Monday, May 11th

10:00am-4:30pm

PRECONFERENCE [Open to All; Additional Fee Applies]
AI in Action: A practical workshop for aging services providers 

Scott Code, Vice President, Center for Aging Services Technologies, LeadingAge – Washington DC
David Lafferty, Chief Information Officer, The Riverwoods Group – Durham NH

This hands-on workshop introduces participants to two powerful AI tools transforming workplace productivity, Microsoft 365 Copilot and ChatGPT.

This first portion of the program will include live demonstrations of Copilot’s capabilities across the Microsoft 365 suite, showing how AI can streamline everyday tasks in Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.  Participants will then shift to an interactive learning experience with ChatGPT, working through sample use cases in small groups and presenting their findings and lessons learned.

Whether you’re just starting out with AI or have been using it for a while, you’ll leave with useful skills, clear guidelines for responsible use, and the confidence to put these tools to work in your everyday routine.

Laptop participation is encouraged but not required. Participants without laptops will be paired with laptop users to ensure everyone gains hands-on experience. Laptop users will require a ChatGPT login account.  The free version of ChatGPT is sufficient for this workshop. You do not need to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus. To participate in the Copilot portion, attendees will require a Microsoft 365 Copilot Business license, assigned by your organization’s IT administrator. Contact your IT department to verify you have access.

Lunch included, served at 11:30am

Tuesday, May 12th

7:30am-8:30am

Registration, Continental Breakfast

8:30am-8:45am

Welcoming Remarks

Leanne Fiet, Chair of the Board of Directors, LeadingAge Maine & New Hampshire
Lisa Henderson, Executive Director, LeadingAge Maine & New Hampshire

8:45am-10:00am

KEYNOTE
Cracking the Culture Code: Create a work experience that drives retention, connection, and engagement

Lou Bergholz, Founder, Edgework Consulting – Somerville, MA

This year’s conference theme is “Changemakers.” In this energizing keynote, participants will explore the powerful influence each one of us has on team and organizational culture. Success drivers, from retention and engagement to connection and performance, are all connected to a positive employee experience. We all have the power to change and improve culture!

Drawing on current research and emerging workplace trends, Lou challenges leaders to rethink how to intentionally shape culture. You’ll leave with practical, immediately applicable strategies to support people, strengthens teams, and drive organizational success.

10:00am-10:30am

Break

10:30am-11:00am

LeadingAge Maine & New Hampshire Annual Meeting

11:00am-11:30am 

Speed Introductions: 2026 Business Partners

LeadingAge Maine & New Hampshire Business Partners make this conference possible! In just 30 seconds, each of our sponsors/exhibitors will impart how they can help YOU achieve greater success in your work.  

11:30am-12:00pm

Lunch Buffet

12:00pm-1:15pm

Lunch Program: Solutions Showcase 

Designed as a fast-paced way to share data and insights, a select number of LeadingAge Maine & New Hampshire’s trusted Business Partners will each share 5 slides in 5 minutes. These informative, solutions-driven presentations will span such topics as workforce solutions, cost-saving strategies, and technology innovations.

1:30pm-2:30pm

Breakout Sessions A

A1. Disrupting Ageism    

Jess Maurer, Executive Director, Maine Council on Aging – Brunswick, ME

We are living longer, healthier, and more productive lives than ever before—yet ageism remains deeply embedded in our systems, workplaces, and even our own beliefs. In aging services settings, internalized and institutional ageism can quietly shape policies, practices, and expectations. Just as importantly, many residents bring internalized ageism with them—beliefs that can limit self‑advocacy, participation, purpose, and possibility.

This session examines how ageist narratives—often unexamined—impact health, our workplace culture, service delivery, and the broader economy. Through reflection, discussion, and real‑world examples, attendees will gain practical strategies to recognize, disrupt, and replace ageist assumptions with more accurate, empowering narratives.

A2. The Changing Face of Aging: Who will fill tomorrow’s communities?

Jessica Ruhle, Senior Sales & Account Director, Creating Results - Woodbridge, VA

What we know: by 2030, one in five Americans will be over 65. It’s not just a demographic shift; it’s the dawn of a profound cultural transformation for senior living. Drawing on proprietary research and national data, this session will explore four powerful forces reshaping the future of senior living: increasing diversity, the rise of working seniors, the growing LGBTQ+ population, and the evolution of family dynamics.

Attendees will gain insight into how these trends are redefining demand, expectations, and decision-making for the next generation of residents. You’ll learn how to adapt design, services, and marketing to create communities that are inclusive, flexible, and future-ready.

A3. Beyond Memory: Creating engaging, individualized dementia care environments

Panelists from Piper Shores - Scarborough, ME
Leanne Fiet, Chief Operating Officer
Peter Sullivan, Chief Nursing Officer
Liz Stanford, Recreation Manager
Laura Prime, Social Worker/Administrator in Training

A multidisciplinary panel from member community Piper Shores will share their organization’s journey in redefining dementia care. Focusing on two distinct care settings—Assisted Living/Memory Support and Skilled Nursing—the team transitioned from a traditional medical model to a holistic, person-centered social model of service delivery.

Through the establishment of an interdisciplinary Dementia Workgroup, a comprehensive five-year strategic plan was developed to promote the well-being of individuals, strengthen community culture, and enhance the physical environment.

Panelists will highlight the real-life barriers they faced, the strategies and culture change they implemented, and meaningful outcomes that have improved quality of life for residents living with dementia.

