HIVE Leadership Conference 2026: Full Schedule

1:00pm MDT

Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:00pm - 1:15pm MDT

Welcome to "HIVE!" In this session, we'll give you a sneak peek into what you can expect at the conference and the goals we hope to achieve. Get ready for an exciting and informative experience!

Moderators

Libby Oseguera

Executive Director, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council

Libby has served the public for over twenty years working in adaptive recreation, employment supports, and many years of advocacy programming, policy work and active engagement in improving publicly-funded services and supports. She received a Bachelor of Science, Recreation at the... Read More →

Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
All Hands 7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047

Plenary

4:35pm MDT

Reflections and Feedback: The End of Day Wrap-Up

Tuesday May 12, 2026 4:35pm - 4:45pm MDT

All Hands

Final thoughts and feedback about the day.

Tuesday May 12, 2026 4:35pm - 4:45pm MDT
All Hands 7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047

Plenary

8:45am MDT

Welcome Address

Wednesday May 13, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am MDT

All Hands

During this session, we'll guide attendees through the different conference activities and expectations so that everyone can feel prepared and get the most out of their experience.

Speakers

Libby Oseguera

Executive Director, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council

Wednesday May 13, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am MDT
All Hands 7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047

Plenary

9:00am MDT

Joyful Grit: How Embracing Obstacles Unlocks Optimism

Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

All Hands

Author and comedian Zach Anner blends laugh-out-loud stories with the legacy of disability rights activism. He highlights how progress comes from both trailblazers and everyday acts of kindness, urging us to face obstacles with humor, resilience, and joy as our constant companion.

Speakers

Zach Anner

Zach Anner is a comedian, author, television writer, public speaker, and YouTube personality. He grew up in Buffalo, NY, and somehow remained an optimist despite enduring seven-month winters and watching the Buffalo Bills lose four straight Super Bowls. Zach’s YouTube videos have... Read More →

Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
All Hands 7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047

Plenary

10:10am MDT

Music as an Everyday Tool: Supporting Communication, Regulation, and Connection in Disability

Wednesday May 13, 2026 10:10am - 11:00am MDT

All Hands

For people with disabilities, access to music can mean access to communication, socialization, regulation, and belonging. This session reimagines music as an everyday, accessible tool—beyond performance or therapy—that honors strengths, supports self-determination, and helps people connect with others and the world around them in meaningful ways.

Speakers

Jaycie Voorhees

Executive Director, Harmony Music Therapy

Jaycie Voorhees, MM, MT-BC is a passionate music therapist and entrepreneur with 17 years of experience in the field. She is dedicated to helping her clients, team, and colleagues progress so they can feel fulfilled and joyful in life. She runs the Harmony Music Therapy Center in... Read More →

Wednesday May 13, 2026 10:10am - 11:00am MDT
All Hands 7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047

Plenary

4:00pm MDT

Reflections and Feedback: The End of Day Wrap-Up

Wednesday May 13, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm MDT

All Hands

Final thoughts and feedback about the day.

Wednesday May 13, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm MDT
All Hands 7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047

Plenary

9:00am MDT

Creating Impact Through Services

Thursday May 14, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

All Hands

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."

Speakers

Angie Pinna

Director, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Services for People with Disabilities

Thursday May 14, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
All Hands 7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047

Plenary

10:00am MDT

Keynote Address: The Commodity of Connection

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT

All Hands

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.

Speakers

Molly Bice-Jackson

Molly Bice-Jackson is an acclaimed speaker, actress, and coach known for her powerful blend of storytelling, humor, and human connection. She holds a BFA in Music, Dance, and Theatre and has shared the stage as a backup singer for Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth. Over the years... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
All Hands 7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047

Plenary

11:00am MDT

Partnering to Ensure Success (Yours, Ours, and the Utahns We Serve)

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT

All Hands

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.

Speakers

Florencia Schapira De Gro

Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Shannon Thoman-Black

Division Director, Utah Department of Health and Human Services Division of Licensing and Background Checks

Carrie Bambrough

Director, Division of Continuous Quality and Improvement

Angie Pinna

Director, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Services for People with Disabilities

Amanda Slater

Assistant Deputy Director, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
All Hands 7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047

Plenary

12:20pm MDT

Lunch and Awards Presentation

Thursday May 14, 2026 12:20pm - 1:30pm MDT

All Hands

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.

Thursday May 14, 2026 12:20pm - 1:30pm MDT
All Hands 7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047

Plenary, Lunch

4:00pm MDT

Reflections and Feedback: The End of Day Wrap-Up

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:30pm MDT

All Hands

Final thoughts and feedback about the day.

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
All Hands 7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047

Plenary

1:00pm MDT

4:35pm MDT

8:45am MDT

9:00am MDT

10:10am MDT

4:00pm MDT

9:00am MDT

10:00am MDT

11:00am MDT

12:20pm MDT

4:00pm MDT

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