Four Lessons from Our First Day at APHA 2025

Day one at the American Public Health Association (APHA) conference is in the books. I’m already tired. Between the conversations at our booth, the energy (and candy) circulating through the exhibit hall, and the overall mood of the crowd, a few clear themes stood out.

1. The Public Health Workforce Is Searching

We spoke with at least ten people today looking for jobs or internships. Many are passionate early-career professionals seeking their next step in an increasingly uncertain landscape. Others are mid-career practitioners who have been burned out by pandemic-era demands and are searching for meaning, balance, or a fresh start. It’s a reminder that workforce development, mentorship, and pipeline programs aren’t abstract goals—they’re urgent needs for sustaining the field.

2. Candy Everywhere—but Why?

Yes, it’s early November. Yes, everyone loves a sugar boost. But it’s still striking how many booths are loaded with Halloween leftovers. In a conference centered on health, prevention, and equity, the abundance of candy felt both ironic and telling. Maybe it’s comfort food, maybe it’s marketing—but it also says something about how we connect with people. Public health is still seeking the optimal balance between engagement and integrity.

3. Where’s the Innovation?

We expected to see more novel tools and tech this year, especially after the AI wave that’s reshaping every field. While many of the familiar vendors are here, the software landscape felt surprisingly static. There’s huge potential for smarter data tools, automation, and evidence translation—but so far, few are showing up to meet that demand. It reinforces why we’re here: to show what’s possible when innovation actually serves public health practitioners, not just tech trends.

4. A Tired but Tenacious Crowd

Even on day one, you could feel the fatigue. The exhibit hall buzzed, but there was an undercurrent of weariness—a reflection of what so many in the field are carrying. Public health has been under immense pressure for years, and it shows. Yet beneath the exhaustion, there’s also resilience. People still care deeply. They still show up. They still want to make things better.

If you’re at APHA, come visit us and We in the World at Booth 615—let’s jam about ideas, tools, and ways to make public health work smarter (and maybe sweeter).

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Stay curious. Stay connected. And keep pushing for a better public health future.