Convention Sessions

Loving Disruption – Creating Cultures that Last
Speaker: Angie Gray | CEUs: ALL

Disruption doesn’t mean chaos — it means doing something different on purpose. Angie introduces “loving disruption” as a leadership strategy to challenge the status quo, build trust and center what matters most: people. Leaders leave feeling empowered to disrupt with integrity and care, teams gain stronger alignment with mission and values, and organizations begin fostering cultures rooted in trust, growth and longevity.

Stronger Through Change
Speaker: Chris Norton | CEUs: ALL

In today’s unpredictable health care environment, what if the changes you fear could become your greatest source of strength and innovation?

Chris Norton’s journey embodies this transformative power. An Iowa native who grew up in Bondurant and attended Luther College in Decorah, Chris suffered a severe spinal cord injury in 2010 that left him with a 3% chance of ever moving below the neck. Defying medical expectations, he walked at his college graduation and wedding, inspiring over 400 million people worldwide.

In this powerful keynote, Chris challenges the notion that change is merely to be endured. Drawing from his remarkable path as both patient and advocate, he reveals how change can be our greatest teacher and opportunity for growth. Chris shares compelling stories and practical strategies that empower teams to reframe challenges, foster radical responsibility and build resilient cultures unafraid to ask for help.

His story, featured on major networks and in the award-winning documentary 7 Yards, showcases the impact of embracing change. With his wife Emily, Chris has fostered over 23 children and adopted five, embodying the adaptability and compassionate care that defines meaningful service.

Join Chris to discover how life’s biggest disruptions can become your greatest opportunities, leaving you inspired and equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

From Burnout to Belonging – What Nurses Need Most
Speaker: Angie Gray | CEUs: ALL

Burnout isn’t just about workload — it’s about disconnection. This session highlights what nurses and care teams actually need to feel seen, supported and valued. Drawing on research and real-world experience, Angie shows how meaningful relationships, shared purpose and a culture of belonging drive lasting engagement. Attendees gain a clear roadmap for supporting staff well-being, nurse leaders leave with actionable strategies to create connection, and organizations can expect greater stability, trust and retention.

Building Your Personal Resilience Toolkit – From Inspiration to Implementation
Speaker: Chris Norton | CEUs: ALL

The keynote inspired you to see change differently — now it’s time to put those insights into action. In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore how to apply Chris’s key lessons in your daily health care practice. Through guided reflection and small group discussion, you’ll dive deeper into the practical applications of the strategies Chris shared — from taking radical responsibility to harnessing the power of words and reconnecting with purpose. We’ll focus on real challenges you’re facing and actionable next steps you can implement immediately. Perfect for health care professionals ready to move from surviving change to thriving through it.

Taking QAPI to the Next Level
Speakers: Katie Frederick, Andy Fuston and Andrew Wismer | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, DH, N, SS

Are you feeling like you’ve been spinning your tires with QAPI and not gaining any traction? Are you just going through the motions to meet regulations? In day-to-day operations, it’s sometimes easy to just check the box to get things done — but Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) shouldn’t be one of them. The team at Vetter Senior Living (VSL) has created a “morning kick-off” and “QAPI agenda” that not only encourages collaboration from your team, but also creates a process for tracking trending data for easy evaluation to assist with improving outcomes. The data capture used here has led to improved regulatory compliance, quicker response to non-favorable trends, improved quality outcomes, identification of performance improvement areas and better preparation for AHCA Quality Awards. This approach has been implemented at all VSL locations with measurable improvements in areas such as Quality Measures, rehospitalizations, antipsychotic use and more. Come along as we show you a tool that can help you “Make QAPI Great Again.”

Addressing Mental Health Disorders in Long-Term Care
Speaker: Barbara Speedling | CEUs: ALL

As the numbers of long-term care residents with behavioral health challenges increase, the education and training of the staff becomes vital to successfully managing the needs of this population. Unlike dementia, a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar depression, obsessive compulsive disorder or other chronic mental illness requires a working knowledge of the symptoms and how the disease impacts the individual. This series is designed to provide basic, common-sense information on these behavioral health challenges. The most effective avenues to assessment and care planning, as well as helping residents to find satisfaction and a quality of life in the management of their disease are central to these conversations.

