AHCA/NCAL Conference for CEOs and Executive Leaders

Join us for a dynamic gathering centered on leadership excellence and strategic innovation at the 2024 Fall Conference for CEOs and Executive Leaders. Hear from AHCA/NCAL leadership as they engage with top-performing long term care companies, sharing stories and best practices that exemplify excellence and drive success.

This year’s conference will feature in-depth discussions led by AHCA/NCAL Principal, Mark Parkinson with CEOs of leading long term care companies, exploring their journeys and unwavering commitment to excellence. Key sessions will highlight the importance of staff retention, with insights from AHCA/NCAL’s Chief Strategic Officer Rae Anne Davis, and delve into top-down strategies for achieving survey excellence, led by AHCA/NCAL’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Gifford. Gain valuable insights from company leaders who exemplify excellence in long term care and discover how they have turned challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

Don’t miss this unforgettable experience to network, learn, and socialize amidst the stunning surroundings of the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in the Texas Hill Country. For more information, please explore the conference agenda below.


ATTENDEE ELIGIBILITY
Participation in this conference is by invitation only and is intended for CEOs and executive level management staff. AHCA/NCAL reserves the right to grant final approval to all registrants. Only fully registered member or non-member attendees are eligible for CE accreditation earned through the conference’s education sessions. Guest registration is for spouses or guests and not intended for individuals who work in the long term care profession. Registration and attendance for companies and individuals who sell or market products and/or services to provider organizations are limited to sponsors only.

NOTE: Provider attendees with multiple business interests that are competitive with event sponsors can participate in their capacity as providers only. Anyone who cannot agree will not be invited back as a Provider but is welcome to inquire with AHCA/NCAL Vendor Relations about event sponsorship opportunities.
 

Registration

Registration Rates

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
  • AHCA/NCAL Member Registration $500
  • Non-Member Registration $650
  • Guest (Member or Non-member) $135
Registration Questions: meetings@ahca.org

Register Online


 

General Information

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION PAYMENT
Payment fees for the conference, and optional social activities can be made by U.S. Check, American Express, Visa, or MasterCard. AHCA/NCAL will not process your registration without full payment. To avoid duplicate charges to your credit card, DO NOT mail a copy of your registration form once it has been faxed or posted online.
 
CONFIRMATIONS 
Registration confirmations will be e-mailed to you via e-mail within 15 days of receipt.
 
SUBSTITUTIONS 
Registration substitutions will be allowed up to two days prior to the conference. Changes and/or substitutions must be made in writing via fax to (202) 898-6302, or e-mail to meetings@ahca.org.
 
CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS
Registration cancellations received on or before October 16, 2024 will be refunded minus a $55.00 administrative fee. Any change or cancellation must be made in writing and faxed to (202) 898-6302 or sent via e-mail to meetings@ahca.org. Refunds will be processed within 15 days following the end of the conference.

Registration refunds will not be issued after October 16, 2024. Refunds or credits will NOT be granted on no-shows.

CONFERENCE ATTIRE
The average high temperature for November is 70°F, with a low of 50°F. Business-casual attire is suitable for all meetings, sessions, and receptions, but please remember to bring a sweater or jacket for air-conditioned rooms and cool evenings. Resort wear is appropriate for all social activities.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS AND DIETARY NEEDS
If you require any special accommodations or have any special dietary needs, please contact AHCA/NCAL at meetings@ahca.org​.

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
Kosher meals will be available. Please be sure to indicate your dietary preference when you register.  A dedicated prayer space will also be available throughout the conference.
 
By registering for and/or attending the event, I acknowledge and agree that photographs, video, and other recordings of the event may be taken by AHCA/NCAL or parties acting on behalf of AHCA/NCAL and that these photographs, video, and other recordings may be used by AHCA/NCAL in any media now known or later invented for any purpose related to AHCA/NCAL’s mission, including educational, promotional, and awareness-related use. I give to AHC/NCAL unlimited permission to use my name, likeness, image, statements, and other information I may give to AHCA/NCAL whether through registration, at the event, or otherwise that may be necessary for AHCA/NCAL to make use of its rights in photographs, video, and other recordings.
 

Hotel & Travel Information


Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin, TX 78735

 

ROOM RATES & TAXES

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY—SPACE IS LIMITED
To make your guest room reservations, call the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa at 1-800-843-6664 by Wednesday, October 16, 2024, and reference the American Health Care Association.   You can also visit the exclusive group reservation website.

Take advantage of the special group rate of $389.00 per night, single or double, plus 6% occupancy tax and $42 daily resort fee (includes: basic internet access, fitness center, in-room coffee and gratuity for golf bag handling). Reservations must be made by Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Early reservations are encouraged as there are a limited number of rooms available. AHCA/NCAL will not hold the room block beyond the hotel deadline mentioned above. Reservation requests made after this hotel deadline will be based on availability at the prevailing rate determined by the hotel. Reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card.

The rate will be offered for three days prior to and after the conference dates based on hotel availability.

