What happens when you gather 40 participants from 18 different hospice palliative groups from across Alberta in one place at the same time? 

You get the excitement, passion, and inspiration that was “Imagine 2015.”

 

 

On Saturday November 14, 2015, the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association (AHPCA) hosted their second annual “Imagine: Connecting Hospice Palliative Care Communities” conference in Nisku. Through Imagine AHPCA supports Alberta’s hospice palliative care communities by providing an opportunity for networking and education. This year’s conference was made possible through generous funding by the Nickle Family Foundation.

 

 

Speakers

Imagine 2015 participants spent the day developing new skills and knowledge in marketing and media strategies for promoting hospice palliative care services in their local communities. The outstanding presenters, Linda Williams, a Certified Professional Facilitator, and Award of Excellence recipient in Strategic Brand Management, and Carol Howes, journalist, and current Vice President, Communications at Enform stimulated thoughtful reflection and excellent networking activities.

Sessions

Linda Williams’ session “Key Messages: Say Less to Hear More” facilitated participants collaborating to develop concise and relevant key messages for their stakeholders. Linda’s litmus test for an effective key message was “Easy: Easy to say, easy to grasp, easy to remember.”

Carol Howes presentation “The Media – A Tool to Reach Your Stakeholders” was chock full of practical strategies for non-profit groups to get their key message out to their communities via traditional media i.e. TV, radio, and newspaper. Prepared with interview “Do’s” and “Don’ts”, bridging responses, and a clearer understanding of the needs of reporters, the participants are now better prepared to deliver a clearer message – hopefully, their key message.

 

Participants’ Reviews

The participants agreed; the most important aspect of the day, other than the newly acquired skills and knowledge, was the opportunity for individuals to network with other hospice palliative care people from across the province.

“I’m amazed at the diversity, resiliency, and determination of other hospice palliative care agencies.”

“I’m blown away by the outstanding work going on in Alberta – I need to stay in touch with others more often!”

“The highlight of Imagine 2015 was seeing the passion people have for palliative hospice care in our province.”

 

If you know of a hospice palliative care community group that would like to participate in AHPCA’s next Imagine conference, please let us know by sending an email to our Executive Director, Jennifer Elliott at director@ahpca.ca