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2026 Annual Conference, Agenda

KPHA-KY 2026 Annual Conference

KPHA 2026 Annual Conference — the premier event bringing together Kentucky’s public health professionals, educators, and students to connect, collaborate, and advance the future of public health in the Commonwealth. KPHA has room blocks at the Marriott and Embassy Suites.

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Student Day Application

The Student Engagement Committee is actively planning a student-focused day for the 2026 Conference! We’re excited to highlight opportunities for professional growth and development tailored to our student members. Students are encouraged to apply early for the 2026 Student Scholarship, which includes a one-day workshop tailored to students and complimentary registration to the full KPHA Conference.

The Submission Deadline is: January 10, 2026.

Nominate Today for the KPHA Awards!

Do you know someone making a big impact in public health? Celebrate their achievements by nominating them for the Kentucky Public Health Association (KPHA) Awards! These awards honor individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to improve the health and well-being of Kentuckians. Whether it’s leadership, innovation, or outstanding service — your nomination matters.

Let’s recognize the people who make public health stronger — nominate today!

The Submission Deadline is: February 7, 2026

Oral Abstracts

Share your research, programs, or public health initiatives with peers across Kentucky! This is your chance to showcase innovative work and contribute to advancing public health practice and policy.

Abstract submissions will be accepted from now until December 5, 2025. All submissions will be notified of acceptance or denial by January 15, 2026. Abstracts should be at least 50 minutes with approximately 10 minutes of audience questions or 60 minutes of full content.

3M Thesis Abstracts

We invite attendees (students and non-students) to submit a 3-minute thesis presentation in one of the following categories: KPHA Public Health Practice, KPHA Research, or KPHA Epidemiology Methods.

KPHA Research Award: The KPHA Research Award recognizes an individual that implements creative and innovative research. Research must have public health emphasis but can be multi-disciplinary in nature.

KPHA Public Health Practice Award: The KPHA Public Health Practice Award is awarded to an individual who demonstrates comprehension, application, and growth regarding to public health practice.

KPHA Epidemiology Methods Award: The KPHA Epidemiology Methods Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates excellence in the design, application, or advancement of epidemiologic methods. This award honors innovative approaches that strengthen data-driven decision-making, enhance disease surveillance, or improve the understanding of population health trends within Kentucky and beyond.

The format will include presentations to a panel of judges using the 3-minute thesis approach; 3M presenters will submit an electronic version of their poster/slide and then be assigned a time to verbally present to the judges during the KPHA conference. The 3M presentations are in person, and it is required you attend the conference.

Students and Professionals are both invited to submit in the appropriate section. Students will present amongst other students and professionals will present to their peers. Awards will be presented at the Annual Awards Luncheon at the 2025 Conference.

3M abstract submissions will be accepted until January 16, 2026. All submissions will be notified of either acceptance or denial by January 30, 2026.

The presentations will most likely be on Wednesday, March 18th (subject to change).

Agenda

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Registration Open

09:00 AM - 12:00 PM

RS EXAM

09:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Exhibitors move-in

09:00 AM - 01:00 PM

KPHA Board of Directors Meeting/Strategic Planning

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Student Day Workshop/3-Minute Thesis Presentations

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM

Opening Lunch with Exhibitors

02:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Breakout Sessions

04:45 PM - 06:00 PM

Reception with Exhibitors & Sponsors

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026

08:00 AM - 06:00 PM

Registration Open

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM

Breakfast with Exhibitors

09:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Public Health 6 Ways Panel

Speakers: TBD

10:45 AM - 11:45 PM

Breakouts

11:45 PM - 12:15 PM

Networking Lunch

12:15 PM - 01:15 PM

Awards & Scholarship Presentation

01:30 PM - 04:40 PM

General Session and/or Breakouts

04:45 PM - 06:00 PM

Reception with Exhibitors

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026

08:00 AM - 08:30 AM

Registration Open/Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors

09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Member Meeting & Committee Reports

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

General Sessions and/or Breakouts

11:30 AM - 12:30 AM

Breakouts

12:30 PM

Adjourn