Program

The HCIM 2026 program is designed to offer a rich and diverse experience, bringing together experts, practitioners, and researchers to explore the latest developments in healthcare clowning.

Through a combination of keynote speeches, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, participants will engage in inspiring conversations and hands-on learning.

Stay tuned for the detailed program schedule and get ready for three days of insightful exchanges, creative exploration, and meaningful collaboration.

  • © Operação Nariz Vermelho
  • Klinikclowns © Marina Weigl
  • © Prescription of Joy
  • Theodora Foundation © Inthenightprod 2024
  • Performing arts and clowning in healthcare

  • Art of connecting

  • Sustainable management and fundraising strategies

  • Research, impact and social sustainability

  • The future of humanizing care

Day 1

Wednesday, March 11

Evolution of the last 10 years

  • 08:00 - 09:00Registration & welcome coffee

  • 09:00 - 10:30Opening

    Opening ceremony
  • 10:30 - 11:00Coffee break

  • 11:00 – 12:00Parallel sessions round 1

    Program soon to be announced.
  • 12:00 - 13:45Lunch break

  • 13:45 - 14:45Parallel sessions round 2

    Program soon to be announced.
  • 15:00 - 16:00Parallel sessions round 3

    Program soon to be announced.
  • 16:30 - 18:00Plenary session 1

    The power of humour and play
    Christopher Bailey

    Humanizing healthcare with the support of science
    The art of re-connecting heart and brain: a neuroscientific perspective
    Solange Denervaud & Mathieu Horeau
  • 18:00 - 19:00Swiss aperitif & networking

  • 19:00 - 20:00Evening show

Day 2

Thursday, March 12

The art of connecting and its impact

  • 08:00 - 09:00Registration & welcome coffee

  • 09:00 - 11:00Plenary session 2

    Establishing trust with the patient
    The art of connecting: a conversation
    Baruch Krauss & Piet Leroy

    What matters to you
    Antony Staines on patient safety
  • 11:00 - 11:30Coffee break

  • 11:30 - 12:30Plenary session 3

    Fear and pain during medical procedures: How to create comfort
    and trust in healthcare – a nonmedical approach proposal

    Dr. Cyril Sahyoun, Dr. Marine Cacioppo & Sylvie Daillot
  • 12:30 - 14:00Lunch break

  • 14:00 - 15:00Parallel sessions round 4

    Program soon to be announced.
  • 15:00 - 15:30Coffee break

  • 15:30 - 16:30Parallel sessions round 5

    Program soon to be announced.
  • 18:30Festive dinner at Musée Olympique
    (can be booked separately)

Day 3

Friday, March 13

The future of healthcare clowning in shaping healthcare together

  • 08:00 - 09:00Registration & welcome coffee

  • 09:30 - 10:30Plenary session 4

    Beyond the red nose:
    Thought leadership for arts in health in humanized care

    What if clown organizations disappeared tomorrow—would healthcare miss us?
    Or are we missing our own opportunity to lead a deeper transformation in care?
    Ilse Beckers
  • 10:30 - 11:00Coffee break

  • 11:00 - 12:00Parallel sessions round 6

    Program soon to be announced.
  • 12:00 - 13:30Lunch break

  • 13:30 - 15:00Plenary session 5

    The right to joy: A rights-based approach to healthcare clowning
    Healthcare clowning is often seen as a nice extra—a cherry on top—
    but what if we considered it through the lens of human rights?
    Natalie Porias
  • 15:00 - 15:30Closing ceremony

  • 15:30-16:00Goodbye snack

Subscribe to the newsletter!

If you are considering attending our event and want to stay updated, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter. It’s the best way to receive all the latest news, event details, and more!