The 2026 National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference will take place virtually on September 29–30, 2026, continuing a proud tradition that began in 1988 in Kansas City, Missouri. For nearly four decades, the NPN Conference has convened prevention leaders from across the country, growing to engage 700–1,000 participants annually. This dynamic virtual event ensures broad access and participation from professionals dedicated to advancing substance use prevention in communities, states, and nationwide.

Submission Requirements and Deadline

 The Call for Abstracts will be open from March 30 through April 27, 2026. All workshop sessions will be presented virtually and are one (1) hour long.

You will be asked to provide the following information via the abstract submission process:

• Primary Presenter information (name, credentials, contact information, title, organization) *accepted presentations will have the opportunity to add co-presenters at a later date
• Submission Title (250-character limit)
• Session Description (short version: 5000-character limit)
• Three to four (3-4) learning objectives: (300-character limit)
• Prevention activities/strategies/programs you implemented; how and in what setting(s).
• Target population(s)
• Evaluation outcomes: If no outcomes at this point, state the outcomes you hope to achieve

To submit an abstract, you will be required to create an account using your email address. Once an account has been created, you can submit and edit your abstract until the deadline, Monday, April 27, 2026, 11:59 PM PT.

*Abstracts will not be accepted after the deadline.

 

Selection Announcement: All submitters will be notified of the selected abstracts the week of June 15, 2026.  

 

Please note that abstract submission or acceptance does not include conference registration. Presenters with accepted abstracts are required to register separately for the 2026 National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference and cover the registration fee.

 

Topics of Interest

Workshop proposals must fit into one of the topics listed below related to substance use prevention. Proposals should address the conference theme: Mastering the Craft of Prevention: Where Science and Practice Meet

 

Highlighted Topics:

1. Evidence-based and Evidence-informed Programs, Strategies, and Policies to Prevent or Reduce Substance Use
2. Overcoming Challenges and Opportunities for Resilience in Substance Use Prevention Work
3. Substance Use Prevention Programs, Strategies, and Policies for All
4. Intersection of Substance Use Prevention and Other Health/Social Issues
5. Substance Use Prevention Workforce Development
6. Technology’s Influence on Substance Use Prevention

Note: The topic descriptions below are representative of issues, trends, and discussion points provided as examples. Presenters must submit proposals within the topics listed below. Downloadable list of topics.

1. Evidence-based and Evidence-informed Programs, Strategies, and Policies to Prevent or Reduce Substance Use

Evidence-based substance use prevention programs, strategies, and policies across the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services (SUPTRS) Block Grant six prevention strategies (Information Dissemination, Prevention Education, Alternative Activities, Environmental Strategies, Community-based Processes, Identification of Problems and Referral to Services); translating research to prevention practice; state and community program outcomes; successful public awareness, social media or marketing efforts; and evidence-informed emerging practices in prevention.

 

2. Overcoming Challenges and Opportunities for Resilience in Substance Use Prevention Work

Demonstrating the resilience of substance use prevention in challenging times. From emerging drug trends, new technology, added responsibilities, and funding uncertainty; highlighting innovative practices that help substance use prevention professionals meet these challenges and continue the important work.

 

3. Substance Use Prevention Programs, Strategies, and Policies for All

Highlighting evidence-based and evidence-informed substance use prevention programs, policies, and practices aimed at all ages across the lifespan (youth, young adults, adults, older adults); opportunities for incorporating substance use prevention across the continuum of care (prevention and early intervention, treatment, and recovery support). Substance use prevention strategies and programs that address gaps in services for different populations; address risk and protective factors; and other issues that are essential in ensuring that programs, policies, and practices are effectively implemented for all populations.

 

 4. Intersection of Substance Use Prevention and Other Health/Social Issues

Evidence-based or evidence-informed prevention programs and strategies that address risk and protective factors and consider the intersection of substance use and other health and social issues, including, but not limited to, mental health, suicide, problem gambling, eating disorders, violence, sexual violence, and maternal health.

 

5. Substance Use Prevention Workforce Development

Activities to build, sustain, and train the substance use prevention workforce such as recruitment, onboarding new staff, training, retention, and succession planning; instituting core competencies and certification; increasing pay and other compensation; developing youth leadership skills; strengthening and diversifying the prevention workforce; developing career paths and ladders; enhancing prevention ethics; strengthening the rural prevention workforce development; and developing workforce strategic plans.

 

6. Technology’s Influence on Substance Use Prevention

Innovative strategies for using technology in this digital age to promote substance use prevention programs, media campaigns, and messages. This includes social media platforms, apps, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). How technology has impacted young people through gaming apps, advertising/promoting substances, and the challenges it poses for prevention.

 

Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday, April 27, 2026, 11:59 PM