SYNERGY 2025 Schedule

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Located in the Lakeshore Ballroom.  Check in, pick up your badge, and get ready to kick off an inspiring Synergy 2025! Our team will be on hand to ensure a smooth start to your experience. 

Get your booth set up and ready to impress! Exhibitor move-in will take place in the University Ballroom, providing ample time to arrange displays and prepare for engaging with attendees. 

Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet! Enjoy a variety of options to fuel up and connect with fellow attendees before the day’s sessions begin. 

Join Harris Ader as he kicks off SYNERGY 2025 with an inspiring opening welcome. Get ready to explore new ideas, connect with industry leaders, and set the stage for an impactful event! 

Session Title: The Positive Path – Improving Your E.T.A.

Description: Get ready to energize your life with Larry Weaver’s engaging and uplifting keynote session! Blending clean humor with inspiring stories, Larry will leave you with practical takeaways to boost energy, foster teamwork, and maintain a positive mindset.

Key Takeaways:

• Boost Your Energy: Tips on improving health and wellness through better sleep, diet, and exercise.
• Build a Stronger Team: Learn how to foster positivity and growth within your team.
• Adopt a Winning Attitude: Discover the impact of gratitude, kindness, and humor on daily life.

Presenter: Larry Weaver

Take a break, grab a coffee, and connect with fellow attendees. This is a great opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and recharge before the next session! 

Session Title: Dining Concierge: Enhancing Resident Experiences

Description: A Dining Concierge service simplifies and personalizes senior living dining by centralizing support for reservations, takeout, and event sign-ups. This service accommodates varying tech abilities and fosters confidence and satisfaction among residents. By streamlining communication and offering tailored assistance, the Dining Concierge ensures a stress-free and enjoyable dining experience.

Takeaways:

• Understand the role and benefits of a Dining Concierge in senior living 
• Learn how centralized dining support improves operational efficiency and satisfaction
• Explore the impact of personalized services on resident confidence and dining participation

Presenter:  Suzanne Plazewski

 TBA

Session Title:  Retention Revolution: Strategies to Attract, Engage, and Retain Top Talent 

Description:  This interactive roundtable will focus on proven strategies and innovative approaches to support and retain team members. Participants will discuss challenges, share successful practices, and explore creative ideas for fostering a culture of engagement, development, and belonging. This session will provide actionable insights to build a stronger, more loyal team.

Takeaways:

• Explore systems and tools that empower teams and make them feel valued and supported.
• Share ideas for providing growth opportunities, from mentorship to structured training programs.
• Discuss strategies for balancing the needs and expectations of diverse staff demographics. 

Moderator: Arthur Gardiner

Session Title: Technology Opportunities: What’s New, What’s Great, What Works in Dining

Description: Dining technology is revolutionizing senior living, boosting efficiency and resident satisfaction. Yet, many communities struggle to align the right tools with their needs—some lack resources, while others underutilize advanced systems. This session covers the current technology landscape, from systems and equipment to retail innovations, and offers strategies to optimize dining tech for better outcomes.

Takeaways:

• Gain insights into how to optimize dining technology and identify proper matches in which technologies to use.
• Identify and understand common barriers that impact the effectiveness of integrated technologies. 
• Learn practical methods for staying current and determining which technologies are most needed to support dining operations.  

Presenter: David Koelling and Eric Wong

Session Title:  The Power of Soft Skills: Improving Communication and Teamwork 

Description:  Workplace soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and professional behavior are critical for fostering a positive and effective team environment. This session will explore strategies to address declining soft skills and implement training programs that promote collaboration, improve communication, and enhance workplace behavior. Attendees will learn practical methods to equip their staff with the interpersonal tools needed to build a cohesive, respectful, and high-performing team. 

Takeaways:

• Identifying Soft Skill Gaps: Understand common challenges in communication, teamwork, and behavior that impact team performance.
• Effective Training Strategies: Learn practical methods to develop essential soft skills among staff members.
• Building a Cohesive Team Culture: Explore techniques to foster collaboration, mutual respect, and a positive workplace environment.

