Peerpocalypse is a national convergence of leaders, emerging leaders, innovators, and peers who want to become more involved in the peer community. Adopting the philosophy that peers bring with them a great deal of knowledge and expertise, the event is about bringing the community together to share information, skills, and experience. Allies are welcome to attend as well. Participants may come across a workshop topic at Peerpocalypse that may be edgy or make you uncomfortable, and that’s okay. Lean into the discomfort and learn.
The History of Peerpocalypse
The Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon started Peerpocalypse as mental health conference in 2013. In 2017, MHAAO added addiction as a core component of the conference. We recognize that peers may have lived experience with one or the other. However, we know that many have lived experience with both mental health and addiction.
Why do we need a conference like Peerpocalypse?
Because:
Decisions about us continue to be made without us.
Too many members of our community are unemployed or underemployed.
A quarter of people who are incarcerated experience mental health challenges.
Approximately 50% of people who are incarcerated meet the criteria for substance use disorder.
Addiction is not just about substance use (i.e.: gambling addiction and other process addictions).
Too many members of our community live in poverty.
Members of our community die 25 years earlier than the general population.
We need to be reminded there is hope.
Coming together awakens our energy so we can all keep doing the vital work we are doing.
NOTHING reminds us more that we are a strong community than being in one place together and reconnecting as friends and allies.
We know what works and we need to share what we know with each other.
When we come together, we can turn the way things are now into the way they should be.
WHERE IS THE CONFERENCE HELD?
Historically, the conference has been held in Seaside, Oregon at the Seaside Civic and Convention Center. In 2019, it was held in Salem, Oregon due to renovations to the Seaside Convention Center. In 2020 and 2021, we pivoted to a virtual forum due to COVID-19 restrictions. In 2022, MHAAO returned to Seaside, Oregon, and hosted its first hybrid conference. Peerpocalypse remains in Oregon to reduce costs to conference participants, and to stay connected to its origins. The convention center boasts two floors. There are hotels located as close as across the street or a few blocks away; as is the beautiful West Coast beach (visit our Participate page to learn about discounted lodging options). To learn more about the Seaside Civic and Convention Center and Seaside attractions visit https://seasideconvention.com/.
As of 2022, Peerpocalypse will be offered as a hybrid conference, meaning we provide both in-person and virtual participation options. Peerpocalypse is held virtually through the Whova app and in person in Seaside, Oregon at the Seaside Convention Center, 415 1st Ave, Seaside, OR 97138.