It goes without saying that we all need HIV/STI resources when it comes to treatment and prevention. But there are pockets of our community in our own backyard that the services just never seem to get to. And that’s the communities that need them most!
So, we’re charting a new course to get the services in the hands of those that rarely come in contact with them – for whatever reason that may be. There’s no denying that there are services and resources out there for the taking, however, two things can be true at the same time. Again, yes there are resources out there for the taking but in some communities those resources aren’t as easily accessible as one would think. And in other cases, when the resources are easily accessible, roadblocks still exist.
Disenfranchisement comes in many forms. Resources can be readily available to someone but their environment, culture, living arrangements, age, and a slew of other factors can stand in the way of their care. Those are the roadblocks that the 2026 South Florida Men’s Wellness Conference looks to address head-on with new innovative ways of engaging the community about HIV/STI prevention, treatment and education along with mental wellness awareness.
Too long have our conferences been formal affairs that appeal to the same group of individuals. The scholarly type, the professionals, the seasoned, the advocates, and the list goes on. All people that already have access to care and tend to know what prevention and treatment measures are available to them. It’s nice to have the support of these individuals in the rooms to keep with attendance. However, they just aren’t the people that truly need the information. So how do we get the vital information to those that do?
Step one, strip away the formal structure of the conference. Do away with scholarly keynote speakers and professional panelists. Step two, try new things that appeal to the community you hope to attract to the conference. With all the traditional aspects stripped away, the question becomes what does the conference look like now? We think we have the answer! Welcome to the 2026 South Florida Men’s Wellness Conference coupled with a one night-only club night experience open to only those that attend and engage in the conference.
But that’s not all. Bring in local influencers who appeal to the community you seek to attract. Remember, we’re talking about the community that needs the services the most. In Florida, the hardest hit demographic for HIV are gay men of color roughly between the ages of 20 and 35 years old. The focus is to get them through the conference doors so that they can get tested, get into care, learn about PEP, PrEP and Doxy-PEP, enroll in PrEP and Doxy-PEP, sign up for free mental healthcare and learn about physical wellness tips.
That’s not to exclude all other age groups or other identifying groups of men whether they be bi, straight or queer. All are welcome but we must appeal to the group that is the most at risk. And to do so, we are catering the conference to them with influencer guests, freebies throughout the day (Beat Headphones, Alexa, Gift Cards, and the list goes on), a free brunch, and a club night experience.
