Held at the National Harbor just outside Washington, DC, the 72nd AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo comes to an end today. With more than 1500 in attendance, it has been an especially meaningful gathering this year as friends and colleagues from around the country got together to share stories, learn from each other, and process the challenges of the past 18 months. Highlights include:
Moving stories of care: During the Opening and Closing General Sessions, providers Debbie Meade, Helen Crunk, Reginald Hartsfield, and Phil Fogg as well as frontline care worker Marlene Cestaro and pastor Rodger Hogan gave moving LED Talks sharing their personal experiences and perspectives.
Awards and honors: The nursing home profession received the
2021 McKnight Prize for Healthcare Outbreak Heroes from the CDC Foundation and the Evelyn and Thomas McKnight Family Fund for Patient Safety, and the assisted living workforce received the Award for Excellence in Care and Support from the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (CEAL). At the Quality Award Ceremony & Celebration, both the 2020 and 2021 recipients were recognized.
A lively Expo Hall: On Monday and Tuesday, hundreds of businesses met with attendees and showed their support for the sector, demonstrated their innovative solutions, discussed plans and strategies with attendees, and handed out samples. It was a great opportunity for catching up, networking, and exchanging ideas and information.
Inspiring education sessions: Attendees took advantage of more than 65 education sessions, diving into topics such as Trauma-Informed Care, Infection Prevention and Control, Clinical Care Practice, Workforce, and Quality Improvement. In addition, attendees took part in the 15th Annual NCAL Day, the Rehabilitation Therapy Program, the Not for Profit and ID/DD programs, the Investment Solutions Program, and many other meetings and discussions.
The annual four-day event wraps up this evening with A Night of Inspiration: 2021 Gala & PAC Concert featuring singer and musician Michael Cavanaugh.
Thank you to all who attended this year!