"I enjoyed all the speakers, listening to the passion in their voices, really was a life changing moment and it's all we have been talking about at work."

This was feedback we received from a participant at the eighth annual Hearts and Hands conferences were held in Langley, Kelowna, and Victoria. This was the second year we hosted three conferences and the largest number of participants in the event's history. The Langley conference alone attracted a record 268 registrants.

Celebrate. Educate. Inspire. These are the foundational principles that guide our approach to this event. We want to celebrate healthcare assistants' essential role in the health system, provide them with ideas and tools to be safe and healthy at work, and inspire them. Based on participant feedback, we delivered on these goals. We had a positive impact not only on those who attended but also on the organizations they work for.

Along, with the inspirational keynote delivered by Mark Black, our other presenters supported 10 breakout sessions across the three events.

We acknowledge the support of our sponsor partners and the organizations who invest in their staff by sending them to this special event.

"I enjoyed sharing the space with so many others that do work like me. I enjoyed how you the organizers worked so hard to make it a special day-from the compliments, the fun beach balls, the eagerness to serve us. The emphasis of the resources and that we do not need to be alone in our work! I was really touched by how special you all made it!"

"I felt appreciated as a HCA for the first time in 20 years."

"All the speakers were excellent. Very motivated. I can say all people behind the event are all warm, helpful and knowledgeable."

"The comradery, the information. Team building and all the free goodies. Of course, all the new information we could take back to work to share with others to increase our love and care."

"I don't specialize in conferences, but as a former sales agent, I would say that this is the best conference I have ever attended."