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The 2025 RCPA Conference Strive to Thrive is packed with more than just engaging workshops led by informative speakers. RCPA will host a wide variety of events throughout the week at the Hershey Lodge, granting attendees access to networking events, receptions, and more! By registering today, not only will you reserve your spot to interact with local and national leaders in health and human services, but you will gain access to:
Opportunities for sponsorships and advertising are still available to organizations that are interested, but EXHIBIT BOOTHS ARE OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT! We are grateful to all our sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers who help make the conference happen. Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, for more details.
View our sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website!
With a little less than a month before kick-off, RCPA is excited to announce a new keynote speaker in our lineup at the 2025 Annual Conference Strive to Thrive! We will now be kicking off our conference with Al Guida, JD, Owner of Guide Consulting Services, Inc., to discuss Impacts of Federal Issues on the Human Services System. Guida is a nationally recognized advocate and strategist who has provided valuable federal policy and regulatory solutions for Guide Consulting Service’s health care clients in the provider, technology, and public health sectors. He has helped clients realize measurable goals in mental health parity, biomedical research, child poverty, and child welfare, and his legislative portfolio includes successful collaborations with major Congressional committees, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Working together, the Guide Consulting Services team have established and secured funding for Mental Health First Aid, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, and the 988 National Suicide Prevention Coordinating Office. In 2024, Guida was recognized as one of DC’s 500 Most Influential People.
With the current confusion and chaos surrounding federal policies, Medicaid, future funding, and their effects on the health and human services landscape, you won’t want to miss this informative opener!
Following Al Guida will be Pennsylvania’s DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh. Attendees will shift their focus from the federal level to the state, with the DHS Secretary highlighting key issues facing PA providers, including trends, impacts of federal policy at the local level, and current initiatives related to Performance-Based Contracting and value-based purchasing.
All this and more on the very first day of the Conference! Register today to reserve your seat, and view the Registration Brochure for complete details regarding our schedule, booking a hotel room, and more!
RCPA is proud to be at the forefront of developments in health and human services, and we strive to present information covering a wide variety of aspects within the industry. At our 2025 Annual Conference Strive to Thrive, attendees will expand their knowledge of topics impacting their consumers, providers, insurance, IT teams, compliance, and more! Register today to reserve your seat, and view the Registration Brochure for complete details.
For your convenience, we have compiled the list of workshops by topic, highlighting just how much we plan to cover during our stay at the Hershey Lodge! Please note that some workshops may discuss more than one set of topics. Use this as a guide, see what interests you, and make sure you register today!
AI, Data, and Technology:
Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities:
Behavioral, Children’s, and School-Based Health:
Brain Injury:
DHS Offices and Items:
Ethics:
Financial Management, Medicaid, and Value-Based Purchasing:
Government and Advocacy:
Suicide Prevention:
Trauma-Informed Care and Wellness:
Workplace Culture, Leadership, and Management:
We are excited to announce Hill Day 2025!
Hill Day will span two days, with a Public Policy Institute Program on October 7 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, and meetings on Capitol Hill slated for October 8.
This is a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the country and share your important stories directly with the people who represent you in Washington, D.C.
Last year, RCPA members received the opportunity to learn and develop their lobbying skills through the Public Policy Institute sessions and put them to work meeting with Pennsylvania legislators in a series of meetings and roundtables. The experience was invaluable and created a pathway to advocating in their home districts and events like the RCPA Capital Day.
While Hill visits are open to all, space will limit the Public Policy Institute to 400 registrants.
As RCPA will once more serve as Team Captains for the Pennsylvania delegation, we ask that, when you register, you also contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp. RCPA will be coordinating and communicating with members as the event proceeds.
Attendees are responsible for their own travel and lodging; however, hotel rooms can be booked through the Omni Shoreham Hotel at a discounted group rate once you have registered. Group transportation between the hotel and Capitol Hill will be offered at set times.
