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.
Important Dates
Abstract Submissions
End of May - Early 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
June 2026 - Training Workshop Acceptance/Non-Acceptance Notifications Sent
September 22, 2026 – Training Workshop will be held in Salt Lake City for Accepted Applicants
Registration & Hotel Reservation
May 1, 2026 - July 14, 2026 Early Registration
May 1, 2026 Hotel Reservation Hub Opens
July 15, 2026 Full Price Registration
Registration
The Registration & Hotel Reservation Hub for the 4th Biennial Conference on Caregiving Research—Reaching New Heights: Elevating Caregiving Research, Policy, and Practice is now open!
Register soon to receive the early bird registration rates (through July 14, 2026).
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 Late Breaker Abstract submission coming soon.
Abstract Dates
- End of May - Early 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
Coming Soon
Registration and Hotel Reservation Hub now open!
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.
Conference Rates:
Registration Fee for 3-Day Conference (General Admission):
- Early Bird Discount (until July 14, 2026) : $550
- Rate starting July 15, 2026: $650
Registration Fee for 3-Day Conference (Post-Doc):
- Early Bird Discount (until July 14, 2026) : $275
- Rate starting July 15, 2026: $375
Registration Fee for 3-Day Conference (Student):
- Early Bird Discount (until July 14, 2026) : $150
- Rate starting July 15, 2026: $200
Registration for 1-Day:
- $200/Daily Rate
Hotel Information:
We've arranged for a room block at the Salt Lake City Marriott City Center. We’d greatly appreciate it if attendees choose the designated conference hotel, as doing so supports our reserved room block and helps us deliver a successful event experience.
Book by September 1, 2026 to secure our special rate. Rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Book your stay using our dedicated link: Book Your Hotel Reservation Here
Conference Registration and Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellations received on or before August 23 will receive a full refund, minus a $75 administrative fee.
- Cancellations received between August 24 and September 9 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued after September 9.
- Registrations may be transferred to another individual at no cost until September 20.
Conference Code of Conduct
This conference is committed to providing a professional, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. By registering, you agree to conduct yourself in accordance with these expectations.
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
The application window has closed. Training Workshop Acceptance/Non-Acceptance Notifications will be sent in June.
For any technical difficulties with your submission or questions about the application, please email fcc@nurs.utah.edu
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.
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
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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