Caregiving Conference

4th Biennial Conference on Caregiving Research

Reaching New Heights: Elevating Caregiving Research, Policy, and Practice

September 23-25, 2026 | Salt Lake City, Utah

The Family Caregiving Collaborative at the University of Utah College of Nursing is proud to host the 4th Biennial Conference on Caregiving Research, Reaching New Heights: Elevating Caregiving Research, Policy, and Practice. Join experts in caregiving research, policy, and practice. 

Sign Up for Updates

Abstract & Symposia Submissions Now Open

The Abstract and Symposia submission portal will be open from March 1 to March 31, 2026. The Family Caregiving Collaborative (FCC) invites abstracts that address caregiving research, workforce/education, practice, and policy across the lifespan.

Submit Abstract

 

  • If you have any technical difficulty submitting your abstract, please email support@whova.com.
  • If you have questions regarding the abstract guidelines, please email fcc@nurs.utah.edu.
  • Once the abstract submission deadline has passed, no further changes will be accepted.
Submit Symposia

 

  • If you have technical difficulty submitting your symposia or have questions regarding the symposia guidelines, please email fcc@nurs.utah.edu.
  • Once the symposia submission deadline has passed, no further changes will be accepted.

Important Dates

Abstract Submissions

March 1-March 31, 2026 - Call for Early Abstract Submissions

Early May - Abstract Acceptance/Non-Acceptance Notifications Sent

June 1-June 15, 2026 - Call for Late Breaker Abstract

Early July - Late Breaking Abstract Acceptance/Non-Acceptance Notifications Sent

Secondary Data Analysis Training Workshop

March 9 -May 1, 2026 - Accepting Applications for Training Workshop 

June- Training Workshop Acceptance/Non-Acceptance Notifications Sent

September 22, 2026 – Training Workshop will be held in Salt Lake City for Accepted Applicants 

*Please see training workshop tab for more information

Registration & Hotel Reservation

May 1, 2026 - July 14, 2026 Early Registration

May 1, 2026 Hotel Reservation Hub Opens

July 15, 2026 Full Price Registration

    Abstract Submissions

    Why Submit?

    • Gain national visibility for your work
    • Expand your professional connections and collaborative efforts
    • Investigate innovative approaches to address common obstacles

    More information about the abstract submission coming soon.

    Abstract Dates

    March 1 – March 31, 2026 - Call for Early Abstract Submissions

    Early May - Abstract Acceptance/Non-Acceptance Notifications Sent

    June 1 – June 15, 2026 – Call for Late Breaker Abstract

    Early July - Late Breaking Abstract Acceptance/Non-Acceptance Notifications Sent

    The Abstract and Symposia submission portal will be open from March 1 to March 31, 2026. The Family Caregiving Collaborative (FCC) invites abstracts that address caregiving research, workforce/education, practice, and policy across the lifespan.

    Submit Abstract

     

    • If you have any technical difficulty submitting your abstract, please email support@whova.com.
    • If you have questions regarding the abstract guidelines, please email fcc@nurs.utah.edu.
    • Once the abstract submission deadline has passed, no further changes will be accepted.
    Submit Symposia

     

    • If you have technical difficulty submitting your symposia or have questions regarding the symposia guidelines, please email fcc@nurs.utah.edu.
    • Once the symposia submission deadline has passed, no further changes will be accepted.
    Conference Speaker and Panel Line Up

    Coming Soon

    Registration

    Registration and Hotel Reservation Hub will open May 1, 2026. 

    We've arranged for a room block at the Salt Lake City Marriott City Center. Please book your stay using our dedicated link for a special rate, available soon.

    We look forward to welcoming you to Utah for the 4th Biennial Caregiving Conference! The conference will be held at the Salt Lake City Marriott City Center, located downtown Salt Lake City with walking distance to shopping & nightlife and close to Temple Square, Delta Center, Gallivan Plaza, Salt Palace Convention Ctr, and the State Capitol. 

    Training Workshop

    As part of the 4th Biennial Caregiving Conference, the Secondary Data Analysis Training Workshop is an immersive opportunity for early-career caregiving researchers to build skills in using national datasets and secondary data analyses to advance science, policy, and practice.

    Early‑career caregiving researchers are invited to apply for the training workshop, held September 22, 2026 from 12:00-5:00PM MST in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    This immersive, half‑day workshop provides:

    • Hands‑on mentoring with national dataset experts (NHATS/NSOC or BRFSS)
    • Dedicated work time to develop an actionable secondary data analysis plan
    • Hotel accommodations, conference registration & airfare reimbursement
    • Access to research leaders shaping the future of caregiving science

    Application Deadline: May 1, 2026, 11:59 PM MST

    Learn more and apply today!

    For any technical difficulties with your submission or questions about the application, please email fcc@nurs.utah.edu

    Disability Accommodations

    The 2026 biennial conference will be held September 23-25 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Marriott City Center with the Secondary Data Analysis Training Workshop occurring on September 22. The venue includes ADA accessibility features for their meeting spaces, parking areas, and guest rooms. Care.com, Sittercity, and Bear-O Care are the University of Utah’s recommended resources for locating local vetted caregivers for children, elders, pets, and individuals with special needs. We are committed to providing a safe and respectful conference and training workshop. 

    Visit Utah

    Take the Scenic Route - September is a beautiful time with its fall foliage at peak colors making it perfect for scenic drives and hikes! Popular areas to see fall foliage include the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Nebo Loop Road.

    Visit the Mighty 5 - Utah is well-known for being home to five national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.

    Don't forget to add these free and/or inexpensive experience to your travel agenda!

    • Hill Aerospace Museum
    • Utah State Capitol
    • Bridal Veil Falls
    • Park City Main Street Historic District
    • Temple Square
    • Bonneville Salt Flats
    • City Creek Shopping Center
    • Gardner Village
    • Natural History Museum of Utah
    • Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
    Monument Valley
    Why Utah

    • Lee Ellington, PhD 

      (Chair)

      University of Utah

      Erin Kent, PhD 

      (Co-Chair)

      University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

      Heidi Donovan, PhD, RN 

      (Past Chair)

      University of Pittsburgh

      Christine Moua, M.Ed

      University of Utah

      Julie Klinger, MA

      University of Pittsburgh

      Kelly Tan, PhD, RN

      University of Pittsburgh

      Lynn Reinke, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN, FPCN, ATSF

      University of Utah

      Megan Thomas Hebdon, PhD, DNP, RN, NP-C

      University of Utah

      Ranak Trivedi, PhD, FGSA, FBSM

      Stanford University

      Hillary Lum, MD, PhD

      University of Colorado

      Beth Fields, PhD, OTR/L, BCG

      University of Wisconsin-Madison

      Julie Bidwell, PhD, RN

      UC-Davis

      Katherine Ornstein, PhD

      Johns Hopkins University