Annual Conference

Join us for the Senior Living Event of the Year! The Rhode Island Assisted Living Association (RIALA) is thrilled to host its 26th Annual Conference & Expo on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick, Rhode Island. This in-person event will bring together senior living professionals, industry experts, and 50+ exhibitors for a day full of learning, networking, and innovation in the field of assisted living.

This year’s theme, Innovating Care: Elevating Quality, Empowering Communities, centers around continuous innovation in caregiving, improving quality of life for residents, and building vibrant, supportive communities in assisted living settings. The conference will address crucial topics that aim to empower senior living professionals to enhance care, adopt new technologies, and foster deeper community connections.

OPENING KEYNOTE SESSION

From Awareness to Action: Protecting Elders Through Considerate & Informed Leadership

This keynote will focus on practical steps to transition from awareness of elder abuse to actively preventing it through considerate and informed leadership. Mr. Greenwood will provide real-life examples illustrating that awareness alone is insufficient—action, including proper training, reporting, and accountability, is essential. He will emphasize the transformative power of leadership by example in creating an environment where abuse is not tolerated and residents' rights are consistently upheld.

Keynote Speaker: Paul Greenwood, Greenwood Corporation

Paul Greenwood's dedication to justice for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults, began during his time as a law student at Leeds University in the 1970s, where he studied the creation of legal aid centers offering free legal representation to low-income families. This experience sparked his commitment to ensuring justice for those often without legal support. After earning his law degree, Greenwood volunteered as a teacher in rural Kenya, where he developed a deep respect for the elderly. Returning to the UK, he qualified as a solicitor and spent 12 years helping clients navigate legal challenges. In 1991, Greenwood moved to San Diego, California, where he passed the California Bar on his first attempt and joined the District Attorney’s Office. In 1996, he was asked to lead a new unit focused on justice for older victims and those with physical or mental disabilities. Over the next 22 years, he prosecuted hundreds of cases involving elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. After retiring in 2018, Greenwood shifted to training and consulting. In 2021, he founded Greenwood Law Corp, which provides specialized training for professionals in Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, and long-term care, and expert witness services for attorneys handling elder abuse cases. Throughout his career, Greenwood has been dedicated to ensuring justice for older adults, advocating for those who are often the most vulnerable in society.

AFTERNOON KEYNOTE SESSION

Improving the Quality of Care for Assisted Living Residents in the United States

Improving the quality of care for the 800,000 residents of assisted living facilities is a critical topic that requires urgent attention and thoughtful solutions as the industry becomes the site of care for nearly a million Americans nationwide. As a practicing geriatrician with over 20 years of experience studying health care delivery for frail older adults, Dr. David Dosa’s keynote address will delve into the importance of fostering a compassionate and competent care environment for the elderly. He will emphasize the need for robust training programs for caregivers, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide personalized and empathetic care. By integrating innovative technology, such as telemedicine and wearable health monitors, the talk highlights how facilities can enhance health monitoring and early intervention, ultimately improving residents' overall well-being. Moreover, it stresses the significance of creating a homelike atmosphere where residents are safe, while feeling valued, respected, and part of a supportive community. By prioritizing these elements, assisted living facilities can transform into nurturing spaces where residents not only receive excellent care but also thrive in a dignified and fulfilling environment.

Keynote Speaker: David Dosa, Geriatrician & Health Services Researcher, Brown University

Dr. David Dosa is the New York Times best-selling author of Making Rounds with Oscar. His book has been translated into over 20 languages worldwide and was the subject of international media attention when published. The author of over 100 peer reviewed publications and multiple book chapters, Dr. Dosa has conducted funded research through the Veteran’s Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and various Foundations. Dr. Dosa is currently the Chief of Geriatrics at the UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts. He maintains adjunct appointments at Brown University’s Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research and School of Pharmacy at the University of Rhode Island. A resident of Rhode Island, Dr. Dosa resides in Barrington, Rhode Island with his wife and 2 children. Dr. Dosa is the author of over 15 peer-reviewed publications and several book chapters, including Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. He is also the author of a New England Journal of Medicineessay about Oscar the Cat that made international headlines in 2007. His book about Oscar has been published in over 20 countries worldwide. Dr. Dosa resides in Barrington, Rhode Island, with his wife and two children.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND?

Earn CEU Credits: All sessions are approved for AL and NH administrator continuing education credits.
Informative Educational Sessions: A comprehensive lineup of topics focused on the latest trends, best practices, and solutions in senior living.
Meals Included: Enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch, perfect for both learning and networking.
Networking Opportunities: Engage with industry peers, connect with exhibitors, and discover products and services tailored to your needs.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS: 4.5 Credits (AL and NH Administrators credits)

SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES

The 2025 RIALA Annual Conference & Expo offers a unique opportunity to showcase your brand, products, and services to a highly engaged audience of senior living professionals. With over 50 exhibitors and a diverse group of industry leaders in attendance, this event is the perfect platform to connect with decision-makers, build relationships, and strengthen your presence in the senior living community.

Sponsorship and Exhibit Opportunities include prominent visibility, access to key decision-makers, and the chance to highlight your innovative solutions in front of professionals committed to improving care. Whether you’re looking to sponsor a session, host a networking event, or exhibit your products, there are multiple ways to engage with an influential audience.

Secure your spot today and be part of shaping the future of senior living! Download the Sponsorship & Exhibit Kit for more details.