Change
Makers
Leading the Change!
September 9, 2026
2026
FALL LEADERSHIP
FORUM
Leading the Change!
2026
FALL LEADERSHIP
FORUM
September 9, 2026
Mark your calendar for the 2026 Fall Leadership Forum! This gathering of thought leaders, professionals, and changemakers in aging services. This event will be a hub for inspiration, connection, and innovation.
This event will be held September 9, 2026, at the Metro Technology Center in Oklahoma City.
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Check in: 8:00 a.m.
Sessions: 8:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
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Early Bird Pricing (extended until August 14!)
MEMBERS: $85
NON-MEMBER: $100
After August 14: $125
***This event is pending approval for 6 hours NAB CEU credit.***
Join Us for Lead the Change!
This year’s conference theme — Lead the Change — celebrates the bold spirit that drives our field forward. It’s about those who dare to ask what’s possible and then roll up their sleeves to make it real. It’s about pushing past what has been to create what can be—for our organizations, our teams and the people we serve. We are advancing careers, strengthening communities, and reimagining aging services with courage and purpose.
Who is the audience at the 2026 Fall Leadership Forum?
The Conference attracts 250 to 350 attendees from the long term care profession. The audience includes organizational leaders and staff from the fields of nursing/clinical care, finance, human resources, social services/pastoral care, activities/therapeutic recreation, environmental services & facility maintenance, marketing, fundraising, home and community-based services (HCBS), independent living, assisted living, and long term care/skilled nursing.
Speaker Highlights
BLAKE HOOGEVEEN
BETTERCULTURE CO-FOUNDER
THE LEADERSHIP MINDSET
In the modern world of work, organizations understand the value of “ culture.” In this session, participants will learn a mental model or “ mindset” for leadership, based around BetterCulture ’ s Seven Principles of Leadership that has a proven track record of creating award-winning workplace cultures.
AI IN SENIOR LIVING: WHAT’S REAL, WHAT’S RISKY, AND WHERE TO START FOLLOWED BY A MEMBER EXPERIENCE PANEL
Explore what artificial intelligence can realistically do for senior living organizations through two connected sessions combining expert guidance with firsthand provider experience. Steven VanderVelde, Director of Senior Living Partnerships with ProviNet Solutions, will offer a practical look at AI applications, risks, guardrails, and the importance of keeping human judgment in the loop, concluding with a live generative AI demonstration. A member panel will then share how AI is being used in marketing, nursing home administration, and adult day health administration, giving attendees real-world examples and practical ideas.
PANELISTS:
Kelli James, Saint Simeon’s Senior Community;
Keyvin Heck and Ruth Wilson, Hurley Manor;
Jacque Parks, Metropolitan Better Living Center
STEVEN VANDERVELDE
PROVINET SOLUTIONS
MOLLIE GURIAN
LEADINGAGE VICE PRESIDENT
THE VIEW FROM WASHINGTON: WHAT AGING SERVICES LEADERS NEED TO KNOW
As the Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs for LeadingAge, Mollie Gurian provides overarching strategic leadership for home care, hospice, Medicaid HCBS, and worforce policy priorities. Her session will update attendees with a broad view of the national landscape.
THE OKLAHOMA POLICY PERSPECTIVE
As a former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Vickie brings a unique perspective as she has provided government relations services to LeadingAge OK. She will discuss the 2026 legislative session and look ahead to 2027.
VICKIE WHITE RANKIN
By The People Consulting
Register to Exhibit
Showcase Your Solutions at the
2026 Fall Leadership Forum
Space is now open — don’t miss your opportunity to join the exhibitor floor at 2026 Fall Leadership Forum . Reach key stakeholders, build new relationships, and highlight your innovations in senior care.
Register to Attend
Register to attend the 2026 Fall Leadership Forum
Join us for engaging educational sessions, dynamic speakers, and valuable networking opportunities designed to equip you with practical tools and fresh perspectives to shape the future of aging services in Oklahoma.
Call for 2026 Presentations - NOW OPEN
We’re accepting proposals for practical, engaging sessions that help shape the future of aging services.
Topics may be those related to:
AI, Workforce, Leadership, HR, Brand Strategy and Reputation Management, Philanthropy, Finance & Growth, Activities, Social Services, Nursing, Compliance strategies, Home Care; Independent Living, Senior Housing, Food Service, and Service Coordination.
Presentations most likely to be selected will:
Include a LeadingAge OK Community Member/staff in the session
Offer information that is timely, relevant, practical, and actionable
Incorporate engaging, interactive educational methods
Provide concrete take-aways and resources and/or demonstrate measurable outcomes
Proposal Details & Requirements
Deadline for proposals: Monday, October 17, 2025
Please include:
Completed proposal form (available in the submission portal)
Resume(s) for all speakers (submitted through the portal)
Info for Speakers:
In-person participation required (travel expenses may be supported by exception)
Free registration on presentation day
Materials due by Feb 7, 2026 (uploaded via app)
2026 Major Sponsor
Location
Metro Technology Center
1900 Springlake Dr
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Contact
If you would like more information about this event or would like to get involved, please reach out to us.
Association Info
Forum Info
Exhibitor Info
Heather Basler
Director of Events and Communications
- Phone:405-818-2941
- Email:heather@LeadingAgeOk.org
Are You Ready to Join Us?
