Minnesota Public Health Association VIRTUAL 2020 Annual Conference

“The Power of Many: Building a Healthier Future Together for All”

Dear MPHA Supporters, 

Our MPHA conference originally planned for May, then rescheduled to September 15-16 at the Eagan Community Center, changed again due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. We also recognize many of you have had your work situations change drastically in the last few months, and recognize the need to adjust accordingly.

Thank you to all who completed the survey on what type of virtual conference format is most desirable, the flexibility and patience of our presenters, sponsors, and attendees while we reformatted the program. 

Please note, if you originally registered for the in-person conference, you should have received an email with instructions to re-register for the virtual conference.

Contact admin@mpha.net with any registration questions.

We are pleased many of our original speakers will present at our revised conference and look forward to connecting with you - virtually - in September! 

Thank you to our MPHA 2020 Annual Conference Sponsors!

OVERVIEW:

The 2020 Minnesota Public Health Association Annual Conference will be held online this year. The theme is: “The Power of Many:  Building a Healthier Future Together for All”. Addressing today’s public health challenges requires innovation and collaboration. The Minnesota Public Health Association’s 2020 Annual Conference will feature Minnesota-based programs and initiatives founded on public health partnerships across the lifespan of the people they serve. Learn what can be achieved through bold, innovative approaches and thoughtful, courageous collaborations.

The MPHA annual meeting gathers public health professionals at every level from students to mid-career professionals to retired experts from around the state to exchange information and create a healthier Minnesota through effective public health practice and engaged citizens.  Dedicated public health professionals who want to connect with peers, pick up new ideas and gain skills to bring back to their workplace or community are encouraged to attend. 

OBJECTIVES

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

• Describe 2 innovative public health approaches being utilized to address old issues in new, more equitable ways.

• Identify 3 public health initiatives where success is contingent upon collaborations among community members, public health professionals, and other non-public health professionals.

• Share 3 ideas or concepts to take back to their workplace and community to build a healthier future for people of all ages, across their life spans.

AUDIENCE

All stakeholders interested in improving the health of Minnesota communities are encouraged to attend.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS

This event has been approved for eight (8.0)CHES/(4.0)MCHES, 8 CPH and Nursing CEUs.

LOCATION

Virtual conference - Zoom information will be sent with registration confirmation

SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE

Tuesday, September 15, 2020
11:00 am - 12:00 pm	Keynote address: Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm
12:00 - 12:55 pm	Concurrent sessions
12:55 - 1:05 pm	Break
1:05 - 2:00 pm	Concurrent sessions
2:00 - 3:00 pm	Day 1 Closing Plenary: Amira Adawe & Dr. Nathan Chomilo
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
11:00 am - 12:00 pm	Day 2 Opening Plenary: Vaping Panel
12:00 - 12:55 pm	Concurrent sessions
12:55 - 1:05 pm	Break
1:05 - 2:00 pm	Concurrent sessions
2:00 - 3:00 pm	Day 2 Closing Plenary: Mayoral Panel

NEW CONFERENCE PROGRAM 

Please review the new Virtual Conference Program draft.

Registration will ask you to choose a breakout session to help Zoom breakout room planning.

Since sessions will be recorded and available at a later date, we will ask attendees to stay in their pre-selected breakout room if possible.

NEW CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY - updated 8/20/20

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve adjusted our registration cancellation policy. 

If you registered for the conference prior to August 22, 2020:

Your original registration will be canceled and a credit automatically issued for future MPHA charges. If this is acceptable, you do not need to do anything.

If you prefer to have a refund, or, donate to the MPHA Scholarship Fund (either all of your original conference fee, or, the difference between your original fee and the new reduced rate), please email admin@mpha.net with your preference.

If you register after August 22, 2020:

Cancelations are accepted until September 13, and must be submitted to admin@mpha.net.

Memberships and donations that have been charged are nonrefundable. 

We hope this policy will give those planning to attend the conference more flexibility. 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Please see 2020 Annual Conference Sponsorship Information. Contact Merry Grande (admin@mpha.net) with questions. Adjustments are being made for sponsor benefits at our virtual events.

If you/your organization is interested in sponsoring MPHA's yearly programming, please see yearly sponsorship information here.

Thank you to our MPHA 2020 Annual Conference Sponsors!

SCHOLARSHIPS

MPHA strives to make conference attendance possible for all interested participants. Based on the amount of scholarship sponsors we receive, MPHA will offer a limited number of need-based scholarships to defray registration costs.

Eligibility:  MPHA is committed to ensuring that conference participants from priority populations including people of color and American Indians, LGBTQ communities, persons with disabilities, and public health students attend and participate in our annual conference.  Based on the amount of scholarship fundraising, MPHA will have a limited number of scholarships for registration for attendees who identify themselves with one of these priority populations, or for those that have a special interest in advancing healthy equity in any one of these populations.  In addition, a limited number of scholarships are available through a lottery to support attendees traveling 100 + miles to attend the conference, or, who work for an agency with a general operating budget of less than $50,000.

To apply for a scholarship, please describe your interest by emailing admin@mpha.net. Applications are now being received on a rolling basis and awarded according to the donations in our scholarship fund.

The planning committee has developed a program that recognizes the need to engage many stakeholders to help address public health problems.  With your support, we hope to provide need-based access to individuals who might not otherwise attend and participate in this conversation. Individuals are invited to make a contribution in any amount, and will receive recognition on the conference registration website, in the program, and in a letter to all attendees receiving a full or partial registration scholarship.

Contributions may be made online at MPHA's donation page (check "scholarship support" and write "annual conference" in the Special Instructions), or, mailed to MPHA at: PO Box 14415, Minneapolis, MN 55414. MPHA is a 501(c)(3) organization.

ACCESSIBILITY COMMITMENT

MPHA is committed to making the Annual Conference accessible to the widest range of people possible. If you need assistance for your participation in the meeting, please submit a request in writing by September 8 outlining specific type of assistance required to admin@mpha.net.

PARTICIPATION POLICY

The virtual conference will be held over our Zoom platform and sessions recorded. By attending the meeting, you acknowledge these activities and grant MPHA permission to use your participation for Association publications, website, and marketing materials. You waive all claims against MPHA for any liability resulting from these uses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The 2020 MPHA Annual Conference Planning Committee is chaired by Kathleen Norlien, Summer Robbins, and Merry Grande. Please direct questions to Merry Grande, MPHA Executive Director.