Schedule & Program
Full Education Schedule Available Now!
Take a look at the the sessions we’ll be offering below.
Monday, September 8
Tuesday, September 9
Wednesday, September 10
Track: CLINICAL
8 Commandments of Psychotropic Drug Reduction Parts 1 & 2
Presented by Eric Collett
A Mind for All Seasons
Most long-term care professionals understand the need to reduce or eliminate the use of psychotropic drugs – especially in the elderly. Unfortunately, many professionals lack a framework for approaching psychotropic drug reduction. This two-part presentation helps to close the gap by empowering nurses, front-line staff, administrators, and medical directors with a helpful set of guidelines based on over 50 years of combined experience helping professionals find meaningful interventions that reduce antipsychotic usage.
Track: LEADERSHIP
The Assisted Living Trifecta “Working as a Team”
Presented by Jesse Buntjer, Erin Siffing, Greg Atwood
Avista Senior Living
One of the biggest challenges from the beginning of time is the battle between Ops, Sales and Clinical. It doesn’t have to be that way, and this session will show you how. The main focus of this presentation will be about how having a trifecta that works together leads to greater success and a better experience for our teams, residents and families.
Track: REG/GENERAL
AI Curious? More Insight, Less Guesswork: A Plain-English Guide to AI in Senior Living
Presented by Tom O’Reilly
Life Patterns SPC
This talk is a practical, no-hype guide for leaders in aged care who want to understand how AI can make their jobs easier… not just someday, but now. You’ll walk away with a plain-English understanding of how AI can quietly make your community safer, smarter, and more sustainable, and how to start without needing a data scientist, a massive IT project, or a leap of faith.
Track: LEADERSHIP
Adaptability is the New Change
Presented by George Carroll
GC Training and Coaching, LLC
Gallup research highlights that 70% of US employees have reported experiencing disruptive change within their organization in the past year, with 20% citing a large or very large extent of change. Adaptability is the new competitive advantage, allowing individuals and organizations to stay ahead of the curve, innovate, and lead with confidence.
Track: REG/GENERAL
Past Non-Compliance: What it is and How it Can Help Your Team
Presented by Rebecca Evans
Consulting Resources
Recognizing and addressing deficiencies proactively allows nursing facilities to turn potentially costly and damaging citations into less severe, past non-compliance findings. This approach not only mitigates penalties but also strengthens internal quality processes, ultimately improving care and compliance outcomes. Join us for practical tips and examples on incorporating this concept into your ongoing QAPI efforts.
Track: CLINICAL
Start Your Journey: Crafting a Baldrige Organizational Profile for Bronze Award Success
Presented by Robin Nicholson, RCFA, LSSWB
Ohana Ventures
In this session, participants will learn how to effectively write the Organizational Profile using the Baldrige Excellence Framework as a guide. You’ll explore real-life examples and learn how to avoid common mistakes that can weaken your application—or miss the opportunity to tell your story with impact. This session is ideal for first-time Bronze applicants, organizations new to the Baldrige framework, or returning applicants looking to strengthen their foundation before progressing to the Silver award.
Track: LEADERSHIP
Conflict is a Beast, What Breed Are You?
Presented by WHCA’s Dan Scheuler
Conflict is part of the job, whether it’s with staff, residents, or families. You’ll discover your “inner conflict dog” using the Thomas-Kilmann model and learn how to choose the right style for the situation. Expect real talk, relatable examples, and leadership strategies you can use immediately.
Track: REG/GENERAL
The Current State of Legislation and Legal Challenges to the 340B Program
Presented by Luke Malek and Kyle Roots
Smith+Malek, PLLC
Since its introduction, the 340B program and health centers have been at the very intersection of health equity. Understanding the current legal and legislative challenges or changes coming to the 340B program can help medical providers and administrators intelligently prepare to continue to meet the needs of their communities within the changing legal and political landscapes.
Track: CLINICAL
Nutrition for Mental Health Support in Older Adults
Presented by Jen Bruning
Incite Strategic Partners
This session will discuss the role that nutrition can play in maintaining or improving the mental health status of older adults via the gut-brain axis, nutrient abundance and enjoyment of meals. A review of current mental health challenges in older adults and specific nutrients that can support mental health goals will be included. Get ready to think critically about the ecosystem of your community, and the ways that nutrition can be interwoven into the lifestyles that can best support resident wellbeing.
Track: LEADERSHIP
The Fence is Built … Is the Gate Closed? Setting Boundaries to Enhance Work Relationships, Reduce Stress, and Take Your Power Back
Presented by WHCA’s Vicki McNealley
The term “goes above and beyond” is a typical description of the very best workers in long-term care. But is going “above and beyond” a good thing? This session will discuss the pitfalls and triumphs associated with setting professional boundaries, taught from a recovering over-achiever who burnt out, and is still here to talk about it.
