Public Health Conference of Iowa

April 8–9, 2026

The state’s premier gathering for public health professionals, featuring networking, education, and advocacy opportunities.

The Public Health Conference of Iowa (PHCI) is a must-attend event for all Iowans who work in public health, environmental health, primary care, health promotion, health education, laboratory sciences and more!

With the theme Game On: A New Era of Public Health, the 2026 Public Health Conference of Iowa (PHCI) will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities designed to help participants unlock new strategies, level up their skills, and connect with partners dedicated to advancing equity and creating healthier communities. Together, we’ll navigate new challenges, discover innovative solutions, and move public health into its next era—one level at a time.

Conference Agenda

Sponsors and Exhibitors

Play your part in shaping a new era of public health — sponsoring or exhibiting provides your organization with visibility, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to support Iowa’s public health professionals. Let’s work together to face challenges head-on with collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the health of all Iowans.

Partnership Opportunities

Sponsor Registration

Exhibitor Registration

Registration is Now Open

Registration is now open for the 2026 Public Health Conference of Iowa (PHCI26)—Iowa’s premier gathering of public health professionals, students, and partners. Join more than 500 colleagues from across the state for learning, networking, and inspiration as we explore timely public health issues, share innovative practices, and strengthen the connections that move our work forward. Game on!

This year’s conference is located at the Holiday Inn Des Moines – Airport. Rooms are available at a reduced rate of $119 per night. Reserve your room by March 17, 2026, to guarantee event pricing.

Reserve Your Hotel Room

If you have any questions, please contact PHCI Conference Coordinator, Hannah Albrecht, halb@iastate.edu.

Keynote Speakers

Himar Hernandez, Iowa State University Extension

Born in Africa, Himar grew up in Spain and Germany until he came to Iowa as an exchange student at the age of 15. He is the State Assistant Director for Community and Economic Development for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and was previously the Director of the New Iowan Center (Iowa Workforce) for Southeast Iowa.

Himar is co-author of several research papers and his work in small rural communities has been featured in Good Morning America, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Wall Street Journal and NBC Today. He is a recipient of the Passport to Prosperity Award and was named one of 14 people to watch by the Des Moines Register. Himar and his family live in Ottumwa.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, University of Minnesota School of Public Health

Dr. Michael Osterholm is Regents Professor and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota.

A leading expert on infectious diseases, pandemics, and global health security, he served as Minnesota’s state epidemiologist for 15 years and has advised U.S. and international agencies on public health preparedness, including the CDC, NIH, FDA, and WHO. He is the author of the New York Times best-selling books Deadliest Enemy and Living Terrors and a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the Council on Foreign Relations.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Command Center Sponsor