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Special Events at the 2018 NASW National Conference

NASW’s four-day national conference will offer ample opportunities to relax, socialize, and network. The Exhibit Hall will be home to poster presentations, vendor exhibits, and complimentary breakfasts on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; as well as afternoon refreshment breaks on Thursday and Friday.

Other exciting highlights include the Opening Welcome Reception, the Film Festival, and A Night at the Awards: A Night To Remember.

All special events will be held at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC.

Opening Welcome Reception: Celebration of the Profession

Wednesday, June 20 | 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate the social work profession at the 2018 NASW National Conference Welcome Reception. This special event is an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed evening, meet with colleagues, and explore the Exhibit Hall. The reception will include a selection of delicious food options, including carving stations, and tempting desserts. A cash bar will be available.

Film Festival

Thursday, June 21 | 7 - 9 p.m. | 2 CEUs Available

Almost Sunrise

This film follows Anthony and Tom, two veterans who go on a 2,700-mile walk from Milwaukee, Wisc., to Santa Monica, Calif. The journey allows them to meditate on the mental health issues they experienced after returning from war in Afghanistan, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They speak to people along the way about suicide and other issues affecting active-duty military members, veterans and their families.

The Rape of Recy Taylor

Recy Taylor, an African American wife and mother in Alabama in the 1940s, was raped by a gang of youth on her way home from church. Rather than remaining silent, as did many women of color who were victims of sexual violence at the time, Taylor sought justice, leading to a nationwide protest that helped spark the modern civil rights movement.

Check It!

This documentary looks at a gang of LGBTQ youth of color that formed in Washington, D.C., to protect themselves from the violence and homophobia they experience in their community. Members of community organizations try to reach out to the youth to help them overcome stigma and live their dreams.

Club NASW with DJ Aria

Thursday, June 21 | 9 - 11 p.m.

man with headphones around his neck

Dance the night away! Looking for a way to mingle and network with your fellow conference attendees? This is the event for you. We've designed a fun evening that includes great music, refreshments, and good conversation. Dancing promotes self-care, it’s fun, and you meet so many wonderful people. Pack your best dancing shoes and join in on the Social Work Slide, other line dances, and music that keeps everyone stepping from DJ Aria, one of the best DJs in Washington, DC. Learn some new dance moves and create lasting memories, as we celebrate the work that social workers do!

Discussion with Jennifer Fox, Writer/Director of "The Tale"

Friday, June 22 | 12:30 - 2 p.m. | 1 CEU Available

The Tale - woman (Laura Dern) sits on floor next to a young girl with their backs against a wall

The Tale, a feature film from award-winning documentarian Jennifer Fox, tells the true story of her sexual abuse at age 13 by two trusted coaches and mentors. This extraordinary film, which has been acclaimed by critics around the world, focuses not only on the epidemic of sexual abuse of the young. It also describes the complex process through which unconscious trauma can slowly be understood and faced in the conscious mind.

Watch excerpts from the film and join a conversation with Jennifer Fox and NASW member SaraKay Smullens, an advisor on the film.

A Night at the Awards: A Night To Remember

Friday, June 22 | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. | $75 per ticket

A night at the awards: A night to remember

Join us on the red carpet for an unforgettable evening as we honor the recipients of the NASW National Awards and the NASW Foundation Awards. Celebrate our honorees at the historic Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, which opened in November 1918, just days after the Armistice with Germany ended World War I. Residents have included former presidents Lyndon Johnson, Herbert Hoover, Dwight D. Eisenhower; Chief Justice Earl Warren and actress Marlene Dietrich.

Be inspired as we proudly showcase another amazing group of social work colleagues at this elegant reception. Keeping with the historic opening of the hotel, we will celebrate our awardees with the musical sounds of the Roaring 20s — jazz, blues and big bands.

Here are our distinguished 2018 awardees:

Flavio F. Marsiglia, PhD, MSW - Knee/Wittman Lifetime Achievement Award
James R. MacKay, PhD, MSW - Knee/Wittman Lifetime Achievement Award
Virna Little, PSYD, LCSW-R, SAP, CCM - Knee/Wittman Outstanding Achievement Award
Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman - International Rhoda G. Sarnat Award
Jay Berlin, PhD - Public Citizen of the Year
Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez, LCSW - Social Worker of the Year
Ruth Brandwein, PhD, MSW - Lifetime Achievement Award
Knoxville, Tennessee Mayor Madeline Rogero - Public Elected Official of the Year

Join us as we honor our award recipients and continue to make history!