Engaged and Empowered 2026: Advancing Person-Centred Care

April 27 - 28, 2026 · All day

Organized by: Covenant Health Patient Engagement

Edmonton Expo Centre
7515 118 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5B 0J2

Audience: Healthcare professionals Researchers General public

The summit will be a two-day event including keynote speakers, panel discussions, short presentations and interactive displays with time built in for engagement between participants.

Call for abstracts

Your voice matters—help shape a future of innovative, compassionate and high-quality care that puts people first.

You are invited to submit an abstract for Engaged and Empowered 2026: Advancing person-centred health care summit, taking place April 27–28, 2026, at the Edmonton Expo Centre.

The summit is a unique opportunity to bring together patients, residents, families, caregivers and health care professionals. Join us for this dynamic meeting place for thought leaders — a space for bold conversations, collaborative learning and the exchange of transformative practices in person-centred care.

Planning to submit an abstract?

Join our virtual question and answer sessions on Sept. 18 and Sept. 25. These sessions are a chance to get answers to your questions and connect with the planning team.

Abstract submission requirements

Demonstrate relevance to summit themes:

Person-centred care
Caregiver and family resources
Patient/resident/family experiences
Diversity, equality and inclusion
Access to care

Provide a clear and well-supported topic overview that aligns with Covenant’s strategic vision to be leaders and partners in transforming health care and creating vibrant communities of health and healing.

Transformation: Embrace innovation and transformative change towards forward-thinking solutions
Purpose and culture: Aligning values with our mission to foster a culture rooted in compassion, respect and dignity
Excellence: Dedication to delivering our best in every interaction and initiative, driving quality care and positive outcomes

Abstract submission format

Lecture/oral

30–40-minute in-person presentation followed by a fifteen-minute engagement with the audience
Provide in-depth insights on Summit theme(s), fostering robust discussion

Rapid fire talk

Eight-minute oral presentation related to Summit theme(s) followed by a five-minute engagement with the audience
Highlight impactful and focused ideas that can inspire action

Immersive display

Exhibits, demonstrations or interactive activities highlighting innovative approaches
Creative opportunities for learning, engagement and innovation

Format and support

Submissions will be accepted in written, audio, and video formats
300 word maximum for written submissions with option to upload five supporting photos
Three minute maximum for audio and video submissions
A virtual Question and Answer session will be provided on September 18 and 25. Register now.

Eligibility

We welcome abstract submissions from everyone—patients, residents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers and community organizations. If you have a story, idea, or experience to share, we want to hear from you. No one is excluded from participating.

Evaluation

Submissions will be assessed on scoring rubric categories:

Clearly defined topic
Connection to Summit themes
Impact
Alignment with Covenant’s strategic vision
Creativity
Actionability

Abstract scoring rubric

Score (weighting factor)	4 points	3 points	2 points	1 point
Clarity of submission	Excellent description of topic area. Main ideas are clear and well supported by detailed and relevant information.	Good description of the topic area. Main ideas are clear but are not well supported by detailed information.	Fair description of topic area. Main ideas are somewhat clear.	Poor description of the topic area. Not clear.
Connection to summit theme(s)	The presentation demonstrates an excellent connection to the Summit theme(s) and providing a thorough understanding of person-centred care.	The presentation demonstrates a good connection to summit theme(s) and understanding of person-centred care.	The presentation demonstrates a fair connection to the Summit theme(s), with some alignment but lacking depth or comprehensive coverage of the themes.	The presentation demonstrates a poor connection to the Summit theme(s), with minimal or no integration of the themes, or the connection to person-centred care centered care is unclear.
Impact / importance	Excellent description of impact on person-centred care.	Good description of the impact on person-centred care.	Fair description of the impact on person-centred care.	Poor description of the impact on person-centred care.
Alignment with Covenant’s strategic vision	Excellent connection to Covenant’s strategic vision.	Good connection to Covenant’s strategic vision.	Fair connection to Covenants strategic vision.	Poor connection to Covenant’s strategic vision.
Degree of novelty	Excellent use of creativity, demonstrating highly innovative and imaginative ideas, approaches and perspectives.	Good use of creativity, showcasing innovative ideas.	Fair use of creativity, offering some innovation but lacking depth or bold approaches.	Poor use of creativity, relying heavily on templates, instructions, or pre-existing models.
Actionable	The goal for how attendees will act on what they have seen/heard is clearly defined and includes suggested next steps.	The goal for how attendees will act on what they have seen/heard is somewhat defined.	There is a goal for how attendees can act on what they’ve seen/heard but it is unclear or not well defined.	No goal for how attendees can act on what they’ve heard/seen or suggested next steps.

How to submit

Complete the abstract submission form by Oct. 31, 2025.

Successful applicants will be notified by Dec. 15, 2025 with details on presentation logistics and summit registration.

Submit your abstract

Questions?

Send us an email if you have any questions about the event.