The 2026 MPHA Annual Conference will be held at the Atwood Memorial Center, St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN and virtually on April 13 - 14, 2026. 

Key Dates

• Call for Proposals: November 14 - December 30, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. Noon CT
• Proposal Review period: December 30 afternoon - January 14, 2026
• Presenter Notifications: January 20; accept by January 28
• Early Bird Registration:  January 14 - February 14
• Regular Registration: February 15 - April 6
• Hotel Room Block Deadlines:  
• Cancellation/Refund Deadline: 
• Conference Dates: April 13-14, 2026 at the Atwood Memorial Center, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN

The Minnesota Public Health Association (MPHA)’s Annual Conference will be held April 13-14, 2026 in-person in the Atwood Memorial Center at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN.  A virtual component will also be available. This year’s conference theme, Innovation in Action: Reimagining the Future of Public Health, uplifts creativity, resiliency, and creates space for listening and dialoguing to drive meaningful change in our communities. We invite attendees to consider:

• How can we move beyond traditional approaches to address today’s public health challenges and build healthier generations ahead? 

• How do community health workers influence our larger public health systems? 

• How can we best empower emerging public health leaders? 

From climate and environmental impacts to health equity, workforce sustainability, and systems transformation, this year’s conference will highlight how Minnesotans are turning bold ideas into real solutions for a healthier, more connected future.

Continuing Education hours will be available (anticipated CHES/MCHES, CPH, Nursing, and Social Work) and a general certificate will be available upon request. 

Upon conclusion of the conference, attendees will be able to:

1. Showcase Innovative Public Health Solutions

Attendees will learn about cutting-edge strategies, technologies, and community-rooted approaches to influence policy and systems change, transforming how Minnesotans address today’s most pressing public health challenges.

2. Support Collaboration and Emerging Leadership Across Public Health

Attendees will create space for dialogue and connection across sectors and career stages to spark collaborative solutions that advance health equity and support emerging leaders through applied learning and networking opportunities.

3. Advance System Support of Community Health Workers

Attendees will advance understanding and discussion of system supports for community health workers by exploring sustainable workforce development solutions—including training, career pathways, integration into care teams, and payment models that recognize and resource their essential contributions.

The MPHA annual meeting brings together public health professionals at all stages of their careers—students, early/mid-career professionals, retired experts—alongside community leaders, elders, and faith-based groups from across Minnesota. This event fosters information exchange and collaboration to advance public health and build a healthier, more inclusive Minnesota. Dedicated public health professionals and engaged community members are invited to connect, share ideas, and gain valuable skills to support their work and communities.

The application will be made for public health nursing, social work, and CHES/MCHES/CPH continuing education credits.

MPHA greatly subsidizes the attendee cost of the conference and relies upon sponsors to help keep the conference accessible and affordable for all who wish to attend.

Conference sponsorship and exhibitor information is coming soon!

If interested in supporting across MPHA, please view general MPHA sponsorships and organizational memberships.