Contagious Conversations at APIC 2026: Why Community, Collaboration, and Innovation Continue to Drive Infection Prevention

The energy at the Association for Professionals in Infection Prevention and Epidemiology Annual Conference and Exposition (APIC 2026) held from June 15 to 17, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, was impossible to miss. From packed educational sessions and bustling exhibit halls to hallway conversations and long-awaited reunions, infection preventionists gathered in Nashville not only to learn but also to reconnect with colleagues who understand the profession's unique challenges.

During a special live recording of Contagious Conversations at APIC 2026, hosts Isis Lamphier, MPH, MHA, CIC, AL-CIP; Jill Holdsworth, CIC, FAPIC, AL-CIP, CRCST, CHL, NREMT, and Brenna Doran, PhD, MA, ACC, CIC, AL-CIP, reflected on the conference, the profession's evolution, and what lies ahead for infection prevention.

One theme emerged repeatedly throughout the discussion: infection prevention is becoming increasingly multidisciplinary. Holdsworth recalled a conversation during a conference session in which attendees questioned how organizations should train infection preventionists (IPs) from nontraditional backgrounds.

"She stood up and said, 'Just like you do every other IP,'" Holdsworth said. "An IP is an IP."

The comment resonated with the panel, particularly as the profession continues to attract individuals from a growing range of clinical and nonclinical disciplines. Panelists noted that infection prevention is no longer dominated by a single career pathway. Professionals with backgrounds in nursing, public health, respiratory therapy, sterile processing, and other specialties are increasingly entering the field.

The conversation reflected a broader trend throughout APIC 2026, with workforce development and succession planning common topics among attendees.

Beyond educational content, the panelists emphasized that one of the greatest values of APIC remains the opportunity to build professional relationships. "I love the energy," Holdsworth said. "Everybody is just so excited to be here."

She described the annual conference as a reunion where IPs reconnect with colleagues they may only see once a year. "It's literally like a family reunion when we come here," she said.

For Doran, one highlight was finally meeting collaborators she had worked with remotely for years. "I actually met for the very first time in real life here at this conference," she said, describing colleagues with whom she had written manuscripts and served on professional committees.

The discussion also highlighted the unique value of APIC for solo IPs who may spend much of the year working independently. "I was a sole IP for many years," Holdsworth said. "It gives you that sense of community and team."

She added that conferences help infection preventionists find others who share similar experiences and challenges. "When you're a zebra among zebras, you find your tribe."

Artificial intelligence was another major topic throughout APIC 2026. Doran discussed a workshop she copresented with Lamphier on AI applications in infection prevention and the thought-provoking questions attendees raised regarding regulation, implementation, and future use cases. "I think [there are] a lot of opportunities for IPs to really have this conversation and be a part of making those conversations," she said.

As the panel looked ahead to APIC 2027 in Los Angeles, excitement was already building. While the location generated enthusiasm, the group agreed that the true value of APIC extends beyond the destination.

"It doesn't matter how many times you come," Holdsworth said, noting that APIC 2026 marked her 16th conference. "It's worthwhile, and it's beneficial, and educational."

For IPs at every stage of their careers, that combination of education, collaboration, mentorship, and community continues to make APIC one of the profession's most valuable annual gatherings.