Inclusiveness Commitment 

At APHA, we are committed to a public health community that reflects and uplifts diverse voices, experiences, and identities. This commitment guides the Annual Meeting. 

The Annual Meeting is a space for your work, experiences, and voice. We strive to create an environment where all attendees feel welcomed, respected, and able to fully participate in advancing health equity. 

Whether you are a longtime member, first-time attendee, student, or community partner, you belong here. 

Requesting Accommodations 

We encourage attendees to share accessibility needs in advance so we can best support you. 

• Indicate needs during registration or email [email protected]  
• American Sign Language & CART requests are due by Aug. 31  
• Final session schedules for interpreters are due by Sept. 25  

We make every effort to accommodate late or onsite requests, but availability may be limited. If you have a need that is not addressed below, please email us.  

Accessibility Services 

Auditory Support 

Arrangements for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, amplification devices and computer assisted real-time captioning (CART) are available. If you require services not listed below or want more information, email us.   

ASL and CART   

ASL interpretation and CART services require advance planning due to the size of the APHA Annual Meeting. 

• Request deadline: Submit intent form by Aug. 31 for ASL interpretation and/or CART  
• Final schedule due: Sept. 25 (email to [email protected])  

We will make every effort to accommodate late requests, but interpreter availability may be limited. Onsite requests can be made at the Accessibility BoothDesk located in the Convention Center, but are not guaranteed as resources may be limited. All General Sessions and Champion Conversations will include live captioning, and General Sessions will also include ASL interpretation. All livestreamed sessions will be captioned. Sessions with ASL or CART will be identified in the online program. 

Amplification Devices   

A limited number of amplification devices will be available. These compact devices amplify the sound in the room and can be carried from one room to another. To reserve an amplification device ahead of time, contact [email protected], or visit the Accessibility Desk on-site.  

Mobility Support 

These references are provided for information purposes only and are not endorsed by APHA. Meeting participants are responsible for arranging and covering costs associated with the renting of mobility aids.  

Mobility Works   - (210) 714-4851  

Durable Medical Equipment   - (210) 745-2829  

Mobility Medical Equipment 

Scooter/Wheelchair Rentals  - (888) 403-5364 

Scoot Around   

Onsite Services 

Information Desk 

Open during registration hours.   

    Locations: 

• HBGCC Grand Lobby, Street Level 
• Grand Hyatt: Level Two by escalators 

Alternatively, you may send accessibility questions or concerns to [email protected] with the subject line “On-Site Accessibility.” A phone number will also be provided in the program and mobile app. Those working with an ASL interpreter will receive a number to text the sign language interpreter directly.   

Quiet Spaces 

Unplugged Lounge 

Location: HBGCC Room 218, Second Level 

This quiet space can be used to gather your thoughts, reset, pray, or take a break away from crowds. This room will be set with low light, comfortable seating and relaxation items for those who feel overstimulated. This is not a work space. Devices are prohibited in this lounge.  

Exhibit Hall Quiet Hours 

Location: HBGCC Halls 3-4, Street Level 

Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 3, 9-10 a.m. 

For a sensory-friendly experience, attend the Public Health Expo during the morning. Lights will be dimmed and there will not be any presentations (posters and theaters) during this time. Exhibitors have been asked not to play any loud music or videos at their booth.   

Restrooms  

Locations will be identified in the online program and mobile app for your convenience.  

HBGCC Locations (Single occupant/family restrooms) 

• Level 1 near Hall 1 and near Hall 4A, Streel Level 
• Second Level near rooms 208, 221, and 225, Second Level 
• Level 3 outside the Stars at Night Ballroom, HemisFair Ballroom and near room 301, Third Level 

Grand Hyatt Location (Gender-neutral restroom)  

• Fourth floor, located outside the Republic Room 

We recognize that inclusion is an ongoing process, and we continue to listen and learn from attendee feedback. If there is anything that you need to be successful that is not listed, send an email to [email protected] for assistance. 

Getting Around 

Transportation 

APHA Event Shuttles 

APHA provides shuttle service to official hotels that are more than one mile from the Convention Center. APHA's shuttle service is fully accessible.  Registrants who are unable to utilize APHA’s on-call accessible transportation option may utilize cab service, Lyft, or Uber to and from official APHA hotels and the Convention Center. APHA will reimburse taxi fares between the Convention Center and official APHA Annual Meeting properties. Submit all receipts to APHA after the meeting (c/o Event Operations Dept., 800 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001) no later than Friday, Nov. 20. APHA will not reimburse for taxi fares from the Convention Center to offsite events hosted by affiliate groups as these are not APHA organized events. 

Taxi Services  

Accessible taxi cabs are available in San Antonio.  

Wayfinding 

Between the Convention Center and Hotel 

There is no internal connection from the Grand Hyatt (headquarters hotel) to the Convention Center. Attendees will have to use an outdoor route through the main entrance of the hotel.  

At the Convention Center 

To assist attendees who can benefit from advance orientation, convention center tours are available by emailing [email protected] by Oct. 23, 2026 to schedule.  The tours are designed to help reduce stress, increase comfort and make navigating the meeting more accessible and welcoming for everyone. 

Additional Services and Information 

Dietary Needs 

APHA has signed the healthy food pledge and works closely with venue catering to include healthy food options and ensure all concessions accommodate a range of requirements including gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, and peanut-free.  When purchasing tickets to meal functions, be sure to include food preferences. APHA encourages member groups and affiliated organizations to provide a diverse menu that accommodates all food preferences and allergy requests.  

