What will it take to meaningfully reduce alcohol-related disease, injury, violence, addiction, and inequity in the United States?
 

The answer requires more than good research. It requires a strong, coordinated movement capable of advancing evidence-based solutions while effectively responding to the powerful commercial interests that too often stand in the way of public health progress.
 

The Advocates Institute is a unique 1.5-day gathering of advocates, researchers, healthcare professionals, people with lived experience, policymakers, funders, and community leaders who are committed to preventing alcohol-related harm and building healthier communities.

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Held immediately prior to AP2026, the National Alcohol Policy Conference, the Institute is more than a training event—it is a working summit where participants will help shape the National Alcohol Prevention Policy Strategy (NAPPS), the first stakeholder-driven effort to establish a national vision, measurable goals, and evidence-based priorities for reducing alcohol-related harm.
 

Participants will also learn about the latest evidence on alcohol policy and collaborate with colleagues from across the country to identify practical solutions that can be implemented in states and communities. The Institute will also equip attendees with tools and strategies to effectively counter industry opposition to evidence-based public health policies.
 

Participants will:

• Help refine and strengthen the draft National Alcohol Prevention Policy Strategy (NAPPS)

• Learn about the latest research on alcohol-related harms and effective prevention policies

• Discuss messaging to counter alcohol industry influence and misinformation

• Identify opportunities for collaboration among advocates, researchers, healthcare systems, and community organizations

• Help shape a national research and evidence-building agenda

• Connect with leaders from across the alcohol policy, public health, prevention, and recovery fields
   

Most importantly, attendees will have a direct voice in creating a national roadmap for action.
 

Whether you are working to reduce alcohol-related cancer, violence, addiction, suicide, poverty, health inequities, or other harms, the Advocates Institute offers an unprecedented opportunity to help shape the future of alcohol prevention in America.
 

Join us as we build the strategies, partnerships, and the movement needed to create lasting change.