To encourage broad participation and create a well-rounded program that reflects the range of expertise and perspectives across the aging services field, the following submission limits apply:

• A single-site provider community or business firm/company may submit one proposal.
• A multisite provider organization may submit additional proposals, provided each is submitted by a different community or site.
• An individual may submit one proposal as the primary submitter and may also participate as an additional speaker or panelist on proposals submitted by others.

Please Note: All intended speakers must also be identified and confirmed at the time of submission; speaker additions or changes may be requested only after a proposal has been accepted.

To further support a diverse and balanced program, LeadingAge may limit the number of proposals selected from the same provider organization or business firm/company.

All proposals are peer-reviewed. A committee of LeadingAge provider members and staff evaluates each proposal based on the following criteria:

• Relevance and Applicability. Proposals should address topics that are timely and important to aging services and offer practical ideas and strategies that can be applied in provider settings.
• Provider Perspectives. Proposals should prioritize the provider experience and ensure the content reflects real-world challenges and solutions from within the field.
• Speaker Expertise. Proposals should include speakers who have a demonstrated knowledge of the topic and a clear understanding of the needs and priorities of LeadingAge members. Proposals are evaluated based on the speakers confirmed at the time of submission.

Each year, LeadingAge receives an exceptional number of strong proposals, and only about 25% are included in the final program. Proposals not selected for the Annual Meeting may still be considered for other educational opportunities, including online learning and state events.

• Highlight various perspectives and voices—including those informed by different lived experiences and professional backgrounds.
• Limit panels to no more than four speakers to allow meaningful contributions from each.
• Confirm all intended speakers; do not rely on adding speakers after your proposal is accepted.
• Tailor your content to the intended audience; focus on relevance and applicability.
• Focus on explaining what you do and its benefits to providers, without promoting specific products or services.
• Use preferred language and terminology to demonstrate familiarity with the aging services field.

• Aging Services Technologies
  This track aims to inform aging services providers about technology-enabled business tools and solutions that improve the aging experience and address workforce challenges. Sessions also feature case studies of technology adoption and implementation in provider organizations.
• Culture-Driven Initiatives
  This track focuses on practical ways to create organizations where staff, residents, and community members feel seen, supported, and empowered. Sessions also highlight strategies to intentionally build and sustain organizational cultures rooted in trust, mutual connection, and shared purpose.
• Governance & Leadership Development
  This track emphasizes essential practices for building a strong future-focused board of directors that engages more deeply in a broad range of issues facing our sector. Sessions also feature examples of how leaders can strengthen their own leadership capacities while building a pipeline of diverse, skilled, and prepared aging services leaders for the future.
  
• Growth & Mission Advancement
  This track offers insight into how a broad range of organizations are responding to market changes and capitalizing on opportunities to bolster their financial health and strengthen their competitive position. Sessions also touch on the important role of philanthropy and sustainable nonprofit fundraising to fulfill mission.
• Marketing & Communications
  This track provides marketing and sales teams with strategies to create a compelling consumer experience, generate qualified leads, and refine their brand to boost occupancy efforts. Sessions also cover how organizations can communicate with confidence, clarity, and credibility when dealing with a variety of stories.
• Operations & Performance Improvement
  This track emphasizes strategies to reduce costs, improve outcomes, and leverage opportunities to excel in an increasingly complex operating environment. Sessions also highlight initiatives to optimize business processes and ensure the long-term sustainability of mission-critical care and services.
• Policy, Compliance & Legal Issues
  This track provides clinical and operational decision-makers with critical information related to risk and liability exposure to ensure an enterprise-wide culture of quality, safety, and compliance. Sessions also offer policy insights on the current regulatory landscape and the advocacy activities influencing legislative and executive branch action.
• Purpose, Engagement & Well-Being
  This track focuses on person-directed practices that promote a holistic approach to wellness and honor each individual’s interests, abilities, and preferences. Sessions highlight approaches that support active engagement in community life and create opportunities for meaning, connection, and fulfillment in ways that reflect the full spectrum of aging experiences.
• Senior Living Design
  This track emphasizes design approaches that foster engagement, enhance the built environment, and support the health and well-being of older adults living in long-term care and residential settings. Sessions also highlight examples of new products, building design features, and elevated amenities to meet future market expectations.
• Workforce Strategies & Solutions
  This track offers HR professionals and leaders in aging services creative approaches to eliminate staff vacancies, reduce employee turnover, and attract new talent into the field. Sessions also cover how organizations can nurture the career growth and professional development of team members.

As part of our commitment to delivering an engaging learning experience, we ask all confirmed speakers to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Keep the conference dates open. Be available to present during any of the scheduled session dates and times.
• Attend the event in person. Deliver your session live on-site and assume responsibility for all expenses related to your participation.
• Ensure content exclusivity. Present original material tailored to our national audience and refrain from presenting the same content at other conferences.

To help reviewers understand your session’s value, prepare thoughtful and complete responses for each required proposal component. Here’s what you’ll need to include:

• Session Title. List a succinct headline that clearly conveys what your session is about.
• Content Summary. Provide a detailed description of the information that will be covered during your 60-minute session.
• Learning Objectives. Outline three key takeaways (specific skills and/or practical knowledge) the audience will gain by attending your session.
• Contributing to a Well-Rounded Program. Describe how your session will introduce new concepts or insights, enrich the program with unique and diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences, and help address any knowledge gaps.
• Originality of Content. If you are planning to present the content of your session at other conferences, describe how it will remain unique for the LeadingAge audience.
• Education Track. Select the topic area that best aligns with your session content (refer to the education tracks section).
• Speaker Information. Include contact details for each speaker and a brief overview of their expertise, professional experience, and relevant background information.

Please Note: Once submitted, we cannot modify proposals or make speaker substitutions.

Are deadline extensions granted?
No. Proposals must be submitted before the submission site closes. No extensions or exceptions will be made.

Do I need a My.LeadingAge account?
Yes. If you don’t already have a My.LeadingAge account, you will need to create one to submit your proposal.

Can I submit a proposal on behalf of someone else?
Yes, you can submit on behalf of another individual. However, we cannot modify proposals or make speaker substitutions. Speaker updates may be requested after a proposal is accepted.

Can I update or make changes to my submission?
No. Once submitted, we cannot modify proposals or make speaker substitutions. Speaker updates may be requested after a proposal is accepted.

What topics are included in the program?
The program includes sessions covering a wide range of topics within various education tracks. Refer to the Proposal Components section for more details.

Does LeadingAge pay speakers?
Speakers are responsible for their own travel and related conference expenses. Confirmed speakers will receive a complimentary daily registration for the day of their presentation or a $300 discount toward full conference registration.

Who can submit a proposal?
Anyone working in aging services or a related field is welcome to submit a proposal. This includes members, non-members, residents/clients, business firms, consultants, vendors, academics, researchers, and more.

Who attends the conference?
The Annual Meeting is tailored for aging services providers, including life plan communities, assisted living facilities, dementia care providers, nursing homes, adult day centers, home care and hospice agencies, affordable housing providers (HUD-subsidized), and other organizations supporting older adults.

Please email proposals@leadingage.org for all other questions.