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In-Person High Level Symposium Program

Deadlines and dates are the backbone of a successful National Symposium, and we want to make sure you don’t miss a moment of this exciting event! By staying on top of key dates, you ensure you’ve got plenty of time to prepare, submit, and secure your spot in what’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready to be part of something extraordinary!

In-Person High Level Symposium Program – Pacific Time (PT)

Event	Thursday, June 4*	Description: In-Person Symposium Day 1
2026 National Symposium for Academic Palliative Care Education and Research	Thursday, June 4, 2026 Friday, June 5, 2026	Join us at the California State University San Marcos Campus for our annual 2026 National Symposium!
Start & Check-In	11:30am-12:15am	Come early to get a jumpstart connecting with colleagues and friends! Students must provide a student ID at check-in.
Lunch	12:00pm-1:00pm	Enjoy a delicious lunch to energize you for Day 1 of the Symposium! Think Mediterranean food, sponsors, and special interest tables!
Welcome	1:00pm-1:15pm	Kick off the symposium with inspiring welcome remarks from our conference MC, setting the tone for a day of insightful discussions and networking.
Plenary Speaker #1	1:15pm-2:30pm	Hear from an esteemed professional or researcher in the field of palliative care. Plenary speaker announcement coming soon!
Break	2:30pm-2:45pm	Coffee/Tea provided
Breakout Session #1	2:45pm-4:30pm	Engage in our afternoon breakout sessions designed to foster collaboration and innovation in academic palliative care education and research.
Welcome Reception & Howell Award Ceremony	4:30pm-6:30pm	Please join us for a warm welcome reception, an excellent opportunity to unwind, network, and build lasting connections with colleagues. Think heavy appetizers, bar service, and music! A chance to celebrate the Palliative Care work of our Howell Award winner.
End	6:30pm	This concludes Day 1 of the Symposium. Enjoy what North City San Marcos has to offer and dine or grab a sweet treat within steps of the Symposium!
Event	Friday, June 5*	Description: In-Person Symposium Day 2
Chair Yoga	7:15am-8:00am	Start your day with a relaxing chair yoga session with **Alessandra Colfi to rejuvenate your mind and body, preparing you for a day of learning and engagement.
Start & Check-In	8:00am-8:45am	Check-in is for those attending Friday ONLY at 7:45-8:15 am. Students must provide ID at check in. Breakfast will be from 8:00am–8:45 am.
Welcome Remarks	8:45am-9:00am	A warm welcome back with important reminders before heading to Breakout session #2.
Breakout Session #2	9:00am-10:00am	Engage in our morning breakout sessions designed to foster collaboration and innovation in academic palliative care education and research.
Break	10:00am-10:15am	Coffee/tea provided
Breakout Session #3	10:15am-11:15am	Engage in our last breakout session which has been designed to foster collaboration and innovation in academic palliative care education and research.
Break	11:15am-11:30pm	Coffee/tea provided
Plenary Session #2	11:30pm-12:45pm	Hear from an esteemed professional or researcher in the field of palliative care. Plenary speaker announcement coming soon!
Lunch & End	12:45pm	Send off from the Institute Executive Director. Grab & Go lunch will be provided concluding the end of the Symposium.

*Dates & times are subject to change

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Symposium Activities:

Chair Yoga with Alessandra Colfi 🧘‍♀️

**Start your day with a refreshing Chair Yoga session designed to gently awaken your body and mind, ideal for attendees in professional attire. This short, accessible class will incorporate mindful movements, intentional breathing, and gentle stretches to promote relaxation, enhance focus, and prepare you for a productive day at the Symposium. No previous yoga experience is required, and all movements and poses are performed while seated or standing by the chair, ensuring an enjoyable experience in comfort, safety, and ease, with options for any level of mobility. Join us for a soothing and energizing start to your conference day, perfectly timed to fit into the morning schedule before breakfast. Nurture your body and release tension with a gentle practice rooted in compassion.

Rooted in Compassion: A Collective Expressive Arts Garden 🪴

Hosted by Alessandra Colfi throughout the in-person symposium, a brief Expressive Arts activity inviting Symposium participants to contribute to a shared Garden of Compassion, supporting reflection, belonging, and inclusive community connection in Palliative Care.

Bedazzle Registration Station ✨

Kick off the Symposium with some sparkle! Visit our Bedazzle Registration Station to customize your nametag with a dazzling assortment of gems, stickers, badges, and more. Whether you’re going for subtle shine or a full-on bedazzle, make your mark and let your personality shine from the moment you arrive!

Special Interest Tables 🧩

Connect, converse, and collaborate! Join fellow attendees at our Special Interest Tables to enjoy a meal and meaningful conversation with colleagues across the same disciplines. Find a table and dive into discussions with peers who share your passions.