Jean Hindmarch, projects director at Hospice UK, talks to ehospice about seasonal favourites at the Hospice UK national conference, ‘Dying for Change: Evolution and Revolution in Palliative Care’ (20-22 November), as well as new opportunities for delegates to interact and network. As well as a bumper crop of 36 formal sessions, 100 speakers and over 40 exhibitors, we’ve planned other opportunities for delegates to engage with one another. The conference is jam packed with innovation and ideas many of which inform the content of conference sessions or poster presentations. But what about the ideas that aren’t part of the formal programme or which occur to people in situ? This is where the ‘shed’ comes in. During conference, the shed will be a meeting place for delegates to share information, request help or to identify people to help develop, shape and share their ideas. The concept is simple: come to the shed, write your idea and contact details on a card and pin it up on the wall. Other visitors to the shed will be able to browse the cards, add their own ideas and take people’s details to get in touch during or after conference. The intention is to broker introductions to other like-minded people who delegates may not otherwise meet. Hospice UK staff will be on hand to signpost to conference posters on similar topics, to make introductions or to share their knowledge about comparable developments in the sector. This simple idea builds on the huge amount of knowledge already shared in the sector, but in a fun and interactive way. At the end of conference, we’ll collate the cards and add the information to Hospice UK’s website so others can join the conversation. On a more personal note, the Camper Van of Dreams provides a place of imagination and a creative space for people to find the courage to voice their dreams. Since 2014, the van has been at schools, colleges, festivals and conferences encouraging people to enter the van and articulate a dream. The dreams are spoken into a microphone within the safe space of the van and, with individuals’ permission, are transmitted via a rooftop megaphone or tweeted to create a stream of hope. The Camper Van of Dreams is based on the theory that by declaring an aspiration it becomes a possibility. Over 4,500 participants have entered the van dreaming of justice, innovation, love, forgiveness and connection. It is a creative space for re-imaging – individually or collectively, and to declare what really matters. At conference, we’ll be inviting people to share their dreams for revolutionising end of life care. In response to feedback from previous conferences we’ve allowed more time for people to engage with our sponsors and exhibitors. And, as part of this dedicated session, delegates will have the opportunity to find the iconic Liver Bird in and around the exhibition, and to win prizes en route. Seasonal favourites No conference would be complete without a menu of seasonal favourites, which in 2019 include: a Research Café, hosted by Professor Kate Flemming, Hospice UK’s new Head of Research and Clinical Innovation Writing for Publication, supported by BMJS&PC an official journal of Hospice UK and an opportunity for advice on getting your research published 300 poster displays grouped thematically in eight topics ranging from ‘Communications and conversations’ through to ‘Workplace business and culture’ a conference bookstore with a selection of new and best-selling titles offered at specially reduced prices the conference dinner, sponsored by Towergate Insurance, created by ACC’s classically trained chefs and showcasing local produce, with the opportunity to celebrate with the winners of this year’s Hospice UK Awards. If you’re still unsure about whether the conference is for you, we’ve come up with at least 10 reasons why you should join us in Liverpool. Don’t leave it until it’s too late; book your place today. Visit our website to find out more.