HOTEL RESERVATION CANCELLATIONS

At the time a reservation is made, a one-nights room and tax advance deposit will be charged to the credit card provided.  Reservations must be canceled (72) hours prior to arrival to avoid a non-refundable charge equal to one-night guestroom plus tax cancellation fee.

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is located 18 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), approximately 30 minutes by car. Ground transportation is available to the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa via taxi and ride-share. Executive car service can be arranged through CTA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation online or via phone at 512-222-3209.

Networking Activities

Wedneday, November 13

Spouse/Guest - Kendra Scott Color Bar - 9:30 am - 11:30 am

Kendra Scott is known for her entrepreneurial spirit and appealing jewelry designs. Through the use of natural materials, including genuine stone and shell, she creates quality, affordable luxury products that make fashion and trends truly accessible. Guests will have the opportunity to create jewelry with them in mind. Their style, their design at their fingertips with over 50 styles and 30 stones to create pieces just for them.

Wild Basin Wilderness Wellness Hike (includes lunch) - 12:00 pm -2:00 pm

$150 per person
Experience Austin like a local and get out of the hotel and onto one of the many greenbelt trails. This is an interactive experience with nature to quiet that mind and regain clarity. Mindful activities, landmarks, and hidden gems will be interspersed throughout the hike and led by your very own hiking guide.

Treaty Oak Distillery Tour - 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm

$225 per person
Experience Austin Hill Country! Being the only distillery, brewery, and winery in the state of Texas. Guests will tour the Distillery for a one-of-a-kind experience. Begin with a complimentary cocktail and explore Treaty Oak Distillery with a knowledgeable tour guide as you learn about the heritage, history, and what it takes to make bourbon in Texas. The tour will conclude with a Cocktail Making Class. It will begin by identifying essential bar tools, then share the history of three classic cocktails and how to make them. This class explores how to elevate your cocktail with fresh herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The cocktail-making experience will last for one hour.

Pickleball Tournament with Courtside Boxed Lunch - 12:00 pm -2:00 pm

$150 per person
Pickleball continues to be the fastest-growing sport in the United States! See what all the hype is about and join us for organized pickleball play on the hotel grounds. Enjoy a rousing tournament-style competition, paired with a courtside lunch and beverages after you work up an appetite.

Health & Safety

​With health and safety remaining a priority for our attendees, we ask that the following be observed:

  1. Being up to date with current vaccines/boosters is preferred for all registered attendees.
  2. Masks are worn at the discretion of the attendees. 
  3. If you experience symptoms of a respiratory illness while onsite at the event, please wear a source control mask when around others indoors. Consider self-quarantine in your hotel room for 24 hours until symptoms resolve. If needed, please contact AHCA/NCAL staff (meetings@ahca.org) for a COVID-19 test kit.
  4. Follow all state, local, and private business health and safety measures that may be in place.

Clifton J. Porter, II, AHCA/NCAL President and CEO

Clif Porter-3247-Edit High Res.jpgAHCA/NCAL, representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and other long term care facilities that provide care to approximately five million people each year, have formally announced the appointment of Clifton J. Porter, II as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Fall 2024. Porter currently serves as Senior Vice President of Government Relations for AHCA/NCAL, leading the organization’s legislative agenda and advocacy efforts.

Porter has been serving the needs of seniors in the long term care field for 35 years, beginning as a nursing home volunteer and then starting his career as an administrator in training at a skilled nursing facility. He went on to serve as an administrator of several skilled nursing centers, capping his operational experience as a regional director of operations for a large-urban market. Porter then joined HCR ManorCare (now ProMedica Senior Care) to lead the company’s advocacy efforts as its Vice President of Government Relations for nearly 10 years. He has also served on various state health care association boards.

Porter will be responsible for leading the next chapter of AHCA/NCAL as America’s long term and post-acute care profession and the nation prepares for a rapidly growing elderly population. He will have oversight of the key strategic objectives, which include ensuring a robust workforce, reimbursement system, and regulatory environment for the profession. Porter will also manage the association’s trade shows and events, member education, as well as other strategic partnerships and endeavors. When he assumes the role, he will be the first African American to fill the role in AHCA/NCAL’s 75-year history.

‭(Hidden)‬ Keynote Speaker

​Andrew Busch

Future Economies: Demographics & Growth Opportunities
The world will see more economic change in the next 5 years than we have seen in the last 100 years. Just as the US was getting over the worst of COVID, Russia invaded, and China shut down ports due to COVID. War in Ukraine, inflation soaring, interest rates spiking, and supply chains crashing are all examples of the speed of change. If the world feels like it’s speeding up, that’s because it is. Technological changes are advancing more rapidly than anyone could’ve guessed five years ago. The tumult they will create for the economy and jobs is part of the chaos we can expect going forward. But what are the growth opportunities for those entering the workforce today? How will the reshaping of our economy drive change and demand for new skills? Which jobs will be phased out and which ones will survive? As an economic futurist, Andrew Busch speaks with CEOs and top managers for every business sector as he creates research on the future economy for his clients. From financial services to plastics, Andy gets the inside scoop on what the top business minds consider challenges and future growth opportunities.


