HIVE Leadership Conference 2026

Light breakfast with a side of good conversation. 

What do exceptional services look like? What are ways to ensure that we are advancing quality and integrity? Together we will discuss the gold standard in home and community-based services and how to identify and reach our "north star." 

On stage, Molly Bice-Jackson delivers more than a keynote—she creates an experience that transforms the way people see themselves and each other. In The Commodity of Connection, she blends powerful storytelling, emotional truth, and practical strategy to show that authentic connection is not just a soft skill, but a tangible, life-changing asset. With the presence of a performer and the insight of a seasoned coach, she invites audiences to break down walls, own their stories, and communicate with clarity, courage, and impact. Attendees don’t just leave inspired—they leave equipped to lead, speak, and live more connected lives. 

To support a quality services system, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) through the Division of Licensing and Background Check (DLBC) and the Division of Continuous Quality and Improvement (CQI), Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) and Operations support contracted, licensed and certified providers to ensure;

• Health and safety of individuals 
• Administrative requirements are met
• Quality service delivery.

This session will provide an overview of the responsibilities of the Divisions that support services for people with disabilities and then engage in a meaningful dialogue to coordinate our efforts to support a strong service system for Utahns.

Enjoy lunch and networking followed by the recognition of the 2026 Advocacy Awardees presented by the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council and the 2026 Ila Marie Goodey Awards presented by the Division of Services for People with Disabilities. Award presentation will begin at 12:50 pm. 

When access to formal employment services like Utah Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) is limited or unavailable, supporting meaningful employment doesn’t stop. So how can providers, support coordinators, and natural supports continue helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) succeed? This session provides practical strategies for supporting employment outside traditional systems—especially during service gaps such as waitlists, funding limitations, or orders of selection. Drawing on real examples, participants will explore:

• Creative, low-cost job development strategies that don’t rely on formal services
• How to leverage community connections, including local businesses, events, and personal networks
• Effective approaches to building employer relationships and customizing opportunities based on individual strengths
• Practical tools for immediate use, along with strategies to empower individuals and document progress outside formal systems

Whether you are navigating a service gap or expanding your toolkit, this session will provide actionable ideas to help individuals take greater control of their employment journey and be better prepared to maximize opportunities when services become available.

1. Understand the Value of Ombuds Programs: Explain how the core characteristics of Ombuds work support effective resolution and enhance the customer experience within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
2. Explore the Disability Ombuds Program: Gain specific knowledge about the features and functions of this vital program.

Build your leadership skills with fun and fast activity rotations. These collaborative activities are designed to enhance individual abilities as group contributors through problem-solving, clear communication and role definition. Whether you want to be a stronger leader or develop your teamwork skills, these hands-on activities will give you useful tools to use in everyday life. Join us for an exciting and supportive session that will help you step up and lead with confidence!

Attendees will be able to participate in 2 activities during each Rotation Series. Activities are repeated throughout the day.

Today's activities are:

My Contributions
This activity, adapted from "Great Work, Great Career" by Covey and Colosimo (2009), guides individuals in identifying their skills, strengths, interests, and responsibilities to articulate their overall contribution.

Blind Square
Participants will use planning, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills to create a square from a piece of rope. This seemingly simple task may prove more challenging than expected.

Alligator River
Participants will journey with a woman named Abigail across an alligator-infested river. Working in groups, participants will come to a consensus on a best-to-worst rating for all characters in Abigail's adventure. The activity is designed to transition participants from an individual perspective to collaborative leadership by practicing collaborative communication to reach a unified group decision.

Describe and Draw
In pairs, one person describes an object while the other person draws it without naming it explicitly. This activity helps improve team coordination and effective communication while fostering creativity. Players switch roles, allowing each person a chance to take the lead and guide the other, developing leadership skills.

In July 2022, the launch of 988 transformed how Americans access mental health support. However, a three-digit number is only as effective as the services waiting on the other end. This presentation explores the "Utah Model"—a comprehensive crisis continuum designed to provide Someone to Call, Someone to Respond, and Somewhere to Go. We will examine the integration of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline with Utah’s unique assets, such as the SafeUT app, statewide Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT), and specialized Receiving Centers. Attendees will learn how Utah utilizes legislative support and cross-agency collaboration to divert individuals from emergency rooms and the justice system, ultimately creating a more compassionate and efficient pathway to care.

SmartMonitor provides connected assistive technology solutions designed to enhance safety, independence, and quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through Inspyre, powered by Acuma Health, and AllWell, SmartMonitor helps enable more proactive, person-centered support for individuals living independently, in supported living environments, or receiving remote support services. Available on Apple and Android smartwatches as well as standalone wearable devices, the solutions offer features including unusual movement and heart rate monitoring, fall alerts, help button functionality, real-time location tracking, safe zone notifications, reminders, and customizable alerts delivered via text, call, and email. SmartMonitor’s HIPAA-compliant organizational portal also empowers remote and direct support providers with centralized oversight, event history, downloadable reports, and real-time visibility across client populations. These technologies can often be funded through Medicaid waiver programs and align closely with waiver goals focused on independence, community integration, safety, and efficient service delivery for the IDD population.

DescriptionBuild your leadership skills with fun and fast activity rotations. These collaborative activities are designed to enhance individual abilities as group contributors through problem-solving, clear communication and role definition. Whether you want to be a stronger leader or develop your teamwork skills, these hands-on activities will give you useful tools to use in everyday life. Join us for an exciting and supportive session that will help you step up and lead with confidence!

Attendees will be able to participate in 2 activities during each Rotation Series. Activities are repeated throughout the day.

Today's activities are:

My Contributions
This activity, adapted from "Great Work, Great Career" by Covey and Colosimo (2009), guides individuals in identifying their skills, strengths, interests, and responsibilities to articulate their overall contribution.

Blind Square
Participants will use planning, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills to create a square from a piece of rope. This seemingly simple task may prove more challenging than expected.

Alligator River
Participants will journey with a woman named Abigail across an alligator-infested river. Working in groups, participants will come to a consensus on a best-to-worst rating for all characters in Abigail's adventure. The activity is designed to transition participants from an individual perspective to collaborative leadership by practicing collaborative communication to reach a unified group decision.

Describe and Draw
In pairs, one person describes an object while the other person draws it without naming it explicitly. This activity helps improve team coordination and effective communication while fostering creativity. Players switch roles, allowing each person a chance to take the lead and guide the other, developing leadership skills.

Final thoughts and feedback about the day.