Events in Long-Term and Community-Based Care: Those I've Attended and Those on My Wish List
One of my favorite things about the long-term and community-based care industry is the dedication people put into their work. The professionals in this field, driven by mission and purpose, are uniquely characterized by a wealth of thought leadership, a growth mindset, and a strong commitment to collaboration. These are my kind of people, which is why I love attending events in this space.
In the last couple years, I had the privilege of attending several events that truly resonated with me. These gatherings were informative, inspiring, and packed with opportunities for connection. They’ve made it to my ultimate list of must-attend events, and I’m excited to share them with you. Whether you're looking to expand your network or gain insights into the future of care, I hope to see you at one of these in the future!
ADvancing States HCBS Conference
Location: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
Date and Time: August 24–28, 2025
Approximate Number of Attendees:
The 2024 HCBS Conference attracted over 1,800 participants, including more than 1,500 in-person attendees and an additional 300 virtual participants. The 2025 conference is expected to draw a similar or larger audience. Participants typically include a diverse group of professionals such as state aging and disability directors, Medicaid LTSS directors, federal officials, service providers, advocates, and other stakeholders dedicated to enhancing HCBS programs across the nation.
Description:
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Conference, organized by ADvancing States, is a premier national event that convenes state, federal, and local policymakers, along with leaders who administer, manage, and deliver waiver and other HCBS programs. The conference serves as a platform to share practices and policies aimed at improving state systems that deliver long-term services and supports (LTSS) for individuals of all ages and abilities. The conference covers a wide range of subjects pertinent to HCBS, including:
Innovative Service Delivery Models: Exploring new approaches to providing HCBS that enhance quality and efficiency.
Policy and Regulatory Updates: Discussing recent changes and their implications for HCBS programs.
Workforce Development: Addressing challenges and strategies related to recruiting, training, and retaining a competent HCBS workforce.
Person-Centered Planning: Focusing on strategies to ensure services are tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Technology Integration: Examining the role of technology in improving service delivery and outcomes in HCBS.
While the specific lineup for the 2025 conference has not been announced, previous conferences have featured prominent figures such as:
Lance Robertson: Former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging, who has provided insights into national aging policies.
Judy Heumann: Internationally recognized disability rights advocate, known for her work in advancing disability inclusion.
Dr. Bruce Chernof: President and CEO of The SCAN Foundation, offering perspectives on transforming care for older adults.
The HCBS Conference also includes a virtual component, scheduled for September 17–18, 2025, allowing for broader participation and engagement.
My Experience: This conference is a massive gathering—both in size and in impact. It offers extensive learning opportunities, and while the size can be overwhelming, it is a great place for meeting new people and exchanging ideas. I attended as a panelist and exhibitor for the Enhancing Technologies Intensive. I’m eager to attend again in 2025 and dive even deeper into how state systems operate today, what we need for the future, and how to help forge the path between the two.
Argentum
Description: Argentum’s events focus on senior living, caregiving, and aging services. The event brings together thousands of industry professionals to discuss trends, innovations, and the future of care for older adults. It includes everything from policy updates to discussions on innovative solutions to the industry’s biggest challenges.
My Experience: While I’ve attended smaller, more focused events in 2024 - the Senior Living Workforce Caucus in June and the Senior Living Workforce Symposium in August - Argentum remains one of the premier loci for those in senior living. I deeply appreciate the focus of the events I’ve attended for the discussion and opportunity to talk with prospective partners in solving the direct care workforce shortage crisis. I look forward to experiencing the scale of Argentum’s larger event and the energy it brings.
Small or large, Argentum brings together the right people with the mission, so it’s a great place to forge relationships, problem solve, and explore what’s next for senior care.
