Dedicated Programs

About Special Programs

In addition to over 150 sessions, two keynotes, and countless networking opportunities and events, LeadingAge also offers special programs for certain groups of Annual Meeting attendees. Explore the dedicated opportunities for New CEOs, CEOs of multisite organizations (CEMOs), Leaders of Color Network, and Students.

New CEO Leadership Forum

Monday, November 6 | 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

High performing executives value the perspective of other leaders, as well as the wisdom that comes from the experiences of others in similar circumstances.

All individuals holding the highest-ranking position in a LeadingAge provider member organization – and are new to the CEO or Executive Director role – are invited.

About the New CEO Leadership Forum
The New CEO Leadership Forum is designed to help build a community of new provider CEOs and Executive Directors within the LeadingAge membership – a space to connect with peers from across the country, share insights about issues that matter most to those leading aging services organizations, and spark opportunities for leadership growth and shared learning.

This year’s gathering will include ‘sparkling and sweets’ and an intimate dialogue with seasoned CEOs focused on issues all new CEOs face:
- Pace of Change: How do you build momentum and move priorities forward while managing conflicting stakeholders expectations?
- CEO-Board Relationships: How do you navigate challenging board dynamics and build meaningful relationships with board members?
- Leadership Loneliness: How do you address the pressure to be strong and decisive, embrace vulnerability, and avoid leadership isolation?

CEMO Leadership Forum

LeadingAge 3369(10 18 22)

Tuesday, November 7 | 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Chief executives of multisite organizations (CEMOs) face unique pressures and opportunities as they operate at a level of increased scale and complexity.

All LeadingAge member CEOs who oversee multiple – geographically separate – provider communities are invited.

About the CEMO Leadership Forum
The Leadership Forum is designed to facilitate networking, conversation, and shared learning among peers who run comparably sized enterprises—and experience similar challenges. It offers an intimate setting to collectively explore issues of particular interest to multisite organizations and work through strategic issues with others in similar roles.

This year’s gathering will include a lunch presentation by keynote speaker Karen Walrond and focus on topics of interest to all CEMOs:
- Strengthening the Aging Services Workforce: An update on new LeadingAge initiatives to increase the racial and ethnic diversity for mid-level positions in aging services.
- Solutions that Stick: An exploration of programs, services, and partnerships launched by multisite leaders to proactively address gaps in our field.
- Wellspring/Brightspire Merger: A conversation with co-CEOs Steve Fleming and Tim Webster on how their organizations are coming together to expand their services.
- Deepening and Expanding your Portfolio: Insights from Anne Tumlinson, Founder & CEO of ATI Advisory, on how the landscape is shifting for multisite providers.

Leaders of Color Network Program

The Leaders of Color Network Program is included in Annual Meeting registration and is open to all LeadingAge members including emerging, mid-level, and senior leaders of color and allies who are registered for the Annual Meeting. Take a look at some of the Leaders of Color Network programming that you will experience.

If you are not yet registered, we invite you to join the Leaders of Color Network in Chicago!

Members of the Leaders of Color Network hold a valuable perspective and we want it represented at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting and Leaders of Color Network Program will provide you with opportunities to hear from thought leaders across our field on key topics such as diversity, equity and inclusion and governance leadership, network with executives and people of color, and to build a community with your colleagues. We encourage you to take the opportunity to join us in Chicago for the four-day conference.

Conference Registration Scholarships

LeadingAge invites emerging, mid-level, and senior leaders of color to submit scholarship applications for a chance to attend the meeting. The conference registration scholarship includes individual registration for the four-day conference. Note: Meals, hotel accommodations, and airfare (if applicable) are not included and these costs should be covered through your employer or individually. The scholarship application and acceptance will be on a rolling basis.

Find out More about the Scholarship
Network Forum: Leadership Advancement in Aging Services

Sunday, November 5 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

This year’s forum will include two facilitated panels. The first panel will feature executive and professional search firm recruiters who will share current trends in senior leadership recruitment in aging services including efforts to expand the diversity of candidate pools. The second panel will feature senior leaders of color who will share their strategies to advance into leadership positions.
Network Business Meeting

Monday, November 6 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Receive an update on the network’s activities, State Leaders of Color Networks, and events for 2024.
Reception and Conversation with Karen Walrond (invitation only)

Tuesday, November 7 | 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Members of the Leaders of Color Network will get a special invite to a reception and conversation with keynote speaker Karen Walrond. Karen is a leadership and activism coach, a best-selling author, and an avid photographer who has a passion for helping people build leadership, empathy, and communication skills so they can change the world.

