By Steve Moran

Will I see you at the NIC Fall Conference (September 8–10 in Austin, TX)? I’m gearing up for three days of conversations, networking, and insights that will shape the future of senior living.

For me, the best part of NIC is always the people. But I also look forward to those “can’t-miss” sessions that help us see where the industry is headed. Here are four that I’ve circled on my calendar — and why I think they matter.

Charting the Future of Senior Housing & Care Policy

Speaker: Brian Perry (Direct Supply)
 Moderator: Ken Segarnick (Harmony Senior Services, NIC Board Vice Chair)

This session dives into the shifting policy landscape at both the federal and state levels. Policy changes often feel abstract — until they hit operators squarely in the margins. This conversation will unpack what risks and opportunities are emerging as the new administration takes shape.

Why I’m looking forward to it:
 Policy often feels like background noise, but it has a massive impact on reimbursement, staffing, and growth. I’m eager to hear how Perry and Segarnick are reading the tea leaves, because their perspective can help us anticipate rather than react.

Unpacking the Domestic and Global Economic Playbook

Speaker: Wendy Edelberg (Brookings Institution)
 Moderator: Colette Dafoe (Nixon Peabody LLP)

With interest rates, capital markets, and global uncertainty in flux, this session promises to give us a high-level look at the economic currents that directly impact senior housing investment and operations.

Why I’m looking forward to it:
 Demand is rapidly outpacing the supply of senior living units. While that’s good in the short run for operators, it’s not sustainable for the industry or for consumers. The primary reason for the shortage? The cost of capital. I’m looking forward to hearing Edelberg and Dafoe unpack where they see things headed, because the answers shape everything from development pipelines to affordability.

FHA & HUD Financing Update

Speaker: Frank Cassidy (HUD Office of Housing)

This is a concise but critical update on FHA/HUD financing trends and policy changes — essential intel for anyone working on the financing side of senior housing.

Why I’m looking forward to it:
 At just 15 minutes, this may be one of the shortest sessions on the entire agenda, but that means a lot of value packed into a small package. Financing rules change faster than most of us can keep up with, and I know I’ll walk away with at least one or two insights that could change the economics of deals in our space.

Capital Markets & Valuations

Moderator: Ben Firestone (Blueprint)
 Panelists: Matthew Gourmand (Omega Healthcare Investors), Morgin Morris (KeyBank), Curt Schaller (Focus Healthcare Partners)

This signature session is always a highlight. Expect a candid look at capital flows, lending activity, transaction trends, and how valuations are shifting in today’s dynamic environment.

Why I’m looking forward to it:
 We’re in a moment where there’s both optimism and fear in the market. Some deals are moving, some aren’t, and valuations feel like quicksand. I love hearing directly from the people writing checks and structuring deals — it’s the best way to cut through speculation and get grounded in reality.

Final Thoughts

NIC is a place where conversations spark ideas, where data meets real-world application, and where relationships can lead to the next big thing. These sessions will give me — and all of us — the clarity we need to navigate the uncertainty and opportunities that lie ahead.

If you’re attending, I’d love to hear which sessions you’re most excited about. Drop me a note, or better yet, let’s connect in Austin. And if you can’t make it, keep an eye on Foresight — I’ll be sharing key takeaways after the conference.