Check out Argentum’s Events for 2025
Argentum’s 2025 Senior Living Leadership Summit
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Date and Time: November 17, 2025 - November 19, 2025
Approximate Number of Attendees: 100-200
Description: The summit attracts a diverse group of senior living professionals and high-level executives, such as Chief Executive Officers, Presidents, Chief Operating Officers, and Chief Financial Officers. Industry vendors and suppliers may participate by invitation through summit sponsorship. The summit addresses critical issues and emerging trends in the senior living industry. Previous sessions have covered:
Exponential Growth Strategies: Exploring innovative approaches to business transformation and goal achievement.
Industry Visioning: Identifying key imperatives for the next decade in senior living.
COVID-19 Retrospective: Analyzing lessons learned to inform future public health responses.
Artificial Intelligence Integration: Examining AI's role in enhancing resident care and operational efficiency.
Operational Excellence: Aligning care and resident needs to improve outcomes and efficiency.
Argentum’s 2025 Public Policy Institute
Location: Washington, DC
Date and Time: March 12–13, 2025
Approximate Number of Attendees: The 2024 Public Policy Institute attracted more than 130 senior living advocates from 35 states. Given the event's growth, the 2025 institute is expected to draw a similar or larger number of participants.
Description: The Argentum Public Policy Institute is a premier advocacy event for the senior living industry, bringing together executives, policymakers, and stakeholders to address pressing federal policy issues impacting senior living communities across the United States. It offers a unique opportunity for senior living professionals to engage directly with lawmakers, advocate for industry needs, and collaborate on shaping the future of senior living in the United States. The event focuses on critical issues affecting the senior living sector, including:
Advocacy Training: Sessions like "Advocacy 101: Preparing for Congressional Meetings" equip attendees with strategies for effective engagement with policymakers.
Value-Based Care: Exploring the shift towards value-based care in assisted living and its implications for quality outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Affordable Senior Housing: Addressing the growing need for affordable housing solutions for older adults and discussing sustainable policy frameworks.
Workforce Development: Focusing on building career pipelines, engaging foreign-born workers, and addressing workforce shortages in the senior living industry.
Regulatory Changes: Analyzing significant legal decisions, such as the Chevron Decision, and their potential impact on the healthcare industry.
The event features a range of influential speakers, experts, and policymakers. While specific speakers for the 2025 institute have not been announced, previous events have included:
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine): Discussing legislative perspectives on senior living issues.
Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.): Engaging in dialogues about workforce development and senior care policies.
Jonathan Blum: Principal Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, providing insights into regulatory frameworks affecting senior living.
HCAOA National Advocacy Day
Location: Washington, D.C.
Date and Time: Spring
Approximate Number of Attendees: 150
Description: HCAOA Advocacy Day is a key event for home care providers and advocates. Attendees meet with their legislators to discuss issues impacting home care, including funding, regulations, and workforce challenges. It’s an essential event for those who want to make a direct impact on policy.
My Experience: The 2023 event was an incredible experience for networking, sharing, and connecting with lawmakers. The event allows for intimate discussions with policymakers, which is invaluable for anyone looking to influence the future of home care. I especially enjoyed connecting with folks across the country, learning about them and what’s important to them. I learned a lot about the power of advocacy, how to advocate effectively, and made a few really good friends. I’m keeping an eye on the 2025 event and will be attending if the dates align.
Also check out: local chapters have state-specific events. I also have my eye on the event this year for California!
LeadingAge Leadership Summit
Location: Washington, D.C.
Date and Time: April 7–9, 2025
Approximate Number of Attendees: The 2024 Leadership Summit brought together nearly 1000 senior and emerging leaders from aging service providers across the country. The 2025 event already has over 700 registrants. Participants typically include executives of aging services organizations, such as CEOs, presidents, vice presidents, and other senior-level influencers, as well as business leaders shaping the future of the sector.
Description: The LeadingAge Leadership Summit is a premier event that convenes thought leaders from across the aging services sector for mission-critical conversations. Over three days, the summit offers keynotes, education sessions, VIP discussions, and meetings on Capitol Hill, providing valuable networking opportunities for providers, businesses, and policy experts. The summit addresses a range of critical issues, including:
Innovative Strategies: Exploring forward-looking solutions to current challenges and future planning.
