Hanna Summit

Addressing Youth Substance Use Through Community, Care & Connection

October 16-17, 2026 ● Hanna Center

About the Summit

The 2026 Hanna Center Summit will bring together educators, clinicians, community organizers, and advocates for a day of learning, dialogue, and action around one of the most urgent issues facing young people today: substance use.

We’ll explore the root causes and risk factors behind youth substance use, elevate evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies, and center the voices of those with lived experience. Attendees will leave equipped with real-world tools, renewed hope, and a stronger professional community.

Who Attends

Our attendees are frontline professionals  who work directly with youth, including:

Educators (K–12, higher ed, and alternative programs)

School Counselors and Psychologists

Mental Health Professionals and Therapists

Social Services and Child Welfare Workers

Healthcare Providers (pediatrics, primary care, adolescent medicine)

Youth-Facing Community Organizers and Nonprofits

Group Home and Residential Care Professionals

Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Specialists

We Are Seeking Speakers Who...

Have direct expertise or lived experience related to youth substance use, addiction, or recovery
Can offer practical, actionable strategies that attendees can apply immediately
Bring a trauma-informed, equity-centered, or community-based lens to their work
Are committed to centering the dignity and resilience  of young people
Can engage a diverse, multidisciplinary professional audience

Session Types Available (60–75 min)

An inspiring, large-audience presentation that sets the tone for the day. We are actively seeking a keynote speaker with a compelling narrative — whether through research, lived experience, or both — who can galvanize our community around resilience and hope.

Breakout Workshop (45–60 min)

Interactive, skills-based sessions for smaller groups. Ideal for facilitators who want to teach a specific tool, framework, or practice that participants can take back to their work.

Panel Discussion (60 min)

Moderated conversations featuring 3–4 speakers with diverse perspectives on a shared topic. Great for nuanced exploration of complex issues.

Lived Experience Spotlight (20–30 min)

Short, powerful presentations from individuals who have personal experience with youth substance use — as a young person, a family member, or a community member. These stories anchor our summit in humanity.

Become a Speaker

We encourage submissions on topics including (but not limited to):

01

Early warning signs and prevention strategies in school and community settings

02

Trauma, ACEs, and the link between adverse experiences and substance use

03

Supporting youth in recovery: what works in practice

04

Family engagement and home-based prevention approaches

05

Culturally responsive and identity-affirming interventions

06

The role of mental health in substance use prevention and treatment

07

Harm reduction approaches for adolescents

08

Legal and policy frameworks impacting youth substance use

09

Building protective factors: belonging, purpose, and connection

10

Navigating mandated reporting and confidentiality with youth

11

How organizations can improve communication with one another to better serve youth

How to Submit a Proposal

We welcome all who feel called to contribute. To submit a speaker proposal, please send the following to [email protected] by July 31, 2026:

Your name, title, and organization
A brief bio (150 words or less)
Proposed session title and type (keynote, workshop, panel, spotlight)
A short description of your session (200 words or less)
3 learning objectives participants will take away
Any A/V or accommodation needs

Submit by Email

Questions?

Reach out to us at [email protected] or visit hannacenter.org.

We are grateful for every voice willing to show up for young people.

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