Celebrate the changemakers, learn from leaders
across Ohio’s aging care continuum, & partner with exhibitors
who have the tools & resources to support your work
at the 2026 LeadingAge Ohio Annual Conference & Trade Show.

FULL Session Schedule

Schedule at a Glance

Monday, August 24 Tuesday, August 25 Wednesday, August 26 Thursday, August 27

Monday, August 24

9:00 – 12 pm Pre-Conference Hospice Session

12:30 – 4:00 pm Leadership Academy

1:00 – 4:30 pm Pre-Conference Hospice Session

4:30 – 5:30 pm Reception with Husch Blackwell

Tuesday, August 25

7:30am – 9:30am Continental Breakfast

8:30am – 9:15am General Session, Annual Meeting

9:15am – 10:15am Keynote Address

10:15am – 10:30am Break

10:30am – 12:00pm Concurrent Sessions

12:00pm – 1:15pm General Session, Awards Luncheon

1:15pm – 1:30pm Break

1:30pm – 2:45pm Concurrent Sessions

2:45pm – 3:00pm Break

3:00pm – 4:30pm Concurrent Sessions

4:30pm – 5:30pm Ice Cream Social Networking Event – All Conference Attendees

4:30pm – 5:00pm Leadership Academy Graduation – Invitation Only

4:30pm – 5:30pm OASN Annual Meeting

5:30pm – 6:30pm OASN Reception – OASN Members Only

Wednesday, August 26

7:30am – 10:00am Continental Breakfast

7:45am – 8:30am VIP Breakfast – Invitation Only

8:30am – 10:00am Concurrent Sessions

10:00am – 10:15am Break

10:15am – 11:45am Concurrent Sessions

11:45am – 2:00pm Trade Show and Lunch with Vendors

2:00pm – 3:15pm Concurrent Sessions

3:15pm – 3:30pm Break

3:30pm – 4:45pm Concurrent Sessions

5:00pm – 7:00pm Game Night with NEW Golf Simulator

Thursday, August 27

7:30am – 10:00am Continental Breakfast

8:30am – 9:45am Concurrent Sessions

9:45am -10:00am Break

10:00am – 11:15am Concurrent Sessions

11:15am – 11:30am Break and Snacks

11:30am – 12:45pm Concurrent Sessions

A Message from Susan Wallace,
President & CEO of LeadingAge Ohio.

What does it mean to be a Changemaker? At LeadingAge Ohio, it means stepping forward with purpose, courage and commitment, turning ideas into action, tested approaches into progress, and shared learning into better care for older Ohioans.

LeadingAge Ohio is proud to present the 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show, themed Changemakers, a three-day gathering for leaders, teams and partners across Ohio’s aging services continuum. This year’s conference is designed for those ready to learn from one another, share what works, and return to their organizations prepared to lead meaningful progress.

This three-day event offers:

• High-value, interdisciplinary education sessions on the issues affecting aging services now, including workforce, reimbursement, regulatory updates, clinical quality, leadership, technology, artificial intelligence, philanthropy, marketing and communications, and more.
• A keynote presentation who will challenge attendees to think boldly, lead with clarity and stay grounded in mission.
• Opportunities to build relationships with peers, providers and partners from across Ohio and beyond, because strong ideas grow through shared experience.
• A robust trade show featuring tools, technology and services that support mission-driven care across the continuum.

Bring your team for a front-row seat to the people, ideas and partnerships moving aging services forward. Every interdisciplinary session attended, story shared and relationship built has the power to create real change for your organization, your community and the older Ohioans you serve.

General Session & Annual Business Meeting
Easton Ballroom, Tuesday, August 25, 8:30 – 9:15 a.m.

Start the 2026 Annual Conference with a look at the people, priorities and accomplishments driving LeadingAge Ohio’s work. This opening session will recognize changemakers across the membership, highlight major advocacy and member-support efforts from the past year, and demonstrate how members have helped advance policy, program integrity and quality across Ohio’s aging services community.

The Annual Business Meeting will also give members a direct role in the association’s work ahead. Attendees will review official association business, vote on board candidates and a proposed bylaws change, and participate in an interactive discussion about the values that will guide LeadingAge Ohio’s strategic planning.

  • Hear how LeadingAge Ohio members contributed to advocacy, regulatory and member-support efforts during the past year.
  • Participate in the association’s annual business, including board elections and consideration of a proposed bylaws change if you are a voting member.
  • Contribute to LeadingAge Ohio’s strategic planning by identifying the organizational values members want reflected in the association’s work.

Sponsored by Link-Age Solutions.