Workforce Empowerment: Ideas for empowering staff to work smarter and more efficiently.
Policy Influence: Opportunities to engage with and influence national decision-makers.
Previous summits have featured prominent figures in the aging services field and policy experts who provide deep insights into the environment in which aging services providers operate.
The 2025 Leadership Summit will also include a Lobby Day on April 9, where more than 100 LeadingAge members and advocates visit Capitol Hill for congressional meetings, amplifying their voices on critical issues impacting aging services providers, employees, and the older adults and families they serve.
Registration for the summit opens in January 2025. For more information and updates, visit the official event website.
My Experience: I have yet to attend the Leadership Summit but it’s definitely on my wish list for 2025. With a focus on leadership and the future of aging services, I believe this event will offer invaluable insights and connections for anyone involved in senior care.
America Society On Aging, On Aging 2025
Location: Hyatt Regency Orlando
Date and Time: April 21–24, 2025
Approximate Number of Attendees: On Aging is the nation’s largest multidisciplinary conference on aging, attracting thousands of professionals working in aging and related fields. Participants include experts, policymakers, advocates, and professionals from various fields related to aging, providing a rich environment for networking and collaboration.
Description:
The American Society on Aging's On Aging conference is a premier event uniting professionals from diverse disciplines to address critical issues in aging. The 2025 conference will focus on "Ageism & Culture," aiming to combat ageism's deep-rooted presence in society. Keynote speakers and special events will explore innovative solutions and policy recommendations to promote age inclusivity, positive representations of aging, and intergenerational understanding. The conference will delve into:
Ageism: Addressing stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination based on age, and their social, economic, and health impacts.
Cultural Change: Promoting positive representations of aging and fostering intergenerational understanding.
Policy Development: Exploring policy recommendations to create a more age-inclusive society.
While specific speakers for 2025 have not been announced, previous conferences have featured renowned experts and thought leaders in the field of aging, providing valuable insights and fostering meaningful discussions.
My Experience: I haven’t yet attended the On Aging event, and I’m hoping to attend soon. It’s an excellent opportunity to dive deeper into the aging services landscape and hear from some of the top voices in the industry.
HHCN Future
Location: Grand Hyatt Nashville
Date and Time: August 21–23, 2024
Approximate Number of Attendees:
While specific attendance numbers for the FUTURE conference are not publicly disclosed, the event is known to attract a substantial number of home health, home care, and hospice executives, along with leaders from payers and health systems. The conference gathers a diverse group of professionals, including: Home Health, Home Care, and Hospice Executives: CEOs, COOs, and other senior leaders from various organizations. Payers and Health System Leaders: Individuals involved in shaping and disrupting traditional U.S. health care systems. Investors and Stakeholders: Parties interested in the future of home-based care services.
Description:
The FUTURE conference, hosted by Home Health Care News (HHCN), is an annual flagship event that delves into emerging trends and future directions in home-based care. It offers exclusive insights into the evolving landscape of at-home care, providing attendees with strategic guidance and actionable tips from industry thought leaders. The conference covers a broad spectrum of subjects pertinent to home-based care, including:
Evolution of Home-Based Care Services: Exploring how services are adapting to meet changing patient needs and industry dynamics.
Supply-and-Demand Economics: Analyzing the economic factors influencing the provision and accessibility of home-based care.
Hospital-at-Home Models: Examining the expansion and implementation of acute care services delivered in the home setting.
Reimbursement Challenges: Discussing financial and policy-related obstacles affecting in-home care providers.
While the specific lineup for the upcoming conference has not been announced, previous events have featured prominent industry leaders such as:
Shelly Sun: Executive Chairwoman & Founder of BrightStar Care, sharing insights on home care services.
John Olajide: President and CEO of Axxess, discussing technological advancements in home health care.
April Anthony: CEO of VitalCaring Group, providing perspectives on home health industry trends.
