CareNotes

We had such an amazing time last week at the Oregon Convention Center for our 2025 Annual Convention! With the theme “Camp OHCA,” long term care professionals from across the state came together to learn, grow, and create memories with fellow industry professionals.

Attendees were welcomed to the 2025 Annual Convention by AHCA/NCAL president and CEO, Clif Porter. Clif provided opening remarks and gave long term care sector updates to the audience. Following Clif’s introduction, Hannah Austin kicked off her engaging and informative opening keynote presentation, titled “Burn Bright Through Change: How to Build Resilient Teams in a Transforming World.” Hannah gave attendees strategies and resources for battling burnout in an industry that is ever-changing. Following the keynote, attendees went to a variety of valuable and informative education sessions on a range of topics pertaining to long term care.

During lunch, attendees visited the trade show where they made valuable connections with OHCA’s business partners while engaging in a fun Trail Guide Scavenger Hunt. We loved seeing so many of the exhibitors embracing the “camp” theme with their booth decorations and prizes. The trade show was energetic and lively – thank you so much to all of our business partners for participating! We hope to see you all next year!

Following the first day of education, registrants, sponsors, exhibitors, and speakers were all invited to attend an all-attendee happy hour at the Spirit of ’77 for complimentary appetizers and drinks.

Day 2 began with a coffee hour panel with the survey team members from the Oregon Department of Human Services and was followed by more educational opportunities. During lunch, we hosted our annual OHCA Awards Luncheon. Each year, we honor care providers and long term care professionals from across the state who were nominated by their colleagues to win an award for their hard work and dedication. View all award winners here. Thank you, Yardi and Incite Workforce Solutions, for sponsoring the awards program, and a special shout-out to David Molko of KGW News for taking on the role of event emcee for the third time!

This year, we were able to honor six of OHCA’s members with a 2025 Special Service Award. Ali Dean, Erin Sprando, Lisa Hilty, Ole Lindbo, and Sarah Silva were honored with a Special Service Award for their dedicated support to OHCA’s government relations team this past legislative session. Maggie Hilty Katz also received the award for her unwavering commitment to improving the long term care sector, as well as her willingness to assist OHCA staff whenever called upon. Additionally, we honored OHCA former board member and long term care professional, Kelly Odegaard, with the President’s Award for Service. We heard from OHCA president and CEO, Phil Bentley, who commended Kelly for his contributions to the sector and thanked him for all he has done for OHCA over the years. Congratulations to the 2025 awards winners!

Thank you to all of the registrants, speakers, volunteers, business partners, and event center staff who made this event a success. We hope to see you all next year!