Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Where and when is the annual meeting being held?

The Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA, March 18-20, 2026. On Wednesday, March 18, we will host optional skill-building workshops from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (additional fee and opt-in required during registration) and ASPPH Section and Advisory Committees starting at 2:30 PM that afternoon. On Thursday, March 19, programming will run from 9:00 AM-6:00 PM ET and on Friday, March 20 programming will run from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM ET.

What is the dress code?

We encourage a business-casual dress code. We also suggest layering your attire to accommodate varying indoor and outdoor temperatures. 

What is the weather in DC like in March?

DC typically experiences early spring weather in March. The temperatures can range from cool to moderately warm, with averages ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit. It’s also a transitional month where winter can linger with occasional snow or colder days, but spring blossoms, especially the famous cherry blossoms, begin to appear by the end of the month. Rainfall can be expected, and it’s advisable to check the local forecast before packing.

Registration

When does registration open?

Registration for the 2026 Annual Meeting is now open.

When does registration close?

Online registration ends Friday, March 13, 2026. Onsite registration will be available for the Annual Meeting with the following limitations – registration for the Thursday Awards Luncheon and Wednesday Skill-Building Workshops cannot be purchased onsite.  

What is the registration cancellation policy?

Attendees may cancel their registration up until March 6 and receive a refund. Cancellations from March 7-13 will receive a 50% refund, and cancellations after March 13 are not eligible for a refund. Cancellations must be sent via email to meetings@aspph.org.  

How do I register and pay for the meeting?

Registration fees can be paid via credit card.  

If I’m presenting, do I still need to register?

Yes, all speakers, panelists, and presenters need to register.  

Will name badges be mailed?

Name badges will not be mailed. They will be printed and handed to attendees onsite upon check-in.  

Can my family attend the annual meeting?

While the meeting itself is only open to paid attendees, please feel free to bring your families to enjoy the greater DC area. 

I can’t attend in person. Will any of the sessions be available for viewing live virtually or later via recordings?

Our sessions will not be recorded. Join us in-person to not miss out! 

Optional Registration Activities

Awards Luncheon

During lunch on Thursday, we will host an awards luncheon to recognize the winners of the ASPPH Excellence Awards. If you wish to join us at the luncheon, please be sure to opt-in during registration. The cost of the luncheon is $75.

Skill-Building Workshops

The Wednesday morning Skill-Building Workshops (SBW) are optional and require an additional registration fee. Pre-registration is required, so please be sure to opt-in during registration. Attendees of the SBWs will gain practical skills in critical topics for academic public health and we highly recommend annual meeting participants consider attending an SBW applicable to their areas of interest. Please visit here to learn more about this year’s workshops.  

Hotel

Where can I stay for the meeting?

Our host hotel is the Crystal Gateway Marriott, located at 1700 Richmond Highway, Arlington VA, 22202. The hotel and conference center are ADA-compliant.  The group rate will be $309/night plus tax. Book your reservation. 

Travel and Transportation

What is the closest airport?

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest airport to the conference hotel and is located one metro stop away from the Crystal Gateway Marriott. This is the airport we recommend.

What other airports are in the Washington, DC area?

Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) – this airport is 36 miles from the meeting location but depending on traffic, it could take you 1-2 hours by vehicle.   

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – located in Loudoun and Fairfax counties in Virginia, about 26 miles west of downtown DC, it is metro-accessible but driving, depending on traffic, could take 1-2 hours while the train could take 1+ hours.  

How can I get to the hotel from DCA?

Shuttle: The hotel shuttle from DCA runs every 30 minutes from 5:00 AM to midnight (last trip departing from the hotel is at 11:30 PM and last trip from DCA to the hotel is midnight). Pick Up and drop off at Terminal A at the lower level by the “Hotel Shuttle Sign”. The shuttle services three hotels: Crystal Gateway Marriott (host hotel), The National Landing Hotel Crystal City (overflow hotel), and the Courtyard Arlington/Reagan National Airport – be sure you get off at the correct property. 
Ride share: Uber/Lyft is readily available at all local airports. 
Metro: The Crystal City metro stop is just one stop away from the DCA metro station. 

How do I ride the metro?

Riding the metro in the DC area is a good way to avoid traffic and below we provide some tips.  

• Plan Your Route: Determine which lines and stations you’ll be using. The DC Metro has several color-coded lines.  
• Get a SmarTrip Card: Purchase and load a SmarTrip card at any Metro station kiosk. This card can be used for both the Metro and local buses.  
• Enter/Exit the Station: Tap your SmarTrip card on the card reader at the fare gates when entering and exiting.  
• Boarding the Train: Wait behind the marked lines on the platform. Allow passengers to exit before boarding.  
• Know Your Direction: Ensure you’re on the right platform for your intended direction, as many stations serve multiple lines.  
• Exiting: Listen for station announcements and check the metro map inside the train to track your progress.  
• Safety: Stay behind yellow platform edges, and if you have any concerns, use the emergency call boxes located on platforms.  