My Experience: This is a fantastic event for those in home health and hospice. The discussions are always thought-provoking, and the panel-driven format makes it an engaging experience. The small size also allows for more direct interaction with experts and peers. I made some excellent connections and friends at HHCN events, and attending Future in 2023 was no exception. I hope to attend again in 2025.
AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit
Location: Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
Date and Time: April 7–9, 2025
Approximate Number of Attendees: The Quality Summit typically attracts around 300 attendees, including directors of nursing, directors of clinical and regulatory services, administrators, and other long-term care professionals. Participants typically include directors of nursing, directors of clinical and regulatory services, administrators, and other professionals dedicated to enhancing quality in long-term and post-acute care settings.
Description:
The AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit is an annual event that convenes long-term care leaders and professionals to explore innovative ideas and proven strategies for delivering exceptional resident care. The summit features expert-led sessions on effective leadership, strategic planning, customer engagement, data management, workforce development, and other emerging topics. Built around the seven Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, a foundation of AHCA/NCAL’s Quality Award Program, this conference offers a comprehensive framework for advancing organizational excellence. These core criteria align with CMS's Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) standards, a regulatory requirement for all CMS-certified nursing facilities. The summit covers a range of critical topics, including:
Effective Leadership: Strategies for leading teams to achieve excellence in care delivery.
Strategic Planning: Approaches to long-term planning that drive organizational success.
Customer Engagement: Techniques to enhance resident and family satisfaction.
Data Management: Best practices for utilizing data to improve care outcomes.
Workforce Development: Solutions for recruiting, training, and retaining skilled staff.
While the specific lineup for the 2025 summit has not been announced, previous events have featured industry experts and thought leaders who provide valuable insights into quality improvement and performance excellence in long-term care.
DevLearn
Although DevLearn is not a long-term and community-based care event, it is an incredible place to expand knowledge and innovate around opportunities for learning, training, and education. For that reason and because it was so influential to me when I attended, I included it in this list of my favorite events.
Location: MGM Grand Hotel
Date and Time: November 12–14, 2025
Approximate Number of Attendees: DevLearn is North America's largest learning technologies event, attracting over 100 attendees and featuring more than 5 exhibitors. Corporate Training and Development Executives: Chief Learning Officers, Training Directors, and Managers. Instructional Designers and Technologists: Curriculum Designers, ELearning Program Directors, and Developers. Educational Professionals: Educators and trainers seeking to integrate technology into their teaching methodologies.
Description: DevLearn Conference & Expo is the industry-leading event shaping the future of learning and development (L&D). It serves as a hub for L&D professionals seeking to explore and implement cutting-edge learning technologies. The conference offers a comprehensive program with content crafted by the community for the community, providing attendees with strategies and solutions to enhance their organizational learning initiatives. The conference covers a wide array of subjects pertinent to the learning industry, including:
Emerging Technologies: Exploring the latest tools and platforms revolutionizing learning experiences.
Instructional Design: Innovative approaches to designing effective and engaging learning content.
Games and Gamification: Utilizing game-based strategies to enhance learner engagement and motivation.
Data and Measurement: Techniques for assessing the impact and effectiveness of learning programs.
While the specific lineup for the 2025 conference has not been announced, previous events have featured prominent figures such as:
Erik Wahl: Internationally recognized graffiti artist and bestselling business author, known for his keynote on "The Art of Vision," emphasizing creativity and innovation in the workplace.
Kara Swisher: Renowned tech journalist, providing insights on human capital and innovation, and navigating tech transformation.
Justin J. Shaifer: LinkedIn Top Voice in Technology and STEM educator, discussing AI literacy and workforce transformation.
My Experience: I’ve attended DevLearn a few times and absolutely love the creativity it sparks. Though it’s huge, the wide range of sessions gives you the chance to dive into everything from e-learning to VR and AI in training. For anyone looking to explore how educational technology can shape the future of care, this is a must-attend event.
In conclusion, as 2025 approaches, I’m excited to attend even more events in the long-term and community-based care space. This industry is full of innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking professionals, and these events are the perfect platforms to learn, grow, and connect. I hope to see you there!
