VCOPPA: Critical Issues Symposium

You don’t want to miss this information-packed Critical Issues Symposium, which will include presentations from key state agencies, insights on the new Administration, updates on regulatory changes, state elections, the upcoming state biennial budget, and finalizing VCOPPA’s advocacy agenda for the 2026 General Assembly Session.

Join us at the VCOPPA Critical Issues Symposium where we'll dive deep into the most pressing topics in our industry!

2025 VCOPPA Critical Issues Symposium

The 2025 VCOPPA Critical Issues Symposium will be held in-person, on December 9-10, 2025, in Richmond. The event will be held at the Truist Building – 4th Floor Auditorium (919 E. Main Street, Richmond VA 23219).

Registration for this two-day event is now OPEN, so make sure to secure your spot TODAY!

As in the past, the agenda is filled with presentations and information critical to our members. Especially now in these changing and challenging times, you cannot afford to miss these critical updates on topics from the following confirmed state agencies and subject matter experts.

**PRE-SYMPOSIUM SPECIAL EVENT**

As a special and timely bonus to our symposium attendees, the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) will be offering a pre-symposium training event to discuss the rollout of the new DMAS Behavioral Health Redesign, scheduled to become effective, July 1, 2026.

Tuesday, December 9 (DMAS Training Registration Begins at 9:30 am)

· Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) Behavioral Health Redesign: Introduction to Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment for Youth

[Note: Symposium attendees are welcome to visit Meriwether's Cafeteria on the 3rd floor of the Truist Building for lunch on their own prior to Tuesday afternoon sessions.]

Tuesday, December 9 (Symposium General Registration and Exhibits Begin at 12:00 p.m.)

• Virginia Election Analysis and Early Look at the New Administration/ 2026 General Assembly Preview
• Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS)
• Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)
• Virginia Behavioral Health Commission
• Networking Reception (5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.)

Wednesday, December 10 (Breakfast Begins at 8:00 a.m.)

• Breakfast
• Virginia Office of Children's Services (CSA)
• Virginia State Fiscal Analysis - Jim Regimbal
• Virginia MCO Panel Discussion
• Lunch
• Local CSA Directors Panel
• Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)
• VCOPPA 2026 Advocacy Issue Development and Wrap-Up

Following the Tuesday morning special session training, the Symposium will officially begin at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, with registration and the opening of the exhibit hall. At 1:00 p.m., presentations will begin, and we will wrap up the day with a networking reception at 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the Virginia Credit Union House (located at 108 N. 8th Street, Richmond, VA 23219). Wednesday, December 10, 2025, begins at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast and a full slate of exciting presentations and we will wrap up the symposium around 4:30pm. We will have ample breaks between sessions, including a break for lunch and will give plenty of interactive opportunities for our registered participants and exhibitors.

Additionally, we will offer the opportunity for exhibitors to share information about their facilities, services and products. Separate communications will be sent regarding sponsorship levels and exhibitor opportunities. We appreciate your consideration for anything you might be able to do in this regard. Your sponsorship includes complimentary registrations (total number depending on sponsorship level), recognition in the event program, presentation slide shows and signage at the event.

If you are interested in being a sponsor and/or exhibitor, please be sure to e-mail VCOPPA directly at kids@vcoppa.org as soon as possible.

If you have not already, we encourage you to register now and share this information with colleagues and other interested stakeholders. This opportunity is open and available for all!

As a reminder, your registration fee includes:

• Two days of in-person, information packed presentations
• Beverage breaks both afternoons
• Networking reception on December 9th (heavy hors d'oeuvres and open bar included)
• Full Breakfast and Lunch buffets on second day
• Access to vendors both days
• VCOPPA Sustaining Members in good standing receive a 10% registration discount

We look forward to seeing you on December 9-10! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at kids@vcoppa.org as soon as possible.