We the Defenders (for all but the social work track)

This August 12 – 15, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan at Wayne State University, one of the top research and community engagement centers in the country with a focus on holistic defense, NAPD will bring together the pivotal workers in defense-based systems. “We the Defenders” is the essential conference for public defense investigators, mitigation specialists, social workers, paralegals, and other core staff – all roles except attorneys – who play a critical role in defense-based work. Development opportunities, networking, collaboration, and sustainability are woven into the various workshops, small groups, plenaries, and sessions at We the Defenders. This is a celebration of the diversity, skill, and dedication that you bring to the public defense community and an acknowledgment that every member of the team is vital. We hope to see you in Detroit!

Pricing before June 17, 2024, $595 NAPD Members, $695 Non Members

Pricing June 18 and beyond  $645 NAPD Members, $745 Non Members

July 29th registration deadline

Need help with this registration process?  Watch this video.  

Scholarship Application – Due June 1

Check out the current schedule – still developing

We know you may need to convince someone else to approve you joining us.   Check out our Convince Your Boss Resources for a sample letter and other information.

Limited Hotel Room block rates available at Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Detroit Downtown

We will provide transportation from the Hotel to the Conference and back again each day via  via the Art Bus

From past participants

The NAPD “We The Defenders” conference is a “Must Attend Event!” I’ve attended twice (Indianapolis 2017 & Albuquerque 2023), and each time I walk away with new resources, new ideas, new contacts and a renewed sense of enthusiasm to share what I learned with co-workers and excited to implement knowledge gained to better assist my clients! It’s inspiring to meet others who are also “TEAM DEFENSE!” We stand together and make our voices heard!

‘WTD’ has ignited a fire in me to be more actively involved overall. I certainly want to attend everything NAPD has to offer. Until the next time I attend, I will take advantage of any opportunities provided to increase my knowledge in mitigation to better serve our people. Learning never stops in my book! Thank you NAPD for this feeling of empowerment.

My first NAPD conference and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I returned to work inspired and rejuvenated – I didn’t even realize I needed rejuvenating. It was wonderful to be in a sea of professionals who do the same work I do. I felt seen and heard, especially when discussing some of the challenges we face. It was a wonderful conference, and I am happy I went.