On behalf of The Ohio Academy of Nursing Homes, including the Board of Directors and the OANH Education & Convention Committee, I am pleased to welcome you to our 41st Annual Convention & Trade Show!

Once again, we have an exciting mix of programming, exhibits and social events to offer attendees. This year's theme, “Navigating the Long-Term Care Global Waters,” caps off our year-long cruise-a-thon across the state with our regional education programs. The Academy accepted the challenge of elevating the quantity and quality of the programming for the members, making it possible to obtain your CEUs regardless of where your facility is located.

Our conference offers more than two full days of activity, highlighted on Wednesday with the Annual Luncheon featuring Lou Burgess and “Marketing from the Inside Out: Selling is Everyone's Business.” Lou will help attendees address such challenging issues as increased competition in the marketplace, decreased revenue and the best management strategies for success in the current long-term care environment. Sponsored by CompManagement, Inc., this session promises to give attendees practical suggestions useful in day-to-day operations.

Wednesday afternoon leads us to our trade show, where you can see the most current products and services our exhibitors have to offer. The loyal patronage of our exhibitors not only provides attendees with the newest innovations and techniques, but also provides the Academy with the means to attract top-notch presenters. Have a “roaming” dinner with our exhibitors and thank them for their continued support of OANH.

Capping off Wednesday evening is a social event like no other: “A Night in Monte Carlo Casino Night.” With the generous support of MedCorp, Inc., Academy members can enjoy games, music and networking, all in the comfort of the Hilton. You won't want to miss this event, especially when (fake) money, a DJ and Academy members are involved-anything can happen!

Thursday continues the learning, socializing and networking with a “roaming” lunch in the exhibit hall. Grab your food and drink and take the time to visit the first-rate exhibits you missed the night before. Following your afternoon sessions, the Academy will host a Wine & Cheese Tasting Event “Under the Tuscan Sun,” where you can imagine you're at an exotic port-of-call tasting the local treasures. Once you've come back to reality, head on over to the OANH Hospitality Event sponsored by Cummins, Krasik & Hohl Co. and Geoffrey Webster & Associates. What better way to end the evening than with friends and colleagues.

Rise and shine early on Friday with our General Session, “Humor in Healthcare: Laughter is the Best Medicine” with Meg Maly and Blamo Risher. Think laughter is the best medicine? You may be right. This interactive session will focus on the therapeutic benefits of humor and laughter, and the latest research findings on therapeutic humor will be shared with attendees. So get ready to be entertained, and learn something in the process.

The conference comes to an end with Academy business: the annual election of officers. Omnicare Pharmacies of Ohio is the generous sponsor of this important event that impacts the policies, strategies and outcomes for the Academy for years to come. Exercise your right to vote, and don't miss this luncheon.

Finally, don't forget to register for the PAC Golf Outing, which will be held on Tuesday, October 25 at New Albany Links, located in New Albany, Ohio (just a short distance from the Hilton). Grab your foursome and hit the links for a great cause. It promises to be a great time at one of the top courses in the area.

We look forward to your participation in our Annual Conference! Grab your 16.5 CEUs, and have a great time doing it.

Regards,