On Day 1, delegates were welcomed by Conference Co-Chairs Nadine Valk and Amanda Maragos. Opening keynote speaker Dr. Jared Rubenstein challenged participants to rethink how palliative care is discussed, sharing strategies to reduce stigma and improve access. The conference also celebrated 84 individuals inducted into the June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers, and recognized Shelly Guy with the Frances Montgomery Personal Support Worker Hospice Palliative Care scholarship.

The Carmelita Lawlor Lecture featured Vilma Oliveros, Dr. Priya Gupta, and Dr. Humaira Saeed, who shared insights from supporting refugees with advanced illness and highlighted opportunities to improve equitable access to palliative care.

Day 2 featured keynote speaker Professor Philip Larkin, who explored the role of hospice palliative care teams as compassionate communities and emphasized leadership, resilience, and the importance of small acts of kindness in sustaining meaningful care. The day concluded with the HPCO Awards Gala, celebrating excellence across the sector.

On Day 3, delegates attended final concurrent sessions before recognizing the recipients of the conference awards:

• Best Community-Based Poster Presentation: Ralyma Marquez, Mihara Begum, Alejandro Rojas, Maria Anzola, and Deana Maule, Hospice Toronto for Crafting Caring Communities
• Best Scientific Poster Presentation: Jessica Wyatt, Kassandra Fernandez, Holly Prince of Lakehead University for Shaping Palliative Care Education through Indigenous-led, Culturally Safe Approaches
• Best Lightning Talk: Jessica Fleming for Cuddlecot and Cuddle Blankets

Closing keynote speaker Peter Katz inspired attendees through music and storytelling, highlighting the power of recognition, connection, and purpose in mission-driven work.

Rick Firth concluded the conference by announcing HPCO2027, taking place June 6–8, 2027, and thanking the Conference Co-Chairs, Planning Committees, presenters, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, and delegates for making HPCO2026 a success.

HPCO extends sincere thanks to Presenting Sponsor Saint Elizabeth Foundation, Care Champion Sponsors Umano Medical and Mount Pleasant Group, and Compassion Level Sponsor Life & Death Matters for their generous support.

On Wednesday, June 17, HPCO President and CEO Rick Firth welcomed delegates to the 6th biennial Paediatric Palliative Care Symposium, sponsored by the Kindred Foundation. Dr. Jared Rubenstein opened with a review of the legacy intervention, Dignity Therapy, followed by a discussion of modifications made in the pediatric setting, illustrated through a case series of 4 patients and families. The day continued with a series of workshops, lunch, lightning talks and concluded with a wine and cheese reception.