The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) may be breathing a sigh of relief today—the 2012 annual CPHA conference has just wrapped up. Edmonton was the host of this year’s conference, and approximately 800 delegates enjoyed sessions and presentations at the Shaw Conference Centre, tours of West Edmonton Mall and a final dinner at the Muttart Conservatory.

This year’s theme was “creating sustainable environments,” and the School of Public Health had much to say on this topic. From assessing the built environment, to investigating the impact of food safety on disease and illness, to promoting healthy behaviours in children, more than 30 School faculty, staff and students presented workshops, and oral and poster presentations.

As a Pathfinder sponsor, the School of Public Health had a strong presence at this year’s conference. In the exhibit hall, delegates were able to learn about the School’s education programs and research activities—they were even treated to prize giveaways via Twitter.

The School also hosted a networking reception for faculty, staff, alumni and friends. More than 100 guests from the School, other universities, and the broad public health community across Canada enjoyed conversation and canapés. The reception provided an opportunity for Delegates from a variety of institutions and sectors across geographic and political boundaries to meet and discuss their work and research interests.

Reflecting on the evening’s festivities and the conference itself, Interim Dean Lory Laing is already looking forward to next year’s conference.

“It was such a great way to connect with many familiar and new faces,” said Laing. “This conference brings together the brightest minds of public health, so we have to take advantage of these opportunities to discuss how we can work together to promote and protect public health.”