Assembly Biosciences Highlights Importance of 2026 Annual Hospice and Palliative Care Assembly

Advancing Palliative Care: The 2026 Annual Assembly Takes Shape

The 2026 Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care, organized by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) and the Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA), is poised to become a pivotal event for healthcare professionals in the field. Scheduled for March 4-7, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center, this three-day conference aims to gather over 3,000 attendees, providing an essential platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring the latest scientific advancements in hospice and palliative care. The assembly is not only a chance for professionals to connect but also a venue for deepening their understanding of complex issues facing the industry.

One of the standout features of the assembly is its keynote presentation on "Dementia-Specific Palliative Care," which will showcase a panel of distinguished experts including Dr. Laura Hanson, Dr. Maribeth Gallagher, Dr. David Lynch, and Dr. Greg Sachs. This session promises to highlight innovative strategies for integrating evidence-based practices into care across diverse settings, addressing the unique challenges presented by dementia in palliative contexts. Attendees can also look forward to Deep Dive panels that will tackle vital topics such as opioid conversion calculations and navigating suicidality in serious illness care, ensuring that the assembly remains at the forefront of pressing conversations in the sector.

AAHPM's CEO, Pierre Désy, expresses enthusiasm for the assembly’s potential to inspire impactful discussions and recognize key achievements within hospice and palliative care. Co-Chairs R. Morgan Bain and Michelle Webb emphasize a commitment to delivering high-quality educational content, firmly rooted in scientific research. The pre-conference workshops set for March 4 will further enrich the learning experience, making the assembly a comprehensive event for professional development in this vital area of healthcare.

In addition to the high-caliber programming, the assembly serves as a critical juncture for healthcare professionals to engage with current policy environments and their implications for patient care. The collaborative atmosphere fosters innovation and encourages attendees to share their experiences and insights, ultimately driving advancements in service delivery for patients with serious illnesses.

As the assembly approaches, anticipation builds within the hospice and palliative care community, highlighting its importance as a venue for both professional growth and the evolution of care practices.