For a long time I didn’t even know these things existed. . . but there are two companies that provide very exclusive limited admittance seminars or summits. These things are so exclusive that most of you who read this blog will never be invited to attend (me neither except as a blogger or press partner). Here is what it looks like and how it works: The summits are designed to meet the very specific and unique needs and interests of C level executives in the senior housing industry. This is a two part series that will give you an inside look. This series came about because of an email from David Drey of Marcus Evans a company that organizes these events. Along with summits focused on a variety of vertical markets, Marcus Evans puts on two long term care/senior housing summits each year. One on the west coast and one on the east coast.

Who Gets to Go

You have to be invited to attend, you cannot just sign up, though you can request an invitation. Here is what it looks like to qualify as a delegate:

  • You must be part of a senior housing organization (skilled nursing, independent living, assisted living, CCRC).
  • You must have an organizational title and responsibility at the CEO, COO, CFO, EVP or VP of Operations level.
  • Your organization must serve at least 500 residents.
  • You have to complete an application that confirms you are a decision maker with sign-off authority to make major purchases.
  • You have to be actively seeking products and services. – More on why this is in part 2.

Presentations

The presentations are geared to the specific interests of Long Term Care Executives. The Palm Beach Summit in July includes these topics and speakers:

  • A keynote speech on America’s Health Reform , by former senator and Democratic Committee Chairman, Howard Dean.
  • The Future of Medicare Reform by Susan Dentzer, Editor-in-Chief for Health Affairs and Analyst on Health for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer
  • How to become a hospital’s preferred post-acute provider.
  • What seniors are really looking for in housing.
  • How company culture affects community culture.

If you meet the criteria and are interested in attending you can start by checking out Long Term Summit Newsletter. On top of great presentations and the opportunity to interact with colleagues, the cost of the summit including your hotel stay is free. If you are still scratching your head about how this all works, I will finish flushing out the details in a follow-up article and finally, I have been invited to attend the Palm Beach Summit and will tell you all about the good, the bad and the ugly. If you have attended, how was it? Would you go again?   Steve Moran