From Conflict to Connection – Building a Culture of Trust Through Communication
Speaker: Angie Gray | CEUs: ALL

Conflict doesn’t have to be a barrier — it can be the doorway to deeper connection and trust. In this session, Angie Gray introduces a simple but powerful four-step framework that helps leaders and teams move from tension to transformation. By approaching communication with curiosity, clarity and compassion, leaders become more confident in navigating conflict, teams develop shared language for resolution and organizations experience stronger collaboration and trust.

ADA/ADAAA and Mental Health – Complex Issues in Employment
Speaker: Jo Ellen Whitney | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, DH, N

This session will look at the ongoing issues of mental health accommodation in the workplace including issues of employee support, interactive discussions and medical documentation in an area that can be difficult to document. Various legal issues and policy requirements will be discussed.

Leaders – What Can AI Do for You?
Speaker: Molly Mackey | CEUs: ALL

Many of us don’t realize the amount of work that AI can now take off our plates. From writing formal communications, to breaking out trainings into sections, to giving reminders on how to handle a potentially tense conversation with a co-worker — AI can do a vast array of things to assist leaders. Join us for this fun and interactive session to see what AI can do for you!

Sex, Drugs and Rolling Walkers – The Future of Long-Term Care
Speaker: Barbara Speedling | CEUs: ALL

As the long-term care industry faces major challenges in regulation, finance and staffing, the shift in demographics to a more complex population has added another layer of stress. Resources to develop the type of care and service needed to address issues of mental disorders, substance use, addictions and other behavioral health needs are in short supply. This session offers a variety of ideas for anticipating and developing common-sense approaches to these contemporary challenges. Improving staff education and training in behavioral health and developing strategies to address common symptoms and reactions in mental health are a focus of this conversation.

Preventing Hospital Transfers – Strategies for Reducing Hospitalizations
Speaker: Tasha Janssen | CEUs: ADM, N, SS

Reducing hospital transfers from post-acute care communities is essential in improving patient outcomes and reducing health care costs. Learn and discuss key strategies that long-term care facilities can adopt to help reduce unnecessary hospital transfers and, with that, enhance the resident care and experience.

Medical Issues in the Workplace: When Leave Laws Collide
Speakers: Megan Moritz and Ann Kendell | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, DH, N

One workplace incident. Three overlapping laws. A whole lot of complexity. Navigating the FMLA, ADA and workers’ compensation law can quickly become overwhelming. This session will unpack how these laws overlap, interact and sometimes even conflict. Join us for a discussion about this intersection, as well as practical guidance on managing employee medical conditions, workplace injuries and leave entitlements under the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and workers’ compensation laws. We will talk through real-world scenarios, handling accommodation requests and coordinating overlapping leaves.

Top 10 Training Pitfalls
Speaker: Molly Mackey | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, DH, N

It is time to rethink the way we train. In the information era, most people have access to a vast amount of information at their fingertips. Our job as trainers has changed — it is not enough just to give participants information. We need to give them an experience. From death by PowerPoint to cognitive overload, learn what training mistakes you are making and how to correct them.

Behavioral Health – Sexual Capacity, Consent and Acceptance
Speaker: Barbara Speedling | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, DH, N, SS

The issue of sexuality is often taboo in the institutional environment. Either the staff lack any understanding and consideration for the very human emotions and needs we all share, or they are uncomfortable with sexuality and would rather avoid having to address it at all. In extreme cases, staff may see themselves as the moral police, imposing their personal feelings and beliefs about sexuality on the dependent population. This session provides a shared human and clinical perspective on how to approach matters of sexuality for all residents, but with focused considerations for those with dementia or other special needs. The matters of consent, capacity and resident education will be addressed. Suggested approaches will be offered for care planning for issues involving suspected sexual abuse, cases of unwanted sexual contact, or contact in circumstances where one or both parties lack capacity to consent.

The Care Advantage – How to Build an Engaged, High-Retention Culture That Wins
Speaker: Danny Goldberg | CEUs: ALL

Retention isn’t a compensation issue — it’s a culture issue. For years, competitive salaries and perks were enough to engage and retain top talent. But today’s workforce expects more. Employees don’t just leave for better pay; they leave workplaces where they don’t feel valued, supported or connected. Employees today want to work in a culture where they feel psychologically safe, deeply connected and genuinely cared for. Without that, burnout rises, engagement plummets and loyalty disappears. The best workplaces don’t just acknowledge care — they build it into their culture. Most leaders assume that care is implied. It’s not. In today’s workplace, care must be intentionally built — day by day, moment by moment.

