2026 Assisted Living Summit

NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR! Care Providers of Minnesota's Assisted Living Summit at Mystic Lake Center is Minnesota's premier event for assisted living providers—specially designed to help you succeed.

The AL Summit offers continuing education clock/contact hours, two keynotes, a national update from NCAL staff, general sessions, exhibit booths & networking opportunities!

Find out more on the summit section of our website.

Details
DATES: May 19-20, 2026
COST: $395 per Care Providers of Minnesota member participant
$500 per prospective member participant
$100 per government participant
$75 per student member participant
CEs: 11.75 clock/contact hours
CODE: MN27-92600
Registration Steps
There are three ways to register:
  1. Online on this page—You must sign in to register on this page Login required to register. Don't have login information? Request a login or contact us (952-854-2844).
    1. Click the Register button below
    2. Proceed to your cart and check out to complete your registration—after checking out, you will immediately receive an order confirmation email
  2. Mail or fax paper form
  3. Call us at 952-854-2844 or 800-462-0024

Online registration will close on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at noon. On-site registration will be available at the Assisted Living Summit.


Registering for this event means that all registrants agree to abide by the Care Providers of Minnesota code of conduct

When
5/19/2026 8:00 AM - 5/20/2026 4:00 PM
Central Daylight Time
Where
Mystic Lake Center 2400 Mystic Lk Blvd Prior Lake 55372
Registration
Registration is closed.

