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2026 Annual Conference Request for Proposals

LeadingAge Georgia is excited for our 2026 Annual Conference & Tradeshow to be held at The Westin Hotel in Chattanooga, TN, on March 23-25, 2026. This event offers presenters an unparalleled forum to showcase a variety of forward-thinking ideas and innovations in senior care and services.

Theme
Please remember to keep our 2026 conference theme in mind as you put together your proposals. Our theme for 2026 is CHANGE MAKERS. Across our state, LeadingAge Georgia members are not just responding to change, they are leading it. Our Annual Conference & Tradeshow is where local leaders come to connect, recharge, and recommit to the work that matters most. Where ideas take root, innovations grow, and together, we chart a future that reflects the best of who we are.
Content Expectations
Presentations must align with LeadingAge Georgia’s mission to expand possibilities for aging and support those who care for older adults.
  • Sessions should be educational, evidence-informed, non-commercial, inclusive, and applicable to real-world practice.
  • Sessions must educate and support learning; therefore, presenters may not sell, promote, or pitch any specific products and/or services.
  • Topics should be relevant to aging services providers and applicable to their settings.
  • Speakers must be knowledgeable and experienced, especially with the LeadingAge audience.
  • We welcome a range of voices and perspectives, and encourage balanced representation across backgrounds and identities in all panels.
  • Sessions should include the voice of elders, especially when the content touches on the resident/client experience.
  • Be mindful of the language you use. Refer to LeadingAge’s Anti-Ageism Quick Guide to ensure your proposal reflects person-centered values and language.
  • Tailor the information to the intended audience.
Timeliness and Communication
Presenters must be responsive to communication from LeadingAge Georgia staff, adhere to deadlines, and promptly provide any requested information or materials.

Presentation Materials
Final presentation slides and any handouts must be submitted in digital format no later than 10 business days prior to the scheduled session unless otherwise stated.

Format and Technology
Presenters must indicate their preferred session format (e.g., lecture, panel, interactive) and identify any Audio/Visual or space requirements at the time of proposal submission. As needed, we may work with you to refine your AV or physical setup requirements based on equipment availability and what is most appropriate for the event.

Presenter Responsibilities
Presenters should remain responsive to LeadingAge Georgia communications. Business Association Presenters will receive complimentary registration for the day they are presenting. Participation in other portions of the event may require registration.

Presenter Fees
LeadingAge Georgia is a nonprofit organization and, as such, does not typically offer honoraria or speaker fees. In limited cases, such as select keynote presentations at our annual conference, speaker compensation may be considered.

Recording and Distribution
Sessions may be recorded and used for educational or promotional purposes. Presenters will be notified in advance and may request exclusions as needed.

Audience
Education sessions are suited for knowledgeable C-suite executives; directors of nursing; nursing home & assisted living administrators; affordable housing owner and agent staff, including executives and onsite management; service coordinators working on HUD elderly properties; and staff in finance, social work, rehabilitation, human resources, recreation & activities, dietary, and admissions.

Key staff of all types of aging services providers may attend, including skilled nursing facilities, affordable senior housing, life plan retirement communities, and assisted living communities.
Evaluation Criteria
The LeadingAge Georgia Education Committee will evaluate submissions based on:
  • Learning approaches suitable for adult learners (interactive sessions are encouraged).
  • Timeliness and relevance of topics to a broad audience.
  • Practical, replicable content, and thought-leading ideas.
  • Clarity and depth of session content and education methods that enhance the learning experience.
  • Qualifications and expertise of speakers.
Please note that we may collaborate with you to refine the title and/or the session content for our audience.

Submission Requirements
If selected to participate in a LeadingAge Georgia program, speakers agree to:
  • Availability: Speakers must agree to speak onsite in Chattanooga, TN, on March 23, 24, or 25, 2026. Keep the program/event dates open until notified of your proposal status.
  • Deadline: All proposals must be submitted by September 15, 2025. Due to peer review and the lead time required for continuing education applications, late submissions may not be accepted.
  • Changes: Once a proposal is submitted, no changes will be accepted. If a session is selected, speakers will have an opportunity to submit updates to the content and speaker information.
  • Business Members/Sponsors: If selected to present, businesses are expected to join as a Business Member or Sponsor of LeadingAge Georgia.
  • Session Materials: Submit all session materials in digital format no later than 10 business days in advance.
Thank you for your interest in presenting with LeadingAge Georgia. We are committed to providing high-quality, mission-aligned educational development for professionals caring for older adults in communities across the state.