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 Harness the Momentum: GHCA Summer Convention 2026

Tidal power is constant, reliable, and immensely powerful. 

This June, the GHCA Summer Convention & Exhibition invites you to Feel the Surge of professional growth and strategic alignment.

Located at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, this year’s theme—Tidal Power—reflects the steady, rising influence of our provider community.

Why Attend?

It is ALL IN PERSON ONLY, and you won’t want to miss a moment of this Summer Convention. Every moment is designed to provide you leadership and industry insights along with practical, actionable takeaways designed to elevate your facility's quality measures and power your team through the current regulatory climate. See below for just a few of the highlights:

  • The Hard-Hitting Regulatory Tidal Shifts: We are getting direct, actionable strategies on how to handle CMS' new claims-based initiative on falls, severe Medicaid reimbursement shifts, and crucial updates straight from the Fire Marshal, HFRD, and DCH.
  • The Future of LTC Tech: There is a massive opening session panel on riding the AI wave in nursing homes—covering how to use it for resident safety and staffing efficiency while protecting ourselves from legal, HIPAA, and compliance risks.
  • The Financial Wins: AHCA’s Reimbursement Policy and Population Health VP, Nisha Hammel will provide an update on payment models and the future of LTC. Reimbursement and technology      experts, Michael Sciacca, COO and Vincent Fidele of Zimmet will provide an insightful update on Medicaid. There is a 15-minute power session will show us exactly how to tap into Georgia’s CMP Grant Funding pool so we stop leaving money on the table, and Grant  Thomas, Senior Advisor for CMS will provide CMS updates as well!
  • Incredible Networking & Team Bonding: From the high-energy Pickleball mixer (complete with world-class coaches, free drinks, and tacos) to the Luminaries Luncheon and Welcome Reception, the connections we will make here are unmatched and will help you build a network of support to carry you through the rest of the year and beyond. Our new friends from PACE will join us too, including Shawn Bloom, President and CEO of the National PACE Association.
  • Leadership Development: What shapes a great leader? Harvey Mackay says it’s three things: the books you read, the people you meet, and the experiences you live, and we are making sure you have access to all of them! Jason Lesandrini will cover 5 Star Outcomes and the Human Connection. Then get ready for a deep dive into workforce development,      quality improvement and the masterclass insights powering the future of  long-term care. Join George Hunt to unpack the exact books, mentors, and      pivotal moments that fueled top LTC executives’ success.
  • It's Natural Networking: Whether you’re engaged in discussion in the spacious general session room, engaged in conversation while sipping on coffee in the exhibitor foyer, on the Pickleball courts, learning the game and competing with new and old friends, or at our Sunday Welcome Reception or It's Five O'Clock Somewhere pool party, build the relationships that sustain your facility year-round. We don't have a golf event, but there is a beautiful on site golf course, The Golf Club of Amelia if you want to play a round. 
  • The Ultimate Ripple Effect: Purchase a raffle ticket for the GHCA Education Foundation. Your support creates a wave of opportunity for future LTC professionals—and might just win you a $5,000 dream vacation!

Experience the flow of excellence. See you at the shore!

This program is approved by the Georgia State Boards of Long Term Health Care Administrator and Nursing for 20.5 hours.  NAB hours  (national approval) are also approved for 18.5 CE hours.

Why Your Leadership Needs This In-Person Only "Surge"

The weight of long-term care leadership is heavy, and professional isolation is real. The GHCA Summer Convention is designed to be the "Tidal Power" that recharges your batteries for the year ahead.

  • Shared Resilience: There is a unique healing power in being among peers who truly understand the pressures of workforce and regulatory demands. These in-person bonds are the support systems that help leaders stay in the industry longer.
  • Hands-On Innovation: See, touch, and test the latest solutions in our Exhibition Hall. You can't demo a transformation through a browser window.
  • The Ritz-Carlton Experience: We’ve selected this world-class venue specifically to honor the hard work you do. You’ve earned the right to learn, network, and relax in a setting that matches the importance of your role.

Invest in your own longevity. We’ll see you at the shore.

Connect with Influence: GHCA Exhibit & Sponsorship Opportunities

The 2026 Summer Convention is the premier venue to showcase your products to the most influential professionals in Georgia’s LTC industry. With an in-person-only format, our sponsors benefit from undivided attention and high-quality lead generation.