Personal Aides 

Personal aides are welcome to attend as a complimentary guest. Email APHA with the name, city, and state (required) for the badge to register your personal aide badge. Badges for personal aides will be mailed to you, not your aide. Personal aides may attend sessions and access the exhibit hall but are not able to earn CE credits.   

Service Animals  

All service animals are welcome in all spaces at the Annual Meeting. Water filling stations are located throughout the building. The River Walk is pet-friendly for leashed dogs and grass areas are available for pet relief.  Attendees are reminded that service animals are working animals, and one should not distract or attempt to pet them.  

Nursing and Family Support 

Children: Supervised children aged 16 and younger are welcome to attend the meeting for free and are welcome in all areas of the Annual Meeting during open times. Children are not permitted in the Expo Hall during set-up and tear down.  

Spouses/Parents: Presenters are allowed to have one significant other or parent attend their session for $50. This can be added during the registration process. If you would like your spouse, partner or parent to accompany you to multiple sessions and events, they must be registered for the full Annual Meeting.

Nursing Lounge  

Locations: 

• HBGCC: Room 1212 (Lobby Corridor between Hall 3 and Hall 4A), Street Level 
• Grand Hyatt: Visit the APHA Welcome Desk located on Level Two for location. 

Rooms include comfortable seating, extension cords, and refrigerators. If you are bringing children to the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to visit our onsite services page for more information about children under age 17 attending the Annual Meeting.   

Assistive Technology 

If you are using assistive technology to register or reserve housing and experience difficulties, you may call 866-871-5085 (inside the U.S.) or 571-549-4524 (outside the U.S.) 

Chemical Sensitivity 

All APHA in-person events are smoke-free and, as often as possible, held in smoke-free venues. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted in any meeting or session rooms, business or networking events.  Please be aware that some venues may allow smoking in public areas. When applicable, requests can be made to hotels within our block and the meeting venues that chemicals not be used on carpeting or guest rooms. 

Some hotels use signature scents in their public areas. Guests with fragrance sensitivities may want to contact the hotel directly to discuss options or accommodations. 

Additional Participation Support 

Affording the Annual Meeting 

Scholarships 

American Public Health Association’s Member Sections offer a variety of scholarships to support attendance at the APHA Annual Meeting. These scholarships are designed to make the Annual Meeting more inclusive by reducing financial barriers and promoting broad participation.  Learn about the opportunities available to you.

Digital Meeting

Available at a lower registration fee, the 2026 Digital Meeting will include livestreamed sessions from the in-person meeting and session recordings.  Closed captioning will be provided for all livestreamed sessions and recordings. Captions will be provided upon request for other scientific sessions.  

Connecting 

The APHA Annual Meeting hosts 11,000 attendees, and we want to ensure you connect with the communities you need to be successful.    

First Time Attendees 

First-time attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the “How to Navigate the Annual Meeting” webinar in early October, designed to help you make the most of your APHA Annual Meeting experience. This session offers practical tips on planning your schedule, using meeting tools and platforms, and identifying networking and professional development opportunities. Whether you are attending in person or virtually, the webinar provides helpful guidance to ensure you feel prepared, confident and connected throughout the meeting. 

Business Meetings and Social Events 

APHA Member Communities host business meetings and social events to allow members and attendees with shared interests to come together for professional and social networking, career development and mentoring.  

Conversation Starters 

Conversation Starters are small, informal sessions designed to spark dialogue around focused public health topics. These sessions are low-pressure offering space for open conversation, shared perspectives and meaningful connection with peers.  

Say Hey Lounge 

The community-based onsite lounge offers topical conversations and social events.   

Learning Support 

Presenter Slides 

Presenter slides/handouts are available in the Online Program.  APHA does not guarantee that presenters will provide slides in advance.   

Session Formats 

To support different learning styles and preferences, the Annual Meeting includes traditional lectures, interactive workshops, poster sessions and roundtables that allow attendees to engage with content in ways that best support how they learn, connect and participate. 

The Annual Meeting offers smaller sessions, including Speaker Coffee Talks and Conversation Starters. These sessions are designed to be supportive for attendees who prefer smaller group environments, providing space for conversation, questions and meaningful engagement with peers and presenters. 

Potential Barriers 

Although we strive to make the APHA Annual Meeting as accessible and inclusive as possible for all attendees, some barriers may remain due to financial, logistical, facility, vendor, or volunteer/staffing limitations. Please be aware in advance of the following potential barriers: 

• Accommodations should be requested no later than Aug 27 for ASL interpreters and Sept. 25 for other requests. 
• Scooter and wheelchair rentals are not available on-site; rental arrangements should be made in advance. 
• Public restroom facilities at the Convention Center or Hotels may use binary language such as “Men” and “Women,” however, APHA ensures several All-Gender restrooms will be available for use during the event. 
• Some public areas, events and receptions can get very crowded. 
• Session rooms are typically illuminated with fluorescent lighting. 
• Most signage features standard-sized print. If you have questions about signage during the convention, please visit the Accessibility Desk onsite. 
• Minimal printed materials are provided to reduce waste and costs.  
• Presenters may format the handouts they upload to the Convention Planner/mobile app as they wish.