SYNERGY 2026 Schedule

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. 

Your SYNERGY experience starts at registration with snacks, beverages, and treats available all day, thanks to our valued sponsor Hormel Foodservice. 

Kick off Synergy with a walking culinary adventure! Join us for an exclusive food tour featuring some of Charlotte’s top local restaurants. Enjoy tastings, stories, and a true flavor of the city’s dining scene before the conference begins.  

*Extra Fee Required

Session Title:  The Power to Serve: Why Your Health Shapes the Guest Experience 

To give great service, you need energy, stamina, and habits that keep you at your best. This session shows how your daily health choices impact safety, performance, and the experience you create for residents. Chef Mark Allison will lead a live cooking demo with simple, whole-food dishes that support your well-being while meeting the needs of residents. You’ll leave with practical ways to build endurance, prevent burnout, and stay strong enough to serve at a high level every day.

Takeaways:

• How your daily health habits impact safety, performance, and the guest experience.
• Practical ways to build energy, stamina, and consistency without burnout.
• Simple whole-food ideas that support your well-being and residents too.

Speaker: Chef Mark Allison with Midlife Wellness & Beyond

Session Title:  The Burnt Chef Project: Mental Wellness for the Culinary Workforce 

Burnout has become one of the biggest threats to the culinary workforce, with many chefs and hospitality professionals struggling in silence. The Burnt Chef Project is a global movement committed to breaking that cycle by addressing mental wellness, stigma, and the “just push through it” culture that has shaped kitchens for decades. In this session, attendees will learn how burnout impacts performance, retention, and culture—and how practical support, awareness, and healthier standards can protect the people who power senior living dining. The goal isn’t balance, it’s sustainability—and keeping talented people strong enough to serve at their best. 

Takeaways:

• Understand the mission and tools of the Burnt Chef Project and why the movement is gaining global momentum.
• Explore how burnout, stigma, and outdated culinary norms impact mental health, performance, and retention.
• Learn strategies leaders can deploy to support culinary teams, reduce turnover, and create safer kitchen culture

Speaker: Chris Aquilino,  Chief Ambassador with The Burnt Chef Project 

Kick off SYNERGY 2026 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. 

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 2026 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: From Burnout to Buy-In: Leadership Strategies to Reignite Teams 

In an era of high turnover, low staffing, and wavering morale, leaders are tasked with more than just maintaining operations—they must inspire, engage, and lead with resilience. This session offers practical leadership tools designed to enhance employee engagement and foster a culture of excellence, ultimately leading to improved customer satisfaction and organizational success. Participants will gain insights into their own leadership styles, learn to motivate and communicate effectively across all levels of their team, and develop strategies to overcome common leadership challenges. 

Takeaways:

• Implement strategies to boost employee engagement and morale, leading to improved retention. 
• Foster a culture of accountability and effective communication across all team levels. 
• Confidently address underperformance and develop a sustainable action plan for leadership success. 

Keynote Speaker: Barbara Khozam 

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:  Collaborative Solutions for Senior Living Dining and Hospitality 

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, CEO with Senior Dining Association

Session Title:  Lessons Learned: Bringing Cook-to-Order Dining to Higher Levels of Care 

At The Chesapeake in Newport News, VA, leadership set out to reimagine dining in higher levels of care through two new cook-to-order concepts. Pier 57, a major transformation in Assisted Living, introduced a fresh, restaurant-style experience with an added display cooking studio and private dining room. In 2025, The Galley opened in the Health Care neighborhood, offering open display cooking and elevated amenities for both long-term and short-term guests. With more than $24 million invested since 2018, The Chesapeake is redefining what exceptional dining looks like across all levels of support. 

 Takeaways:

• How strong planning, vision, and partnerships create forward-thinking dining venues.
• Key do’s and don’ts from real-world projects that save time, money, and headaches.
• Why shifting from a “dietary” mindset to a true dining and hospitality model transforms perception, boosts satisfaction, and even creates demand — including a waiting list for Assisted Living.

Speakers: David Loop, Executive Director & Curt DeGraw, Director of Culinary Services  

TBA

Roundtable Session Title: Leading Without a Playbook: When the Structure Isn’t There

Not every leader steps into a role with systems, staffing, or clear structure already in place. This roundtable, led by Matthew Perez, focuses on how leaders make decisions, build trust, and keep teams moving forward while creating structure in real time. Through open discussion and shared experiences, participants will explore what it looks like to lead confidently during transition, growth, or change. 

 Takeaways:

• Learn how leaders prioritize and make decisions when resources and systems are      still evolving
• Explore ways to stabilize teams while building processes at the same time
• Gain practical ideas to lead with confidence during periods of change

Speaker: Matthew Perez, Vice President of Culinary with Transforming Age

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: How to Be a Better Communicator 

Great communication is the key to stronger teams, smoother interactions, and better results. In this session, industry expert Barbara Khozam breaks down the essential skills needed to create understanding, respond with confidence, and navigate tough conversations with ease. You’ll learn how perception, tone, and body language shape your impact—and how small shifts can transform the way people respond to you. This is a practical, hands-on class designed to help you communicate clearly, stay composed under pressure, and build stronger relationships across your community. 