Program

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Description
Registration, badge pick-up, coffee welcome, and networking with continental breakfast
Track
Registration
Time
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
7:00 AM
Machines are evaluated based on the output of the entire unit, not the impressiveness of their individual parts. While most organizations focus exclusively on building the skills of their individual members, elite organizations invest in the “stuff” that transforms a collection of talented individuals into extraordinary, machine-like teams. This keynote is packed with insights, humor and tools to help listeners take their respective teams to a higher level.
Category
Workforce
Track
Keynote—Monday
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
This is our Residential Care Providers Intensive! Like the familiar airplane reminder to “put on your own oxygen mask first,” providers need to equip themselves with the right knowledge before helping others. In this interactive session, we’ll tackle common provider challenges and misconceptions through real world case studies and practical scenarios. You’ll engage in hands on discussions, expand your network, and gain clarity on what to do and who to contact when questions arise. Join us to strengthen your expertise, sharpen decision making, and reinforce the core skills every provider needs to operate successfully.
Category
Professional Development
Track
100
Time
9:15 AM - 11:30 AM
9:15 AM
Learn how HR trends directly connect to your daily operations as leaders in senior living. This isn’t an HR-only conversation—it’s about staffing stability, resident care, compliance, and your workload as leaders. We’ll focus on three areas that continue to impact operations the most: retention and engagement, accommodations, and workforce data.
Category
Workforce
Track
100
Time
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
9:15 AM
This session explores how to help assisted living teams move beyond compliance-driven tasks to build a sense of ownership for quality across all roles and departments. Participants will learn practical strategies to engage all staff in identifying concerns, contributing ideas, and participating in small, meaningful improvements. Attendees will leave with actionable approaches to create a culture where quality isn’t just something you monitor, it’s something your entire team lives every day.
Category
Quality
Track
100
Time
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
9:15 AM
.Step into the shoes of a Nurse Supervisor through real-world scenarios and candid discussion. This interactive panel brings together three unique perspectives—a senior consultant, a seasoned veteran, and an emerging supervisor—to explore the everyday challenges faced in AL. From handling resident falls and managing MAARC reports to addressing staff discipline and navigating tough family conversations, this session goes beyond theory and policy to focus on what truly works in practice. Moderated by a facilitator who will guide both panelists and participants through these real-life cases, this discussion is designed to help you learn from others’ experiences, gain new insights, and walk away with practical strategies for handling the complex, fast-paced world of nursing leadership in AL.
Category
Professional Development
Track
100
Time
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
9:15 AM
A deep dive into the MDH plan review requirements, tips, tricks and strategies for successful outcomes.
Category
Compliance/Regulatory/Risk
Track
100
Time
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
9:15 AM
This session will cover key requirements for reporting and investigating maltreatment in assisted living facilities. Participants will learn how to conduct a thorough investigation and explore root cause analysis to help prevent future incidents and improve resident safety. Attendees will leave with the tools needed to strengthen their facility’s response to complaints, incidents, and potential cases of abuse or neglect.
Category
Compliance/Regulatory/Risk
Track
100
Time
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
9:15 AM
In today’s senior living landscape, culinary teams are challenged to balance rising costs, evolving resident expectations, and the demand for exceptional dining experiences. In this session, we will discuss practical strategies to elevate food quality, control spending costs, and drive measurable value across your operations—without compromising hospitality.
Category
Business development
Track
200
Time
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
10:30 AM
In this session, we will discuss the MN AL report card and how a functioning and successful activity program can boost your results and why they will boost those results in the categories of resident quality of life, family satisfaction, and resident health. We will also cover how to leverage your activities to bring in more residents as well as outside stakeholders in the community. Lastly, we will cover how to effectively market your activity department using word of mouth, social media, and content marketing.
Category
Quality
Track
200
Time
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
10:30 AM
Minnesota’s AL marketplace is evolving, shaped by shifting consumer expectations, competitive pressures, and new referral patterns. This session explores the latest sales and marketing trends impacting providers and outlines practical strategies to strengthen referral pipelines, improve engagement with families and partners, and boost occupancy. Participants will gain actionable insights to elevate visibility, build trust, and position their communities for long-term success.
Category
Business Development
Track
200
Time
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
10:30 AM
Falls remain one of the leading drivers of risk and liability in ALs, especially as resident acuity continues to rise. This session explores how evolving regulatory expectations and national claims trends are shaping fall‑related exposure in assisted living communities. Attendees will learn the most common root causes behind fall events, why many organizations lack effective systems to analyze and prevent recurrence, and practical, system‑based strategies operators can implement to reduce fall frequency and severity while improving resident safety.
Category
Compliance/Regulatory/Risk
Track
200
Time
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
10:30 AM
The complexity of disease processes among those residing in assisted living facilities has increased, presenting new challenges for the staff. The goal is to consistently deliver high-quality care while identifying and communicating changes in the tenants' health status. In this session, attendees will gain insight into strategies that enhance care providers' understanding and early identification of health conditions.
Category
Compliance/Regulatory/Risk
Track
200
Time
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
10:30 AM
Visit with vendors, check out new products & service, make new connections, and refresh existing acquaintances!
Time
11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
11:00 AM
Take this time to grab some lunch and network with exhibitors in the Minnetonka Ballroom
Time
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
11:30 AM
Medicaid waiver services programs serve as a key component of reimbursement, impacting your facility's financial stability and capacity to deliver care and services. In this session, gain a comprehensive understanding of how waivered services are managed and explore strategies to maximize reimbursement opportunities.
Category
Business Development
Track
300
Time
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
1:00 PM
Build a stronger LTC workforce. Learn practical tactics for recruitment, retention, communication, and compliance—plus how Workforce Connections and the International Institute of Minnesota help employers grow talent through training and community partnerships.
Category
Workforce
Track
300
Time
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
1:00 PM
This session explores how food choice requirements support weight sustainment and long-term health consistency in residential settings. Participants will learn practical strategies for aligning nutrition standards with resident preferences, while effectively engaging food committees. Discussion will highlight how collaborative food planning enhances resident satisfaction and drives meaningful quality improvement outcomes.
Category
Quality
Track
300
Time
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
1:00 PM
Strengthen your infection prevention efforts with a session designed to help you pinpoint the essential elements of a high‑performing IPC program, uncover improvement opportunities in your own organization, and align everyday practices with the latest evidence‑based standards.
Category
Professional Development
Track
300
Time
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
1:00 PM
Supporting resident rights is not a solo act—it works best when approached as a shared mission. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how partnering closely with your Regional Ombudsman can transform challenges into opportunities for stronger advocacy and improved resident experiences. Through real‑world scenarios, you’ll learn how to reframe common dilemmas, shift from conflict to curiosity, and apply practical, resident‑centered problem‑solving techniques. Walk away with tools, language, and collaborative strategies that help ensure every resident’s voice is heard, respected, and protected.
Category
Compliance/Regulatory/Risk
Track
300
Time
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
1:00 PM
This practical training session gives AL staff the tools to recognize, respond, and reduce conflict before it escalates. Participants will learn how to assess situational dynamics, identify early signs of rising tension, and adapt their approach based on the emotions and behaviors involved. The session also covers core de‑escalation techniques—including active listening, empathy, and non‑verbal communication that support safer interactions and more positive outcomes for residents, families, and staff
Category
Professional Development
Track
300
Time
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
1:00 PM
Take this time to network with other attendees and visit the exhibit booths.
Track
Break
Time
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
2:15 PM
We will address legal concerns around AI and data analytics in senior living. Covering data collection, what's legally discoverable, and clarifying misconceptions. Attendees will learn how strong data governance can protect providers, enabling confident and responsible AI use, along with strategies to improve legal defensibility, manage risks, and promote accountability through QAPI adoption.
Category
Business Development
Track
General Session
Time
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
3:00 PM
Care Providers of MN invites all attendees, speakers, and exhibitors to stick around and network in the Minnetonka Room. The first drink—wine/beer/soft drink—is on us. We look forward to seeing you, networking, and having a fun time together!
Time
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
4:00 PM

