The 5th Annual Global Health Conference
Heritage Hotel & Conference Center, 522 Heritage Rd, Southbury, CT 06488, USA
September 27 - October 1, 2026
2027 / 2028 Global Health Conference
Host Site Information Package
Purpose
Beginning in 2027, the Global Health Academy (GHA) will rotate our Annual Global Health Conference across international partner sites. We invite partners to apply to host the 6th (2027) and the 7th (2028) Conference.
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Theme and Format
• Theme remains broad and partner-centered (final wording set jointly 6-9 months prior to Conference).
• Program components: 3-4 keynotes, 6-8 plenary sessions, 4-8 breakouts, poster hall for 20-40 posters, GHIIC Pitchfest, Gala/Awards, cultural exchange.
• Hybrid capability (in-person + livestream/recording) is strongly preferred.
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Expected Scale of the Conference
• Attendance target: 100-150 participants total.
o International delegates from partner sites: 50-70
o Regional/national attendees: 30-100
• Duration: 3 main conference days + 1 arrival day + 1 departure day (5 days total).
• Preferred window: late September / early October (flexible to local calendars).
Core Host Responsibilities
• Local Organizing Committee (LOC) with a named Host Chair. Responsibilities to include: program logistics, venue/AV, finance, accommodation/transport, safety, visas/invitations, cultural program.
• Venue and AV: plenary hall (approx. 200 seats), 3-4 breakout rooms (20-30 seats each), poster/exhibit area, reliable Wi-Fi, hybrid streaming capability.
• Accommodation: room block(s) for 50-70 guests preferably in close proximity to the Conference venue (15-20 min away); options across price points.
• Transport: airport meet-and-greet; local transfers between airport–hotel–venue; clear travel guidance.
• Visas: timely invitation letters, liaison with authorities as feasible, list of countries requiring visas and estimated processing times.
• Cultural Program: opening/closing elements highlighting local culture and partner contributions. Gala Dinner with an award ceremony.
What GHA Provides
• Scientific program leadership (agenda curation with LOC and other partner site representatives), speaker coordination, poster/abstract management, GHIIC Pitchfest procedures.
• Global coordination: registration platform, communications, website, proceedings editorial process.
• Cost-sharing: negotiated in an MOU (see Budget section). GHA will mobilize philanthropic and institutional support for invited partner delegates; details finalized 6-9 months prior to the Conference.
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Budget and Cost-Sharing (indicative)
Final terms will be defined by MOU with the selected host.
Proposed model:
• Host site covers expenses related to venue/AV and local logistics.
• GHA covers invited international travel, accommodation for international guests, and catering.
Selection Process
• Call released: February 2026
• Applications due: June 1, 2026
• Eligibility: current GHA partner sites/institutions; ability to meet minimum venue/visa/safety standards.
• Evaluation:
1. Feasibility and logistics (30%)
2. Access and visas (25%)
3. Program and hybrid capacity (20%)
4. Budget and sponsorship plan (15%)
5. Equity, inclusion and sustainability (10%)
• Voting and decision: During the 5th Annual Conference (September 2026). Voting process TBD.