For more detailed information, visit the official DC Metro website or use navigation apps. 

Local Attractions and Dining

I’m extending my trip. What sites should I see in the DC area?

The greater DMV area (the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia) has an abundance of tourist attractions. In the DC area, consider visiting:

• Arlington National Cemetery: This is a quick metro ride away from the conference hotels.
• Georgetown: Historic neighborhood with shopping and dining
• Library of Congress: The Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution, and it serves as the research arm of Congress.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: Located in downtown DC, the memorial honors Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice.
• Mount Vernon: George Washington’s estate
• National Mall: Including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol.
• Smithsonian Museums: Especially the National Air and Space Museum, Museum of American History, and National Museum of African American History and Culture
• National Zoo: Always free of charge, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of DC’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations.
• Old Town Alexandria: Historic waterfront with boutiques and eateries and a quick metro ride away from the hotels.
• US Holocaust Memorial Museum: A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity.

Enjoy your extended stay!

What restaurants do you recommend near the meeting?

The Crystal Gateway Marriott is located in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, which has a variety of dining options. Here are some popular choices: 

• Good Stuff Eatery: Offers handcrafted burgers, hand-cut fries, and hand-spun shakes. 
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House: A classic American steakhouse known for its sizzling butter-topped beef in an upscale setting.
• San Antonio Bar & Grill: Lively, colorful eatery known for Tex-Mex offerings, huge margaritas and happy hours. 

Nearby metro stations include Crystal City and Pentagon City, both on the Blue and Yellow lines. Or, if you’re willing to take a 15-minute metro ride, you can easily access various dining options in areas like: 

• DC’s Southwest Waterfront and The Wharf: A revitalized area with several new restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. 
• National Harbor: Offers a variety of dining options from casual to fine dining. 
• Old Town Alexandria: A historic neighborhood with a range of eateries from waterfront seafood spots to cozy Italian trattorias. 

CE Credits and Attendance Certificates

Are CE Credits available for attendance?

Yes, attendees at this meeting are eligible to receive CPHCE credits.

Can I get a certificate of attendance?

Yes, if you need one, please email meetings@aspph.org. 

Financial Assistance: Students

Does ASPPH offer scholarships or financial support to attend?

No, not at this time.

Can students attend?

Yes! Students can register for a discounted rate of $175. Please email meetings@aspph.org with proof of enrollment to receive a discount code. 

Call for Proposals and Award Nominations

When will I be notified if my proposal has been accepted?

Submitters have been sent accept/reject/waitlist notifications. 

I understand ASPPH’s Excellence Awards will be announced at the annual meeting. When are winners notified?

Awardees will be notified by mid-December. Awardees and their nominators are notified first, then those not selected. For additional questions, contact membership@aspph.org.

Marketing Toolkit

Do we have access to the 2026 ASPPH Annual Meeting Marketing Toolkit?

The 2026 ASPPH Annual Meeting Marketing Toolkit is now available. It includes everything you need to help spread the word, sample social media copy, downloadable images, and personalized digital cards to announce your attendance (“Meet Me At”) or speaker role (“I’m Speaking At”) at the Annual Meeting.

Student Volunteers

Does ASPPH offer volunteer opportunities at the annual meeting?

Yes, ASPPH has volunteer opportunities for graduate or undergraduate students in public health or health-related disciplines. Working at the ASPPH Annual Meeting, volunteers will gain valuable experience organizing academic public health sessions and networking with public health faculty, staff, deans, practitioners, researchers, and students. If you are interested in being a volunteer, please submit your information here.  

Meeting Policies

What are the meeting policies and code of conduct?

ASPPH’s Meeting Policies and Code of Conduct ensure a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment at all events – by registering for the event all attendees accept and agree to abide by these guidelines. 

What is your COVID policy?

The safety and wellbeing of our meeting attendees is our top priority in our host city and community. Please note the following guidelines and safety measures that will be in place during the annual meeting: 

• Masks and proof of vaccination are not required by the City of Arlington. 
• Masks are not required but attendees are encouraged and welcome to mask indoors. 
• KN-95 masks will be available to attendees who would like to use them. 
• Proof of vaccination will not be required at check-in but we expect all attendees to be vaccinated. 
• Hand sanitizer will be available to all attendees. 
• Upgraded in-wall air filtering systems throughout the meeting space with the highest-tier, medical-grade H13-H14 HEPA filters, which can remove 99.99% of all particles in the air. 

We also ask that any attendees experiencing symptoms before the annual meeting test at home and stay home if positive. Tests will be available on-site should anyone start experiencing symptoms during the event.