AMCHP is excited to host its first-ever hybrid conference and welcome virtual attendees from across the U.S. and all nine U.S.-affiliated jurisdictions! We’re confident that virtual attendees will have a meaningful conference experience, get to network with other virtual attendees, engage with content and presenters during live sessions, and leave the conference feeling energized with new ideas and connections.

What will virtual attendees have access to during the conference?

• Watch all three live-streamed plenaries, participate in the discussion chat with other participants, and ask questions of plenary speakers via the conference platform.
• Participate in one live-streamed workshop during each concurrent workshop session where you can ask presenters questions; in-person AMCHP staff will be a bridge to asking questions, and you will also have a dedicated virtual AMCHP staff person in your workshop session.
  • Virtual participants will have access to view any uploaded documents (e.g., slides, handouts, etc.) for ALL sessions, including in-person sessions.
• Participate in three rounds of live virtual workshops on May 9, where you can pick which workshop to attend; these will happen live via Zoom.
• Access more than 100 posters on the conference platform.
• Virtual networking opportunities (more information coming soon!)
• Dedicated AMCHP staff who will support your virtual conference experience.

There is a dedicated virtual experience workgroup on the AMCHP Conference Planning Committee that has a few things in the works to ensure you have a smooth and successful virtual conference experience:

New updates for virtual attendees

• A new virtual attendee conference schedule is live on the conference website! The new virtual schedule makes it clearer what sessions virtual attendees can attend live.
• In-person workshop presenters are being encouraged to record practice sessions to make more content available to virtual attendees (as well as in-person attendees who can only attend one workshop at a time); these recordings will be uploaded to the conference platform for viewing.
• A survey to understand what sort of virtual networking activities you might be interested in was sent to all registered virtual attendees on March 13. If you plan to attend the AMCHP Conference virtually, please take a few minutes to complete this short survey by March 31. The survey also provides a space for other recommendations and concerns. Access the survey at this link.

What can virtual attendees expect in the time leading up to the conference?

• A pre-conference webinar on Monday, May 1, at 2 PM ET (this will be recorded) hosted by AMCHP that will walk you through how you can engage in different sessions and smoothly navigate the conference platform.
• AMCHP will create a resource just for virtual attendees with all the conference information you need to know in one place (e.g., what you can do on the conference platform, how to join and engage in the plenary sessions, live-stream workshops and virtual workshops).
• A virtual “Before You Go” email to ensure you have all the necessary information for a streamlined conference experience.
• Daily communication during the AMCHP Conference about what is scheduled for each day, any important announcements, and well as contact information for virtual support staff at AMCHP and Conference Managers.

Why attend the AMCHP Conference virtually?

We know how busy public health professionals are and that not everyone feels ready to attend in-person conferences or has the resources to do so. The virtual AMCHP Conference experience has a lot of advantages, including:

• Cost savings: No travel, accommodation, or meal expenses, plus a discounted virtual registration rate compared to in-person registration.
• Convenience: No need to worry about commuting or taking time off of work.
• Flexibility: Attend sessions at your own pace and fit them around your other personal and professional commitments; you’ll have access to plenty of on-demand content after the conference too!
• Reduce environmental impact: Reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding travel-related emissions and the use of printed materials.

If you have any questions or suggestions for how we can improve your virtual conference experience, please email Maura Leahy (mleahy@amchp.org) and Paige Falion (pbussanich@amchp.org).