FHCA Welcomes More Than 1,000 Long Term Care Leaders to 2026 Annual Conference & Trade Show

Five-day event highlights innovation, leadership, workforce development and Florida’s commitment to gold standard quality care

Orlando, Fla. - The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today officially welcomed more than 1,000 long term care professionals and business partners to its 2026 Annual Conference & Trade Show in Orlando. Sponsored by Marsh McLennan Agency, the five-day event features education, networking, recognition and inspiration centered around the theme, “Spotlight on Excellence.”

“Florida’s long term care professionals work every day to deliver exceptional care and create meaningful experiences for the residents and families they serve,” said FHCA Chief Executive Officer Emmett Reed. “This conference gives us an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, strengthen their skills and bring our profession together around the ideas, innovations and partnerships that will shape the future of long term care. With more than 1,000 attendees gathered in Orlando, the energy and commitment to excellence are truly remarkable.”

The week began Sunday with the Foundations of Nursing Home Administration specialized training program, designed to help nursing home administrators with five years or less of experience strengthen their leadership, financial, legal, regulatory, life safety, survey readiness and quality improvement skills. Sunday’s programming also included educational sessions tailored to assisted living professionals.

Today, the conference continues with an Innovation Showcase highlighting advanced technology solutions designed to enhance clinical practices, streamline operations and support quality improvement across long term care settings.

Monday’s program will also feature the Kickoff Membership Meeting with best-selling author Sebastian Terry, who will challenge attendees to rethink collaboration, strengthen connections and unlock their full potential. FHCA will also recognize several Long Term Care Achievement and Shining Star Award recipients whose compassion, leadership and dedication contribute to quality care and an enhanced quality of life for Florida’s long term care residents.

On Tuesday, attendees will hear from American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living President and CEO Clif Porter, AHCA Board of Governors Chair Chris Wright and NCAL Executive Director LaShuan Bethea about the federal workforce, reimbursement and public policy initiatives affecting long term care. The session will take place during FHCA’s annual Membership Meeting, when the Association’s 2026-2027 officers will also be elected.

Tuesday will also provide an opportunity to honor the individuals and organizations advancing Florida’s gold standard of long term care. During the Membership Meeting, FHCA will recognize Florida Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) as the Association’s Champion for Quality for his leadership and commitment to supporting Florida’s long term care residents, caregivers and providers.

During the Quality Award & Scholarship Ceremony, FHCA will recognize the 70 Florida recipients of the 2026 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The ceremony will also honor the newest recipients of FHCA’s Bruce Taylor Nursing Scholarship, Career Climb Scholarship and Rising Long Term Care Leader Administrator-in-Training Scholarship programs. Last month, FHCA awarded $300,000 in scholarships to 88 individuals pursuing opportunities to advance their long term care careers.

Three-time NCAA wrestling champion and National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee Anthony Robles will deliver the keynote address during Wednesday’s Circle of Excellence Award Luncheon. The subject of a major motion picture, Robles will draw from his extraordinary life story to encourage attendees to be unstoppable in how they think, lead and grow. During the luncheon, FHCA will also present a member with its highest honor, the Walter M. Johnson Jr. Circle of Excellence Award.

“Every education session, recognition ceremony and networking opportunity at our Annual Conference has been thoughtfully designed to help attendees return to their communities energized, better connected and equipped with practical strategies to support their residents, families and team members," said FHCA Annual Conference Chair Patricia Spears. "We are proud to place a spotlight on the people and organizations who make excellence possible every day.”

FHCA’s 2026 Annual Conference & Trade Show features 60 educational sessions and a sold-out Trade Show with more than 300 exhibitors showcasing products, services and solutions for the long term care profession. The conference runs through Thursday, July 30.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2026

PRESS CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-510-4389 or kknapp@fhca.org