Be the Difference Conference & Expo is more than just a training event. It’s a movement built by dispatchers, for dispatchers.
Created through the life-changing mission of the Denise Amber Lee Foundation, this annual gathering brings together 9-1-1 professionals from across the country for a deeply impactful experience that blends expert-led training, heartfelt storytelling, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Foundation was established by Nathan Lee in 2008 following the tragic loss of his wife, Denise. Since then, Nathan has dedicated his life to sharing her story and helping prevent similar tragedies.
The Foundation’s work continues at this conference by focusing on:
High-quality, uniform training
Standardized protocols and quality assurance practices
Measurable performance outcomes
Technology-driven innovation in emergency communications
Be the Difference is uniquely intimate, designed specifically for telecommunicators. Every session is intentional, and every speaker understands the demands of life under the headset. It’s a space for dispatchers to feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow both personally and professionally.
In partnership with The Healthy Dispatcher, the event also features cutting-edge training from Adam Timm, a former LAPD 9-1-1 operator and national speaker on wellness, resilience, and effective leadership. Adam is a board-certified stress management consultant and the author of two books, including the #1 bestseller Stress Is Optional! How to Kick the Habit, and Dispatcher Stress: 50 Lessons on Beating the Burnout.
Participants regularly praise Adam’s energetic and engaging training style. His sessions are described as captivating, practical, and life changing. With over a decade of experience on the console and more than a decade training the nation’s top centers, Adam equips dispatchers with the tools to thrive at work and beyond.
Join us in Knoxville, TN, January 25–28, 2026 for a conference experience that delivers more than just CEUs.
This is your chance to reconnect with your “why,” grow alongside passionate professionals, and leave with actionable strategies to make a difference in your center.
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