Friday, November 6th

8:30 – 9:00 AM:  

Registration/Check-In/Welcome

Location: Main Entrance

Light refreshments: pastries, water, coffee

9:00 – 10:00 AM:  

Keynote Speech

Location: Ballroom

" Creative Expression & the Art of Being Human "

Dr. Krystal Demaine, PhD, REAT, MT-BC, RYT 

Creative expression is an essential human practice through which we imagine, communicate, make meaning, and create connection. This keynote explores creativity as a fundamental human capacity that extends beyond artistic production and therapeutic intervention into education, healing, wellness, innovation, and everyday life. Through stories, reflection, and creative engagement, participants will consider how we can amplify the expressive arts as pathways to belonging, resilience, imagination, and transformation. Together, we will explore what it means to amplify creative expression as a vital part of being human.

10:00 – 10:15 AM:  

Break & Book Signing

Location: Gathering Room

10:15 AM – 12:15 PM:  

Keynote Workshop

Location: Ballroom

" Following the Creative Impulse: Finding Your Creative Compass"

Dr. Krystal Demaine, PhD, REAT, MT-BC, RYT 

How do we recognize the creative impulses that move within us and what happens when we learn to listen to them? This experiential workshop invites participants to explore the core elements of expressive arts through curiosity, play, imagination, and creative expression as guides for living and working. Through movement, sound, music, image, writing, play, and witnessing, participants will follow their own creative impulses across modalities, exploring what draws them, what inspires them, and what wants to emerge. Together, we will consider how the expressive arts can become a creative compass for navigating change, relationships, learning, work, and everyday life.

12:15 – 1:15 PM:  

Lunch

Boxed lunch and drinks will be provided.

1:30 – 3:00 PM: 

Workshops*

*Workshops do not require pre-registration this year, but may be limited to a first come, first serve based on supplies and room capacities.

3:00 – 3:15 PM:  

Break

Light refreshments: snacks, water, coffee

3:15 – 5:15 PM:  

Workshops*

*Workshops do not require pre-registration this year, but may be limited to a first come, first serve based on supplies and room capacities.

5:15 – 5:30 PM:  

Networking

• Visit to BATA’s 2026 Horticultural Therapy Make & Take project
• Presenters check spaces for tomorrow

5:30 PM:  

Dinner 

Evening Options:  

Opening Art Reception & Performance

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