Care Takes Center Stage at DHCFA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show on November 5
September 11, 2026 | Uncategorized
Registration is Open for Attendees,
Services Providers Can Connect With Providers as Sponsors and Exhibitors
The spotlight will be on long-term care providers when Care Takes Center Stage at the annual Delaware Health Care Facilities Association Education Conference and Trade Show, Thursday, November 5 at Bally’s Casino Resort in Dover, Delaware. The all-day event will provide attendees with more than five continuing education hours, time to meet with 64 sponsors and exhibitors, and professional networking. DHCFA will also celebrate National Quality Award winners, administrators, nurses, and support Unsung Heroes on its Walk of Fame, inspired by the famous one in Hollywood.
Registration is open for long-term care providers now at Early-Bird Pricing. Register here.
Sponsorships, exhibit space on The Studio Lot, and program ad space are still available but limited. Check out the opportunities and reserve your space here.
“DHCFA’s annual Education Conference and Trade Show is the biggest event of the year for long-term care providers and the companies that serve them. We are so excited to offer outstanding education and networking coupled with a celebratory Hollywood – like theme this November,” said Cheryl Heiks, DHCFA Executive Director.
The day’s program combines education with time to visit exhibitors and sponsors while networking. Continental breakfast and break snacks—labeled Concessions—as well as the Director’s Lunch are included.
The Walk of Fame is a new addition to the event that allows the Association to recognize and honor its members’ outstanding work. 2026 National Quality Award Winners will get their flowers locally: Silver Award Winner Complete Care at Silver Lake and Bronze Award Winners Complete Care at Brackenville and Complete Care at Silver Lake. These facilities will be recognized at the AHCA/NCAL National Convention in Boston, on October 13. More information about the Walk of Fame, which will honor unsung stars from member facilities, will be released soon. This will focus on those individuals who go above and beyond as they care for residents in LTC communities.
Optum and Incite Strategic Partners are sponsoring the Walk of Fame.
THE OPENING ACT – Keynote
HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM HOLLYWOOD. Award-winning author and leadership expert ANDY MASTERS creatively uses the magical imagery of Hollywood to help Health Care leaders recruit, develop, and empower their organizations in a positive work culture—while reducing turnover and defeating the succession planning crisis. Attendees will leave with immediate action items from this interactive, multimedia experience. Andy’s keynote will serve as the day’s opening act.
Pam Truscott, Director of Quality Improvement, National Center for Assisted Living, said of Andy’s presentation, “It was delivered in a funny and upbeat manner that kept [attendees] attention throughout the session.”
THE SECOND ACT
ONE TEAM, ONE RESIDENT: THE POWER OF INTEGRATED MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE AS A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP. TeamHealth’s DR. SUSAN KIRCHDOERFFER and SHANE CONAWAY will bring both the medical director and frontline behavioral health perspectives to the evolving care model within skilled nursing facilities. This session will explore the medical director’s role in leading quality initiatives, improving clinical oversight, and supporting regulatory compliance, while highlighting how behavioral health integration strengthens the interdisciplinary care model. Dr. Sue will discuss the responsibilities of medical directorship in post-acute settings, while Shane will share practical insights on implementing behavioral health services within facilities and collaborating with medical directors and care teams.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how medical leadership and behavioral health providers can work together to address residents’ complex psychiatric and medical needs, improve outcomes, support facility staff, and maintain survey readiness.
THE ENCORE – Closing
CONFETTI CULTURE: 8 POWERFUL PRINCIPLES TO ELEVATE THE WAY YOU LIVE, LEAD, AND LIFT YOUR TEAMS. Because great culture isn’t built through one big moment. It’s built by consistently recognizing the small wins, everyday effort, and people who make progress possible. Through his CONFETTI Leadership Model™, JAMES ‘CONFETTI-MAN’ FERGUSON gives leaders actionable habits to strengthen recognition, trust, engagement, accountability, and performance. James is a globally recognized and award-winning Culture Pioneer.
A more detailed education program with additional sessions will be announced in the next two weeks.
SPONSOR, EXHIBITOR & ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
There are sponsorships available for education sessions, book giveaways, meals, and prizes, along with STUDIO LOT exhibit tables. Ad space is available in the event program book. Interested service providers can review and reserve the options here.
For questions about the event, contact Tomi Morris, DHCFA Director of Programs and Member Services, at tmorris@dhcfa.org or 302-235-6895.