WHCA at the AHCA Convention

Last week, several members of Team WHCA traveled to Las Vegas for the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Convention. Each staff member spent three days learning, networking, and connecting with other long-term care leaders from across the country. This was an incredibly valuable and empowering experience for each of our staff members. Take it from them!

“My key take aways:

• Spending time with other state execs in our ASHCAE meeting, and I always appreciate the AHCA team.
• The Exhibit was fantastic!
  • I was impressed by amazing and emerging technology
  • I enjoyed visiting with our current business partners (specifically CBSI, Incite, and Behavioral Health).
• I enjoyed seeing our providers and particularly our board members: Bill Miller, Nancy Butner, Bill Ulrich, Monica Chopra, JoLynn Munro, and Jason Odenthal.
• I also loved that so many of our WHCA team attended!”

– Carma Matti-Jackson, WHCA’s President & CEO

“As someone new to the industry, seeing thousands of people come together with shared purpose brought forward for me how human, evolving, and collaborative this work is. One moment that stuck with me came from keynote speaker Allison Massari, who said, “All it takes is one person to change a life. One moment. One look.” That resonated [with me] deeply… Person-centered care isn’t a buzzword anymore; it’s the baseline.

Everywhere you turned [at the Convention], people were sharing real-world solutions of small, actionable steps facilities can take right now. From documentation improvements to staff recognition strategies, the focus was on doing what works, not just talking about it. I also appreciated the openness of those who’ve been in the field for decades, sharing their experiences and encouraging partnership. And spending time with WHCA team members was a highlight, deepening relationships that will continue to strengthen our success back home in Washington.”

– Jennifer Baria, WHCA’s Education Manager

“For me I really appreciated the opportunity to meet with the team at Incite, our GPO. I think we have some really exciting things to come.”

“My key take away [from the Convention] would be the wealth of knowledge and information from the LTCMP Meeting that occur in conjunction with the AHCA Convention. It is also so enlightening to see our WA members at these events!

– Juanita Taurman, WHCA’s Manager of Events and Special Programs