Synergy Schedule

Relax and take a little me time to unwind before the conference and then connect with some old friends and develop new relationships at the poolside lounge.  

We’ll kick off our conference outdoors with a welcome reception for attendees to mix, mingle,  and have fun as we indulge in tasty hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.

The networking breakfast will bring attendees and industry partners together at the table. Break out of your shell and talk with peers in your region, city, or elsewhere.    

Welcome: Harris Ader, SDA Founder 

Keynote Speaker: Will Bowen

Topic: How to Turn Complainers into Collaborators | See above for description

Topic: Implementing a tipping program in senior living that works

Learn about one of the first tipping programs in senior living and the implementation process and results of this program designed to increase retention and resident satisfaction.

Speakers: Jim Epper & Elizabeth Calhoun - Bishop Gadsden 

Topic: How do we retain vs recruit? How to take care of and develop our teams better.

The cost of turnover and the benefits of a strong, motivated team make it essential to invest in employee development and growth. But how do organizations balance the needs of retaining existing employees while also attracting new talent? 

Moderator: Thad Parton - Mather

Topic: Creating unique dining experiences in assisted living

The goal of this roundtable discussion is to generate ideas and best practices for creating unique dining experiences in assisted living that improves the overall quality for the residents.  

Moderator: Susan LoPresti - Brandywine Living

Topic: 7 Strategies leaders can use to keep and attract the very best talent

Attendees will learn at least seven strategies that they can implement in their own organizations to help them keep their best people, as well as attract more great people when they do have vacancies, most costing little to nothing to implement. 

Speaker: Mark Iverson - The Warriors Mindset

Topic: Staying ahead of the curve: Current nutrition & wellness trends in senior living

Nutrition is a critical aspect of senior living, and understanding current trends and best practices is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of residents. This presentation is designed to provide an overview of the latest nutrition & wellness trends in senior living and how they can be integrated into your menu.

Speaker: Maggie Roche - Roche Dietitians

Topic: Building a culture of hospitality in your organization from the ground up

Hospitality is a critical aspect of customer service and business success. It is about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where customers and employees feel valued and respected.  Attendees will discuss how to create an organizational culture that values and prioritizes hospitality, from the top down. 

Moderator:  Sabine Dessau - St. Andrews Estates South

Topic: Keeping up with the trends: An exploration of food and menu trends in senior living 

This roundtable discussion will provide a platform for senior living industry professionals to share their insights and experiences on  the latest food and menu trends, including farm-to-table, plant-based, and international cuisine. 

Moderator: Paul Muecke - Hormel

Topic: Centralizing internal dining services: Building a successful internal dining department (removing the dotted line of management)  

With many organizations opting to bring all dining services under the umbrella of the home office, this presentation will explore the benefits and best practices of centralization, including how it can improve the overall dining experience for residents and increase efficiency and cost savings.  

Speaker: Alan Jarecki - Immanuel Communities

Topic: Connect to communicate: Dementia & dining

Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities.  Participate in and bear witness to what it “feels” like to engage in a simulated dining experience. Gain insight and awareness on how to improve the dining experience for people with dementia. 

Speaker: Toni Fisk - Author - Dining with Dignity

Topic: Cooking from scratch: Transitioning your dining team to scratch cooking and managing food cost more effectively

This chat is designed to help individuals  understand the benefits of scratch cooking, including improved food quality, cost savings, and sustainability. 

Moderator: Eric Johnson - Trilogy

Topic: Workplace Wellness: Take care of yourself to take care of others

Attendees will learn tips on how to integrate some simple wellness practices into their work places and in doing so increase productivity and profitability and reduce turnover and safety incidents.  

Moderator: Mark Iverson - The Warriors Mindset

Peers come together to discuss challenges and uncover thoughtful solutions. Participants will leave with new ideas and develop new relationships.  

SDA | Peer Groups: VP of Dining * Directors of Dining * Executive Chefs * Dietitians * Industry Partners * Executive Directors / C-Suite  

Discussion Topics:

• Leveraging technology to enhance your dining program 
• Best practices & challenges for creating consistency in your dining program 
• Current organizational challenges 
• Cost control & savings

The networking breakfast will bring attendees and industry partners together at the table. Break out of your shell and talk with peers in your region, city, or elsewhere. 

Topic: Navigating the workforce challenges in senior living hospitality 

This panel discussion will provide a platform for senior living industry professionals to share their experiences and insights on strategies for addressing the shortage of skilled workers, including partnerships with educational institutions, workforce development programs, and the use of technology. 

Moderator: Cheryl Slavinsky - Senior Dining Association

Panel Participants:

• Doug Doran, SVP of Dining and Hospitality with Brandywine Living
• Eric Johnson, VP of Culinary & Dining with Trilogy 
• Thad Parton, Corporate Director, Culinary Operations, with Mather
• Mary Ann Thurman, Registered Dietitian, Vetter Health Services

Topic: The future of dining: An exploration of current and future senior living dining experience trends 

The senior living dining experience is undergoing significant change, with residents expecting more variety, higher quality, and a greater emphasis on health and wellness. This interactive discussion will explore the latest dining experience trends and what the future holds for senior living dining. 

Moderator: Harris Ader - Senior Dining Association

What you need to know and what you can implement today. Learn how successful dining operations use out-of-the-box thinking to keep their dining program moving forward and win over residents.

Participants:

• Jim Epper, VP of Culinary Operations with Bishop Gadsden
• Alan Jarecki, VP/General Ma of Culinary Operations with Immanuel Communities
• Elvis Burrows, Director of Dining Services with The Mayflower
• Susan LoPresti & Sean Keating, Corporate Director of Dining & Hospitality with Brandywine Living
• Suzanne Brittain, Director of Field Engagement with Compass Community Living 

Supply chain in senior living food service moving forward in 2023

Attendees will gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of supply chain management in senior living food service, and learn practical strategies for improving supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.  

Moderator: Harris Ader, Senior Dining Association

Panelists:

• Shannon Moyes, VP of Sales & Marketing with Volante
• Becky Smith, Senior Sales Executive with Clark Food Service Equipment
• John Tullbane, Senior National Account Executive with General Mills Foodservice
• Lisa Waring, VP of National Accounts with Sysco

Keynote Speaker: Eric Rowles

Topic: Raising your leadership game: Tools, techniques and communication 

This highly interactive training will incorporate emotional intelligence inventories, communication and collaboration methods, and innovative tactics that SDA attendees can implement as soon as they get back home.   

SDA Workforce & Culture Change Symposium to be held in Las Vegas, NV, October 11-13, 2023 at Caesar's Palace. The symposium will bring together senior living leaders from various organizations to discover how to align senior living with hospitality culture with a keen focus on workforce development, recruiting, training, and retention of top talent to remain competitive in the hospitality marketplace.