We’re looking for speakers and presenters for the inaugural Social Prescribing Conference, March 24-26, 2027, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We hope to feature presentations and keynote speakers, as well as lightning talks on pressing topics in social prescribing work.

Proposals are due October 23rd, 2026.

Location: Rackham Building, University of Michigan, 915 E. Washington St, Ann Arbor MI 48109

Who should submit a presentation or poster?

Researchers, implementers, practitioners  (artists, creative professionals), community leaders, policymakers, social workers, public health workers and other health professionals who are either implementing social prescribing or considering its importance in their practice.

We are seeking proposals that creatively explore the following questions:

• What does the evidence tell us about the health impacts of arts, nature, movement, and social connection — and where are the gaps?

• How can social prescribing be effectively implemented across a range of health care and community settings?

• What partnerships across health systems, community organizations, and philanthropy are needed to expand social prescribing at scale?

• What can the U.S. field learn from established international social prescribing models and practitioners?

Topics of Interest:

• Research and program evaluation/assessment of social prescribing program that are focused on measuring outcomes (short and long term)

• Scaling social prescribing work, how to get beyond pilot programs

• Integrating all facets of social prescribing (campus-based, state-based)

• Population health focused on specific phases of life (Youth, students, elders)

• Social prescribing programs that utilize art, nature, experiences, food and nourishment

• International projects that will provide context for United States SP Practitioners

• Health equity/social determinants of health considerations for SP

Presentation Formats:

• Concurrent session: 60-minute sessions that will introduce a program, evidence-based practice or research study related to social prescribing. Please aim for a 45 minute presentation, with the final 15 minutes for Q&A and discussion.

• Lightning talks: 20-minute presentations designed to share key insights, innovative ideas, or research findings in a concise and engaging format.

• Poster session: Create a poster about a research study or program related to social prescribing. Each presenter will have an easel and a 30" x 40" poster board for mounting their poster.

Overarching Conference Goals Include:

Strengthen networks and leadership within the field. Build cross-sector relationships among health professionals, implementers, researchers, community leaders, and other key groups and to celebrate champions advancing the field.

Showcase evidence, innovation, and expansion opportunities. Highlight research on the health impacts of arts, nature, civic engagement, and other forms of social connection while critically exploring the opportunities to expand social prescribing through referrals from a range of health settings and health care professionals.

Mobilize resources and catalyze collective action. Examine opportunities and challenges for expanding social prescribing throughout the U.S., and to build additional momentum for the field

Advance the U.S. social prescribing field through global learning. Connect U.S. and international practitioners and researchers to exchange evidence, best practices, practical tools, and lessons from established social prescribing initiatives.

Submission Process

Applications online by October 23rd, 2026. If you have more than one presenter, the lead presenter should submit the proposal for the entire group, including all co-presenters. The application should include a summary of your presentation in [word limit] words or fewer. Your summary must contain:

• Your intended audience

• Clearly defined learning objectives

• An overview of the presentation content and format

• A list of all speakers