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.
Schedule at a Glance
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
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.
Keynote Address
See ME: The Power of Person-Centered Care
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
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.
Ice Cream Social & Networking Hour
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. Whether you’re in Philanthropy, HR, Activities, Technology & Innovation, Leadership, Nursing, Housing, or another area, you’ll find a space to gather with peers who share your focus.
Game Night with Exhibitors
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.
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