Keynote Address
See ME: The Power of Person-Centered Care
Easton Ballroom, Tuesday, August 25, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Aging services organizations are being called to lead as true changemakers in a time of unprecedented transformation. A new generation of older adults is reshaping expectations around quality, transparency, experience, and engagement. Families are more informed than ever, public reporting is putting organizational performance in the spotlight, and every interaction has the power to strengthen trust, or weaken it. In this rapidly evolving environment, customer service is no longer a “nice to have.” It is a catalyst for innovation, culture change, and organizational success.

Join keynote speaker Petra Marquart  for an inspiring and energizing session that will empower attendees to embrace their role as changemakers by reimagining the service experience in aging services.

Participants will:

  • Explore why exceptional customer service is essential to thriving in today’s aging services landscape.
  • Gain insight into what older adults and families expect—and how organizations can consistently exceed those expectations.
  • Discover the 7 Principles of Service and how they can inspire stronger relationships, greater trust, and lasting organizational impact.

Annual Awards Ceremony & Luncheon
Easton Ballroom, Tuesday, August 25, 12 – 1:15 p.m.

The Awards Presentations will celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations that embody the core values and commitment to mission-driven care in aging services. Join us on Tuesday during lunch as we celebrate award winners and their accomplishments.

Public Service Award – C. David Paragas

Impact Award – Honors a person and organization advancing innovation, reshaping perceptions of aging, or creating inclusive, healthy workplaces.

Emerging Leader Award – Recognizes a rising professional who shows integrity, leadership, and dedication to aging services.

Excellence in Caring Award – Celebrates a direct or indirect care professional or volunteer who brings compassion and quality to those they serve.

Visionary Leadership Award of Honor – Awarded to an individual whose inspirational leadership has significantly shaped the field of aging.

Heart of Hospice – Rose and Sam Stein Award – Named for hospice pioneers Rose and Sam Stein, this award honors extraordinary contributions to hospice and end-of-life care.

Sponsored by Marsh McLennan Agency and McKesson.

Ice Cream Social & Networking Hour 
Juniper East, Tuesday, August 25, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Cool down and connect at our Ice Cream Social. Join us in the Easton Foyer for a sweet networking break featuring an ice cream buffet with classic and creative flavors, refreshing sorbets, and all the toppings you could ever want. It’s the perfect way to meet new and old friends—and maybe ruin your dinner.

We will have networking tables for each LeadingAge Ohio Network and more. As you enjoy your favorite scoop, look for the high-top tables marked with signs for each LeadingAge Ohio network.

We will have dedicated networking tables for Philanthropy, Marketing & Communications, Activities & Life Enrichment, Small & Single Site, Hospice & Home Care, Human Resources, Technology, Nursing, Executive Leadership, Executive Directors & Administrators.

Sponsored by Old National Bank and Caring Communities.

VIP Breakfast Reception 
Wednesday, August 26, 7:45 – 8:30 a.m.

By invitation only. This special breakfast reception is reserved for LeadingAge Ohio Board members, PAC 500 Club donors and partners. Guests will enjoy a deluxe breakfast as LeadingAge Ohio recognizes the individuals and organizations whose commitment helps advance the association’s work and mission.

Special keepsakes will mark the occasion, including LeadingAge Ohio pins for invited guests and exclusive challenge coins for PAC 500 Club members in recognition of their continued investment in LeadingAge Ohio’s advocacy efforts.

Annual Trade Show 
Easton Ballroom & Foyer, Wednesday, August 26, 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.

LeadingAge Ohio’s Partners and exhibitors bring together more than 90 organizations offering services, products and resources for mission-driven aging services providers across the care continuum. From culinary and coffee services to workforce development, architecture, pharmacy, technology and more, the Trade Show gives attendees an opportunity to meet experienced vendors, discuss operational and service needs, and explore resources that can support their organizations.

LeadingAge will be onsite to share information about the national membership benefits included with LeadingAge Ohio dues, and the LeadingAge Ohio team will be available to highlight new and existing member benefits and resources. Lunch is provided to all registered attendees while the Trade Show floor is open.

Game Night with NEW Golf Simulator  
Regent Ballroom, Wednesday, August 26, 5 – 7 p.m.

Game night is back! Bring your game face and enjoy an evening of modern games, traditional favorites from Super Games. This year, we have a new golf simulator for attendees to try! There will be a variety of charcuterie, drinks, including a our special conference cocktail, music, and plenty of friendly competition. Game night is the perfect way to unwind and connect with colleagues after a full day at conference.

Sponsored by Absolute Pharmacy, Absolute Rehabilitation, Lancer Associates Architecture, and Institutional Care Pharmacy.

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