“It’s so great to be together again,” was the resounding sentiment expressed by all attendees at the Fall Summit & Expo, our first in-person event since February 2020! Over 200 members gathered in Roanoke to reconnect with colleagues and take part in engaging education sessions. The membership also elected new leadership for the association and honored excellence among the Commonwealth’s long term care providers.

Keynote speaker highlights included:

• Kim and Ashley Campbell shared their deeply moving and personal experiences as caregivers to their husband and father, country recording legend Glen Campbell.
• Charm Bullard offered valuable insights on how to be aware of you own biases as she spoke about diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Dr. Ravelle Stallings discussed how long term care providers used the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic to mobilize their expertise to meet new needs of residents and patients.
• Frank DeAngelis, the now retired principal of Columbine High School who led the school through the tragic school shooting discussed how to deal with the aftermath of a crisis.
• Rodger Hogan shared an inspiring thank you message at the awards banquet as he described the loving care his mother received during the pandemic at Friendship Assisted Living.

In addition, a series of great speakers offering attendees the chance to earn 8.75 hours of NAB-approved continuing education, the Convention also included:

• The Expo at which 78 exhibitors spent time discussing their products and services with provider members.
• Fundraising for the Regirer Nursing Scholarship program to help offer future scholarships to individuals who want to further their nursing education.
• Election of the association officers and election of new members of the Board of Directors for the 2022 term.