About the Open Forum: Next Generation
In its 22nd year, Open Forum (also known as Open Forum: Next Generation or NxGen), hosted by the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI) with leadership from its National Coordinating Center for Public Health Training (NCCPHT), is the premiere public health performance improvement conference fostering meaningful connections, facilitating knowledge exchange, and amplifying voices across the public health career journey. With a collaborative atmosphere, the conference offers creative and engaging opportunities for new public health workforce professionals, emerging leaders, and seasoned practitioners to learn, share, and innovate together to drive transformative impact through network-building, workforce development, and best practice modernization.
For over two decades, Open Forum has been a beacon for public health practitioners, experts, and visionary leaders dedicated to excellence in quality improvement, performance management, and innovation. In 2021, to better support upcoming generations of public health leaders, NNPHI expanded Open Forum’s focus to address critical issues impacting the public health workforce and broader healthcare landscape, giving rise to Open Forum: Next Generation or NxGen. Building upon Open Forum’s rich legacy, Open Forum: NxGen continues to uphold the ethos of knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, ensuring practitioners are equipped with the resources and support needed to navigate the evolving landscape of public health. Open Forum: NxGen is more than an event; it catalyzes innovation and collaboration in the public health sector, with a hopeful outlook for the future of our field.
Highlights
Our immersive event offers a welcoming environment and forward-thinking agenda, featuring:
- Interactive workshops and engaging sessions from public health workforce members and leaders nationwide with five key tracks:
- Advancing a Culture of Performance and Quality Improvement
- Growing and Uplifting the Public Health Workforce
- Modernizing Data Practice for Today’s Digital Landscape
- Navigating Public Health Challenges in a Changing World
- Strengthening Infrastructure for Public Health Success
- Innovative activities including lightning talks, unconference sessions, roundtables, and more!
- Impactful opportunities to network and create meaningful mentorship connections.
- Inspiring ways to celebrate the champions in our field with an award ceremony, poster reception, and plenary sessions. Awards include:
- NxGen Leader Award
- PHIG Impact Award
- Catalyst Award
- Dynamic Duo Award
- Performance Improvement Champion Award
Join Us
Whether you’re just starting your public health career journey or have years of practical experience, Open Forum: NxGen is your annual opportunity to grow in community. Join us October 8-10, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!
Get Involved
Submit an abstract: Showcase your research, projects, or ideas by submitting an abstract for consideration at the conference. –
Register for Open Forum: Take advantage of early bird pricing, student discounts, and stipends available for eligible participants. Stay tuned for our registration launch by signing up for our mailing list.
Nominate your network for an award: Recognize outstanding contributions in public health by nominating individuals or organizations for one of our prestigious awards.
Follow us on social media: Stay updated with the latest news, insights, and announcements by following us on social media platforms (Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn)
Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient future for all.
Welcome to NxGen.
This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $9,384,615 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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