Roadmap: First-Time Attendee - SHSMD Connections 2026

Be on the lookout for a “Know Before You Go” email with important details a week in advance of the conference, including how to download the free SHSMD Connections mobile app to review session descriptions, handouts, presentations, and speaker info; build your personal daily schedule; take notes; and be sure to find other attendees like yourself in the mobile app and request to connect!
Registration starts at 7:30 AM on Sunday. Check in at the convention center to retrieve your name badge and Passport to Prizes card. Wear this badge throughout the conference.

Tip: After you pick up your name badge, head over to the ribbon wall, select the ribbons that best describe who you are, and add them to your name badge. As you walk around the conference, you can use these ribbons to find other attendees with common interests and experience.
During all dedicated Solution Center Exhibit Hall hours, meet with solution providers, watch theater presentations, and be sure to stop by the SHSMD booth to speak with a team member about the latest happenings with SHSMD. Be sure to bring your Passport to Prizes card and get your stamps to be entered into a prize drawing.

Attend a pre-conference workshop from 9:00 – 11:00 AM.
Preconference workshops are included in the full conference registration fees, but you must register for the workshop during the registration process. Spots are limited.
Attend the New Member and First-Time Attendee Orientation from 3:00 – 4:00 PM.
Attend the opening keynote: "The Improv Playbook: Taking Smart Risks and Adapting Fast" from 4:15 – 5:30 PM, which includes the Rising Star Awards presentation.
Attend the Welcome Reception in Solution Center Exhibit Hall from 5:30 – 7:00 PM.

Grab breakfast when attending a sponsored Sunrise Session from 8:00 – 8:45 AM.
Join the keynote: “Reframing Growth Through Human Experience” from 9:00 – 10:15 AM, which includes the Leadership Excellence Awards ceremony.
Network and recharge at the Solution Center Exhibit Hall Refreshment Break from 10:20 – 11:20 AM.
Enjoy lunch inside the Solution Center Exhibit Hall, collect educational handouts, and converse with our solution providers from 12:15 – 1:30 PM.
Get recharged for the afternoon at the Solution Center Exhibit Hall Coffee Break from 2:15 – 3:15 PM.
Attend one of the following In-Person Catalyst Conversations (formally Member Meet Ups) from 4:15 – 5:30 PM to network with your peers on similar challenges and roles:
- Children’s Hospitals
- Communicators and Public Relations
- Marketers
- Small or Rural Organization
- Strategic Planners and Business Developers
- The President’s Club / Senior Leaders
- Young Professionals

Explore the different categories with over 50 sessions. You do not have to register in advance for each session. Sessions are open to all attendees and are labeled based on their level of content: General, Advanced, and Executive. View all sessions by visiting the Full Program Schedule. You can filter by Category, which includes:

Marketing & Digital Engagement
Strategic Planning & Business Development
Career & Leadership Development
Communications & Public Relations
Innovation & Cross-Disciplinary Solutions

Not sure what to attend? All sessions (except pre-conference workshops) will be recorded and released as a virtual package in November. This is INCLUDED in all in-person registrations!