In this insight-packed, action-driven keynote, workplace culture and leadership expert Danny Goldberg shares a research-backed framework for building a Culture of Care — a leadership approach designed to turn disengagement into commitment, culture into a competitive advantage and workplaces into destinations where top talent thrives.

PDPM Playbook – Optimizing Reimbursement and Outcomes
Speakers: Jessica Stucin & Kristine Martinez | CEUs: ADM, DH, N

The Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) was released in 2019 for Medicare reimbursement in skilled nursing facilities. Although it has been six years since the release, there have been multiple changes within nursing facilities around the country due to the recent pandemic, staffing crises, new MDS coding data elements, and — as of Oct. 1, 2023 — some states choosing to transition to PDPM for their Medicaid case mix. Let’s do an in-depth review of the coding criteria for each component of PDPM and the supporting documentation needed to achieve accurate PDPM scores in your facility. We will discuss methods on how to accomplish success through best practices with PDPM using your QAA/QAPI process.

Success in Today’s Home Care Environment? Show Me the Data!
Speakers: Angela Huff & Andrea Fairbanks | CEUs: ADM, N

This session will explore the results of the industry study conducted by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) and Forvis Mazars focused on identifying how agencies are succeeding in the current industry environment and which benchmarks represent that success. Attendees will be provided with benchmarks and excerpts from the study.

Legal Hot Topics 2025
Speakers: Katie Cownie & Adam Freed | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, DH, N

This session will provide attendees with essential updates on the most pressing legal and regulatory issues facing nursing facilities and assisted living programs in 2025. Designed to address the evolving compliance landscape, the session will highlight recent trends, enforcement activity and policy developments affecting day-to-day operations. Presenters will share practical strategies and considerations to help providers navigate legal challenges and reduce risk across care settings.

Make It Happen – Climbing the QAPI Mountain
Speaker: Amy Stewart | CEUs: ADM, DH, N, SS

Mark Udall, expert mountaineer and former U.S. Senator for Colorado, is quoted as saying, “You don’t climb mountains without a team, you don’t climb mountains without being fit, you don’t climb mountains without being prepared and you don’t climb mountains without balancing the risks and rewards. And you never climb a mountain on accident – it has to be intentional.” The same can be said of achieving and sustaining quality in health care, and it starts with leaders to make it happen. Join AAPACN’s Chief Nursing Officer, Amy Stewart, for this 60-minute session where she will explore how leaders inspire everyone to join the QAPI expedition to continuously pursue quality outcomes.

Disrupting the CCRC Model – Taking Care Outside of Your Walls
Speaker: Erika Kramer | CEUs: ADM, ALMC

Every day 11,000 people turn 65 and over 80% of aging adults want to stay in their home as long as possible. With financial and staffing constraints, how can we still service seniors, even if they aren’t living on our campuses? Is it possible to care for aging adults even though our traditional CCRC model is based around bringing them into our communities and moving them through the levels of care? Join us as we discuss the numbers, the challenges, the opportunities and even the journey of adapting what we do to continue to thrive in the ever-changing senior living industry.

Leadership for Activity Professionals
Speaker: Vanessa Emm | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, AP

This session is designed to equip activity professionals with the essential leadership skills necessary to excel in their roles within diverse settings. Emphasizing ethical decision-making, effective communication and strategic leadership, participants will explore best practices in managing teams, developing programs and enhancing participant engagement. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, learners will gain insights into building a positive and inclusive environment while upholding ethical standards in leadership.

Infection Prevention During Transitions of Care: What to Know Before, During and After a Transfer
Speaker: Chris Barten | CEUs: ADM, DH, ES, N

Effective infection prevention and control is essential during transitions between levels of care. This session will focus on best practices for long-term care providers when transferring or admitting residents, including what infection-related testing should be completed prior to transfer and how to communicate relevant information to the receiving facility. Attendees will learn what questions to ask when accepting a transfer or new admission to ensure infection risks are identified and managed appropriately. Presented by a nurse clinician from Iowa’s Healthcare-Associated Infections and Prevention team, the session will also highlight upcoming tools and transfer documentation being developed by the state to help facilities standardize communication and improve infection control practices during transitions of care.