‭(Hidden)‬ Wednesday, November 16

  • 3:00pm – 3:45pm
    Welcome, Introductions, and Sponsor Recognition

    Ted LeNeave, AHCA/NCAL Regional Multifacility Council Chair, Founder & CEO, Accura Healthcare; Dave Voepel, President & CEO, Arizona Health Care Association

  • 3:45pm – 4:45pm
    What’s Happening in Washington?

    Mark Parkinson, AHCA/NCAL President & CEO, Clifton J. Porter, II, AHCA/NCAL Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, and LaShuan Bethea, Executive Director, NCAL will be joined by Bob Russell, Partner, The Simmons and Russell Group and Bob Wood, Chairman and CEO of BGR Group for a lively exchange on the state of all things related to politics and the impact on the sector.

  • 4:45pm - 5:30pm
    Opening Keynote: The Demographic Drought - How a Lack of People Will Change How We Look at Labor

    ​In 2011 and 2021, nearly every county in the US saw declines in its working-age population. The 2020 census shows that 16 states saw net population decline over the past years—the worst numbers since the Great Depression. Employers are already feeling the pain, but the people shortage is only projected to get worse. So how did we get here? What are the economic ramifications? And is there anything we can do about it? As lead author of The Demographic Drought, Ron Hetrick, MS, Senior Labor Economist and Vice President of Staffing Product at Lightcast, answers these questions by analyzing past, present, and future workforces.

  • 6:00pm – 9:00pm
    ​Welcome Reception and Dinner - Courtyard
  • 9:00pm – 11:00pm
    ​​After Dinner Lounge

‭(Hidden)‬ Thursday, November 17

  • 7:30am – 8:00am
    First Timer Breakfast
  • 7:30am - 8:00am
    Breakfast Buffet
  • 8:00am – 9:15am
    In Their Own Words, Why Employees Stay

    Craig Deao, Managing Director, The Huron Group, presents new research to uncover the driving forces of workforce retention with leaders and staff. From escalating wage wars to severe talent shortages, organizations are feeling the effects of the workforce crisis plaguing the industry. Leaders across the industry recognize change is needed to address the long-term threats these challenges pose to their organizations. Craig will share the findings that detail the drivers of satisfaction and where leaders should focus.

  • 9:15am - 10:15am
    Strategies to Reduce or Eliminate the Use of Agency Staffing

    Mark Parkinson, AHCA/NCAL President & CEO moderates a panel featuring providers who have eliminated or dramatically reduced the use of agency staff in their organizations. Joining Mark on the panel will be Leigh Ann Barney, President & CEO, Trilogy Health Services, Jason Murray, President & CEO, Providence Group/PACS and Mary K. Ousley, RN, Chief Strategy Officer, Pruitt Health.

  • 10:15am – 10:30am
    Break
  • 10:30am – 11:30am
    Spotlight on Rebuilding and Maintaining Census

    Mark Parkinson will sit down with Care Initiatives President & CEO, Michael Beal for a focused conversation on how the Care Initiatives team worked to rebuild their census to pre-pandemic measures.

  • 11:30am
    Transition to Afternoon Activities

    Additional registration fees apply. Complete event details can be found at the end of this agenda or on the conference app.

    • Wine Pairing Experience and Lunch: 12:00pm – 2:00pm (on property)
    • On the River Rafting Activity: 12:00pm – 4:00pm (on property)
    • On the Mountain Desert Hike: 12:00pm – 4:00pm (on property)
    • Golf: There is no formal golf outing. All costs associated with golf play will be paid by the individual. To book your tee time, please contact the Pro Shop at 408-423-2449 and identify yourself as part of the American Health Care Association (AHCA) group.

  • 6:00pm – 7:00pm
    Reception
  • 7:00pm - 9:00pm
    Dinner
  • 9:00pm – 11:00pm
    After Dinner Lounge

‭(Hidden)‬ Friday, November 18

  • 7:45am - 8:45am
    Independent Owner Breakfast
  • 8:30am - 9:00am
    Breakfast Buffet
  • 9:00am - 10:00am
    Closing Keynote: Resilience, Renewal, and Stamina. The Keys to Leading and Thriving Through Challenging Times

    ​Unprecedented times separate extraordinary people from all others. The positive side of our pandemic stress syndrome teaches how extraordinary people are moving forward with renewed purpose, humanism, passion, stamina, and wellbeing. Drawing from his more than 40 years of clinical, coaching, and consulting work with health professionals, their teams, and their families, clinical psychologist Wayne M. Sotile, Ph.D. shares practical pearls of wisdom about how extraordinary people think, cope, and care for others. This presentation has helped thousands health professionals from 65 countries not only endure but grow personally and professionally through our challenging times.

  • 10:00am
    Conference Concludes

Education and Agenda