Countdown to the Conference
Published: July 2, 2018
Ohio is welcoming the National Conference on Problem Gambling July 18-21 at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. Reservations are still available for this event, which brings together more than 600 professionals in prevention, education, treatment, research, and regulation, in addition to members of the recovery community.
Being named the host of this year’s event is a testament to our state’s deep commitment to ending problem gambling. Ohio’s efforts have been widely recognized—in 2016, the Be the 95% campaign received awards for Best Public Awareness Campaign, Best Website, and the People’s Choice Award at the National Conference on Problem Gambling and was recognized again in 2017 for Best Public Awareness Campaign and Best Website.
Have questions about the conference? We have you covered!
How much does it cost to attend the conference?
There are two options for the conference:
- The full conference (July 18-21), with scholarship and discounts, costs $724.
- Attending the main conference only (July 20-21) is $344 with all discounts. Ohio residents are still eligible for the Early Bird pricing.
The full conference and pre-conference options include more than 30 CEUs, breakfast and lunch for each day of registered participation, plus the Thursday evening welcome reception and the Friday night highlight event at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
What discounts are available?
Ohioans are eligible to receive up to $450 in discounts for attending the conference:
- $100 member discount for joint PGNO and NCPG members
- $150 discount from Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG)
- $200 travel stipend from ORG for those traveling more than 45 miles to the conference
What can I use the travel stipend for?
Travel stipends will be available for those traveling more than 45 miles to attend. The stipends can be used for lodging, mileage, and meals not provided by the conference. Reimbursement will come from PGNO after the conference.
How do I become a joint PGNO/NCPG member?
To join or renew, please visit www.PGNOhio.org.
How do I register for the conference?
To register for the conference, please visit the conference website. To ensure you receive the appropriate discounts, contact Derek Longmeier at dlongmeier@pgnohio.org.
Who should attend the conference?
Ohio professionals, recovery advocates, clinicians, prevention specialists, public health and gambling industry regulators are encouraged to attend, as are people who are interested in topics related to problem and responsible gambling, veterans, and/or the gambling industry.
I don’t currently work in gambling, but am interested. Is this something I should attend?
Yes – this will be an opportunity to learn from international experts working in the prevention, intervention, and gambling treatment fields. Discussion of co-occurring issues are included in many of the educational sessions.
What will I learn about at the conference?
This year’s convention will feature five tracks: Prevention, Treatment, Recovery, Regulation, and Military. This is the first time military issues have been showcased at the National Conference as a separate track.
Who will be speaking at the conference?
Opening this year’s conference is keynote speaker Dr. Jeff Derevensky, who received the Lifetime Award for Research at the 2017 conference. Dr. Derevensky is a Professor of School/Applied Child Psychology at McGill University in Canada and the Co-Director of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors. He is also the recipient of the 2013 NCRG Scientific Achievement Award for his contributions to the field of research on youth and adolescent gambling.
Ohio has a strong presence in this year’s agenda. Be sure to check out the following sessions and speakers:
- Heather Chapman, PhD, ICGC-II, BACC – 45 Years: Cleveland Veterans Administration Gambling Treatment Program
- Amanda Burke, PhD – Problem Gambling and the Family: Education in the Foster Care System
- Lori Rugle, PhD, IGCG-II, BACC – The Heart of Responsible Gambling
- Carla Tricarichi, JD; Chip Polston; and Karen Russo – Lottery Industry Developments in Responsible Gambling Initiatives
- Stacey Frohnapfel-Hasson; Jessica Linley, PhD – New Gambling Survey Results…Now What?
- Bruce Jones – Finding and Treating Family Members—and Getting Paid for It!
- Michael Buzzelli and Ashley Hartman – Regional Problem Gambling Coalition: Community Collaboration
- Scott Anderson – Pre-Conference Workshop
- Donna Dickman – Mental Health First Aid
- Herman “Gus” Diggs, PhD – Concurrent Treatment of Gambling Disorder and PTSD
- Tania Lodge, PhD – Conceptualizing Problematic Gambling Through a Culturally Specific Theory and Treatment Approach; Optimal Theory and Belief System Analysis
Where can I stay during the conference?
The main hotel room block is sold out, however alternative hotels are available:
Where should I park?
Several parking garages and lots are available near the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. For available locations, please click here.
What is the dress code for the conference?
Conference attendees are welcome to wear business clothing. Feel free to be comfortable in slacks, polo shirts, sweaters, blouses and, most importantly, comfortable shoes.
What should I bring to the conference?
Conference attendees are welcome to bring laptops, tablets, and smart phones, as well as business cards, phone chargers, and notepads.
What is there to do while I’m in Cleveland?
For information about attractions, restaurants, and events, please refer to the Cleveland Tourism Bureau website.
We’re looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks. Should you have any additional questions, please contact Derek Longmeier at dlongmeier@pgnohio.org.