Assisted Living Growth Trends for the Future
Speaker: Andy Edeburn | CEUs: ALMC, ADM, N, SS

Once heralded as “the alternative to nursing homes,” assisted living has undergone considerable transformation over the last 30 years. Initial emphases around residential models with minimal supports have been gradually displaced as resident acuity has grown and aging in place has become increasingly important. The number of assisted living customers in America is expected to double over the next 15 years — but tomorrow’s assisted living customer is not today’s assisted living customer. This session will explore the rapidly expanding opportunity and market for assisted living, how the assisted living model is likely to further evolve and change in both the near and long-term, and what operators should be thinking about as they position for future success.

Care Planning That Works – Turning Assessments into Action
Speakers: Jessica Stucin & Kristine Martinez | CEUs: ADM, DH, N, SS

The Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) system is your map that guides you to look at the resident holistically. Resident assessments and interviews are the first step in your journey to assessing the resident’s care needs in a long-term care facility or skilled nursing facility (SNF) per the resident’s “voice.” The Minimum Data Set (MDS), Care Area Assessments (CAAs) and person-centered care plan create a path for the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to navigate the resident’s individual care needs, preferences, goals and interventions. Residents should be encouraged and supported to make decisions about their care and develop their own goals while supporting staff to identify and carry out interventions. The IDT members can assist the residents and their family members with achieving the desired goals and outcomes. Take a journey with us as we look at key areas of person-centered care using the RAI system.

VBP Shift Ahead – Prepare now to Maximize Your TPS!
Speakers: Angela Huff and Andrea Fairbanks | CEUs: ADM, N, SS

VBP is once again changing for the 2026 performance year with changes to the measures and the weighting that contribute to the Total Performance Score (TPS). The payment adjustments that result can be incredibly impactful to an agency’s overall financial performance, with upward adjustments potentially mitigating some of the impact of rate cuts — and downward adjustments compounding and resulting in deeper cuts that are already occurring for providers. Agencies need to do all they can to ensure that their TPS is competitive in this model, which takes intentional knowledge and focus. This session will provide detailed information about the 2026 VBP measures, how they are defined, data sources, calculations and weightings that all contribute to the TPS. Innovative strategies and tools will be provided to assist agencies in effectively and efficiently monitoring and managing the measures so that they can maximize their TPS and subsequent resulting payment adjustment. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to impact and improve your VBP performance and potential financial outcomes.

Strategic Planning for Senior and Aging Services
Speaker: Andy Edeburn | CEUs: ALL

For many aging services organizations, thinking about what’s next and where we go from here is on a lot of minds. Strategic planning has once again emerged as a vehicle to consider these questions and others. But what really is strategic planning, and how do we do it? This session will discuss the role of strategic planning for aging services organizations, why it is essential and important and how to actually start, lead and accomplish a strategic planning process. We’ll consider an overall approach in three broad steps, the roles of governance and leadership in the process, techniques and best practices along the way, and how to translate future aspiration into practical action. By the end of this session, participants should feel armed with an approach, tools and resources to guide their own planning process.

Step Right Up to the Five-Star Quality Tent
Speaker: Amy Stewart | CEUs: ADM, DH, N, SS

Do you want to be the ringmaster of the Five-Star Circus? Does your leadership team struggle with Five-Star under the big top tent? If so, step right up and join Amy Stewart, Chief Nursing Officer for AAPACN, in this 90-minute session that demystifies the Overall Quality Rating. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how the rating is calculated, what influences it and how targeted quality assurance activities can drive improvement. The session will also break down the three key domains — health inspections, staffing and quality measures — including the impact of CMS schizophrenia audits on the Quality Measure Star rating.

The HIGH-Lights of CBD and Cannabis Use in Senior Living
Speaker: Rob Leffler | CEUs: ALL

CBD and marijuana use is growing exponentially in the U.S. right now. Senior living providers struggle to navigate the legal and health risks of recreational and medical use of these products. There is a great deal of confusion about the use of CBD and other marijuana-based products. This session will explore the history and science of CBD and marijuana-related products and their applications in senior living.

Calendar Building
Speaker: Vanessa Emm | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, AP

This session provides activity directors with the tools and strategies needed to create engaging, person-centered activity calendars. Participants will learn how to balance diverse resident interests, address cognitive and physical abilities and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Attendees will leave with practical skills to design dynamic calendars that promote social connection, wellness and overall quality of life for residents.

The GUIDE Model – A Framework for Enhancing Dementia Care
Speaker: Tasha Janssen | CEUs: ALL

The GUIDE model offers a holistic approach to dementia care. This session explores the framework and its practical applications within assisted living communities. Learn how the model is structured, who is eligible for participation and enrollment and the potential impact on care environments. Discover how the GUIDE model can improve communication with residents and families while ensuring compassionate, effective care that meets everyone’s needs.