Note on potential shutdown: If Congress does not reach a spending agreement by September 30, there may be a government shutdown starting October 1. D.C. offices will remain open, however, and staff meetings can still occur. More updates will be provided if a shutdown appears likely.
More details will be forthcoming. We look forward to seeing you there!
Questions:
The field of health and human services is shifting at a rapid pace, and it is vital for providers, advocates, and legal experts to remain up-to-date on policy as well as involved in the advocacy process. Among the over sixty workshops available, the RCPA 2025 Annual Conference Strive to Thrive will be holding several workshops tackling the federal landscape. Register today and join us at the Hershey Lodge September 9 – 12, 2025, to gain access to these informative workshops, which include:
At a local level, the RCPA Conference is working with the Department of Human Services to bring information straight to attendees, with workshops such as:
Early bird registration rates end this Friday, August 8, so don’t delay in reserving your spot for these workshops and more! View our Registration Brochure for complete details of the conference schedule and speakers, and be sure to check the RCPA Conference website regularly for details and updates to the schedule, registration, and sponsors/exhibitors. Register today!![]()
Opportunities for sponsorships and advertising are still available, but EXHIBIT BOOTHS ARE OFFICIALLY SOLD OUT! We are grateful to all our sponsors and exhibitors who help make the conference happen. If your organization is interested in sponsoring or advertising at our conference, all information is available in our Sponsor, Exhibit, and Advertise Brochure. Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, for more details.
September 9 will be here before you know it — don’t miss your opportunity to register for the RCPA 2025 Conference Strive to Thrive and claim your early bird discount! By registering today, you guarantee your spot for over sixty workshops, live updates from both state and national partners, and inspiring keynote and plenary speakers. View our Registration Brochure for complete details of the conference schedule and speakers.
A limited number of exhibit booths and sponsorship opportunities remain! Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, ASAP for details if your organization is interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at our conference. All information is available in our Sponsor, Exhibit, and Advertise Brochure. The deadline for being recognized in conference materials and onsite displays is August 10, so be sure to complete your contract as soon as possible!
View our sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website!
Beyond Inclusion: Thriving in the Community
September 30 – October 1, 2025
Hosted Virtually
The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced that registration is now open for the 2025 Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC). The virtual conference will be hosted on September 30 and October 1. The theme for this year’s conference is Beyond Inclusion: Thriving in the Community. PATC will include presentations and panels from subject matter experts, providers, self-advocates, and families. This conference provides professionals working directly with individuals with autism across the lifespan with tools, strategies, and resources to help provide the most effective support.
Who Should Attend:
Professionals looking to increase their knowledge of and/or ability to support individuals with autism across the spectrum and the lifespan. PATC welcomes all professionals supporting individuals with autism in Pennsylvania, in all systems.
Register and Learn More:
*Please note: You may be prompted to create a MyODP account before you can register for the conference.
Call for Artists:
PATC is pleased to invite artists on the autism spectrum to exhibit their artwork virtually during the conference. They are looking for artists on the autism spectrum to showcase their art in a virtual “art gallery.” Artwork includes:
The art show will consist of artwork supplied by artists and will be linked to ODP’s website.
If you are interested in exhibiting your work, please submit your work here.
RCPA may be based in Pennsylvania, but our conference covers topics and features speakers from across the country! Register today, join us at the Hershey Lodge September 9 – 12, 2025, and reserve your room online while the room block is available. By registering, you gain the opportunity to engage with these provocative keynote speakers as they touch on topics that affect all facets of health and human services across the nation:
View our Registration Brochure for complete details of the conference schedule and speakers. Be sure to check the RCPA Conference website regularly for details and updates to the schedule, registration, and sponsors/exhibitors. Register today!
In addition to registration, there are still many opportunities available for sponsorship and exhibit booths, so don’t delay! We are grateful to all our sponsors and exhibitors who help make the conference happen. If your organization is interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at our conference, all information is available in our Sponsor, Exhibit, and Advertise Brochure. Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, for more details.
Thank you to our Sponsors and Exhibitors! We are grateful for your support!