CALA News & Views | Issue 54 | Impact

Each year, my team and I look forward to CALA’s conferences because they consistently deliver real value. The sessions are thoughtfully designed, addressing both the challenges we face today and the opportunities on the horizon. Beyond the education, these events give our team the chance to connect with peers, share best practices and bring back fresh ideas that make a difference in our communities. Attending CALA conferences year after year has become an essential investment in our people, our residents and the future of senior living.

The 2025 CALA Conferences & Trade Shows brought together more than 1,500 attendees, presenters and exhibitors from across the state and beyond. Guided by expert input from the Education Committee, sessions were content-rich and packed with practical takeaways that attendees could immediately put to use. In addition to Top Takeaways, each handout packet included an Action Plan template to help attendees articulate and implement their next steps. The Spring Conference was highlighted by a special CALA 30th Anniversary celebration featuring reflections from individuals who played key roles in CALA’s growth, along with a commemorative rap written and performed by founding board member Joel Goldman, partner, Hanson Bridgett, LLP . Sally Michael, CALA’s outgoing president & CEO , was honored for her many contributions over an illustrious 25-year tenure. The conference also welcomed Heather Harrison, CALA’s new president & CEO. Monday’s program featured a deep-dive track entitled Mastering Multi-Site Leadership alongside intensives on Conquering Conflict Resolution and Strengthening Support through the Dementia Journey . The day concluded with an inspiring keynote by Grammy Award winning songwriter Jimmy Yeary, who – with input from the audience – wrote and performed a heartfelt song capturing the “why” behind providing care and services to residents. New this year – and well received at both conferences – were small-group Elevating Conversations designed to foster dialogue around critical topics, including: ● Tackling Emergency Response in Real Time , facilitated by Glenn Thomas, director of safety & risk management, Continuing Life ● Navigating ALW & CalAIM , facilitated by Mark Cimino, CEO, CiminoCare Also featured at both conferences, the Innovation & Technology Showcase gave attendees the opportunity to engage directly with groundbreaking technologies and their developers. From a humanoid robot that interacts with residents, to an AI-driven data platform and a VR

Laura Fischer, President, Integral Senior Living

tool for assessing fall risk at the Spring Conference – to an exoskeleton designed to reduce caregiver injury, an advanced gait-analysis app and a realistic robotic animal to help relieve stress at the Fall Conference – attendees witnessed innovation firsthand and gained a glimpse into the future of senior living. Breakout sessions at both conferences addressed real world challenges with forward-thinking, solution-oriented content. Topics ranged from resident care and engagement to the latest dementia care practices; leadership and workforce strategies; sales and marketing insights; and legal, regulatory and risk management guidance – all aimed at supporting exceptional care and effective operations. The Fall Conference program featured a Next-Level Multi Site Leadership track, along with intensives on Winning with Well-Being and Navigating the Challenges of Senior Living. It concluded with a highly interactive keynote, Breakthrough Leadership , where attendees identified personal and professional barriers and then symbolically broke through them – literally breaking boards labeled with what awaited them on the other side. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable, leaving attendees inspired and focused on their shared mission as they headed into the Trade Show. Special thanks to CALA’s Education Committee – aptly referred to as the “secret sauce to success” – for their talent, dedication and commitment to excellence, which continues to drive record attendance and high marks year after year.

CALA NEWS & VIEWS I ISSUE 54 | NOVEMBER 2025 18