New Leader Bootcamp – Master These Five Skills First
Speaker: Jeff Whitehorn | CEUs: ALL

The first question that most new leaders secretly ask themselves is: “Now that I’m the leader, what do I do next?” After taking a deep breath, the second question they ask themselves is: “What do I not know that I need to know in order to be an outstanding leader?” There are essential leadership skills that can propel one’s career if they are recognized and developed early in one’s leadership journey. These skills include learning to delegate, developing executive presence and leading with purpose. Jeff Whitehorn, a former 25-year hospital CEO, author and health care executive coach delivers an engaging, motivational and energetic presentation as he identifies and discusses essential leadership skills needed for both new and mid-careerist leaders in order to help them become wildly successful!

Restorative Nursing – Empowering Staff and Improving Person-Centered Care
Speakers: Jessica Stucin & Kristine Martinez | CEUs: ADM, N

A priority in long-term care is providing the necessary care and services so our residents can attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental and psychosocial well-being. That said, having a successful restorative nursing program (RNP) within a facility is key. An RNP can promote a resident’s functional independence by improving or sustaining their mobility and ADL status and preventing declines. RNPs also require specific documentation to meet regulatory standards. Join us as we discuss the foundation of an RNP.

Home Health MythBusters
Speaker: Annette Lee | CEUs: ADM, N, SS

If you’ve ever been confused by conflicting or unclear information about what Medicare regulations actually require, you’re not alone. This session tackles some of the most common myths and misunderstandings in the home health industry — such as the belief that “Medicare requires an order for discharge,” that “the RN must perform a recertification assessment,” or that “Medicare will always pay for X.” Led by nationally recognized home health and hospice expert Annette Lee, RN, MS, HCS-D, COS-C, Founder of Provider Insights, Inc., this session will provide clear, practical guidance to help providers separate fact from fiction. Drawing on over a decade of experience as a former CMS MAC and medical review nurse, Annette will walk participants through essential tools, documentation standards and the conditions under which Medicare approves or denies claims, helping agencies strengthen compliance and reduce risk.

Our Dawn is Breaking – Seven Things We Should Be Excited About
Speaker: Andy Edeburn | CEUs: ALL

For aging and senior services leaders, the last few years have been rough. We’ve had to watch our organizations, teams and residents go through a proverbial earthquake — and we’re still dealing, sometimes almost daily, with the aftershocks. We’ve been in a lot of dark. But we’re coming back into the light — a new era is dawning for aging care and service, and there are some things to be very excited about. This session will take a glimpse at what lies ahead for aging services organizations, the big changes that are coming and where we should play a leading role in shaping that future.

Assisted Living Regulatory Outlook: Trends, Challenges and What’s Ahead
Speaker: Stacy Hejda | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, N

This session will provide an overview of the latest regulatory updates impacting assisted living providers, including emerging survey trends, compliance expectations and evolving standards of care. Attendees will gain insight into what regulators are prioritizing and what the next few years may hold for assisted living communities. This is a valuable opportunity to stay informed, prepare for upcoming changes and strengthen readiness for regulatory success.

Mitigating Risk – Drug Diversion
Speaker: Rob Leffler | CEUs: ALL

The “Opioid Crisis” is a hot topic in America today. Going along with that crisis is the potential of diversion of narcotics in long-term care facilities. This presentation will focus on exploring ways to reduce the risk of drug diversion in long-term care.

Behavior Strategies and Communication for Activity Professionals
Speaker: Vanessa Emm | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, AP

This session is designed to provide staff with effective strategies for understanding, managing and responding to the behaviors of residents living with dementia. Participants will explore the underlying causes of challenging behaviors and develop person-centered approaches to foster positive interactions. Emphasis will be placed on compassionate communication techniques, de-escalation strategies and the creation of supportive environments. Through case studies, role-playing and group discussions, attendees will gain practical tools to enhance the well-being of residents and improve overall quality of care.