Takeaways:

• Learn practical communication techniques to create understanding and reduce conflict.
• Strengthen verbal and nonverbal skills to adapt to different personalities and situations.
• Improve your ability to stay calm, think quickly, and respond effectively under pressure.

Speaker: Barbara Khozam 

Session Title: Dignity at the Table: Transforming Memory Care Dining Through Human Connection 

Mealtime in memory care is more than nutrition, it’s connection, calm, and dignity. Yet in many communities, meals have become rushed, task-driven, and stressful for both those living with dementia and the teams supporting them. This session explores a simple but powerful shift: training and empowering staff to sit and eat with those they serve.  Drawing on more than a decade of hands-on leadership in memory care and skilled nursing, Gayon Buchanan shares how to build a dining culture rooted in presence, belonging, and respect—without adding another cost or layer of complexity.

Takeaways:

• How to shift mealtime from task-focused to relationship-based dining.
• Practical ways to implement a staff-at-the-table model, including coaching, staffing patterns, and leadership buy-in.
• What changes teams can expect to see from reduced distress behaviors to stronger trust and improved morale.

Speaker: Gayon Buchanan, Founder & CEO with Bela Cares LLC

Session Title: Promoting with Purpose: A Roundtable on Preparing Teams for the Next Step  

Promoting from within sounds simple, but it often comes with real risk. This interactive roundtable brings leaders together to share how they evaluate readiness, avoid “promotion by necessity,” and support team members who want to grow. Through open conversation, participants will exchange what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how intentional development, assessments, and clear expectations can create stronger leaders without setting people up to fail. 

 Takeaways:

• Hear how peers assess readiness and potential before making internal promotions.
• Learn ways to support growth when the answer is “not yet” instead of “right now”.
• Take back practical ideas for building internal pathways that strengthen leadership and retention.

Moderator: Dr. Milton McGowian, COO with The Sharon at South Park

Join your peers for an open, supportive conversation about the operational challenges you face each day. Exchange ideas, share experiences, and uncover practical solutions to improve efficiency, teamwork, and resident satisfaction. You’ll leave energized and connected to peers who understand your world. 

Key Takeaways:

• Identify operational pain points and explore proven solutions.
• Learn strategies to streamline processes and boost productivity.
• Take home actionable ideas to strengthen your dining operations and service culture.

Moderator: Harris Ader, CEO with Senior Dining Association

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:  Get Remotivated: Navigate Change from the Inside Out 

Senior living teams face nonstop change—from evolving expectations from residents to staffing challenges, new regulations, shifting workforce needs, and constant pressure to deliver a warm, consistent hospitality experience. This keynote helps leaders stay centered and motivated through it all by focusing on the internal drivers that shape how we respond to change.

Drawing from her Fortune 500 HR career and real-world experience,  Sarah shares why we often overestimate the impact of external change and underestimate our own influence. She’ll introduce the Remotivation Method, a practical framework for activating six core motivators that restore clarity, commitment, and confidence—even in high-pressure environments.

 Takeaways:

• A fresh way to view change and how it impacts motivation and leadership.
• A clear framework for activating the six core motivators that drive engagement and decision-making.
• Tools to stay grounded, regain momentum, and influence others—even when the change isn’t in your control. 

Keynote Speaker: Sarah Aviram

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: What’s Your Leadership Stance? 

Great leaders know how to adjust their approach based on what their teams need in the moment. This session introduces four practical leadership stances, Lean In, Lean Back, Lean With, and Don’t Lean—and shows how each one can strengthen teamwork, problem-solving, and morale. Through real examples from senior living operations, interactive exercises, and guided reflection, attendees will learn how to recognize their default stance, spot when a shift is needed, and lead with more clarity, confidence, and adaptability. 

 Takeaways:

• Understand the four leadership stances and when each one is most effective.
• Build self-awareness and learn how to shift your stance to fit the moment.
• Strengthen communication, empathy, and team engagement through flexible leadership.

Speaker: Katy Smith, Vice President of Senior Living with 75 State Street | Avesta

Session Title:  How to Build a Hospitality Culture in Your Community and Why You Should 

Senior Living is abuzz with excitement over the focus on building a hospitality culture within each community. Hospitality embodies a mindset that invites us to exceed expectations. While customer service focuses on providing answers and resolving issues, hospitality aims to craft memorable experiences, nurture a sense of belonging, and cultivate enduring relationships. This difference is particularly impactful in retirement communities, where every action can influence the ambiance and establish the tone for everyday life. This session will explore practical strategies for fostering a hospitality culture in your community, along with measurable metrics to assess return on investment (ROI). 

