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 School Safety Conference

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​ Registration is now open! 

​PREPARE 2026: School Safety - A Layered Approach​​​​

​​​​July 22nd  & July 23rd, 2026

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​​@ T​urf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, Maryland


This year's PREPARE 2026 Conference will be an opportunity for educators, behavioral health practitioners, emergency response professionals, law enforcement, and community leaders to come together and examine school safety and the many elements that contribute to it.

MCSS seeks dynamic and knowledgeable presenters who can share expertise on the layered approach to school safety; emergency preparedness, security, personal connections, and school culture & climate. Presenters at PREPARE 2026 will provide valuable insights into the current and future school safety landscape through sessions that focus on, but are not limited to, some of the following school safety layers:

  • Emergency Preparedness - Discuss the fundamental components of emergency planning and unique considerations related to annexes and diverse populations. Best practices for training, drills, and exercises to prepare all stakeholders.
  • Security - Explore aspects of school security to include personnel, assessments, and technological advancements that enhance safety, from physical security measures to digital tools.
  • Personal Connections - Share tools and practices to build positive personal connections among students and staff. Considerations for diverse populations who are more likely to be marginalized.
  • School Culture & Climate - Examine the intersection of social, emotional, and mental wellness and school safety, focusing on preventative approaches that support students and staff. Showcase partnerships and public health-informed school safety solutions, identifying and addressing root causes.

Presenters are encouraged to consider using case studies to teach and share information. Proposals are being accepted for keynote sessions (60 to 90 minutes), breakout sessions (45 to 60 minutes), and lightning sessions (15 minutes).

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Nominate SRO/SSE of the Year!​​


​​Who should​ attend?​


Education Administrators, Teachers, School Psychologists/Guidance Counselors, School Security Employees, School Resource Officers (SROs), Law Enforcement, Local/State Emergency Ma​nagers, Fusion Center Analysts, Crisis Intervention Units, Counselors & Mental Health Specialists, School Social Workers, School Safety Professionals, and other school safety stakeholders.


How many people from our organization should attend the conference?

We recommend that at least two people from your organization attend to maximize your experience and have the opportunity to attend multiple breakout sessions. 


Is the conference open to the general public? 

Yes.  However, priority registration is given to State partners and educational staff who interact with our schools.  Therefore, you may be waitlisted to ensure these individuals are accommodated. 


Are vendors permitted to attend or exhibit at the conference?

No. The Maryland Center for School Safety is a State Agency, not an association.  Therefore, we do not permit vendors to exhibit or attend our conference. Registration is monitored, and any registrations identified as vendors will be canceled. 


Will there be pre-conference events leading up to the conference?

Yes, we will have webinars leading into the conference, as well as a launch presentation the evening of July 21st. 


Where is the conference?

The conference will take place at the Turf Valley Resort in Howard County, Ellicott City, Maryland.


When is the conference?

There will be a launch presentation and early registration on Tuesday, July 21st at 5:00 p.m. with Lynn Reimer ("The Drug Lady"), who will be presenting "New Trends in Substance Abuse......What You Need to Know" tailored to Maryland, and the conference will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both Wednesday, July 22, and Thursday, July 23, 2026.​


Is there a fee to attend?

No. There is no cost to attend our conference.


Will meals be provided?

Yes. Lunch will be provided both days of the conference.  A continental breakfast will be provided on the last day of the conference. 


Will hotel rooms be provided?

Unfortunately, MCSS is only able to provide hotel rooms to conference presenters; however, attendees can book their own room(s) at Turf Valley Resort by calling 410-465-1500 or 888-833-8873.

Rooms can also be booked at a negotiated rate at the following alternative hotels in the area. 

DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia 12 mi. from Turf Valley
5485 Twin Knolls Road; Columbia, MD 21045
Zel: 410.991.1060 ​
Rate: $159 per night by June 30, 2026

Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia, 10 mi. from Turf Valley
4950 Beaver Run Court; Ellicott City, MD 21043
Tel: 410.997.7200
Rate:$113 per night by June 30, 2026
Booking Code: PREPARE2026​


Will Continuing Education Credits be offered to those attending the conference?

MCSS will submit applications to the entities we believe the conference aligns with.  These will include requests for in-service credits for law enforcement, professional development points for administrators and teachers, and CEUs/CPDs for school counselors, psychologists, and social workers.  


Please note that the ability to offer these credits and final approvals is at the sole discretion of the approving organization.


Is there a capacity limit for the conference? 

Yes, the conference is limited to 500 people. Once registration reaches its limit, all additional requests will be placed on a waitlist.


Is there a deadline to register for the conference? 

Yes, registration for PREPARE 2026 will close on Monday, July 6, 2026.


How do I register to attend the conference? 

Click here to register for the conference
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How do I submit a proposal to present at your conference? 

The call for speakers for PREPARE 2026 closed Friday,  January 9th.