3rd Annual Region 7 Peer Summit
KCI Expo Center
11730 NW Ambassador Dr
Kansas City, MO 64153
September 29-30, 2026
Peer Summit Region 7 Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa
Connected by Experience
Strengthened by Community
The Region 7 Peer Summit Conference Booklet Is Here!
Everything you need to plan your Summit experience is now in one place.
The Region 7 Peer Summit Conference Booklet includes the full conference schedule, keynote and breakout session information, presenter highlights, exhibitor information, conference resources, important reminders, and more.
Take a few minutes to explore the booklet before the Summit so you can identify the sessions you want to attend, learn more about this year’s speakers, and make the most of your time with peers from across Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa.
Inside the Booklet
- Full conference schedule
- Keynote, plenary, and breakout sessions
- Presenter and session spotlights
- Exhibitor information
- Conference giveaways and special activities
- Training-hour and certificate information
- Community expectations and Summit resources
- Notes and reflection pages
Four States. One Community. Stronger Together.
Agenda
The 2026 Region 7 Peer Summit agenda is now available!
This year’s program brings together a distinguished lineup of national, regional, and statewide leaders, subject-matter experts, trainers, and individuals with lived experience for two days of high-quality education, meaningful dialogue, and connection.
From nationally recognized keynote speakers to specialized breakout sessions on recovery, peer support, behavioral health, public safety, gambling, family systems, ethics, and emerging issues, the 2026 Summit offers an exceptional learning experience for professionals from across Region 7.
Explore the full agenda and start planning your Summit experience today.
Governor Kehoe Proclaims September 29, 2026, Peer Support Celebration Day
We are honored to share that Governor Mike Kehoe has proclaimed September 29, 2026, as Peer Support Celebration Day in Missouri.
This special recognition celebrates the extraordinary contributions of peer support professionals across Missouri—individuals who use their lived experience, training, compassion, and hope to help others navigate recovery, overcome challenges, and build healthier lives.
Every day, peer professionals remind us that recovery is possible, connection matters, and lived experience can become a powerful force for change. Their work strengthens individuals and families, supports behavioral health and recovery systems, and helps build stronger communities throughout our state.
As peers from across Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and beyond come together for the Region 7 Peer Summit, we are proud to celebrate this recognition and, most importantly, the people it represents.
To every peer professional: thank you for showing up, sharing hope, opening doors, and reminding people that they do not have to walk the road to recovery alone.
September 29-30, 2026 - Kansas City Expo Center
Sneak Peek Alert!
What Attendees Are Saying About the Conference
Offical Conference T-Shirts Have Dropped!
We’re giving you a first look at the official t-shirts that will be available at this year’s Peer Summit! These shirts were designed with YOU in mind — bold, inspiring, and a perfect way to show your pride in peer support.
Get ready to grab yours at the conference before they’re gone!
MCB Announces a New Documentary Project
LANTERNS IN THE NIGHT
Illuminating the people who carry hope into our communities.
The Missouri Credentialing Board is proud to announce the development of Lanterns in the Night, a documentary project dedicated to sharing the stories and impact of peer professionals across our communities.
Every day, peers walk alongside people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Through lived experience, connection, compassion, and hope, they remind others that recovery is possible—and that no one has to find their way alone.
Lanterns in the Night will highlight the work peers are doing throughout our communities while sharing the powerful stories of those who have transformed their own experiences into a source of hope for others who may still be struggling.
Could your story be part of the documentary?
MCB will begin accepting applications for participation in the documentary at the 2026 Region 7 Peer Summit.
We will be looking for peer professionals with meaningful stories of lived experience, recovery, service, connection, and the impact peer support is making in communities across our region.
Additional information, application details, and project timelines will be announced soon.
Featured Tuesday Opening Speaker:
WESLEY GEER -
Only after overcoming mental health issues and a near-fatal addiction was Wes able to recreate himself, and land the gig playing guitar with the legendary rock band, Korn. His transformation spawned a passion for helping others to not only overcome their greatest challenges, but to help transform their lives. Wes has dedicated himself to carrying the messages of his many teachers and how to tap into the highest versions of ourselves, and what he calls the Vortex of Radness™.
Wes is currently the host of the top rated Rock to Recovery Radio® show, as well as a highly sought after speaker on the topics of personal growth, spirituality, addiction, mental health, harm reduction and music therapy.
Closing Speaker Wednesday:
Mark Lundholm
Mark Lundholm has performed in all 50 states and 10 foreign countries. From world-renowned musicians, heads of state, fortune 500 companies to rehabilitation centers and convicted felons, Mark has truly entertained on the world’s stage.
He’s appeared on Comedy Central, Showtime, A&E, CBS, and NBC. Mark wrote and performed his own one-man show off-Broadway in New York City reaching critical acclaim, and in his spare time created the now staple DVD series ‘Humor in Treatment’ and the Recovery Board Game.
One thing is clear about Mark Lundholm – he’s not slowing down anytime soon. With his acclaimed book and DVD series already released, Mark Lundholm continues to inspire audiences across the country. As he develops new projects and brings fresh material to the stage, there are sure to be plenty more laughs — and powerful moments — ahead from this one-of-a-kind entertainer.
Conference Presentations
Governor Proclaims Peer Support
Celebration Day in Missouri
We are proud to announce that Governor Mike Kehoe has officially proclaimed October 1, 2025 as Peer Support Celebration Day in the State of Missouri!
The proclamation recognizes the vital contributions of certified peer support professionals—individuals with lived experience who use their recovery journeys to provide hope, guidance, and empowerment to others. It highlights the more than 2,500 credentialed peers across Missouri who are serving in diverse roles, from behavioral health and crisis care to justice system support.