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Description
Coffee, networking, continental breakfast
Time
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
7:30 AM
A clear pricing structure is essential for both financial stability and transparent communication with residents and families. This session breaks down how to accurately capture revenue in ALs using the service lines defined in the UDALSA. Participants will learn how to align services with actual staff time, build pricing models that reflect true costs, and ensure their services support compliance and operational sustainability.
Category
Business Development
Track
400
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
Ryan will first give an overview of the various changes that have gone into effect over the year, particularly since January 1, 2025. Ryan will then survey audience members to identify common issues employers have encountered with these changes, with a focus on Paid Leave. Ryan will then talk about any other issues involving Paid Leave or ESST that employers have been experiencing (to the extent these issues were not already covered by the audience). This session will discuss strategies for addressing some of these issues with a focus on maintaining technical compliance with applicable laws while considering the practicalities required for smooth operations.
Category
Workforce
Track
400
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
This workshop helps learners understand and recognize the differences between normal and atypical aging. It emphasizes the value of matching helping behaviors to the person’s needs and retained abilities to promote a sense of control and self-direction, and addresses typical issues that occur throughout the progression of dementia.
Category
Quality
Track
400
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
This interactive session explores the legal and practical realities of falls in assisted living, including Nurse Practice Act requirements, Good Samaritan protections, and the responsibilities of unlicensed staff. Using real-life scenarios, participants will see how inconsistent policies, service plans, and communication can increase liability—and how aligning operations, care planning, and staff actions can reduce risk. (Note: This is part 2 of a three-part series; part 1 takes place on May 12 as a live webinar; part 3 is Learning Session 505. Attendance at part 1 is not required but is recommended.)
Category
Compliance/Regulatory/Risk
Track
400
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
Not surprisingly, personal licensing boards receive various complaints about license holders (RN, LNHA, LALD), which sometimes causes the board to conduct an investigation about the same. More and more frequently, when the Department of Health concludes its survey or complaint investigation with a substandard quality of care determination or substantiated maltreatment, professional licensing boards are notified of the same and have to conduct their own investigation into the involvement practices of administrators and nurse leaders. In this session, Attorney Robert Rodè and Care Provider of Minnesota’s Chief Operating Officer Amanda Johnson will cover what triggers board investigations.  Amanda and Robert will also discuss strategies and best practices with participants in responding to board inquiries and managing potential board disciplinary conferences, hearings, and actions.
Category
Professional Development
Track
400
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
Don’t miss this essential session diving into Community Living (CL) services across the Assisted Living–applicable waivers: Brain Injury (BI), Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI), and the Elderly Waiver (EW). Participants will gain a clear understanding of how CL services function within each waiver, including the unique requirements and expectations for BI and CADI. This session will equip providers with the knowledge and resources needed to confidently navigate CL policy, ensure compliance, and support residents in the most appropriate settings.
Category
Business Development
Track
500
Time
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
9:15 AM
The Minnesota Food Code includes many requirements that can make it challenging to stay compliant. This educational session will cover common food code violations found in AL kitchens during surveys, the importance of compliance, and practical strategies to prevent repeat violations in future inspections.
Category
Compliance/Regulatory/Risk
Track
500
Time
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
9:15 AM
This session focuses on the Positive Approach to Care’s partnering techniques, including Positive Physical Approach (PPA) and Hand-under-Hand (HuH). These newly learned skills enable care partners to shift from simply ‘dealing with the behaviors’ to creating a positive and caring environment.
Category
Quality
Track
500
Time
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
9:15 AM
Drug diversion is not just a compliance issue, it is a threat to resident safety, staff integrity, and your community's reputation. Every nurse needs to know how to recognize the warning signs. In this essential session, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to protect your residents, team, and yourself. You will discover how to identify the subtle early warning signs of drug diversion that are easy to miss, implement proven prevention and response strategies that work in real-world settings, navigate reporting requirements with confidence and clarity, and build a culture where safety, ethics, and transparency are the foundation of daily practice. Through compelling real-world examples and actionable best practices, you'll leave equipped with practical tools to safeguard your facility before problems emerge.
Category
Professional Development
Track
500
Time
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
9:15 AM