Track: REG/GENERAL
Workers’ Compensation Bootcamp Parts 1 and 2
Presented by Shamus Harmon and Jennifer Aldrich
ERNwest
This class will delve into how industrial insurance rates are calculated, how those rates might be adjusted for individual employers, and what you can do to positively impact those rates. This class will also cover what a retrospective rating (retro) program is, how it can benefit you, and how to maximize workers’ compensation savings using retro. We will give you tips and techniques to maximize your effectiveness and minimize your pain.
Track: CLINICAL
Code Red: The Healthcare Cybersecurity Trivia Challenge
Presented by Justin Hayden & Heath Hefely
Securus Systems
Can you survive a data breach? Navigate HIPAA pitfalls? Outsmart a phishing scam before lunch? Join us for a high-energy, brain-boosting trivia event that puts your cybersecurity smarts to the test, healthcare style. Whether you’re a CISO, nurse, tech vendor, or just love a good challenge, Code Red delivers insights and entertainment. No prior cybersecurity expertise needed, just curiosity and a competitive spirit.
Track: LEADERSHIP
People vs. Profits: Why We Don’t Have to Choose
Presented by Kayla McCarthy
Hearthstone Senior Living
Join us for a powerful, practical session that challenges the myth that you must choose between financial success and workforce well-being. Learn how people-centered leadership drives performance, retention, and profitability without burnout, turnover, or compromise. Because in healthcare, doing the right thing for our teams is not separate from doing the smart thing for our business. It’s the same thing.
Track: CLINICAL
The Trauma Informed Care “Toolkit” Parts 1 & 2
Presented by Justin Smiley, Randal Barnes, Karen Murphy, and Megan Meinberg
Valley Vista Care Corporation
The Trauma-Informed Care Toolkit is an interdisciplinary program that brings together a comprehensive collection of practical tools and processes. Designed to go beyond theory, this “real-world” approach supports regulatory compliance while emphasizing a person-centered model of care. Easily adaptable to any senior living environment, the Toolkit offers a blueprint for integrating trauma-informed principles across the lifespan of care. It serves as a “one-stop shop” for communities seeking to implement trauma-informed practices in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Track: LEADERSHIP
From Stuck to Empowered: Maintaining Momentum Through Trying Times
Presented by Cody Byrns
Cody Byrns shares how his life suddenly changed while he stopped at a red light on the highway. It forever changed him, throwing his dreams to the curb, and creating the ultimate stuck mindset. Through his research in psychology and personal triumph, he was able to transcend a forever life-changing experience into tangible steps that can work for just about anyone. His story is designed to empower your team to create the necessary shifts to go from stuck to empowered.
Track: REG/GENERAL
Medicare Part B Revenue Opportunities
Presented by Bill Ulrich
Consolidated Billing Services, Inc.
Many nursing home providers believe the only items billable to Part B are related to physical, occupational and speech language pathology. However, the nursing can bill additional services on the UB-04 leading to additional revenue. This session will help attendees understand additional revenue opportunities for residents covered under Medicare Part B.
Track: LEADERSHIP
Winning Health Care Talent: Attract Top Talent, Fill Roles Faster, and Build a Workforce That Lasts
Presented by Wendi C Modarelli
HRT Northwest
This session equips healthcare leaders with practical, business-driven strategies to attract and retain top talent—without overextending budgets or sacrificing quality. Learn how to streamline your hiring process, enhance your employer brand, and target the right candidates. Walk away with actionable tactics to fill critical roles faster and build a workforce that can meet today’s challenges.
Track: REG/GENERAL
From Shadows to Spotlight: How AI is Illuminating the Future of Long-Term Care
Presented by Cheng Xie & Blake Crockett
LTLinx
The long-term care sector is navigating a period of profound change. Faced with aging demographics, shrinking workforces, rising regulatory pressures, and increasing operational complexity, many providers feel like they’re navigating in the dark—constantly reacting, stretched thin, and searching for sustainable solutions. This course will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as one of the most powerful tools to light the way forward.
Track: CLINICAL
Ready or Not, Here They Come! Active Aging’s Impact on Value-Based Care
Presented by Pete Fronte & Dr. Steven Castle
Altura
This session will explore practical, person-centered methods to enhance active aging, reduce provider burden, and support health system viability. Led by experts in geriatrics, health system leadership, population health, and patient engagement, this highly interactive session will enhance learning by sharing how older adults view value services, reviewing data on rising costs related to physical inactivity and falls, and reviewing evidence-based programs that promote physical activity and fall prevention without increasing clinic visit demand.
