SDA & LeadingAge NC Hospitality Summit

Attendee Registration, Breakfast & Industry Partner Showcase

Harris Ader, Founder of Senior Dining Association & Leslie Roseboro, Senior Vice President 

TBA 

Hospitality in Action

This operator panel will feature executives and dining leaders sharing specific hospitality strategies they have implemented within their communities. Panelists will discuss the decisions behind their initiatives, the challenges they faced, how they gained leadership and employee support, and the results they experienced. The conversation will focus on practical examples rather than broad hospitality concepts.

Takeaways

1. Hear real examples of hospitality initiatives that operators have put into practice

2. Learn how leaders gained support, managed challenges, and adjusted their approach

3. Identify successful ideas that can be adapted within different community models 

Panelists: 

• Eric Nooe, Corporate Executive Chef at Thrivemore 
• Jessica McCollum, COO at Thrivemore
• Chad Lauderbaugh, Director of Dining at The Sharon at SouthPark
• Milton McGowian, COO at The Sharon at SouthPark

Moderator: Harris Ader, Founder & CEO at Senior Dining Association

Fixing the Moments That Break Hospitality

Hospitality often breaks down because of unclear processes, communication gaps, competing priorities, or a lack of ownership. In this interactive collaboration session, attendees will work through realistic service challenges and identify the operational causes behind them. Mixed groups of executive and dining leaders will develop immediate responses, long-term process improvements, and clear plans for accountability.

Takeaways

1. Identify the operational root causes behind recurring hospitality failures

2. Develop practical short-term responses and sustainable long-term solutions

3. Establish clear ownership, communication, and follow-through across departments

Moderator: Harris Ader, Founder & CEO at Senior Dining Association

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect

This interactive session explores the difference between simply communicating and truly connecting. Whether leading a team, having a one-on-one conversation, speaking to a group, or training others, participants will consider practical questions that can strengthen their communication:

Participants will consider:

• Where can I create more connection?
• What can I make simpler?
• How can I make my message more engaging?
• How can I better communicate the why?
• What do I need to model, not just teach?

Led by leadership coach Bill Keel, this interactive session will explore practical ways to move beyond simply sharing information and create messages that connect.

Attendees will leave with practical ideas to strengthen relationships, gain buy-in, and lead with greater clarity and influence. 

Speaker: Bill Keel, Professional Leadership Coach

 Schedule subject to change.

Senior Living Professionals

SDA or LeadingAge NC Members: $190  

Non-Members: $230

Summit Date: October 8, 2026

Event Time: 8:30 am - 4 pm EST

Location: The Pines at Davidson

Address:  400 Avinger Ln, Davidson, NC 28036 

We will serve continental breakfast, lunch and snacks.

All Senior Living & Dining Professionals

Director of Dining, Executive Directors, Chefs, VPs of Dining and Operations, Managers and Supervisors should attend this event. 

Fall Casual

Dress to learn, network, and have fun. 

A certificate of attendance will be provided to all event attendees upon request. 

4.0 hours of continuing education credit for Nursing Home Administrators through the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators and the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation for Adult Care Licensure.  

Hotels:

Davidson Village Inn
117 Depot Street
Davidson, NC 28036

Homewood Suites by Hilton Davidson

125 Harbour Place Drive
Davidson, NC 28036

Airports / Airlines:

• Charlotte Douglas International - 40 Min.
• Concord-Padgett Regional - Available from limited locations and limited airlines (Allegiant, Avelo) - 25 Min.

Position your brand in front of senior living decision-makers at this one-day, high-impact event focused on dining, hospitality, and workforce innovation. 

Sponsorship Includes:

• 2 Complimentary registrations
• Participation in all sessions & meals
• 6ft Display table in the Industry Partner Showcase 
• Logo placement on event marketing materials
• Verbal recognition during the event 
• Post-event registration list 

Investment

• SDA or LeadingAge NC Members: $1300  
• Non-Members: $1750

Setup Time:

• Thursday, October 8th - 7:00-8:30 AM 
• Must be at table and ready by Thursday at 8:30 AM