NSHPCA Conference 2026
Understanding the Palliative Approach and End-of-Life Care Across the Lifespan
The Nova Scotia Hospice Palliative Care Association is proud to present NSHPCA Conference 2026, a two-day gathering dedicated to strengthening knowledge, collaboration, and innovation in palliative and end-of-life care. This year’s theme, Understanding the Palliative Approach and End of Life Care Across the Lifespan, brings together healthcare professionals, community organizations, researchers, caregivers, and people with lived experience to explore how compassionate, person-centred care can be delivered at every age and stage of life.
Hosted at the Best Western Bridgewater, the conference will feature expert speakers, interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and a renewed focus on improving palliative care across Nova Scotia.
Full agenda details coming soon.
- May 7 & 8, 2026
- Best Western Bridgewater Hotel
- conference@nshpca.ca
Tickets
Tickets for the conference can be purchased below. We encourage early registration, as space is limited and demand is expected to be high for this year’s program. We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring and impactful event.
Sponsorships
We invite you to partner with us as a sponsor for NSHPCA Conference 2026, a premier provincial event that brings together healthcare professionals, researchers, policy leaders, and community organizations committed to strengthening palliative and end-of-life care in Nova Scotia.
Centred on the theme “Understanding the Palliative Approach and End-of-Life Care Across the Lifespan,” this year’s conference will examine how palliative and end-of-life care principles apply across different ages, settings, and stages of illness, supporting individuals, families, and communities throughout the care journey. Your support will help advance meaningful dialogue, deepen understanding, and enhance the quality of care delivered across the province.
PRESENTING SPONSOR — $7,500
Logo Placement:
Featured prominently on all conference materials, including the event website, program, banners, NSHPCA YouTube, and promotional materials.
Speaking Opportunity:
A 5-minute speaking opportunity during the opening or closing sessions.
Exhibitor Space:
Premium booth space at the conference venue.
Social Media Acknowledgment:
Dedicated posts across NSHPCA social media platforms before, during, and after the event.
Conference Tickets:
Six complimentary registrations for the conference.
Custom Recognition:
Inclusion in the conference press release and acknowledgment during key conference sessions.
GOLD SPONSOR — $5,000
Displayed on conference materials, including the event website, program, and banners.
Mention during the opening and closing sessions.
Featured in general sponsor acknowledgment posts on NSHPCA social media platforms.
Four complimentary registrations for the conference.
SILVER SPONSOR — $2,500
Included in the conference program and event website.
Recognition during the conference’s opening remarks.
Included in a sponsor acknowledgment post on NSHPCA social media platforms.
Two complimentary registrations for the conference.
BREAK SPONSOR — $1,500
COMMUNITY SPONSOR — $1,000
CONF APP SPONSOR — $750
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
- Premier logo placement on all conference materials and website.
- Recognition in NSHPCA communications, newsletters, and event signage.
- One exclusive customized workplace training session (in-person or virtual).
- Opportunity for executive representative to provide opening remarks at the conference.
- Four complimentary conference registrations.
Community Ally — $3,000
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Prominent logo placement on conference website and program.
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Recognition in conference communications and social media.
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One virtual workplace training session for up to 50 staff.
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Two complimentary conference registrations.
Wellness Advocate — $2,000
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Logo placement on the conference website and materials.
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Recognition in the NSHPCA newsletter and social media.
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Invitation to attend one conference networking event.
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One complimentary registration.
For more information, please contact Michael Kydd at mkydd@nshpca.ca.
Become an Exhibitor
We invite organizations, service providers, innovators, and community partners to join us as exhibitors at NSHPCA Conference 2026 – an event that brings together professionals, researchers, healthcare leaders, and community advocates dedicated to improving palliative and end-of-life care across Nova Scotia.
This year’s conference theme, Understanding the Palliative Approach and End-of-Life Care Across the Lifespan, will explore how culture shapes the way individuals, families, and communities experience death, dying, and grief. Exhibitors play a vital role in this dialogue by showcasing programs, services, research, tools, and resources that support compassionate care at every stage of life.
As an exhibitor, you will have the opportunity to:
- Connect directly with practitioners, policymakers, and community organizations.
- Share your work with a highly engaged audience.
- Increase visibility for your programs, services, or innovations.
- Strengthen partnerships within the palliative and hospice care community.
Whether you represent a healthcare organization, community-based program, educational institution, or wellness service, your presence helps enrich the learning environment and fosters stronger networks of care across the province.
You can register as an exhibitor by clicking the Exhibitor tile on the conference landing page.
For questions or additional information, please contact?
Beth Lynch
Program Director / Project Manager, NSHPCA
conference@nshpca.ca
782-321-9448
Call For Abstracts
2026 CONFERENCE THEME
Understanding the Palliative Approach and End of Life Care Across the Lifespan
Share your work, research, or lived experience in exploring grief, loss, hospice, and palliative care across all stages of life and from a variety of perspectives—clinical, cultural, community-based, academic, experiential, etc. in the form of:
- Oral Presentations
- Interactive Workshops
- Poster Presentations
- Creative or Experiential Sessions
WHO SHOULD SUBMIT?
Healthcare professionals • Researchers • Educators • Community practitioners • Volunteers • Individuals with lived experience. We especially welcome submissions from historically marginalized or underrepresented communities.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Submission Deadline: January 16, 2026
Notification of
Acceptance: February 16, 2026
Presenter Confirmation Required: March 13, 2026
QUESTIONS?
Contact: Dr Kristian Suen
Email: ksuen@nshpca.ca
Phone: 782-321-4558
SHARE WIDELY
Help us create a diverse and inclusive program that honours all voices in hospice palliative care and grief.
Conference Planning Committee
Marianne Arab
Provincial Manager of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care Cancer Care Program, NSHPCA Board Member
Tim Guest
Executive Director, NSHPCA
Laura Hicks
Cumberland Care Hospice Palliative Care Society, NSHPCA Board Member
Michael Kydd
Communications Director, NSHPCA
Paulette Levin
RN-AP, BScN, CHPCN(C) Palliative Care Home Consult Nurse, Interprofessional Practice Learning Leader Eastern Zone, Cape Breton
Beth Lynch
Director of Programs & Outreach, NSHPCA
Shelley Mann
Board Member South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society and Chair of Education Committee
Kristian Suen, PhD
Community Relations and Research Lead
Adjunct Professor, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University
Zoe Zhang
Administrative Assistant & Database Coordinator, NSHPCA