2026 IALA's Annual Conference & Tradeshow
You are invited to join us for educational sessions about the assisted living industry and our tradeshow showcasing industry partners. This event is also a great opportunity to network with Iowa assisted living leaders. The event welcomes administrators, nurses, life enrichment staff, environmental service staff, culinary staff, direct caregivers, direct support professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about assisted living in Iowa.
Schedule of Events
Day 1
12:30 -1:00 Registration/Intro
1:00 -4:00 Sonya Ackerson - Medicaid Action Planning for Care Communities
Day 2
Day 3
8:30 -9:00 Registration/Continental Breakfast
9:00 - 9:15 IALA President Welcome
9:15 - 10:15 Medication Errors Traci Clark, Autumn Achenbach
10:15 - 10:30 Break
10:30 - 11:30 Elevating the Dining Experience: Trends Shaping Nutrition in Assisted Living: Julie Halfpop
11:30 - 12:00 Vendor Introductions
12:00 - 12:45 Lunch with Vendors
12:45 - 2:45 The Alignment Advantage : Same Goals, Different Roles - Jennifer Simpson
2:45 - 3:00 Break
3:00 - 4:00 Memory Care, Overnight Support, Incontinence Care, Smart Technologies - Alli Truttmann
4:00 - 4:30 Star Awards - IALA Awards
4:30 - 5:30 Networking Reception
8:00 -8:30 Registration/Continental Breakfast
8:30 - 10:30 Motivational Speaker - Ken Hartley
10:30 -10:45 Break
10:45 - 11:45 Understanding Dementia Through the Lens of Psychogerontology: Why Behaviors Happen - Dr. Josh Freitas
11:45 - 12:15 Lunch
12:15 - 2:15 Beyond Behaviors: Evidence-Based Non-Pharmacological Intervendtions and Meaningful Engagement - Dr. Josh Freitas
2:15 - 2:30 Break
2:30 - 3:30 Leading Dementia Excellence: Coaching, Facilitating, and Building High-Performance Care Teams - Dr. Josh Freitas
3:30 - 4:30 Catie Campbell - DIAL Updates, Trends, Service Plans and Policy & Procedures
Please remember to fill out the surveys (QR Codes on table)
Follow us on Socials (QR Codes on the table)
Thank you for Attending! Safe Travels Home!
Speakers
Sonya Ackerson
The Sonya Group
Julie Halfpop
Martin Bros. Distributing
Ken Hartley
Motivational Speaker
Traci Clark
TrueMed LTC Pharmacy
Jennifer Simpson
Bolster Biz Dev
Dr. Josh Freitas
Dementia Professional
Autumn Achenbach
TrueMed LTC Pharmacy
.jpg)
Alli Truttmann
Wicked Smart
Catie Campbell
DIAL
Networking Social Event
We are delighted to invite you to our networking social event on October 14th outside the conference room following the last session for the day. The social will include a variety of activities designed to facilitate connections and foster collaboration. During the social, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals like yourself.
Keep the conversations going! Join us at Smash Park, located just across the parking lot, after the networking social. This is an informal, non-sponsored gathering for attendees who would like to continue connecting.
We hope you will attend and enjoy this opportunity.
Hotel Reservation Information
The conference is being held at the Hilton Garden Inn, West Des Moines
Special Hotel Rate: $139.00
For room reservations click Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines
Book your room by October 1, 2026 to take advantage of the special rate
Thank you to our Sponsors!
