2026 Forum on Aging
The Forum on Aging is a two-day conference providing continuing education units for certified care managers, social workers, nurses, activity professionals and nursing home administrators.
2026 Conference
Save the Date
Date: March 3-4, 2026
Location:
Sharonville Convention Center
11355 Chester Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45246-4002
(513) 771-7744
Conference Contact
Amy Leonhardt
2026 Conference Schedule
| Tuesday – March 3 | |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Registration, Coffee & Pastries, Networking and Exhibit Hall |
| 8:30-10 a.m. | Concurrent Workshops |
| 10-10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15-11:45 a.m. | Concurrent Workshops |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Buffet Lunch, Networking and Exhibit Hall |
| 12:45-1:45 p.m. | Opening Keynote |
| 1:45-2 p.m. | Break |
| 2-4 p.m. | Concurrent Workshops |
| Wednesday – March 4 | |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Registration, Coffee & Pastries, Networking and Exhibit Hall |
| 8:30-10 a.m. | Concurrent Workshops |
| 10-10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15-11:45 a.m. | Concurrent Workshops |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Buffet Lunch, Networking and Exhibit Hall |
| 12:45-1:45 p.m. | Closing Keynote |
| 1:45-2 p.m. | Break |
| 2-4 p.m. | Concurrent Workshops |
2026 Keynote Presenters
Therese Gopaul-Robinson, MPH
Speaker, Consultant and Author
Keynote: Getting Better Together
In healthcare and aging services, professionals juggle staffing shortages, compliance pressures, and the constant balance of clients, family and organizational needs.
In this keynote, Therese Gopaul-Robinson uses powerful concrete “behind-the-scenes” parallels to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of those in the helping profession who often overlook their own needs. Which leads to a state of emotional and physical exhaustion, often called compassion fatigue.
Through storytelling and her own leadership journey, she invites participants to reflect on their impact, recognize their value and reconnect with the deeper purpose that drives them.
Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with practical strategies to recommit to excellence, take ownership of their influence, and move forward with renewed confidence—knowing their work sets the stage for success.
Keynote Objectives
- Participants will understand the significance of their roles and the challenges posed by stress, burnout, and pressure within both leadership and front-line positions in aging services.
- They will learn actionable steps to enhance their daily experiences, foster a strong team culture and safeguard their own well-being.
- Participants will identify uncertainty as a source of strength, reinforcing their crucial role in ensuring the industry effectively addresses the increasing needs of older adults.
With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Therese Gopaul-Robinson has identified a significant challenge encountered by leaders: a widespread lack of self-confidence. This often results in hesitation during decision-making, avoidance of tough conversations, and a reluctance to share ideas.
To address this issue, she initiated Security Stacking, a program designed to empower leaders to overcome insecurity and make confident choices, ultimately improving organizational performance and engagement. Gopaul-Robinson’s mission is to assist organizations in cultivating confident, impactful leaders who drive better performance, stronger engagement, and enduring success.
Gopaul-Robinson holds a Master of Public Health and has successfully managed teams in hospitals and healthcare staffing, gaining recognition for her leadership at a prominent U.S. staffing organization and has a proven track record of enhancing productivity in teams often regarded as “cost centers.”
Kim Vesey, RN
Grief Specialist and Educator
Keynote: Caring for the Aged: The Grief We Carry Within Us
Caring for the elderly presents a unique privilege that allows us to learn invaluable life lessons as they share their rich stories from years of experience. However, it also brings to light the profound losses they face, such as the decline in physical and cognitive abilities, which can trigger a grief-like response. These ongoing challenges, along with the emotional toll of accompanying clients who pass away during our care, can elicit feelings of grief in us as professional caregivers. This session will delve into the symptoms of cumulative grief and offer practical steps to help recognize and manage the grief we experience while supporting the elderly.
Keynote Objectives
- Participants will understand three types of loss that older adults typically encounter during their later years.
- Participants will be able to identify three signs that indicate a professional caregiver is experiencing an accumulative grief response.
- Participants will be able to explain three strategies that can help lessen the effects of accumulative grief.
Kim Vesey is a certified registered nurse specializing in hospice and palliative care, as well as a certified expert in thanatology, which is the study of death and grief. With over 40 years of experience in hospice care, she initially focused on providing companionship to individuals nearing the end of their lives and their families. Throughout her career, she has held various executive leadership positions, most recently retiring as the executive director of Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton in mid-2023.
Vesey made her speaking debut at TEDx Dayton with her presentation titled “First Breath, Final Breath.” In this talk, she drew parallels between the extensive preparations for the first sacred breath of life (birth) and the general lack of preparation for the last sacred breath of life (death). Following her retirement, Vesey founded “My Hope Path,” a company dedicated to offering education, a series of children’s books, and other comforting resources to support those navigating their grief and moving toward hope.
In addition to her extensive hospice career, which has imparted valuable lessons about both living and dying, Vesey has faced significant personal losses. This unique combination of professional and personal experiences has positioned her as a knowledgeable grief specialist and educator.
Conference Registration Fees
| Early Bird Registration December 18 – January 20 | Registration January 21– February 20 | Walk-in Registration |
| One day – $125 Tuesday or Wednesday | One day – $145 Tuesday or Wednesday | One day – $165 Tuesday or Wednesday |
| Two days – $195 | Two days – $225 | Two days – $255 |
Registration will open on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Continuing Education Credits
Twelve clock hours will be available to the following professions:
Certified Case Manager
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators
Nurses*
Activity Professionals
Continuing Education Credit Certificates will be emailed to attendees of the Forum on Aging. Please allow 4 weeks to process.
*Any continuing education activity that has been approved by Ohio Board of Social Workers is accepted by the Ohio Board of Nursing for all nurses in the State of Ohio.
Accommodations
All conference activities take place at the Sharonville Convention Center, which is located near 20 hotels. Click here to view list of nearby hotels. Adjoining the convention center is the Hyatt Place Cincinnati. In early 2026 we will reserve a block of rooms for attendees for a discounted price.