Lights, Camera, Action

Behind every exceptional endeavor are a cast and crew of dedicated professionals who make it all come together seamlessly. That’s the magic and allure of showtime!

For five-action-packed days, the Florida Health Care Association hosted its Annual Conference “Spotlight on Excellence,” celebrating the dedication, passion, and joy of 1,300 leaders in skilled nursing and senior living communities. The Hollywood theme carried through the five day event, which felt more like a love-fest than a professional conference. After weeks of finalizing the SOARING Into Resilience and Posttraumatic Growth workshop session, we were “good to go!” And, after months of leading almost 100 Zoom presentations with hundreds of collaboration partners, finally, it was time to meet each other in person! It was a great honor to meet so many Activities Directors, VPs of Clinical Services, Chief Nursing Officers, Owners, and Regional Managers from the 224 skilled nursing community collaboration partners who will share the SOARING Into Positive Wellbeing Workshop series with all of the residents, residents’ families, and staff in many Florida communities in the months ahead.

Naturally, it’s essential to pace oneself to attend as many educational sessions as possible, lead a presentation, network, and soak up all of the social events. The Rosen Shingle Creek Convention Center and Hotel has 1,501 rooms and the first morning they were filled with adolescent karate kids and their families. By Sunday night, the hotel was transformed with (hundreds of) health care professionals donning their company polo shirts.

Left to right: Avante Health Care leads and Onyx team leads

The folks at the top always set the tone as their dedication and passion are palpable. For months, I was told that Florida leads the way – with more 4 and 5 star facilities than any other state in the country. Emmett Reed, FHCA CEO, is precisely the kind of leader who “gets it” and tirelessly advocates for the legislative agenda to support individuals living in and working in senior living. It was also thrilling to meet the President of the Florida Senate, Ben Albritton who gushed, “I love you. I love your mission. I love your heart. I love that you choose to love our seniors.”

It was wonderful to cheer Julie Morris, Soaringwords’ newest Board member, as she completed her two-year term as the FHCA Board President and welcome Josh Wagoner as the new President and one of our Avante Health Group collaboration partners.

Left to right: Emmett Reed with Q3 leads Glenda Colvin & Kelly Smith; and Soaringwords team. With Ben Albritton, President of the Florida Senate; and Julie Morris & Josh Wagoner.

It was inspiring to hear keynote speaker Anthony Robles, a National Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee and the three-time NCAA wrestling champion who overcame a physical challenge – being born with one leg – to become Unstoppable. His autobiography — Unstoppable — was turned into a motion picture starring Jennifer Lopez and Don Cheadle.

The conference culminated in a FUN Night party where people dressed in movie costumes: Top Gun, Ghostbusters, Pirates of the Caribbean, Barbie, and the Matrix were among the greatest hits.

This week was a powerful reminder that lasting impact begins with connection, collaboration, and a shared commitment to wellbeing. The conversations, partnerships, and inspiration gained at the conference will now be transformed into action as the SOARING Into Positive Wellbeing workshops reach skilled nursing communities across Florida. The spotlight may have dimmed on the conference, but the real work—and the opportunity to help residents, families, and caregivers thrive—is just beginning. And only 255 days until next year’s gathering.