Presenter: Dr. Milton McGowian

TBA

Join us for a celebratory lunch recognizing outstanding achievements in senior dining and hospitality. Enjoy great food, connect with peers, and cheer on the award winners as we honor their contributions to the industry! 

Session Title:  Engaging Residents: Personalizing the Onboarding Experience 

Description:  Discover how to enhance resident satisfaction and foster meaningful relationships from day one with a personalized orientation program. This session will guide you through proven strategies to engage new residents, establish rapport, and gather valuable feedback to continuously improve dining services. 

Takeaways:

• Learn how to implement impactful tools like welcome packets and tailored introductions to make new residents feel at home.
• Understand the value of individualized meetings in building trust and collecting meaningful feedback.
• Explore the benefits of 60-day follow-ups to evaluate resident satisfaction, address concerns, and foster long-term relationships.

Presenter:  Arthur Gardiner

TBA

Session Title:   People-First Leadership: Empowering Teams in Culinary Services

Description:  Strong leadership begins with prioritizing people. This roundtable discussion will explore the benefits of a people-first approach in culinary services, focusing on strategies to support and retain staff, foster collaboration between support offices and on-site teams, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Participants will share experiences, discuss effective leadership techniques, and leave with actionable ideas to enhance team satisfaction and performance while creating a positive workplace culture. 

Takeaways:

• Effective Leadership Techniques: Discover practical strategies for supporting staff, improving retention, and creating a collaborative team environment.
• Bridging the Gap: Learn how to strengthen relationships between support offices and on-site teams for better communication and teamwork.
• Turning Complaints into Opportunities: Explore methods to handle resident and staff complaints constructively, using feedback to drive improvement and growth.

Presenter:  Gary McBain

Session Title:  IDDSI in Practice: A Guide to Implementation and Plate Presentation 

Description:  This session provides a practical and insightful approach to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI). Attendees will explore a step-by-step guide to implementing IDDSI within their communities, gain valuable insights from real-world experiences, and witness a live demonstration of techniques for preparing modified-texture meals. The focus will be on creating flavorful and visually appealing dishes that meet IDDSI standards. Participants will leave equipped with actionable strategies to elevate the dining experience for residents requiring mechanically altered diets. 

Takeaways:

• Foundational Knowledge of IDDSI – Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the IDDSI framework and its practical applications.
• Successful Implementation Strategies – Gain actionable steps and insights to effectively implement IDDSI in senior living communities.
• Enhanced Plate Presentation – Learn techniques to elevate the flavor and visual appeal of modified-texture dishes, creating a more enjoyable dining experience.

Presenter: Toni Swanson R.D.

Session Title:  Crafting Your Brand Story: Inspiring Employees, Residents, and Prospects 

Description:   Your brand story isn’t just about differentiation—it’s about connection. In this interactive session, learn how to identify your organization’s core values and craft a narrative that resonates with employees, potential residents, and their families. A strong brand story can attract and retain top talent, inspire loyalty, and foster trust with new and prospective residents. Discover how to deliver a compelling elevator pitch that communicates your unique value, builds relationships, and sets you apart in the marketplace. 

Takeaways:

• Crafting Your Elevator Pitch: Develop a concise, impactful pitch to articulate your value to employees, residents, and prospects.
• Connecting Through Values: Learn how to align your organization’s story with the needs and expectations of your audience.
• Building Loyalty: Explore strategies to inspire trust and engagement among employees, current residents, and potential newcomers.

Presenter:  Andy Siegel

TBA

Unwind and connect with industry peers over cocktails and light bites. This relaxed setting offers the perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships, share insights, and toast to a successful event! 

Located at the Lakeshore Ballroom.  Check in, pick up your badge, and get ready to kick off an inspiring Synergy 2025! Our team will be on hand to ensure a smooth start to your experience. 

Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet! Enjoy a variety of options to fuel up and connect with fellow attendees before the day’s sessions begin. 

