Program Overview
Five Days of Discovery, Connection, and Inspiration
Spanning five days of programming, the 19th World Congress of the World Association for Infant Mental Health (#WAIMH2026) will bring together leading experts, practitioners, and advocates from across the world united by one purpose: advancing the wellbeing of infants, young children, and families everywhere.
The 2026 Congress will showcase a program of exceptional breadth and depth, where scientific discovery meets lived experience, and global perspectives inspire new ways of thinking and doing. From groundbreaking plenaries and invited lectures to interactive workshops and intimate poster sessions, WAIMH 2026 promises a learning experience that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply human.
A Program Designed for Discovery
The Congress program reflects the diversity and interdisciplinary nature of the infant mental health field - bridging neuroscience, policy, clinical practice, community engagement, and systems change. Across five days, delegates will engage with content designed to challenge, inspire, and connect.
Program highlights include:
x4
Plenary Sessions
Featuring internationally recognized thought leaders.
x5
Invited Symposia
That bring global perspectives to emerging issues.
x4
State of the Art Lectures
Exploring the latest advances shaping the field.
x3
Clinical Case Presentations
Highlighting applied approaches and real-world insights from practice.
x20
Master Classes
Offering focused, skills-based learning with leading experts.
x100+
Concurrent Sessions
Showcasing innovative research and practice from around the world.
Each day will offer a dynamic mix of sessions and formats, with 10–12 concurrent sessions running across multiple time slots to reflect the richness and diversity of the global WAIMH community.
Pre-Congress Institute – October 2, 2026
The Pre-Congress Institute sets the stage for the days ahead, a full-day program curated by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to spotlight regional perspectives, community partnerships, and specialized learning opportunities.
Details about the Pre-Congress program can be found here.
Beyond the Sessions
#WAIMH2026 is designed not only for learning but also for connection. Throughout the week, delegates can take part in networking and social events, including the Welcome Reception, the #WAIMH2026 Gala Dinner, and Vendor Marketplace - moments to meet colleagues, celebrate achievements, and build collaborations that last beyond the Congress.
Looking Ahead: Final Program Completion
The complete Congress program will be available in April 2026. Check back for updates as we unveil the sessions and speakers shaping WAIMH 2026.