A4: Emerging Technology Trends for Aging Services Providers and Older Adults

Scott Code, Vice President, Center for Aging Services Technologies, LeadingAge – Washington DC
David Lafferty, Chief Information Officer, The Riverwoods Group – Durham NH

This session highlights emerging technology trends shaping aging services. After a brief overview of LeadingAge CAST resources, we’ll focus on technology trends most relevant to aging services providers, along with how older adults are actually using technology day to day.

2:30pm-2:45pm

Break

2:45pm-3:45pm

Breakout Sessions B

B1. Mobilizing for Your Mission: Navigating and Influencing Federal Policy 

Linda Couch, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Public Policy, LeadingAge - Washington DC

Join Linda Couch, LeadingAge’s Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, for a deep dive into the federal legislative and regulatory landscape shaping the future of aging services. As the principal spokesperson for the association’s public policy positions, Linda will provide an insider’s look at current Congressional efforts, White House initiatives, and CMS priorities.

This session moves beyond headlines to provide actionable insights. Linda will break down complex policy shifts, such as appropriations for aging services, Medicare Advantage disruptions, and the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. Most importantly, she will outline concrete ways for members to amplify their voices using LeadingAge’s advocacy toolkit as a strategy tool to directly engage with your federal (and state) elected officials.

B2. Legal & Operational Risks Update

Brad Holt, Partner/Attorney, Sulloway & Hollis – Concord, NH
Michael McGuire, Vice President, Commercial Insurance, Johnson Kendall Johnson – Philadelphia, PA

Senior living and long-term care providers are operating in an increasingly complex legal and risk environment. Rising litigation, heightened regulatory scrutiny, workforce challenges, and evolving resident acuity have significantly increased the cost of risk and the operational stakes for providers.

This session offers a timely and practical overview of the legal and operational issues most impacting senior living and long-term care providers today. Drawing on recent litigation trends and real-world cases, participants will explore where and why claims are occurring, including allegations related to quality of care, staffing, marketing representations, documentation, and compliance with state and federal requirements.

The session will also highlight proactive strategies to align operations with best practices for risk mitigation.

B3. Align Brand and Belonging: The surprising benefits of harmonizing Marketing and HR

John Bowe, Vice President of Human Resources, The Riverwoods Group – Durham, NH
Heather Phillips, Director of Marketing, The RiverWoods Group – Durham, NH

Marketing and Human Resources departments typically operate in silos. One is an external voice; the other is an internal voice. What could you gain by harmonizing these voices? Learn how RiverWoods was able to break down silos and spark collaboration which has helped them attract talent, deepen engagement, and ignite organizational pride.

When your internal and external voices align, your organization’s culture doesn’t just shine, it sells itself.

B4: The Importance of Person‑Centered Spiritual Care

Sarah McEvoy, Long-Term Care Chaplain, NHA, JD; Co-convener Elder Care Research Network, Transforming Chaplaincy – Portsmouth, NH

Is your organization well-equipped to meet the religious and spiritual needs of residents? According to Q3 2025 MDS data citations of the Resident Assessment Instrument, an average of 50.5% of nursing home residents across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont rated religious services and practices as "very important or somewhat important."

This session explores the role of religious and spiritual care in supporting dignity, meaning, and quality of life for older adults across the continuum of senior living and long-term care. Drawing on current research and practice, participants will examine the spiritual dimensions of aging, evidence-based benefits of spiritual care—including for individuals living with dementia—and how person-centered spiritual support enhances resident well-being. 

Anyone involved in care planning, including activities/life enrichment professionals, social workers and clinicians, will come away with new skills and more confidence in supporting the religious and spiritual needs of residents.

3:45pm-5:15pm

Stars, Stripes & Solutions Expo!  

Get ready for a red, white, and blue–themed Expo experience! Expect fun, games and patriotic giveaways! Our Expo hall is a happy hour atmosphere featuring drinks and appetizers, inviting conversations with industry specialists, and time to connect with old friends.  

 Wednesday, May 13th

7:30am-8:30am

Registration, Breakfast Buffet

8:30am-9:00am

Welcome and Standing Ovation Awards

Honoring LeadingAge Maine & New Hampshire members whose programs, team members and residents embody excellence in leadership, care and service innovation. 

9:00am-10:15am

GENERAL SESSION
Leveraging Polarities

Heather Stanton, Vice President of Community Life & Resident Services, Duncaster – Bloomfield, CT

Leaders in aging services face complex challenges that can’t be solved by choosing one “right” answer. This session introduces polarity thinking as a practical leadership tool for navigating ongoing tensions that must be managed—not fixed. Participants will learn how to identify and map key polarities that show up daily in aging services, such as tradition vs. innovation, independence vs. risk, and front‑line staff vs. management.

Through real‑world examples and applied discussion, attendees will gain skills to shift from reactive problem‑solving to strategic, sustainable decision‑making. Participants will leave with a clear framework for recognizing early warning signs when one side of a polarity is overemphasized, strategies for leveraging the strengths of both poles, and tools to immediately use to foster alignment, resilience, and adaptability within their organizations.

10:15am-10:30am

Break

10:30am-12:30pm

Innovation Exchange - a conference favorite returns! 

In this fast-paced, highly interactive session, participants will travel from table to table to learn about innovative concepts and programs developed by LeadingAge Maine & New Hampshire members. Each table will feature a presenter who will explain their organization’s innovation, then follow with Q & A. Participants will move to a new table every 15 minutes for six rounds. Think of it as “speed dating for good ideas!”