Contactless Remote Patient Monitoring
Speaker: Tasha Janssen | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, N

As skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) navigate growing pressure to improve health outcomes and reduce hospital admissions, all while navigating staffing shortages and burnout, contactless remote patient monitoring (RPM) has emerged as a transformative tool. Unlike wearable devices, contactless RPM systems use discreet, contactless sensors to continuously monitor vital signs and bed activity — providing actionable health insights without disrupting patient routines or adding burden to staff. This session will explore how leading SNFs are leveraging contactless RPM technologies (often in partnership with value-based medical groups) to enhance clinical outcomes and support care teams. Attendees will gain insights into the operational and clinical benefits of these technologies, real-world implementation strategies that support compliance efforts and the critical role of collaborative partnerships in driving long-term success.

It’s a Different World – Key Leadership Strategies to Motivate Today’s Employees
Speaker: Jeff Whitehorn | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, DH, N

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, the quest to retain key talent has never been more intense. Employees have the competitive advantage on whether to stay or go with an organization. Turnover rates are high while employee retention rates are low. Leadership bench strength is in the tank. Given these conditions, how do you motivate employees in this new age? Leaders must understand what today’s employees are wanting in order to motivate them. Yes, the “rah-rah” leader might motivate the team for a bit. However, it’s a short-term strategy. What used to work in the past is not going to achieve the same results today. Jeff Whitehorn, a former 25-year hospital CEO, author and national speaker, delivers a motivational and energetic presentation as he reveals the key drivers and leadership skills needed from today’s leaders to motivate their staff in this new age.

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
Speaker: Jessica Duncan | CEUs: ALL

For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science can provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement. Use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

The 12-Month Survey Readiness Plan
Speaker: Amy Stewart | CEUs: ADM, N

Developing and executing a comprehensive survey readiness plan is a critical responsibility of the nurse leader. In this 60-minute session, AAPACN Chief Nursing Officer Amy Stewart presents a practical framework for building a 12-month plan that helps sustain compliance and reduce the risk of citations. Nurse leaders will walk away with tools, insights and best practices they can immediately apply to strengthen their survey preparation efforts year-round.

Smarter Documentation: How AI is Transforming the Way We Chart in Long-Term Care
Speaker: Carolyn Lopez | CEUs: ADM, ALMC, N

This session offers a practical overview of how artificial intelligence is being applied to reduce documentation burden in long-term care settings. Attendees will gain an understanding of AI tools that support nursing workflows, improve accuracy and free up more time for resident care. The session explores current challenges in LTC documentation, real-world examples of AI in use and best practices — including key “Dos and Don’ts”— to ensure safe, effective adoption. Ideal for clinical leaders, informatics professionals and LTC administrators, this session provides actionable insights into how AI can support better care and less burnout.

Optimizing PBJ Reporting
Speaker: Amanda Elliott | CEUs: ADM, DH

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) reporting to help skilled nursing facilities improve accuracy, compliance and audit readiness. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of PBJ requirements, submission timelines and policy guidelines. The session will also address how to prepare for PBJ audits and identify key practices to reduce risks and penalties. Additionally, we will explore the various federal and state agencies that utilize PBJ data and how this information impacts facility ratings and regulatory oversight.

Delegate More to Achieve More
Speaker: Jeff Whitehorn | CEUs: ALL

As a leader, have you ever felt overwhelmed and that you’re “drowning in work?” You watch your peers and others leave their jobs on time to go home but you’re still working. Want more time to focus on what you, as the leader, should focus on? If so, then become a great delegator. Effective delegation is a vital leadership skill that helps one to succeed and advance in their careers. However, most leaders struggle with delegation. Jeff Whitehorn delivers an energetic and motivational presentation as he shares some delegation strategies learned during his own leadership journey that will help you improve your delegation skills.

Taking on Adversity and Winning
Speaker: Dan Gable | CEUs: ALL

Legendary wrestling coach and Olympic gold medalist Dan Gable knows what it takes to win — on the mat, in leadership and in life. In this powerful keynote, Gable shares his personal journey of overcoming adversity, from crushing losses to career-defining victories. Drawing on his experience as an athlete, coach and mentor, Gable highlights the critical role of family, friends and mentors in sustaining success.

Through gripping stories and hard-earned wisdom, Gable emphasizes that no one wins alone. Needing help is not weakness — it’s part of the process. His message underscores the importance of building a support system, staying resilient in the face of obstacles and continuing to push for greatness long after the spotlight fades. Whether you’re leading a team, managing challenges in your career or facing personal setbacks, this keynote will inspire you to dig deeper, lean on your people and come out stronger.

Prepare to be motivated by one of the greatest champions of our time — and walk away ready to take on your own challenges with clarity, confidence and grit.