What to Know Before You Arrive at Donate Life Symposium 2026
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the Donate Life Symposium – a day dedicated to learning, connection, inspiration, and celebrating the incredible donation and transplant community.
Whether you’re joining us as a donor family member, transplant recipient, healthcare professional, volunteer, driver’s license staff member, advocate, or partner, thank you for being part of this special day.
Before You Arrive
Arrival: Doors open at 9:00am ET. RSVP is required. Check in at registration, visit the sponsors, photo backdrop, and resource tables! Breakfast/Coffee is not provided.
Event begins promptly at 10:00am ET.
Parking: Parking is free.
Location: UofL Shelby Campus – Founders Union Building (450 N. Whittington Pkwy, Louisville, KY)
Dress: Business casual is recommended.
When you arrive, you’ll check in at Registration to get your name tag and assigned seat.
Help Us Plan Your Day
We’ll be offering breakout sessions designed to help you connect with topics that matter most to you.
Event begins at 10:00am ET.
Hear From Inspiring Leaders
This year’s program features an outstanding lineup of speakers and conversations, including:
- Barry Massa, CEO, Network for Hope
- Wendy Eddy, Heart of the Motor Film
America’s Got Talent Keynote
We’ll also hear from Kim Scadlock and Holly Campbell, whose powerful story has impacted millions across the US.
11:45am
Lunch will be provided by Salsarita’s, with a build-your-own taco buffet that offers plenty of options for a variety of dietary preferences. If you have food allergies or specific dietary needs, please plan accordingly.
12:30pm
Mission Impact Panel
Moderator
- Charmaine Powell, MBA, Transplant Caregiver
Founder, The Cultivated Growth Network
Panelists
- Jason E. Huff, DNP, RN, FNKF
AVP, Transplant Services & Subspecialty Programs, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center - Tamara Davis
Senior Vice President, Public Relations & Social Media, PriceWeber - Andi Johnson
Vice President of Marketing & Community Engagement, Network for Hope - Matt Cole
Commissioner, Department of Vehicle Regulation, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Reece Ausmus
Donate Life Advocate and son of a two-time liver transplant recipient
Stay for the Finale!
After the breakout sessions, stop by to pick up your Symposium T-shirt and then join us for a special screening of Heart of the Motor until 3:00pm ET.
This inspiring 40-minute film tells the remarkable story of how an old truck connected countless lives and demonstrates the lasting impact of organ, tissue, and eye donation.
Please note: T-shirts will be distributed at the end of the day, so you’ll need to stay through the conclusion of the program to receive yours.
If Your Plans Change
If you discover you’re no longer able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible. This allows us to invite someone from our waiting list and adjust our catering order so food isn’t wasted.
Feel free to bring:
- Business cards for networking
- Money if you’d like to shop the inexpensive Donate Life T-shirt “yard sale” items thanks to our partner, Teresa Young
Thank you to our sponsors: Heart of the Motor: The Wyatt Eddy Story and Network for Hope
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Derby Industries, and the family of Craig Kingsbury
We can’t wait to spend the day with you as we learn, connect, and celebrate the incredible people who make the gift of life possible.