Read more about Karen.
Recommended Sessions

A list of recommended sessions for LeadingAge’s Leaders of Color Member Network may be accessed here.
Join the Leaders of Color Network Program

Are you a member of the Leaders of Color Network? Join the professional networking group today. Please contact Amma Addo (aaddo@leadingage.org) with questions about joining the Leaders of Color Network.
Questions About the Leaders of Color Program

Please contact Amma Addo (aaddo@leadingage.org) or Natasha Bryant (nbryant@leadingage.org) or Adrienne Ruffin (aruffin@leadingage.org) with questions about the Leaders of Color Network Program at the Annual Meeting.

Student Program

For full-time students at an accredited college or university at the undergraduate or graduate level. Students must be at least 18 years old.

Questions? Contact LeadingAge Conference Services at 1-844-840-4669 option 1 or meetings@leadingage.org.

Get a firsthand look at career options in the field of aging services. By participating in the student program, you’ll build your job-searching skills, network with executives, and meet other students who share your desire to make a difference during innovative networking activities. Get the insight you need to make well-informed choices for your career! Become a student member to stay up to date on the student program at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting.

Take a look at our student scholarship information and some of the student programming that you’ll experience by clicking below.

Student Eligibility and Registration

The Student Program is open to students enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university at the undergraduate or graduate level. Students must be 18 years or older and must upload proof of full-time student status, such as a student ID card, transcript, or letter on department letterhead upon registering. This category is not eligible for CE credits.
Student Scholarships

LeadingAge invites students to submit a scholarship application for a chance to attend the Annual Meeting. The conference registration scholarship covers the cost of individual registration for the four-day conference. The scholarship application and acceptance will be on a rolling basis.

Find out More about the Scholarship.

Note: Meals, hotel accommodations, and airfare are not included.
Student Welcome Reception

Sunday, November 5 | 5:30 p.m.

Location: Student Union

The Student Welcome Reception may be the most important networking event for students at LeadingAge. Now is the time to start your network of peers. This networking event will include students from across the country studying all disciplines related to aging services. LeadingAge representatives will be available to share resources and programs for students while celebrating the work of students.
Leaders in Residence

Monday, November 6 | 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Location: TBD

LeadingAge has selected inspiring and accomplished leaders in the field of aging services to have coffee with students. Explore leadership concepts and career paths in a world cafe model session with current and future aging service leaders. Lunch will be provided.
NextGen Site Visit and Networking Event

Tuesday, November 7 | 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. (buses board 5:30-5:45)

McCormick Place: transportation provided from Gate 3. Shuttles board at 5:30, leave promptly at 5:45 p.m. for Admiral on the Lake: 929 West Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL

New to the field of aging services? This NextGen Professionals networking event offers members new to the field and interested in professional growth and development an opportunity to build connections and learn from leaders in the field. Hosted at The Admiral at the Lake, enjoy a glimpse into an urban high-rise life plan community as you mingle over hors d ’oeuvres.
Note: there is no return bus service after the event to McCormick Place or hotels. Guests should plan to rideshare/cab afterwards.

RSVP link coming soon.

Hosted by: Admiral on the Lake and LeadingAge; Christy Kramer, ckramer@leadingage.org
Office Hours

Monday & Tuesday, November 6 & 7

Location: Student Union

Stop in and ask your questions during our LeadingAge Office Hours. Experts will be on hand to discuss resumes, interviewing, networking, licensure, fellowships/interns, and more. Check the app for the Office Hours schedule. Subject matter experts will be available to answer questions. Attend as many as you would like.
The Mentor’s Voice

Location: E2 (Experience Expo)

The Mentor’s Voice connects leaders with students and young professionals in our candid interview podcast. Through meaningful conversations, positive, beneficial mentoring relationships are developed. The Mentor’s Voice is brought to you by LeadingAge. Visit The Mentor’s Voice booth in E2. Learn about The Mentor’s Voice and participate in a podcast interview.

Registration Scholarships

Learn more about complimentary registration scholarships.

Eligibility & Details

Hello! I’m Heike.

Contact me with any questions about LeadingAge programs or events.

Meetings@LeadingAge.org