This historic recognition affirms that peer support is not only transforming lives but also strengthening communities across Missouri. By honoring the advocacy, dedication, and professional expertise of peers, the Governor and State leadership have elevated the importance of peer support as a cornerstone of recovery-oriented systems of care.
As part of the celebration, an Awards Ceremony will be held during the Region 7 Peer Summit on October 1–2, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. This special event will honor outstanding peers and partners across the region who are advancing recovery and peer support.
There’s still time to register for the Peer Summit! Visit www.missouricb.com to reserve your spot.
Let’s join together on October 1st to celebrate our peer workforce, their dedication, and the impact they make every single day!
Award Nominations
Nominate Now for the
Peer Excellence Award,
Hidden Gem Award, and
Guiding Light Award!
We’re seeking individuals who embody these qualities. Award winners will be celebrated at the Annual Region 7 Peer Summit, themed “Connected by Experience: Strengthened by Community”
Join us at the Kansas City Expo Center on September 29-30, 2026. Submit your nominations today!
Peer Excellence Award
The Peer Excellence Award celebrates peers who epitomize leadership and compassion within our community. This accolade honors remarkable individuals who consistently demonstrate initiative, empathy, and the power to inspire others. Through tireless dedication, recipients make impactful contributions that elevate our community. Their exemplary conduct and profound influence serve as a beacon for others to follow. This award recognizes their outstanding character and the significant difference they make each day. It honors their ability to foster an environment of collaboration, understanding, and growth. In recognizing their achievements, we pay tribute to their leadership, empathy, and enduring legacy, shaping a brighter future for all.
Hidden Gem Award
The Hidden Gem Award honors extraordinary peers whose exceptional performance and contributions often go unnoticed. This prestigious accolade honors quiet champions who consistently exceed expectations and make a significant impact. Through unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence, recipients demonstrate unparalleled talent and capability. Their remarkable achievements serve as the cornerstone of success, embodying collaboration and excellence. This award recognizes their invaluable contributions, often the backbone of operations and innovation. Celebrating these unsung heroes highlights their resilience, ingenuity, and profound impact, inspiring others and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Guiding Light Award
The Guiding Light Award spotlights exceptional supervisors who illuminate
the path to success for their peers,
providing guidance, support, and mentorship. This prestigious accolade celebrates their invaluable contributions, recognizing their role in fostering trust, empowerment, and collaboration.
Through steadfast leadership and commitment, award recipients embody mentorship and inspire greatness,
making a transformative impact on both professional and personal development. They set the standard for excellence, nurturing talent and driving collective success. By honoring these exemplary supervisors, we acknowledge their role as catalysts for growth and achievement within their teams and organizations.
October 1, 2025 1pm-2pm
Dr. Kleinschmidt, Ph.D., MBA
Art Kleinschmidt, Ph.D., is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at SAMHSA, providing leadership in prevention, treatment, recovery services, and public health strategy. He previously served as Senior Advisor for Substance Abuse at SAMHSA, Deputy Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and a policy expert on the White House Domestic Policy Council, co-authoring Executive Order #13954. A licensed mental health professional and addiction counselor with 20+ years of clinical experience, Dr. Kleinschmidt is nationally recognized for expertise in mental health, addiction, and criminal justice. In recovery since 2002, he is a passionate advocate for change.
Special Closing Speaker:
Officer Tommy Norman
Known nationwide for his compassionate and community driven approach to policing, Officer Tommy Norman of North Little Rock, Arkansas has built a legacy of trust, empathy, and service. With millions of followers and countless community partnerships, Officer Norman exemplifies how connection and kindness can bridge divides anduplift entire neighborhoods.
Thursday Presentation/Documentary Screening:
Ladonna Gatlin
LaDonna Gatlin, CSP, CPAE, is an award-winning speaker, singer, and author who inspires audiences to “sing their own song” in life. The youngest sister of country music’s Gatlin Brothers, she began performing at age five and now blends music, humor, and storytelling into powerful keynotes that motivate and uplift. A member of the Speaker Hall of Fame and Certified Speaking Professional, LaDonna has also performed on Grammy and Dove Award-winning recordings. She is the author of The Song in You and a contributing writer to Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Conference Registration
3rd Annual Region 7
Peer Summit
Connected by Experience
Strengthened by Community
Please note that once registered, no refunds will be issued for any reason. However, registration transfers will be permitted until August 30, 2026.
Conference Reservation
2nd Annual Region 7
Peer Summit
Lighting The Way:
A Peers ROle IN Hope and Healing
Conference Information
Date and Location
October 1-2, 2025
11730 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153
Reservation Information: Please note the Reservation Link use the dates for the conference (example 9/30-10/02,2025)
Rate: $119 per night plus taxes & fees
Additional Hotel Informaton
October 1-2, 2025
ATWELL Suites
11732 NW Plaza Circle, Kansas City, Missouri 64153 United States
Reservation Information: Please note the Reservation Link use the dates for the conference (example 9/30-10/02,2025)
Rate: $119 per night plus taxes & fees
October 1-2, 2025
Reservation Information: Please note the Reservation Link use the dates for the conference (example 9/30-10/02,2025)
Rate: $119 per night plus taxes & fees
Featured Speakers and Topics
- Dr. Patricia Deegan—Opening Speaker
- SAMHSA Speakers
- ATTC Speakers
- Office of Recovery
- Leadership Training
- Ethics Hours
- Certified Peer Specialists; Family Support Providers; Youth Peer Support
- Trauma Training
- Specialized CHW-C Track