of law enforcement focused committees and working groups including the Department of Homeland Security Human Factors Engineering Community of Practice, the Chicago PD EIS National Advisory Council, and the Spokane Mental Health Committee. Dr. James was a member of the SAFE Driving Initiative for California POST research team.
Prior to becoming an academic Dr. James spent more than 20 years in the British infantry as a solider and officer; serving in Cyprus, the Former Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland, and Afghanistan.
CHRIS PROCHUT
Chris Prochut (pro-hut) is a mental health advocate and law enforcement suicide prevention trainer.
For over 15 years, Chris has had the honor to present to over 18,000 law enforcement officers across the United States and portions of Canada on the topics of suicide and depression warning signs, medication myths, department policy revision, and told of his personal experience with the stigma of mental health issues. Chris has presented at many NAMI organized Crisis Intervention Team Trainings (CIT) where he addresses the subject of “Taking care of our own” and has been featured at various specialized law enforcement conferences advising departments on program development to assist officers at risk for suicide. Feedback from these trainings shows just how well received Chris’s message is, how the topics of suicide and mental illness are rarely discussed openly within law enforcement, and how education and training are causing a paradigm shift within police departments.
Chris served for 10 years as member of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Death Response (LEDR) Team, is a former trainer in QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) suicide prevention program, a FBI National Academy (FBINA) Enrichment Speaker, a FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) Officer Safety and Wellness Committee Member, serves as Associate Director for the First Reach Foundation dedicated to supporting first responder access to mental health resources,and an active volunteer with BringChange2Mind; an organization founded by Actress Glenn Close to end the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Chris received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal/Social Justice from Lewis University (Romeoville, IL) and completed the Cook County Police Academy (Maywood, IL) the same year. He is a 2005 graduate of Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command serving as Class President and receiving the Kreml Leadership award from his peers.
Chris was recognized with the 2017 HOPES Award for his achievements in advancing suicide prevention in law enforcement by Mental Health America – Wisconsin.
In 2018 Chris was presented with a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Iris Award for his Outstanding Contributions, dedication, and support to promote the mission and vision of NAMI Wisconsin.
In 2024 Chris was recognized by NAMI – Southeast Wisconsin with the “Shattering Stigma” award for his unwavering efforts to show that reaching out for help is a sign of strength and promoting open conversation surrounding mental health within law enforcement.
Chris resides in Hartford, Wisconsin with his wife Jennifer and their children Chase (22) and Ashlyn (18).
2026 Wellness Award
Being an advocate for first responder mental wellness and resiliency is critical in our mission. Recognizing first responders who do this and go above and beyond for their peers is always exciting! Now, we want to formally acknowledge some of those members with our Frontline Wellness Award! Nominate individuals or departments who have gone above and beyond to support mental wellness and/or wellness programming and join us for recognizing selected nominees at our Frontline Convention in March! Nominations are due no later than December 31, 2025.
Testimonials
This was a very good convention. This was my first time attending and I will be back next year for sure! Thank you!
The conference was excellent, providing a solid overview of the challenges we face and the many resources available. The programs were well planned and efficiently used the available time.
I really liked the location of the convention and the venue. It was easy to get to, it was clean and attractive, and it had fantastic informal gathering spaces. And the informal spaces were sunny and bright and looked out at nice scenery. It felt restful and peaceful which is the total opposite of where we all work every day.
The K-9 Breakout session was fantastic. I learned how to get a therapy k-9 program started at my police department. My department was very pleased with the results of this convention. I believe the convention could grow to five times the size it was this year in the next couple of years!
10/10 will attend next year!
I didn't find anything not helpful. If anything, there was TOO much great stuff! Had trouble deciding which presenter workshops to attend.
Excellent conference! Great resources and very friendly staff! 10/10!
Great convention! Very professional and well put together with valuable speakers and information.
REGISTER FOR FRONTLINE CONVENTION
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
FRIEND SPONSOR
SPONSORSHIP AND VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsorship and vendor opportunities to support our convention are available. Please contact Kelsey Tomko at ktomko@100clubil.org for further information.
THANK YOU TO OUR CONVENTION ENDORSEMENTS
ABOUT THE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER
Simplify your convention experience by taking advantage of the 100 Club of Illinois room block at $122/night (Plus $14.95 USD resort charge per night, plus tax) for a single king size room.
The deadline to book your room with this discounted rate is February 17, 2026.
The resort and conference center is surrounded by a serene 150-acre estate that includes the Audubon-certified 18-hole Willow Crest Golf Club, just 25 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. They have a lakefront outdoor pool, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, a spa, two golf simulators, and two restaurants.
CHECK-IN TIME: 4:00 PM
CHECK OUT TIME: 12:00 PM