Drug Free America Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, is excited to announce the 14th Annual National Prevention Summit, taking place February 23–24, 2027, at the University Student Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Each year, the National Prevention Summit brings together prevention professionals, community leaders, educators, advocates, treatment and recovery professionals, law enforcement, policymakers, and other stakeholders committed to preventing substance use and strengthening healthy communities. The 2027 Summit will provide two days of education, collaboration, and practical strategies designed to help communities address today’s evolving substance-use challenges.
Register here!
Turning Knowledge into Action
The National Prevention Summit is designed to move beyond awareness and focus on action. Sessions will explore effective approaches to reducing access to substances, reshaping social norms, strengthening prevention and recovery efforts, and addressing current and emerging drug policy issues. Attendees will gain knowledge, resources, and practical tools they can bring back to their organizations and communities. The Summit also provides an opportunity to connect with professionals from across Florida and beyond, exchange ideas, learn from promising practices, and strengthen partnerships around a shared commitment to preventing substance use and its consequences.
Opening Keynote: Laura Stack
We are honored to welcome Laura Stack, founder of Johnny’s Ambassadors, as the opening keynote speaker for the 2027 National Prevention Summit. Following the tragic loss of her 19-year-old son, Johnny, Laura transformed her personal experience into a national mission to educate families and communities about the risks associated with today’s high-potency THC products. In her keynote, “The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana: Johnny Stack’s Life and Death Story,” Laura will combine Johnny’s deeply personal story with research examining adolescent brain development, mental health, psychosis, and suicide. Her presentation will challenge prevention professionals, parents, advocates, and community leaders to better understand the changing marijuana landscape and consider how communities can strengthen efforts to protect young people.
New for 2027: The Advocacy Lab
This year, the National Prevention Summit experience will continue beyond the two-day conference. On February 25, Summit attendees are invited to participate in a free half-day Advocacy Workshop: “The Advocacy Lab: Building Your Voice in Drug Demand Reduction.” This interactive workshop will help participants translate their prevention, treatment, and recovery expertise into effective advocacy. Participants will learn practical strategies for communicating with policymakers, developing stronger advocacy messages, and elevating drug demand reduction priorities in their communities and beyond. The Advocacy Lab is free for National Prevention Summit attendees, but advance registration is required to reserve a spot.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available through Community Coalition Alliance, an official CEU provider through the Florida Certification Board (Provider Number: 5480-A). CEUs support a wide range of Florida Certification Board credentials, making the Summit an opportunity for professionals to strengthen their knowledge, expand their networks, and earn continuing education while learning from experts in prevention, treatment, recovery, advocacy, and drug policy.
Event Details
14th Annual National Prevention Summit
February 23–24, 2027
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
University Student Center
200 6th Ave. S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Bonus Advocacy Lab: February 25, 2027
The Advocacy Lab: Building Your Voice in Drug Demand Reduction
Free for Summit attendees; advance registration required.
Agenda coming soon!
Registration, Vendor and Sponsorship Opportunities
Registration is now open! Take advantage of the early bird discount for $50 off your registration. Registration includes venue parking, breakfast, and lunch on both days. There’s also sponsorship and limited vendor table spots open. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to showcase your organization.
