Arts Against Ageism: A Creative Narrative

An initiative that resonated deeply with attendees was "Arts Against Ageism," a testament to the conference's commitment to challenging stereotypes and promoting a positive narrative on aging. Beck enthusiastically shared, "We were thrilled about Arts Against Ageism. The expo hall and welcome reception featured a 'Own Your Age' photo booth , where attendees could personalize their photos with fun stickers like 'Aging Is Thriving' and 'Aging Is Living'. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive."

This themed activity, spearheaded by creatives, artists, and activists, aimed to amplify artistic endeavors that confront damaging stereotypes about age and aging. By integrating art into the conference experience, LeadingAge NJ & DE not only engaged attendees creatively but also sparked important conversations on age positivity within the industry.

Keynotes: Inspiring Courage and Creativity

Central to the conference's theme “Courage Ignited” were the keynote speakers, affiliated with The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund), including performances by Brian Stokes Mitchell and Seth Rudetsky. Beck highlighted, "The keynote speakers brought a powerful theme of courage and creativity to the conference. They incorporated music into their opening because 'everyone loves music', and their performance set an energetic tone for the entire event."

Brian Stokes Mitchell, celebrated for his distinguished career on Broadway and in leadership roles within the entertainment community, and Seth Rudetsky shared insights into how courage empowers individuals and organizations to innovate. Seth’s  piano performance and Stokes’ vocals underscored the transformative power of music in inspiring bold choices and overcoming challenges.

Evolving Conference Format: Responding to Feedback

In response to member feedback from past conferences, organizers introduced enhancements aimed at balancing structured learning with interactive discussions. Beck noted, "Members expressed their appreciation for the CE sessions but also desired more unstructured time to discuss their learnings." Accordingly, the conference incorporated moderated group discussions led by members from diverse communities, receiving accolades for enriching the educational experience and fostering peer-to-peer learning.

Launch of the Leaders of Color Network

A significant meeting highlight was the launch of the Leaders of Color (LoC) Network in partnership with the NJ & DE state association. Beck proudly announced, "We launched our Leaders of Color Network to discuss more opportunities for local leaders of color. The announcement at the Welcome Reception garnered enthusiastic support from our attendees." The chapter is led by two members, Erica Richardson, MSM, PHR, SHRM-CP, Corporate Director of Human Resources, Acts Retirement Life Communities and Keith Grady, LNHA, Executive Director, Applewood Village.

The LoC Network represents a proactive step toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the aging services sector. It serves as a vital platform for senior, mid-level, and emerging leaders of color to share challenges, exchange resources, and advance their careers in an environment that values their contributions and experiences.

Spotlight on Person-Centered Care and Well-Being

Integral to LeadingAge's mission is the promotion of Person-Centered Care, emphasizing listening to and prioritizing the needs of older adults. Beck underscored, "It’s important to focus on the mental health and well-being of caregivers and aging services professionals facing demanding roles." Carol Silver Elliot, President & CEO of The Jewish Home Family, delivered a compelling session titled "Putting Your Oxygen Mask on First" during the Open Plenary. Drawing from her experience as a yoga instructor, Elliot highlighted the importance of caregiver self-care and shared practical techniques such as breathing exercises and chair yoga to promote well-being.

Government Engagement and Support

The conference also saw robust participation from government agencies, including NJ Department of Health, NJ Department of Human ServicesHS, NJ Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NJ

Department of Community Affairs, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, and

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD. Beck noted, "We had excellent turnout from government agencies this year, demonstrating their commitment to supporting our members." A notable addition was the provision of office hours by local HUD field office representatives, offering direct support to affordable senior housing managers and service coordinators on critical topics such as asset management and fair housing practices.

Looking Ahead with LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware

As the LANJDE Conference 2024 drew to a close, participants left with renewed inspiration and a shared commitment to advancing the field of aging services. Beck summed up the gathering expressing, "The conference was a resounding success, celebrating innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement. Our sponsors, including Acts Retirement Life Communities, Springpoint Senior Living, KDA Architects, Pharmcare USA, Schenck Price Smith & King, and Value1st, played a crucial role in supporting our initiatives ."