This is an overview of the Horatio Belgium 2026 programme. Please note that the programme is still subject to change. Session topics, speakers and timings may be adjusted as preparations for the congress continue.
A full overview of the breakout sessions and the poster presentation can be viewed and downloaded via the link alongside.
Evening programme
Morning programme
Registration
Welcome Ceremony by Aisling Culhaine (President of Horatio Board), Liesbet Van Bos (Belgian board Member), Kris Vaneerdewegh (Member Nursing Network)
Welcome by Bart Somers, Mayor of Mechelen
Opening speech & musical intermezzo performed by Sanne Putseys
Keynote 1 – Cheryl Forchuk
‘Roots That Sustain: Building Resilience and Readiness from Our Past’
Coffee break
Breakout sessions
Breakout sessions
Lunch
Afternoon programme
Keynote 2 – Dominique De Marné
‘Mental health rocks – A statement that is both powerful yet mindful and deeply layered’
Celebration speech Horatio
Coffee break
Breakout sessions
Keynote 3 – Karel Desmet
‘Resilience and readiness in Action – Advancing clinical excellence and nurse-sensitive patient outcomes in mental health nursing’
Closing Day 1
Fellowship Award – Announcement of the 2027 conference
General Assembly
Morning programme
Registration
Breakout sessions
Keynote 4 – Nina Kilkku
‘Mental health nursing Today: Where we stand and how the world sees us’
Keynote 5 – Hanna Tuvesson
‘Shaping Tomorrow: Psychiatric and mental health nursing as a transformative force’
Coffeebreak
Breakout sessions
Breakout sessions
Lunch
Afternoon programme
Keynote 6 – Dirk Richter
‘Are We Ready? Human Rights as Foundation and Challenge in Mental Health Nursing’
Breakout sessions
Coffee break
Breakout sessions
Ending ceremony