Reflecting on the 2023 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO: Key Highlights

The LeadingAge Texas 2023 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO, held from May 21-24, 2023, at Kalahari Resorts Texas in Round Rock, exceeded all expectations and left an indelible mark on the aging services industry. With nearly 500 dedicated attendees hailing from over 60 cities across Texas, the event truly epitomized the spirit of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and meaningful connections.

As the echoes of applause and the buzz of conversations fade, it's time to reflect on the journey we embarked upon at the recent conference. The event brought together passionate individuals from the aging services industry, sparking inspiration, fostering connections, and igniting a collective drive for innovation.

Let's dive into the highlights and key takeaways from the 2023 Annual Conference & Solutions EXPO:

Empowering Keynotes:

The conference kicked off with an empowering keynote by Kathryn Clark Childers, who shared her life-long mantra of "do it scared!" Her captivating storytelling and unique experiences left the audience inspired and motivated to embrace challenges fearlessly.

Tara E Godby's workshop on unconscious bias shed light on the importance of awareness, consciousness, and action in combating biases, offering invaluable insights for personal and professional growth.

Jack York's closing keynote, "Taking it To The Streets, a 45,000-Mile Journey of Celebration," took us on a remarkable journey, reminding us of the lives we nurture every day and leaving us with laughter, tears, and reflections on our own journey into elderhood.

Engaging Sessions:
With a diverse lineup of sessions and speakers, the conference catered to attendees' needs across four comprehensive tracks: Clinical Excellence (Track A), Leadership & Operational Excellence (Track B), Strengthening Your Workforce (Track C), and Thriving Communities (Track D). Industry experts and thought leaders shared their expertise on a wide range of topics, including leadership development, cutting-edge technologies in aging services, person-centered care, and effective strategies for addressing the evolving needs of our aging population. Attendees left with a toolkit of ideas, strategies, and best practices to implement in their organizations.

Solutions EXPO:
One of the highlights of the conference was the Solutions EXPO, where attendees had the chance to explore a wide array of products and services designed to revolutionize the aging services landscape. From cutting-edge technologies to innovative care approaches, the EXPO showcased the transformative power of collaboration between industry leaders and passionate providers.

Meaningful Connections:
The conference served as a melting pot of ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Attendees seized the chance to connect with peers, share insights, and build meaningful relationships. The networking lounge, the Solutions EXPO, and the various breaks offered valuable moments for collaboration, problem-solving, and discovering innovative products and services. The connections forged during the conference will undoubtedly foster collaboration and spark new initiatives in the industry.

Celebration Luncheon:
An unforgettable highlight of the conference was the celebration luncheon, where we honored the 2023 Award winners who have made remarkable contributions to the field of aging services. It was a moment to express gratitude for their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older adults. Additionally, the Annual Business Meeting and the installation of the new LeadingAge Texas board provided an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and set the course for future endeavors.

Unforgettable Events:
Beyond the enriching educational content, the conference was also filled with a series of exciting and memorable events that added an extra layer of enjoyment and camaraderie. The energetic Mixer, held at the beginning of the conference, set the tone for the entire event, allowing attendees to unwind and connect with their peers while enjoying live music and engaging in thrilling activities.

Throughout the conference, the Afternoon Breaks provided attendees with delightful opportunities to indulge in various activities. From the DIY essential oil station, hosted by Health Plan, Inc. (HPI), where participants could explore the world of essential oils and create their own personalized blends, to the custom Coffee Cart by Value First, where attendees could enjoy specially crafted coffee designs, there were plenty of options to satisfy different preferences. The mouthwatering Dessert Bar and the photo and video opportunities provided by Gold Sponsor Dash Media added an extra layer of enjoyment, allowing attendees to capture and share their conference experiences in unique and creative ways.

One of the highlights of the conference was undoubtedly The Social, a remarkable evening of celebration that brought together attendees for a night of pure enjoyment. With exquisite culinary delights served at food stations, handcrafted signature cocktails, and the captivating rhythm of the Intrinsic Groove Quartet, the atmosphere was electric. The excitement continued with the 360 photo booth, where attendees could capture unforgettable moments, and the thrilling "Deal or No Deal" game, where one lucky participant had the chance to win incredible prizes. The Social provided a perfect opportunity to relax, socialize, and create lasting memories with colleagues and friends.

As we wrap up this transformative conference, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and staff who made this event a resounding success.

Together, we have elevated the dialogue, exchanged ideas, and reignited our passion for advancing the field of aging services. Let's carry the inspiration, knowledge, and connections gained from this conference into our daily work, continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of older adults.