KBH+ Conference 2026

From Evidence to Everywhere: Scaling and Sustaining Innovations for Kids

Kids Brain Health (KBH+) will host the KBH+ Conference 2026 from October 18–21 at The Westin Calgary in Calgary, Alberta, bringing together leaders and changemakers committed to improving outcomes for children and youth with neurodisabilities (NDs) and their families.

Since its founding in 2009, the Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) has been a national leader in turning research and innovation into meaningful, real-world impact for children with NDs and their families. With approximately one in ten children and youth in Canada living with an ND, KBHN is dedicated to scaling and spreading evidence-based solutions—and ensuring they reach the children and families who need them most.

The 2026 conference builds on this strong foundation, convening voices from research, practice, community, policy, and innovation to spark collaboration and accelerate change. Under the theme, “From Evidence to Everywhere: Scaling and Sustaining Innovations for Kids,” this conference is a bold call to action: to move proven approaches beyond pilot projects and into everyday practice, ensuring early identification, effective interventions, and family supports are accessible, sustainable, and impactful for every child.

Pre-conference workshops

On Sunday, October 18, KBH+ is pleased to host a series of pre-conference workshops, facilitated by researchers, academics, and people with lived experience from across the KBH+ ecosystem.

Don’t forget to add these workshops to your registration today! 

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Developing Compelling Impact Narratives with Evidence

Join us for a hands-on workshop where data meets story. Learn how to turn evidence into narratives that move funders, partners, and decision-makers to act — and leave with practical frameworks to match evidence to message, balance credibility with resonance, and craft impact stories that inspire action.

This workshop will be hosted by KBHN and facilitated by Dr. Kathryn Graham from the Research & Innovation Impact & Assessment Lab (RIIAL) at the University of Calgary.

From Guidelines to Practice: Updated ADHD Care for Children and Adolescents

The Canadian ADHD Practice Guidelines, developed by CADDRA – Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance, have served as the most comprehensive and widely used national clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of ADHD since their first publication in 2006. As research and clinical practice continue to evolve, CADDRA is undertaking significant updates to all guideline chapters to reflect current evidence, clinical priorities, and collaborative models of care for children and youth with ADHD.

This interactive workshop, faciliated by Dr. Penny Corkum, will focus specifically on updates relevant to the assessment and management of ADHD in pediatric and adolescent populations. Faculty will highlight important revisions related to diagnostic assessment, psychosocial interventions, and pharmacological management. Updated approaches to diagnostic and management pathways across developmental stages will also be discussed.

Through discussion and case examples, participants will explore how to integrate the updated recommendations into everyday clinical practice. The workshop will emphasize real-world implementation strategies for interdisciplinary clinicians working with children, adolescents, and families across a variety of care settings. Particular attention will be given to applying guideline recommendations in complex presentations, including co-occurring conditions, developmental concerns, and gender-related considerations.

This workshop will be led by an interdisciplinary faculty consisting of psychologists and a family physician with expertise in pediatric ADHD assessment, psychosocial treatment, sleep, and gender-related considerations. An extended workshop format will allow participants to engage in discussion, clinical problem-solving, and deeper exploration of assessment and psychosocial treatment approaches as outlined in the CADDRA Guidelines. Although the guidelines provide a lifespan perspective, the focus for this workshop will be on children and youth.

Priority Setting for Indigenous People and Neurodevelopmental Research

This participatory workshop brings together community members, researchers, knowledge keepers, and practitioners to collectively identify and define the most pressing research priorities at the intersection of Indigenous peoples’ experiences and neurodevelopmental conditions. Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and community-centred approaches, this session moves away from researcher-driven agendas toward a process of shared leadership and self-determination in shaping the future of neurodevelopmental research.

Hosted by KBHN, this workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Grant Bruno, KBHN’s Scientific Advisor and Indigenous Advisory Circle Chair.

Please noteRegistration priority will be given to Indigenous people. We are committed to ensuring that Indigenous voices, experiences, and leadership are at the centre of this work. Indigenous participants are strongly encouraged to register early, and space will be reserved to reflect this commitment throughout the session.

Kids Brain Health Foundation's 10th Anniversary Gala

KBH+ is thrilled to announce Layne, The Auctionista will be hosting the Kids Brain Health Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Gala on Tuesday, October 20, in Calgary, Alberta!

A renowned keynote speaker, author, and fundraising powerhouse, Layne has redefined what giving looks like across North America. With over 1,700 events and more than $70 million in charitable dollars raised directly by Layne, they blend unstoppable energy, quick wit, and motivational storytelling to create spaces where everyone feels seen, connected, and inspired to give big. 

Join us as we celebrate a decade of impact—and get ready for an unforgettable night.

Pitch Competition

Are you ready to turn bold ideas into meaningful impact?

The KBH+ Conference 2026 Pitch Competition is your chance to showcase innovative solutions that improve the lives of children and youth with neurodisabilities and their families.

Travel and Accommodations

KBH+ is proud to partner with The Westin Calgary to offer a special conference rate of $259 CAD per night. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel provides easy access to the conference venue, local dining, and key attractions—ensuring a comfortable and seamless stay.

This preferred rate is available until Sunday, September 27, 2026 (subject to availability), so we encourage you to book early to secure your room.

Travelling with colleagues or friends? Triple- and quad-occupancy rooms are available for an additional $30 per person, making it easy to share accommodations while keeping costs manageable.

Plan ahead, book early, and get ready for an exceptional conference experience—we look forward to welcoming you!

Planning your visit for the KBH+ Conference 2026? Make the most of your time in Calgary!

Visit the Tourism Calgary link below for exclusive deals, recommendations, and information on local activities, dining, and attractions. Whether you are looking for a great spot to grab dinner between sessions, a must-see landmark, or a hidden gem to explore, you will find everything you need to plan your stay.

Sponsorship Opportunities

By supporting the KBH+ Conference 2026, you play a vital role in shaping brighter futures for children and youth with neurodisabilities and their families.

Your support helps ensure families have access to the resources, knowledge, and supports they need to reach their full potential—driving meaningful and lasting impact.

About KBH+

KBHN’s innovative and evidence-informed work made us the first national network in Canada dedicated to children’s neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Since 2009, KBHN has led transformative projects and real-world solutions that improve outcomes for children and families. In 2016, the Kids Brain Health Foundation (KBHF) was established to mobilize philanthropy, partnerships, and public support, amplifying the reach and impact of our work. Kids Brain Health Innovation Fund (KBH-IF) further strengthens our ability to accelerate the growth, scale, and spread of tested and effective innovations emerging from the KBHN and KBHF portfolios.

Together, KBHN, KBHF, and KBH-IF form KBH+, a national platform delivering impact for children and youth with neurodisabilities. Through coordinated efforts in government funding, philanthropy, and impact investing, KBH+ advances early identification, effective interventions, and access to family supports.