Reflections from the LeadingAge PA Annual Conference
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our 2024 LeadingAge PA conference at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Poconos! We believe in the power of collective action to drive positive change in the aging services sector. Bringing together professionals from across the state in one place supports just that. The conference was designed to ignite change and spark inspiration, and we are thrilled to see the impact it had on our attendees. Here are some of the highlights that left us filled with inspiration and hope:
BUILDING CONNECTIONS TO GROW MISSION
From the pre-conference golf outing to the CEO Forum, Leaders of Color reception, and LIFE and Housing Member Breakfast, witnessing colleagues reconnecting, sponsors and exhibitors engaging with attendees, and new connections being forged was a truly inspiring sight. We believe that it is through these organic interactions and collaborations that we can create a collective force for change. Each conversation had the potential to spark an idea, a partnership, or a solution that can transform the lives of seniors and the aging services industry as a whole.
CELEBRATION AND GRATITUDE
Two special dinners occurred at this year’s conference: the Fellows in Leadership (FIL) Alumni Dinner and Graduation and the new Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) Presentation and Dinner. The graduation of the FIL class of 2024 and the celebration among alumni inspired us, and the celebration and gratitude shown to this year’s DSA recipients reminded us of the lasting impact our community has on individuals and the organizations they serve.
RHYTHMIC MOMENTS, DEEPER ENGAGEMENT, AND A MINDSET FOR CHANGE
Our keynote speakers at this year's LeadingAge PA conference were truly exceptional. Clint Pulver, who took the stage on day one, shared his inspiring journey and the transformative moments that led him to where he is today. He emphasized the importance of mentorship, high-quality communication, and a culture that celebrates and encourages diversity. But what truly set his session apart was the unique way he incorporated those elements into a drumming exercise, turning the entire room into a drum line and creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Heather R. Younger's keynote was extremely engaging. She spoke about how active listening is the key to increasing belonging, loyalty, profitability, and innovation. Heather encouraged displaying actionable insights on-site, including on stage, to help people develop interpersonal skills and make others feel seen, heard, and valued in every interaction. It was an inspiring presentation for professionals at all levels.
Michael Easter concluded our keynote sessions with an in-depth presentation on how humans evolved to have a scarcity mindset, which focuses on worrying about what we lack rather than appreciating and utilizing what we have. Michael shared the lessons he learned while traveling the world to understand how we can overcome the scarcity mindset and provided actionable steps for doing so.
The conference was not just a gathering of aging services professionals; it was a catalyst for inspiration and change. Each keynote, networking opportunity, and celebration reminded us of the incredible potential we have to transform the aging services in Pennsylvania and the lives of seniors. We encourage you to carry the flame of inspiration and apply the insights and connections gained at the conference to create meaningful change in your own organizations and communities.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you and seeing the incredible impact we can make as a united force for change.
Mark your calendars now for the 2025 LeadingAge PA Annual Conference, which will be held June 11-13 in Hershey, PA!