Annual Convention & Trade Show

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2026 IOWA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION

CONVENTION + TRADE SHOW

September 14 - 16 | Des Moines, Iowa

Registration rates increase on Aug. 28

Iowa's premier long-term care event

Join Iowa's largest gathering of long-term care professionals for three days of education, networking and solutions that will equip you to step back into the ring with fresh ideas, new connections and practical strategies.

1,000+ attendees

40+ education sessions

Up to 16.0 CEUs

100+ exhibitors

Register

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Exhibit + Sponsor

KEYNOTES

Cara Silletto

Monday, Sept. 14

It's Not About Birth Year

The Evolution of Employees from A to Gen Z

Cara Silletto
Workforce + Retention Expert

Discover how generational differences shape today’s workforce and learn practical strategies to improve retention, communication and team performance.

Sponsored by Martin Bros. Distributing Co. Inc.

SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

Sunday | Sept. 13

Get Started Early

Early Registration
Pre-Conference Session: Chris Sund

Monday | Sept. 14

Opening Day

General Session Keynote: Cara Silletto
Trade Show — Lunch Included
Breakout Sessions
Administrator + Owner Trade Show Reception
Trade Show Reception
Evening Entertainment — Fight Night: Game On

Tuesday | Sept. 15

Education + Networking

General Session Keynote: Craig Karges
Complimentary Headshots
Breakout Sessions
Lunch Included
Annual Business Meeting
Quality Award Reception
Evening Entertainment: Music Bingo

Wednesday | Sept. 16

Closing Day

Breakfast Buffet
Breakout Session
General Session Keynote: Aaron Thomas

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MORE THAN EDUCATION

Trade Show

Explore products, services and solutions from industry partners serving long-term care during the Trade Show on Monday, Sept. 14. Plus, enjoy Trade Show Bingo, prizes and a reception sponsored by Martin Bros. Distributing Co. Inc.

Exhibit or Sponsor

Administrator + Owner Reception

Administrators and owners are invited to an exclusive trade show experience and networking reception on Monday afternoon.

Sponsored by Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy, Sacred Encounter Hospice and Williams & Company.

Fight Night: Game On

Kick off Convention on Monday night with a drink and friendly competition. Play cornhole, giant games and card games, test your strength on the punch machine, and relax in a lively sports bar atmosphere.

Lunch is covered

Enjoy lunch at the Trade Show on Monday and, new this year, lunch on Tuesday as well – giving you more time to explore convention events.

Sponsored by AdvaCare Systems Inc., Consonus Pharmacy, Davis Clinical Consulting and Gentell.

Annual Business Meeting

Get the latest association updates, hear the announcement of 2027 IHCA cabinet appointments and earn 1.0 CEU during the Annual Business Meeting on Tuesday.

Sponsored by Brighton Consulting Group and Enrollment Support.

Quality Award Celebration

National Quality Award recipients will be recognized during Tuesday morning's General Session. Active recipients and current IHCA Board of Trustees and cabinet members are invited to continue the celebration at an exclusive reception Tuesday afternoon.

Sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy, Brighton Consulting Group, CLA, Cornerstone Government Affairs, Dorsey + Whitney LLP, Martin Bros. Distributing Co. Inc., Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy, and Sacred Encounter Hospice.

Music Bingo returns

Back by popular demand, Music Bingo returns Tuesday evening. Test your music knowledge, win prizes and enjoy a fun night with your team.

Breakfast buffet

Fuel up before the closing day of convention with a hot breakfast buffet served Wednesday morning.

See your team on the big screen

Submit photos of your facility, community or agency to be featured during convention general sessions. Send your best snapshots to [email protected] by Aug. 18.