Savor the tastes of Boston with regionally inspired buffet lunches that bring the city’s iconic flavors to life. Throughout E2, treat yourself to hand-crafted sweets, perfectly brewed coffee, and wicked good snacks. Our curated menu captures the spirit of Boston’s vibrant neighborhoods—one delicious bite at a time.

Step into the shoes of your colleagues in this refreshed interactive experience—now with all-new scenarios! Empathy Lab invites you to explore a series of hands-on stations that simulate the real-world challenges faced by team members across aging services. From frontline care to facilities and leadership, you’ll gain deeper understanding, spark meaningful conversations, and walk away with a renewed sense of connection.

Step into The Ageing Commons, a dynamic space where cutting-edge research meets real-world application. Designed to connect global experts, researchers, and providers, this interactive hub fosters dialogue, learning, and forward-thinking solutions in aging services. Organized around five themes, poster presentations showcase innovative research, real-world models, and creative solutions shaping the future of aging services. Every hour, researchers will present on flash panels from our Forum Stage. 

What are the Ageing Commons?

The Ageing Commons area will include five themed poster zones arranged around the central Commons Circle theater space. Each day, researchers from a specific theme will share insights and discuss the details of their work.

What is the Commons Circle Stage?

The Commons Circle stage will include roundtable discussions where researchers, grouped by theme, will dive into innovative aspects of their work. These sessions will explore how their research is shaping the future of aged care.

Monday, November 3 | Exhibit Hall A – B1 (12:00 – 3:00 p.m.)

Commons Circle Stage | 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Dementia Care & Cognitive Function – Explore strategies that range from brain-healthy diets and creative engagement to “living well with dementia” programs that spark dignity and connection.

• Allison Bonner — The Vibrant Mind: Developing a Novel Neuroprotective Diet for Cognitive Health
• Janelle Fassi — Creative Activities and Cognitive Functioning among Older Adults
• Yvonne Birks — The Good Life with Dementia Programme
• Arlene Burton (Title TBA)

Commons Circle Stage | 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Technology in Long-Term Care – Learn how telehealth, decision tools, and workflow innovations are transforming caregiving and empowering older adults in new ways.

• Lyndsay Lindley — Developing and implementing a decision aid to guide older people who pay for social care
• Richard E. Chunga — Exploring Caregiver Communication and Workflow Barriers in Adult Day Centers
• Tetyana Shippee — Telehealth Use by Residence Type Among Older Adults Who Use LTSS (2021–2022)

Commons Circle Stage | 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Ageing Services Care Models – Explore how global communities are redesigning care systems, from sustainable solutions overseas to innovative ways of addressing unmet needs.

• Carlos Alves Gomes Dos Santos — The Role of the Third Sector in Ageing Services: Sustainable Care Models in Cabo Verde
• Tetyana Shippee — Patterns in Service Use and Unmet Service Needs in Medicaid HCBS: US National Core Indicators Survey

Tuesday, November 4 | Exhibit Hall A – B1 (12:00 – 3:00 p.m.)

Commons Circle Stage | 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Wellness & Quality of Life – From tackling ageism to boosting wellness in rural communities and residential settings, these posters shine a light on what it takes for older adults to truly thrive.

• Molly Wylie — Factors Predicting Gaps in Access to Health-Promoting Resources among Rural Older Adults
• Verena Cimarolli — Evaluation of a Wellness Program for Affordable Senior Housing Residents
• Tetyana Shippee — Predictors of Residents’ Self-Reported Quality of Life in Assisted Living (2024)
• Natalie Galucia — Understanding How Older Adults Experience Ageism
• Tom Owen — Thriving in Residential Care

Commons Circle Stage | 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Workforce – Dive into solutions for one of our field’s greatest challenges: building and sustaining a strong, resilient workforce through smarter recruitment, training, and retention practices.

Workforce Strategies Part One 

• Alannah Friend — Promoting Values-Based Recruitment in community dementia support through Situational Judgement Tests
• Brittany McFeeley — Evaluation of a Program Designed to Address the CNA & HHA Workforce Shortage
• Christy Nishita — Hawai‘i Dementia Initiative: Implementing Person-Centered Education and Care to a Multicultural Population

Commons Circle Stage | 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Workforce Strategies Part Two

• Dr. Shawn Drake — Sustaining Workforce Wellness through Effective Operationalization of the Intended Model of Care
• Jennifer Johs-Artisensi — Wages, wellness, workplace culture? Evaluating nursing assistant retention practices and organizational performance
• Jenny Jinyoung Lee — The Kūpuna Support Navigator Program: Integrating Care and Workforce Development in Hawai‘i
• Lydia Nguyen — Impact of a technology solution on operational efficiency and staff satisfaction in senior living: a 12-month study

Each day features a fresh mix of posters, ensuring you can engage with every theme and connect directly with the researchers and practitioners behind the work.

Need a break from the buzz of E2? Head over to Cheers, the cozy, bar-inspired lounge on the expo floor where conversation flows as easily as the coffee (or something stronger). Inspired by Boston’s beloved hangout and iconic TV show, it’s the perfect place to relax, recharge, and connect. Cheers is your go-to gathering spot—because at LeadingAge, you’re always among friends.

Where ESPN GameDay meets the transformational world of aging services.  LeadingAge LIVE is your front-row seat to what’s new, now, and next. This high-energy, hosted live show keeps you in the action with real-time interviews, thought-provoking conversations, and insider spotlights on innovation across E2. Hear directly from field leaders, changemakers, and surprise guests as they break down the trends shaping our work.

Your association’s home turf at #LeadingAge25 is inside E2. This is your go-to spot to meet the LeadingAge team, get your questions answered, and score the inside scoop on the latest news and updates. Whether you’re looking for membership info, policy updates or the latest tools and resources or if you just want a place to huddle up with fellow attendees, HQ is your sideline pass. Suit up, stop by, and get in the game!