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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.
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.
Visit 2 Charlotte CCRC/ Life Plan Communities and enjoy some small bites from each community. Bus will bring attendees back to the hotel and to airport. *Extra Fee Required
Kick off SYNERGY 2025 in style! Join us for an evening of great food, drinks, and networking. Reconnect with industry peers, meet new faces, and set the tone for an exciting event ahead.
Larry Weaver is a celebrated comedian and motivational speaker known world wide for his mix of clean humor with a positive message.
Originally from Saxapahaw, NC, Larry's transformation from a first-generation college graduate with a degree in accounting to a celebrity speaker is both remarkable and inspiring. He has graced the stage with stars like Faith Hill, Chris Rock, and "Weird Al" Yankovic, and has delivered keynote speeches to Fortune 500 clients including 3M, D.R. Horton, and Procter & Gamble.
His reach extends far beyond the stage through countless television, radio, and digital platform appearances, including Comedy Central, Dry Bar Comedy, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Businesses from 79 countries across 6 continents have purchased his hilarious collection of "Funny Employee Awards", cementing Larry's status as a global comedic talent.
Larry's journey from small-town roots to global stages exemplifies a story of ambition, humor, and impactful speaking
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:
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:
Presenter: Suzanne Plazewski
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:
Presenter: Dr. Milton McGowian
Session Title: Simplifying Declining Dollars: Policies and Best Practices
Description: Explore the challenges and opportunities of declining dollar programs in senior living communities in this interactive roundtable moderated by Ann Marie Villarreal. Share strategies on calculating declining dollar amounts, expanding usage to services like salons and deliveries, and managing guest dining charges. Collaborate with peers to develop practical solutions that enhance resident satisfaction and streamline operations.
Takeaways:
Presenter: Ann Marie Villarreal
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:
Presenters: David Koelling and Eric Wong
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:
Presenters: Emily LaStarza and Vincent Sestilli
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:
Moderator: Arthur Gardiner
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: Receiving Feedback with Confidence: A Leadership Skill for Growth
Description: Feedback is a constant in senior living hospitality, coming from residents, staff, peers, and leadership. While some feedback is constructive, other times it may feel unfair or poorly delivered. How leaders receive and process feedback impacts their ability to grow, lead teams effectively, and drive improvements. In this session, Nancy Critcher-White will share practical strategies to manage emotional reactions, filter feedback for what truly matters, and turn it into actionable growth.
Key Takeaways:
Presenter: Nancy Critcher-White
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:
Presenter: Arthur Gardiner
Session Title: Crisis Management: Maintaining Dining Excellence During Renovations
Description: Renovations and kitchen shutdowns can disrupt dining operations, but with proper planning and adaptability, you can ensure uninterrupted meal service and maintain resident satisfaction. This session will explore effective strategies for managing dining operations during construction, including leveraging mobile kitchens or food trailers, planning logistics to ensure smooth service, and managing resident expectations during disruptions. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to minimize stress and maintain high standards throughout the renovation process.
Key Takeaways:
Moderators: Gary McBlain and Jeff Kelland
Session Title: The Chef’s Role in Healthy Aging: Preparing Balanced Meals for Residents
Description: Chefs play a key role in supporting the health and well-being of residents by crafting meals that balance essential nutrients while remaining flavorful and appealing. This session will explore how to incorporate healthy proteins, good carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables into daily menus. Attendees will learn how to enhance nutritional value without compromising taste, with a live food demonstration showcasing practical techniques for creating balanced, resident-friendly meals
Takeaways:
Presenter: Chef Mark Allison
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:
Presenter: Andy Siegel
Session Title: Multi-Generational Teams: Who Stays, Who Thrives, and Why?
Description: Building a successful dining team requires balancing experience with fresh perspectives. Should you prioritize younger culinary talent or seasoned service staff? What motivates each generation, and who is more likely to stay long-term? In this interactive roundtable, participants will share insights, challenges, and strategies for hiring, engaging, and retaining a diverse team. Gain valuable perspectives from peers on how to create synergy between generations and foster a work environment where everyone thrives.
Takeaways:
Presenter: Laurent Bosc
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:
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:
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: The Secret Ingredient: How Dining Drives Move-Ins
Description: Dining is a powerful selling point, are you making the most of it during tours and the sales process? This panel will explore creative ways to integrate dining into your marketing strategy, from offering personalized tastings to using mealtime as an immersive experience for prospects. Learn how to highlight what makes your dining program special and create memorable moments that drive move-ins.
Takeaways:
Panelists: Tamralynn Self, Ann Marie Villarreal, Kari Stolz
Moderator: Harris Ader
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: The Future of Senior Living Hospitality: Emerging Trends and Dining Innovations
Description: How can innovative approaches transform senior living dining? This panel of industry leaders will explore how emerging trends enhance resident experiences, foster a greater sense of community, and improve operational efficiency. From modern dining concepts to technology-driven enhancements, discover practical ideas to create engaging, future-ready dining environments in your community.
Takeaways:
Panelists: Dr. Milton McGowian, Gary McBlain
Moderator: Harris Ader
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:
Presenter: Kenneth N. Ivory
Schedule is subject to change
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Synergy Senior Living Dining and Hospitality Conference
The only dedicated association providing resources, education and networking opportunities for dining & hospitality in the senior living industry.
SDA Synergy Senior Dining Hospitality Conference
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