Track: LEADERSHIP
The Sales Reset
Presented by Dresden Cincurak
True Connections Communities
In this session, we’ll strip away outdated sales habits and reset the way we think, act, and measure success. We’ll explore what’s no longer working in today’s market, why “busy” isn’t the same as “productive,” and how to refocus on actions that will actually move the occupancy needle. You’ll walk away with a fresh framework for prioritizing the right activities, connecting with prospects on a deeper level, and building momentum that lasts.
Track: REG/GENERAL
From Data to Action: Leveraging Quality Metrics for Better Patient Care
Presented by Douglas C Johnson
Consulting Remedy
This presentation explores key measurement and analytics techniques for monitoring, managing, and improving healthcare quality. It introduces a framework for interpreting data within the Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom (DIKW) hierarchy, guiding organizations from simple data collection to actionable insights that drive patient care improvements. Through real-world examples and practical methods, it demonstrates how to apply the right measures, at the right time, to the right stakeholders for continuous quality improvement.
Track: LEADERSHIP
Stop Chasing, Start Choosing
Presented by Dresden Cincurak
True Connections Communities
Based on the Yes You Can Say No philosophy, this session is about reclaiming control of your pipeline. We’ll dig into why saying “no” to the wrong leads, wrong activities, and wrong partnerships frees you up to say “yes” to what drives results. By the end, you’ll have a plan to work smarter—not just harder—while increasing both your close rate and your sanity.
Track: REG/GENERAL
2025 Overview of CMS Changes to Appendix PP: What you need to know to illuminate your facility’s journey
Presented by WHCA’s Elena Madrid
In this session, we will review the changes CMS made to the State Operations Manual: Appendix PP effective April 28th. This overview will provide an overview of what facilities need to know to comply with the additional surveyor guidance and changes including resident transfer/discharge, QAPI, pain management, professional standards, accuracy of assessments and more! This session will also include tips for compliance and help ensure your facility is prepared for survey.
Track: CLINICAL
Click, Click, Boom: Cybersecurity Mistakes That Seem Harmless
Presented by Justin Hayden, Heath Hefely
Securus Systems
In this fast-paced, lighthearted session, we’ll uncover the everyday mistakes that seem harmless but can lead to massive data breaches. Through relatable examples and eye-opening stories, learn why small missteps matter, and how to turn risky behaviors into smart, secure habits. Whether you’re a tech novice or seasoned pro, you’ll leave with practical tips you can use immediately to strengthen your cybersecurity posture at work and at home.
Track: LEADERSHIP
Critical Leadership Lessons They Don’t Teach You in School
Presented by Jeff Whitehorn
Whitehorn Coaching & Consulting
How soon in your leadership journey were you confronted with a situation or challenge that you were completely unprepared? Experience is the master teacher. Jeff Whitehorn delivers a motivational and energetic presentation as he reveals and shares ten important leadership lessons for success that he learned “on the job” as a 25-year hospital CEO that were never taught in school.
Track: REG/GENERAL
From Absenteeism to Accountability: Strategies to Reduce Attendance Issues and Protect Patient Care
Presented by Wendi C Modarelli
HRT Northwest
In this session, healthcare leaders will learn actionable strategies to address attendance challenges head-on. Discover how to identify root causes, apply fair and effective policies, and create a culture of accountability that supports both your staff and your bottom line. Walk away with tools to reduce disruptions, enhance team reliability, and improve overall organizational performance.
Track: CLINICAL
Preventing Claims and Lawsuits through Customer Service
Presented by Robin Bell and Travis Johnson
Marsh McLennan Agency
This session explores the intersection of customer service and risk management, providing participants with practical strategies to prevent and mitigate liability exposure. Attendees will understand how to identify early warning signs of dissatisfaction, respond effectively to concerns and understand when and how to report potentially compensable events.
Track: LEADERSHIP
Culture CPR: Administer Immediately to Invigorate Culture and Boost Employee Retention
Presented by Jeff Whitehorn
Whitehorn Coaching & Consulting
Throwing money at short-term employee recruiting tactics will not yield long-term results. It’s time to implement “Culture CPR,” a proven strategy that invigorates culture, develops leaders, and boosts employee retention. Jeff Whitehorn, a former 25-year hospital CEO, delivers an energetic, engaging, and motivational presentation as he reveals the three critical components of Culture CPR.
Track: REG/GENERAL
Navigating Social Media and AI in Today’s Nursing Home and Assisted Living
Presented by Shellie Young
Mac Media Services/Legacy Studio Media
This session will cover the fundamentals of social media marketing, emphasizing its role in boosting brand awareness and community engagement. Attendees will learn how to leverage social platforms for employee recruitment and retention, create impactful local content, and understand the value of ad spending for reaching target audiences. By the end of this event, facilities will have actionable insights to elevate their online presence and attract both residents and staff effectively.