The last session in the series gives a regulator perspective on fall prevention, post fall response, documentation, and survey expectations. Participants will work through case examples to strengthen fall response systems, improve documentation, and tie lessons learned into QAPI and service planning. (Note: This is part 3 of a three-part series; part 1 takes place on May 12 as a live webinar; part 2 is Learning Session 404. Attendance at parts 1 & 2 is not required but is recommended.)
Category
Compliance/Regulatory/Risk
Track
500
Time
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
9:15 AM
Background studies determine whether a person has committed an act that would disqualify them from being employed or providing services that require a background study. This session breaks down the background studies process for aging services providers, highlights key regulatory findings, and explores common compliance challenges.
Category
Workforce
Track
General Session
Time
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
10:30 AM
In this national update, LaShuan Bethea, Executive Director of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), will provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of the assisted living sector. The session will highlight NCAL’s priorities, federal and state policy developments, and the key initiatives shaping the future of assisted living nationwide. Attendees will gain insight into emerging trends, regulatory and legislative activities, and NCAL’s ongoing work to support providers, strengthen the workforce, elevate quality, and advance the profession. This update will equip leaders with timely information and strategic context to navigate today’s challenges and position their communities for long-term success.
Category
Professional Development
Track
Keynote—Tuesday
Time
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
11:30 AM
Lunch, sponsored by Guardian Pharmacy, will be served during the keynote presentation time in the Waconia room
Time
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
11:30 AM
In today’s crowded senior living market, families rely heavily on social proof—reviews, testimonials, provider reputation, and trustworthy online signals—when choosing an AL. This session explores how AI‑supported marketing tools can help providers elevate their digital presence, strengthen credibility, and deliver more purposeful, high‑intent messaging. Participants will learn how to blend responsible AI use with authentic storytelling to build authority, enhance referral conversion, and communicate their community’s value seamlessly and ethically.
Category
Business Development
Track
600
Time
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
1:15 PM
Sharpen your skills to have abilities of being articulate as the primary responsibility of a leader during an intense time of difficulty...Lead with hope! And be able to implement the tangible ways to put their people first.
Category
Workforce
Track
600
Time
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
1:15 PM
Ready to raise the bar? Let's talk about how using the Quality Award framework as a guide—not a goal—and can strengthen your AL community. We’ll focus on practical ways the improvement process helps you align your team, clarify priorities, streamline systems, and build consistency across your organization. Participants will walk away understanding how the framework supports better decision‑making, stronger outcomes, and a more resilient culture—regardless of whether you choose to pursue the award.
Category
Quality
Track
600
Time
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
1:15 PM
This session explores how creativity, intention and human connection transform life enrichment from a calendar of activities into experiences that nourish whole person well-being in senior living.
Category
Quality
Track
600
Time
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
1:15 PM
AL projects seldom fail in construction — that’s just when early missteps appear. Under 144G, physical‑environment compliance is a front‑end feasibility issue shaped by site decisions, zoning, test fits, and programming long before MDH review. This session covers timing, regulatory triggers, and accountability. Attendees will learn how early choices embed licensure risk, why city and fire approvals don’t guarantee MDH acceptance, and how small shifts in census, use, or care model can change Life Safety Code and FGI requirements. Real examples show how early evaluation prevents delays, redesigns, and lost revenue.
Category
Compliance/Regulatory/Risk
Track
600
Time
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
1:15 PM
Get a snapshot of Minnesota AL survey trends, common triggers, and the responses surveyors expect. This session highlights practical strategies providers can use to stay proactive—covering key dos and don'ts, simple ways to streamline compliance, and approaches that help you anticipate issues before they arise. Leave with actionable guidance to strengthen readiness and maintain a compliance advantage.
Category
Compliance/Regulatory/Risk
Track
600
Time
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
1:15 PM
Working together for safer, stronger provider environments. Providers and state agencies share a common goal: creating the safest, highest‑quality assisted living settings possible. In this collaborative panel, representatives from MDH and BELTSS will offer an honest look at the challenges they’re seeing in the field—and the remarkable work that many providers are doing to rise above them. You’ll learn the top issues agencies want providers to address, hear about changes on the horizon, understand the trends shaping tomorrow’s practices, and gain practical tips for improving compliance and outcomes. Come for clarity, stay for inspiration, and leave with actionable ideas you can bring back to your team.
Category
Compliance/Regulatory/Risk
Track
General Session
Time
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
2:30 PM