Highlights from the 2026 Preparedness Summit
From April 13 to 16, over 2,000 public health professionals gathered in Baltimore and virtually for the 2026 Preparedness Summit. Attendees gained the knowledge, resources, and relationships necessary to bolster their ability to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies.
The conference theme, “Protecting Our Communities: State and Local Preparedness in Action” spotlighted the need for increased self-reliance on state and local partnerships amid a changing federal policy and budget landscape. This conference is the beginning of an ongoing national conversation focusing on the evolution of the public health preparedness system.
Through over 200 educational and poster sessions, attendees explored the conference theme as well as issues including the 2026 FIFA World Cup; radiation and chemical emergency preparedness; community resilience; pandemic response and recovery; volunteer management; emergency operations, planning, and management; healthcare; behavioral health; impacts of extreme weather; impacts of wildfires and smoke; monitoring and data analysis; and hurricane response and recovery. A new “Preparedness 101” track was available to attendees interested in exploring core concepts and key terminology within public health preparedness.
Eight engaging Town Hall sessions shared important updates on pressing issues in preparedness and offered the opportunity for attendees to share feedback with presenters and peers.
The Preparedness Summit’s Exhibit Hall provided an opportunity to learn about services and products tailored to the needs of public health agencies and professionals.
Highlights from each day of the Preparedness Summit offer a more in-depth look at key moments from the conference.
- Click here to see highlights from the opening day of the conference, including the plenary discussion, Stronger Together: Evolving Models of State and Local Collaboration.
- Click here to see highlights from day two of the conference, including Town Halls and poster presentations.
- Click here to see highlights from day three of the conference, including the plenary discussion, Staying Alert: New Models for State and Local Situational Awareness.
- Click here to see highlights from the final day of the conference, including the plenary discussion, At the Ready: Stockpiling in Your State.
What’s Next?
Click here to see photos from the 2026 Preparedness Summit.
Save the date for the 2027 Preparedness Summit in Atlanta, GA in April 2027.
View On Demand Content
On demand sessions and recordings from the conference will be available for one year following the conference. Registrants will receive details on how to access these resources.
Stay Connected
For more about the conference, visit www.preparednesssummit.org. Subscribe to the Preparedness Summit e-newsletter to get the latest news on the 2027 Preparedness Summit.
