"The purpose of the APHA Annual Meeting is to unite the public health community in order to afford professionals and/or practitioners the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and exchange information on best practices, latest research and new trends in public health. Thousands of registrants take advantage of the educational programs to meet their need for quality continuing education in a diversity of topics that ultimately assist them in their work toward improving the public’s health."  (APHA Annual Meeting Website)

For detailed information on registration, accommodations, travel and the program, visit the APHA website and click on Annual Meeting. 

Don't miss the New Connections Reception (Sunday evening), the Opening (Sunday) and the Closing Sessions (Wednesday), Career Mart (a job listing service that facilitates face-to-face meetings with employers), Public Health Expo (600 major exhibitors including schools of public health, vendors with loads of give-aways, employer prospects - governmental agencies, pharma and computer companies, publishers - and more) and any events planned specifically for students. Be sure to stop at the Mailman SPH booth for information on the Mailman reception and faculty, students and alumni who are scheduled to present at the Meeting.    

TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING THE APHA EXPERIENCE

• Order business cards through OCS to support your networking activities.  NOTE:  The Annual Meeting typically attracts more than 25,000 public health professionals.
• Update and refine your resume.  Take copies to the Annual Meeting to share with employment prospects.
• Plan your Annual Meeting itinerary now. NOTE: A typical Annual Meeting features over 1000 sessions and events. Therefore preparation is key to insuring the outcome you want.
• Review the Public Health Expo webpages to identify exhibitors you want to contact.
• Post your resume with Career Mart to let Annual Meeting employers know you are looking.
• Familiarize yourself with Sections, Special Interest Groups and Caucuses, the organizational units of APHA. At the Annual Meeting, plan to attend Section, Special Interest Group (SPIG) and Caucus meetings to identify individuals who can offer career planning and job search assistance.   Business Meetings and Social Hours also present great opportunities for networking. 
• Be proactive.  At the Annual Meeting, do not wait for others to approach you.  Take the initiative:  introduce yourself, offer a business card and briefly present your interests and goals. 
• Request informational interviews with contacts and prospects.  An informational interview can be as informal as a discussion over a cup of coffee. 
• The Annual Meeting is a professional event.  Dress, and conduct yourself, appropriately.