Alcohol Policy Seminar (APS)
The Alcohol Policy Seminar (APS) is a training and networking opportunity for communities working to reduce excessive alcohol use – Wisconsin’s most persistent public health challenge. Alcohol-related problems continue to grow, including disease, injuries, domestic violence, underage drinking, motor vehicle crashes, and other harms.
The Next APS is happening in 2026 | Location TBD in Wisconsin
Seminar Overview
APS focuses on upstream, primary prevention and supports policies and practices that reduce excessive alcohol use and its impact. Participants will discuss and deepen their understanding of the alcohol policy environment and how policy can impact excessive alcohol use. They will also strategize ways to reduce excessive alcohol use and its harms.
APS provides a networking hub for community members from many involved sectors, including local, regional, and national experts, and it allows people who work in fields that impact public health to learn from each other.
Who should attend?: Substance use coalition members, researchers, public health professionals, law enforcement, local elected officials, physicians, learners, preventionists, transportation professionals, epidemiologists, local officials such as clerks, members of alcohol license review committees, and anyone interested in reducing excessive alcohol use in Wisconsin.
Seminar Information
Locations & Times
Day 1
Typically a half-day starting the afternoon
Day 2
Typically a full day from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Session Topics
Topics include alcohol and cancer, alcohol licensing, the relationship between violence and alcohol outlet density, lifting the voice of those with lived experience, Place of Last Drink, and more.
2024 Featured Speaker
Coach Tim Decorah, former University of Wisconsin-Platteville basketball player who played under Bo Ryan, talked about his work to inspire youth and his journey with substance and alcohol use.
2024 Seminar Highlights
Community leaders shared how they are working to reduce excessive alcohol use by using policy, partnerships and best practices in areas such as Alcohol Age Compliance Checks, Place of Last Drink, Communications and more.
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue discussed the state’s new alcohol regulations.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation discussed community maps, alcohol outlet density, and how to use those tools.
During the lunch session, APS hosted the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Heroes Luncheon to honor law enforcement officials whose work reduces impaired driving and improves public safety.
Continuing Education & Accreditation Information
In 2024, the APS offered the following continuing education credits:
ACCME Accreditation Statement
The Medical College of Wisconsin is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA Credit Designation Statement
The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this live activity for a maximum of 11 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Hours of Participation for Allied Health Care Professionals
The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this activity for up to 11 hours of participation for continuing education for allied health professionals.