People-Powered Public Health
Public health has always been powered by people.
It’s powered by the local leaders responding to emerging challenges, the partners building stronger communities, the innovators finding new solutions, and the dedicated professionals who show up every day to improve the health of Missourians. The 2026 Governmental Public Health Summit is where those people come together.
As Missouri’s premier gathering of governmental public health leaders and partners, GPHS is more than a event, it’s an opportunity to connect with the people shaping the future of public health across our state. Over three days, you’ll hear fresh perspectives from inspiring speakers, discover practical strategies you can put into action, and engage in meaningful conversations that spark new ideas and strengthen lasting partnerships.
Whether you’re leading a local public health agency, supporting statewide initiatives, advancing research, strengthening data systems, or building healthier communities, you’ll find opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow alongside colleagues who share your commitment to moving public health forward.
Because when we invest in people, we strengthen partnerships. When we strengthen partnerships, we improve communities. That’s the power of People-Powered Public Health, and we hope you’ll be part of it.
Event Details
Dates
Monday, December 7 – Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Location
Lodge of the Four Seasons
Lake Ozark, Missouri
Book your hotel here.
Registration
Early Bird Registration: $125
August 1 – September 30
General Registration: $150
October 1 – November 16
Registration includes:
- Keynote and plenary sessions
- Educational breakout sessions
- Networking opportunities
- Welcome reception
- Breakfasts, lunches, and refreshment breaks
Why Attend?
Learn
Gain practical strategies, innovative ideas, and real-world solutions from public health leaders across Missouri.
Connect
Build relationships with colleagues, partners, and organizations working to strengthen public health throughout the state.
Collaborate
Share experiences, explore new partnerships, and discover opportunities to advance public health together.
Be Inspired
Celebrate the people behind Missouri’s public health system and leave with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and actionable takeaways.
Agenda
Pre-Summit Events – Dec. 7th
2:00pm-6:00pm Registration Table Opens
2:00pm – 3:30pm Pre-Summit Workshop | Shared Resources and Services
4:00pm-6:00pm Welcome Reception
Light snacks and refreshments provided
Day One – Dec. 8th
8:00am-6:00pm Registration Table Open
8:00am-9:30am Breakfast
8:30am – 9:30am Welcome and Keynote Speaker
9:30am – 9:45am Transition to Breakouts
9:45am – 10:45am Breakout Session | The Sunshine Law
9:45am – 10:45am Breakout Session | Preview of the 2027 Legislative Session; Advocacy + lobbying
10:45am – 11:00am Transition to Breakouts
11:00am – 12:00pm Breakout Session | Bridging the Gap: Working with Boards and Commissioners New to Public Health
11:00am – 12:00pm Breakout Session | Public Health Ethics, Deliberation, and Resolution
12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm – 1:15pm Transition to Breakouts
1:15pm – 2:15pm Deep Dive | Conversations about Critical Topics in Public Health
2:15pm – 2:30pm Snack Break | Transition to Group Session
2:30pm – 3:30pm Group Session | Hot Topics
6:00pm – LPHA Celebration Dinner
Dinner will be provided and is included in registration
Day Two – Dec. 9th
8:00am-2:00pm Registration Table Open
8:00am-9:30AM Breakfast
8:30am – 9:30am Welcome and Keynote | Bridging the Divide Between Urban and Rural LPHAs
9:30am – 9:45am Transition to Networking Sprint
9:45am – 10:45am Group Session | Networking Sprint
10:45am – 11:00am Transition to Breakouts
11:00am – 12:00pm Breakout Session | Workshop: Key Features in LPHA Communications Plans
11:00am – 12:00pm Breakout Session | PHAB Standards & Measures Version 2026: Key Updates
12:15pm – 12:30pm Transition to Lunch
12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch, MOCPHE Awards Ceremony
1:30pm-2:00pm Closing Session | Looking Ahead: MOPHI Updates
Keynote Speaker
Announcement Coming Soon
We’re excited to welcome a keynote speaker who embodies this year’s theme of People-Powered Public Health.
Stay tuned for more information.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Missouri Public Health Institute extends its sincere appreciation to the organizations whose support helps make the Governmental Public Health Summit possible.
Interested in supporting Missouri’s premier governmental public health event?
GPHS sponsorships provide meaningful opportunities to connect with public health leaders and decision-makers from across Missouri while demonstrating your organization’s commitment to strengthening public health.
Join Us at GPHS 2026
Be part of the conversations, connections, and collaborations shaping the future of public health in Missouri.
People Powered Public Health starts with people like you.