  • On-Site Impact: Benefit from prime exhibit real estate designed for maximum foot traffic.
  • Targeted Networking: Build lasting partnerships during our signature social events and educational breaks.

Explore your options: Select the Sponsor dropdown menu above to view our 2026 Sponsorship Prospectus.

Experience the Surge—In Person!

Get ready for an immersive experience that only the 2026 GHCA Summer Convention can provide. By joining us at Amelia Island, you gain full access to the rising tide of industry knowledge and connection.

  • All-Access Pass: Your registration includes every on-site educational session and high-energy networking event.
  • The Main Event: Be there for our signature Awards ceremony and the all-new Second Wind Dream Luncheon—a celebration of vision and heart in long-term care.
  • Tailored Experience: Browse our selection of special ticketed events to customize your convention journey.

Ready to join the flow? Click the REGISTER NOW BUTTON AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE

 Exhibit with a View! 🌊

Start every morning of the convention overlooking the Atlantic! We’ve placed our exhibition space in the heart of the action—the beautiful Ritz-Carlton atrium and cove.

  • Be the First Connection: Meet attendees as they grab their morning coffee and prepare for the day’s "Tidal Power" sessions.
  • Unrivaled Access: Located directly outside the general session room for maximum visibility.

Don't miss the wave: Click the Drop Down button at the top of this page for full exhibitor details.

Onsite Safety Information

Staying Healthy at the Summer Convention

The health and well being of GHCA's members, attendees, exhibitors, and guests are of the utmost importance.  As such, we follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, meetings and events.  We ask all participants to self report on any symptoms or exposures they may have experienced recently so that precautions can be taken. We ask if you feel unwell to not attend sessions in person on days you feel sick.

Nassau County EM Updates

Our convention will be held in Amelia Island, Florida which is located in Nassau County. For the most recent information regarding  emergency notices in Nassau County, visit their Emergency Management website at www.onenassau.com

Take a Look at all of our Exciting Speakers This Year!

John Chen

CEO and The Big Kid
Engaging Virtual Meetings

Joel VanEaton

EVP of PAC Regulatory Affairs and Education
Broad River Rehab

Jordan Johnson

Attorney at Law
Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Brittany Cone

Partner
Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Jason Bring

Partner
Arnall Golden Gregory

Antoinette Griffin

CEO
Griff Development

Anthony Moss

Executive Director for the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division and GEMA Liaison at the Georgia D
Division of Healthcare Facility Regulation

Cynthia Butts

Director of Federal Programs
HFRD

Jason Lesandrini, FACHE

AVP Ethics, Advanced Care Planning & Spiritual Health
Wellstar Health System

Vincent Fedele

Zimmet Healthcare Services Group, LLC

Michael Sciacca

COO
Zimmet Healthcare Services Group, LLC
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Robin A. Bleier

Registered Nurse and a Health Care Risk Manager

Tracy Greene

Chief Operating Officer
RB Health Partners

Jacob Fairchild

Founder
Fairchild Grants and Consulting

Frank Daniell

Manager HPP Training and Exercise
Georgia Department of Public Health

Andy Moore

Building Inspections, Plan Review & CMS Program Manager
Office of Commissioner John F. King

Nisha Hammel

Vice President of Reimbursement Policy and Population Health
AHCA/NCAL &

Ryan Beddingfield

Chief Operating Officer of Care Integration
PruittHealth

Shawn Bloom

President and CEO
National PACE Association (NPA)

Stacey Young

Nursing Home Programs Director
Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

Kathleen Benton

Chief Executive Officer
Hospice Savannah, Inc. and Affiliates

George Hunt

Executive Director
Community Health Foundation

Michael Barry

Executive Director
Wesley Woods of Newnan

Melinda Henderson

Chief Development Officer
BenCura Incorporated

Craig Landolt

State Fire Marshal
Office of Commissioner John F. King

Neelam Rahateker

Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Jewish Home Life

Arianna Moreau

Director of Clinical Services
A.G. Rhodes

Charlie Hehn

Vice President of Operations
Harris Healthcare

Dan Brody

VP of Go-To-Market
Megadata Health Systems

Julie Miller

Manager for Emergency Preparedness
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital

Kristen Higgs

Emergency Management Field Coordinator for Area 5 (Coastal Georgia)
Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA/HS)

Mallory Garrett

Director of Emergency Preparedness
Georgia Hospital Association (GHA)

Susie Fussell

Emergency Preparedness Liaison - GHCA

Smita Varshney

GHCA 2026 Partners