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 – contact us directly to access late registration. Check in at registration, visit our sponsors, stop by the photo backdrop, and explore the 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 DIRECTIONS
Directions
Dress: Business casual is recommended (polo shirts, khakis, dress, slacks – no suit/tie/formalities necessary)
When you arrive, you’ll check in at Registration to get your name tag and assigned seat.
Plan Your Day
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
- America’s Got Talent Keynote: Kim Scadlock and Holly Campbell, whose powerful story has impacted millions across the U.S.
11:30am Lunch
Lunch will be provided by Salsarita’s with a build-your-own taco buffet! Options will include proteins, rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, chips and queso. We will also have plant-based chorizo available for our pescetarian, alpha-gal and meat-free guests. For those who shared dietary restrictions when registering, we have reviewed those needs with our caterer and emailed you information. As with any catered meal, Salsarita’s cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. If you have a severe food allergy, please use your best judgment and plan accordingly.
12:30pm Mission Impact Panel
Moderator
- Charmaine Powell, MBA, Transplant Caregiver
Founder, The Cultivated Growth Network
Panelists
- Dr. Chuck Varnell, Medical Director, Kidney Transplantation, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
- Tamara Davis
Senior Vice President, Public Relations & Social Media Expert - 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
1:00pm Break & Breakouts
Q&A and Specified KYTC Training Provided
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 Geiger partner, Teresa Young