Session Title:  Collaborative Solutions for Senior Living Dining and Hospitality 

Description: 

Moderated by Harris Ader, this dynamic general session is all about collaboration and innovation. Through engaging group activities and real-world challenges, participants will work together to share ideas and develop practical solutions for enhancing dining and hospitality in senior living communities. Come ready to contribute and leave with actionable takeaways to elevate your team's success! 

 Takeaways:

• Experience the power of collaboration by solving real-world challenges with your peers.
• Gain practical solutions and fresh ideas to enhance dining and hospitality in your community.
• Walk away with actionable strategies to implement immediately for improved team performance.

Moderator: Harris Ader

Take a break, grab a coffee, and connect with fellow attendees. This is a great opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and recharge before the next session! 

Session Title:  Seafood That Matters: Elevating Health, Sustainability, and Guest Engagement 

Description:  Join Barton Seaver, a renowned expert in sustainable seafood and public health, as he explores how to source responsibly while delivering exceptional taste and health benefits. This session will provide actionable strategies for integrating sustainable seafood into menus that meet budgetary constraints, delight residents, and support environmental goals. Attendees will leave inspired with practical insights to elevate their dining programs through seafood that matters. 

Takeaways:

• Nutritional Benefits of Seafood: Attendees will understand how seafood supports senior health by delivering vital nutrients like omega-3s, lean protein, and essential vitamins.
• Sustainable and Cost-Effective Sourcing: Learn practical strategies for incorporating sustainable seafood into menus without exceeding budget constraints.
• Culinary Tips for Resident Satisfaction: Gain preparation techniques and menu ideas to maximize seafood’s appeal, ensuring it meets both flavor and texture preferences in senior dining programs.

Presenter: Barton Seaver

Explore the latest products and innovations from industry-leading exhibitors while enjoying a delicious lunch. It's the perfect chance to discover new solutions and network with peers! 

Session Title:   Designing the Future of Senior Living Dining: Emerging Trends and Innovations 

Description:   Explore the latest trends in senior living dining design, from open-concept kitchens to sustainable materials and tech-enhanced dining spaces. This session will showcase how innovative designs are shaping resident experiences, fostering community, and enhancing operational efficiency. Gain insights from industry leaders and discover practical ideas to bring cutting-edge dining environments to life in your community. 

Takeaways:

• Understand how design trends like interactive dining spaces and multi-functional areas enhance resident engagement and satisfaction.
• Learn practical strategies for integrating sustainable and energy-efficient materials into dining spaces to support wellness and cost savings.
• Discover the role of smart technology in modern dining design and its impact on operational workflows and resident dining experiences.

Presenter: TBA

Join your peers in an open, supportive discussion about the challenges you face. Together, you'll explore thoughtful solutions, share experiences, and uncover actionable insights. Leave with fresh ideas and valuable connections to help you tackle what matters most. 

Wrap up the day with refreshing cocktails and great company. Celebrate a successful day of learning and networking in a relaxed, social atmosphere! 

Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet! Enjoy a variety of options to fuel up and connect with fellow attendees before the day’s sessions begin. 

Session Title: Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney

Description: The "Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney" presentation, led by Kenneth N. Ivory, draws on his extensive experience as a Regional Food and Beverage leader at Disney to highlight key leadership insights from Lee Cockerell book. The session focuses on empowering teams, challenging the status quo, and driving lasting value through effective training and innovation. Attendees will learn how to eliminate barriers, foster character-driven leadership, and create sustainable organizations committed to employee engagement and exceptional service.

Takeaways:

1. People-Centric Leadership: Attendees will learn how to foster a culture of respect, appreciation, and value for every team member, enhancing employee engagement and retention.
2. Creating a Brand Through People: Leaders will understand the importance of empowering their team to be the face of their brand, making service excellence a hallmark of their operations.
3. Eliminating Operational Barriers: Attendees will explore practical strategies to identify and eliminate obstacles that hinder excellence, streamlining processes for better efficiency.

Presenter:  Kenneth N. Ivory

SDA Quickfire: Best Practices & Innovations

Get the insights you need to elevate your dining program today! Discover how top-performing operations use creative strategies to stay ahead and deliver exceptional experiences that impress residents and boost satisfaction.