Making the Grade in Worksite Wellness Symposium 2026

Employee Wellness leaders from college campuses across North Carolina invite you to join us for the Annual Making the Grade in Worksite Wellness Symposium this spring. This one-day gathering will take place Friday, May 29, in Banner Elk, North Carolina at the .

Making the Grade in Worksite Wellness brings together professionals from higher education, community colleges, government agencies, healthcare, nonprofits, and private organizations who are committed to strengthening employee well-being.

Under the theme Better Together, this collaborative event highlights the power of connection, innovation, and collective impact in advancing employee wellbeing.

This year’s symposium highlights how recognition, belonging, kindness, and shared purpose shape a healthy workplace culture. Sessions will move beyond traditional wellness programs and focus on practical ways to create environments where employees feel valued, supported, and engaged.

Participants will have opportunities to:
• Build relationships with wellness leaders and colleagues from across the region
• Share ideas, experiences, and challenges in worksite wellness
• Collaborate on approaches that support sustainable well-being
• Learn how culture, belonging, and everyday actions influence employee health

Registration:
Regular Registration: $65
Student Registration: $25

Registration includes all conference materials, parking, light breakfast, and lunch.

*Contact [email protected] if you prefer to be invoiced for registration or to inquire about full or partial scholarships.

9:00 – 9:30 AM: Welcome and Get Know Ya!

9:30 – 10:30: Who's in the Room?

10:30 – 10:45: Be back in 15 taking a Wellness Break!

10:45 – 11:45: 500 Fist Bumps Presentation and Training with Dr. Mike Perko

11:45 - 12:00: Be back in 15 taking a Wellness Break!

12:00 – 12:45: Enjoy Lunch from Stickboy Kitchen and Bakery!

12:45- 1:00: Organization Self-Assessment

1:00 – 2:00: Assess and Discuss Strategies

- Committed Leadership 
- Collaboration 
- Collecting Data 
- Operating Plan

2:00 – 2:15: Be back in 15 taking a Wellness Break!

2:15 – 3:30: Assess, Discuss Strategies 
- Supportive Initiatives/Programs 
- Policies and Culture of Wellbeing 
- Evaluate and Celebrate

3:30 – 4:00 : Wrap up and What’s Next?

Rhodes Motor Lodge, Boone, NC

Home 2 Suites by Hilton, Boone, NC

Holiday Inn Express, Boone, NC

TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Boone, NC

Contact Hannah Pines at [email protected]

https://healthyuncg.uncg.edu/making-the-grade/

Lindsey Nanney, UNCW

Jessica Pyjas, UNC-CH

Melissa Marion, HPU

Steff McDaniel, ASU

Stefanie Milroy, UNCG

Hannah Pines, UNCG

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Host or Publisher Stefanie Milroy - HealthyUNCG