2026 Call for Abstracts

You may submit an abstract for one of the following formats below.

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Program/Research “Showcase” Session (30 minutes)

• These short (30 minutes) Program/Research Showcase Sessions are intended to provide attendees with a quick synopsis of a public health program or relevant research. Presenters should plan on a presentation of no more than 20 minutes to allow time for audience questions and answers.  

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Program/Research “Showcase” Session (1 hour)

•  1 hour Program/Research Showcase Sessions are intended to provide attendees with in-depth presentation and discussion opportunities, featuring a successful practice, program, or research on key issues. This session differs from a 30 minute Program/Research Showcase Session in that presenters are expected to engage participants in interactive learning activities and/or audience discussions. Presenters should plan to leave at least 15 minutes for interactive discussion between the audience and panel members. 

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Skill building Session (1.5 hours)

• Skill-building or workshop sessions are intended to teach a specific skill needed by public health professionals and include one or more exercises that let attendees practice using and developing this skill. This session differs from a Program/Research Showcase Session in that attendees will have a hands-on opportunity to practice the skill, versus a lecture-based session. Abstracts should clearly describe, in detail,  how presenters plan to provide and engage participants in the hands-on learning opportunity. Please note that skill building session slots are limited. 

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Poster Session

• Poster sessions are intended to provide a graphic presentation of program or research findings by displaying graphs, photos, diagrams and descriptive text. The authors will then hold discussions with the registrants who are circulating among the poster boards during the designated poster session time frame. There will be a judged poster session, where awards will be given to students and non-student participants. Posters for this category have to be submitted by the student/primary author, but supervising faculty can be listed as a co-author, not the primary author. The presenter should remain by their poster board for the duration of the one hour session during the judging component to answer questions.

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Emerging Leader Showcase Presentations (15 minute presentation)​

• These short (15 minute) Emerging Leader Showcase Sessions are intended to provide attendees with a quick synopsis of a public health program or relevant research, including academic projects. The Emerging Leader Showcase will feature three selected presentations to participate as part of this hour-long session. 

• Eligible applicants for this showcase include: 

  • Current students who are interested in public health and/or pursuing a degree

  • Early career professionals who have been practicing in the field for less than 5 years

• Applicants selected for presentations in the showcase will receive a scholarship to attend the conference

• Applicants may also submit abstract proposals under the other submission options.

• Please note: First-time presenters are encouraged to apply

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Wellness/Professional Development Sessions (1 hour)

In addition to our call for public health-themed abstracts, we are making an additional call for abstracts on wellness, networking, and professional development. Do you have a skill that you'd like to share with others? On day two, Wednesday 9/23, we are offering these one-hour sessions that are devoted to the following topics:

1. Wellness (yoga, mindfulness, journaling, meditation, guided walk, arts & crafts activity, etc.)

2. Networking (facilitate a topic-focused networking event in a room, such as speed networking or a networking walk and talk, networking skills, creative networking ideas, etc. )

3. Professional Development (resume building, improve interviewing skills, and/or special techniques to look for and apply for a job, etc.)

We'd love to hear your ideas! Please note that we are not looking for professionals to use these sessions to promote/sell their business, but to offer their skills to attendees of the conference.