 Takeaways:

• Explain the difference between customer service and hospitality and training components for each. 
• Describe and develop practical strategies for fostering a hospitality culture. 
• Measure ROI of building a Hospitality Culture.  

Speaker: David Koelling, Founder with Strategic Dining Services 

Session Title: IDDSI Roundtable in the Real World: Implementation Lessons, Wins, and Roadblocks 

IDDSI implementation looks different in every community, and most teams are still navigating the highs, lows, and “we’re trying, but…” realities. This interactive roundtable creates space for honest conversation about what’s challenging, what’s working, and what support teams truly need. Led by operator-practitioner Shawn Pierce, the session invites attendees to share barriers, successes, workflow questions, and practical fixes—from staffing and training to resident acceptance and leadership buy-in. You’ll walk away with peer insights, practical ideas, and real-world solutions you can apply immediately. 

 Takeaways:

• Learn how operators are navigating the toughest parts of IDDSI implementation—from workflow to staff readiness to product selection.
• Hear real successes and roadblocks from peers and pick up strategies that make transition smoother and more sustainable.
• Leave with actionable solutions, shared resources, and fresh ideas to strengthen your IDDSI rollout without adding complexity.

Speaker: Shawn Pierce, Corporate Culinary Consultant with Ebenezer

Session Title: Disrupting the Status Quo Rethinking Dining and Service

Senior living dining has relied on familiar habits for decades, but many no longer serve today’s teams or residents. This panel brings together leaders willing to challenge long-held assumptions and share what they’ve changed on the ground. Through real stories and differing viewpoints, panelists will discuss what they’ve stopped doing, what they’re doing differently, and what’s delivering results in culture, service, and leadership.

 Takeaways:

• Recognize which long-standing practices are limiting progress
• Learn how peers are testing new ideas without creating chaos
• Walk away with practical changes you can apply right away

Moderator: Dr. Milton McGowian, COO at The Sharon at South Park

Panelists: Matthew Perez, Matthew Ross, Tba

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:  Lead Yourself First: The New Path to Performance and Fulfillment 

How can we expect organizations to engage and motivate employees—when most employees don’t even understand what motivates them in the first place? We ask people to align, collaborate, and perform, but rarely give them the space or tools to get clear on what truly drives them. 

Most companies try to fix disengagement from the outside in—with new tools, goals, or perks. But you can’t spark real engagement with surface solutions when people have lost touch with what matters to them at their core. In this session, Sarah Aviram shares the missing link in employee engagement: helping people reconnect with their internal drivers—so they can lead themselves, contribute more meaningfully, and perform at their best. 

 Takeaways:

• A simple understanding of the six core motivators that shape performance and fulfillment.
• Why traditional engagement strategies fall short in senior living—and how to create change from within.
• Practical tools to help yourself and your team build more meaningful, motivating work every day. 

Speaker: Sarah Aviram

Session Title: Out with the Old, In with the New: Improving Dining Through Design & Operations

Senior living dining has grown far beyond food service—today it shapes comfort, connection, and community. This session explores how dining environments evolve when operations and design work together. Through two real-world case studies, we’ll look at how kitchen flow, equipment strategy, and service models align with finishes, lighting, acoustics, and spatial planning to create meaningful experiences. One project reimagines a 50-year-old community with a renewed foundation; the other shows how limited space can still deliver a high-impact dining venue. Attendees will learn how thoughtful planning supports efficiency, hospitality, and the expectations of today’s residents.

Takeaways

• Align operations and design to improve efficiency, service quality, and overall dining experience.
• Identify  key design elements - layout, equipment, lighting, acoustics, and finishes—that activate both performance and hospitality.
• Apply lessons from real projects to upgrade dining venues within existing constraints and evolving resident expectations. 

Speaker: J.D. Landis, Senior Designer with SFCS, Inc. & Patrick Plumadore, Division President with CCL Hospitality

TBA

Session Title:  Nobody Puts Culture in a Corner: 80s Pop Culture Lessons for Today’s Workplace 

They say “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” and organizations large and small need a refined way of thinking about culture to drive business results. To that I say, “Where’s the Beef?” This high energy, comedic keynote address uses 80s Pop Culture references to help leaders build and evolve a culture by shining a neon light on leadership skills, employee experiences and finding simple solutions to complex issues. It’s totally rad!   

This keynote demystifies culture, using comedy to focus on key elements of successful culture that leaves you empowered to drive change. Culture has become a bad word in the workplace, so breaking it down through fun and engaging perspectives, participants have clear and actionable takeaways intended to make them feel optimistic, proud and excited to move their organizations forward. 

 Takeaways:

• A simple understanding of the six core motivators that shape performance and fulfillment.
• Why traditional engagement strategies fall short in senior living—and how to create change from within.
• Practical tools to help yourself and your team build more meaningful, motivating work every day. 

Keynote Speaker: Andy Siegel

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