Prevention has a marketing problem. Success looks like a crisis that never occurred, a young person who never needed intervention, a community that stayed strong, none of which make headlines.
Nothing Happened. You’re Welcome.™ names that challenge directly.
We introduced the phrase at Capitol Connections: A Prevention Pop-In during the 2026 PA Prevention Conference, where attendees carried the message to the Capitol itself, visiting legislators and explaining, in their own words, what “nothing happened” really means. The phrase then opened the conference, framing a pre-keynote presentation for the full attendee audience. It’s since become a touchstone for how CPA talks about the impact of prevention work at our conference and beyond.
Community Powered Prevention. Strength in Unity, Power in Prevention.
This year’s conference brought together prevention professionals from across Pennsylvania for three days of learning, connection,
and — in true CPA fashion — a few standing ovations for 50 years of work that too often goes unnoticed.
What We Offered
3
Keynotes
25
Workshops
2
Pre-Conference Virtual Sessions
1 + 1
Youth Panel &
Prevention Pop-In
51
Presenters
14
Vendors
How You Showed Up
378
Attendees
72% In Person / 28% Virtually
2,083
Community Board Messages
925
One-on-One Event App
Attendee Connections
Representing organizations from Compass Mark to the Council on Chemical Abuse, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, Mercer County Behavioral Health, Keystone Wellness Programs, and dozens more across the Commonwealth.
Session Highlights
Attendees packed the room (and the app) for standout sessions, including:
Capitol Connections: A Prevention Pop-In
Prevention professionals brought CPA’s message directly to legislators, introducing “Nothing Happened. You’re Welcome.” as a way of naming the quiet, often invisible success of prevention work.
Celebrating Our Prevention Legacy: Writing Our Next Chapter
Marking 50 years of CPA and looking ahead to what’s next
Leading Through the Shift: What AI Means for the Future of Prevention
A look at how AI is already showing up in prevention work, and what practitioners need to know to lead through the change ahead
Building Health-Promoting Relationships with Youth
Practical strategies for forming the kinds of trusted, consistent relationships with young people that make prevention work possible
Stronger Together: Community Powered Prevention
A look at how coalitions, schools, families, and organizations across Pennsylvania combine efforts to strengthen prevention at the community level
A 50th Anniversary Extravaganza and Reception
Celebrating five decades of prevention work in Pennsylvania
Watch the Recap
Prevention Pop-In
In Their Words
“Thanks to the entire organizing team for putting on such a great event. I loved being able to plan my schedule and connect with other attendees.”
Leslie Houck, Council on Chemical Abuse
“I’m so grateful for the time your team put into organizing this event. I enjoyed every aspect of it, from the sessions and networking to it all.”
Christine Wydeen, Riverside School District
Thank You!
Fifty years in, the work continues, and so does the room full of people doing it. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and carried the message forward. See you June 9-11, 2027, at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center.