September 3-4, 2025
Atlanta, GA
Executive Connect
Get access to select conferences and events at no cost for your ticket*. As part of the Executive Connect program, qualified executives from providers or operators may apply for this ticket type and participate in a set number of meetings with pre-screened vendors at the event. If accepted, you will be granted a complimentary ticket to the event and required to attend scheduled meetings at the event and provide feedback on those meetings. *A refundable deposit is required to register and is refunded if you attend the required meetings at the event. No show or cancellations will forfeit the deposit, no exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in Sponsoring?
Bolster the value of your brand, grow your contact lists and shake hands with peers and decision-makers.
What is Executive Connect?
Qualified providers can get a complimentary ticket to the event through our new Executive Connect program. A qualified provider is a VP or higher title, your organization has greater than $5 million in revenue annually, and you are willing to take up to four 15-minute pre-scheduled meetings with our sponsors at the event, arranged by SHN.
A $300 deposit is required to register for Executive Connect and will be refunded upon completion of meetings at the event. If a registrant fails to attend pre-scheduled meetings at the event, the deposit will not be returned. No refunds will be issued after 45 days out from the event - no exceptions.
What ticket should I purchase?
Owner/operator tickets are for senior living owners and operators. Vendor tickets are for finance, technology, consulting and other roles that do not directly own and/or operate a senior living community.
My company or organization owns or is an active investor in a provider. Which ticket type can I purchase?
If your organization owns or invests in a provider or providers in this space, your firm is classified as a private equity investor. If you wish to get the provider pricing, you would need to use that organization's email system/domain to register for the ticket to qualify as a provider. No exceptions.
What is a audio recordings ticket?
The ticket provides access to audio recordings only. Audio recordings will be provided within 48 hours after the in-person event.
What does my ticket include?
A ticket to DISHED Conference includes access to all sessions, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, coat/bag check at the event as well as a networking reception.
What is the refund policy?
For all tickets, no refunds are available 45-days out from the event.
Will there be vendor booths?
There are options for sponsor exhibit space. Please click here to request information on sponsorship opportunities.
How do I contact the organizer?
Email us at [email protected].
Are there hotel accommodations?
Click HERE to book in our room block at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Cut-off date to make reservations is August 12, 2025.
Senior Housing News (SHN) presents DISHED, a one-of-a-kind event covering the future of senior living dining and culinary innovation. At DISHED, you will have the opportunity to connect with owners, operators, developers & decision-makers in a unique, dynamic setting.
Who you can expect to meet at DISHED Conference:
- Senior living owners, operators, developers and investors
- Dining and culinary experts
- Wellness and operations leaders
- Resident & activities leaders
- Architects and designers
- Technology providers
- Assorted vendors and service providers
- And more..
If you are responsible for any part of your organization's dining or hospitality experience, this event is for you.
© Senior Housing News 2022. All rights reserved.
Event Details
Hours
September 3, 2025
September 4, 2025
Hotel Accommodations
Click here to access our room block at The Blackstone Hotel. Reservation cut-off date is April 24, 2024.
2025 Agenda
Bronze Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Sponsors
Past Attendees
Companies
Arrow Senior Living
Asbury Communities
Brandywine Living
Buckner Retirement Services
Commonwealth Senior Living
Confluent Senior Living
Frontier Management
Goodwin Living
Griffin Living
HRA
Jubilee Living
Juniper Village
Kisco Senior Living
Lifespark
Lloyd Jones Senior Living
Oakmont Senior Living
Pathway to Living
Priority Life Care
Titles
Area Director
AVP of Living Well
AVP of Senior Living
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Medical Officer
Corporate Director of Culinary
Corporate Director of Hospitality
Director of Business Development
Head of Innovation
National Director of Wellness
Asset Management
National Director of Dining Services
Regional Director
Programming
Regional Executive Chef Specialist
Ticket Prices
Executive Connect: Complimentary*
Early Bird Provider: $600
Early Bird Vendor: $1200
*Early Bird Pricing ends: 7/18/25
Future-Proofing QSR: How Brands Are Engaging Next-Gen Customers and Team Members
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Networking Break
9:00 - 9:05 AM
Inspire Brands Keynote
9:00 - 10:00 AM
How food and nutrition influence the physical and social components of wellness, and discuss practical ideas to evolve your wellness brand through food focused activities.
Networking Break
10:00 - 10:30 AM
Opening Remarks
10:30 - 10:40 AM
Panel Coming Soon
10:40 - 11:10 AM
From plant-based dining and new flavors to dining venues and culinary branding, the senior living food world is fast-evolving in 2025. Learn what three senior living culinary leaders see ahead for the industry and how they are preparing to serve a new generation of residents.
Top Senior Living Dining Trends: Catering to New Tastes, Creating Taco Bell Moments
11:15 - 11:45 AM
Panel Coming Soon
11:45 - 12:15 PM
Lunch & Networking
12:15 - 1:15 PM
Lisa Swafford
VP of Strategy & Business Development
Galerie Living
Luxury senior living operators find plenty of demand in the most affluent market segments. The challenge is that these communities often cater to those who are used to the finer things in life. Watch this panel to learn more about how senior living operators are offering truly top-flight dining experiences and what it takes to stand apart in dining as a luxury operator.
Panel Coming Soon
1:15 - 1:30 PM
1:35 - 2:05 PM
Christopher Blair
VP of Dining Operations
Covenant Living
2:05 - 2:45 PM
Learn how and why three senior living operators, Wake Robin, Priya Living and Arbor Company, are changing up their culinary programs for a new era of senior living.
Networking Break
3:30 - 4:15 PM
Caitlin Rogers
Vice President, Dining & Nutrition Services
Sunrise Senior Living
Become an SHN+ Member and get 25% off your DISHED ticket.
Did you know that SHN+ members get 25% off their ticket to DISHED? They also get exclusive access to an SHN+ members-only luncheon during DISHED. Get an SHN+ membership today to meet the leading executives in senior living.
Already a member? Contact Keelie Souders for your discounted ticket.
John Baillie, Jr. CDP
Director of Dining
Phoenix Senior Living Community
Brian Patterson
Innovation and Development Chef
Goodwin Living
Greg Strickland
Executive Chef
Vi Living
John Vogelmeier
VP of Culinary Operations
Discovery Senior Living
As they apply lessons from the pandemic, innovate for the boomers, and adapt to labor and cost challenges, today’s senior living dining leaders are shaping the future in a dynamic and sometimes difficult environment. Hear from leading culinary execs on what they identify as the top trends of today that will have the biggest impact in the months and years ahead.
Costs Up, Margins Down: How Operators Deal With Higher Prices
10:30- 11:30 AM
Lunch & Networking
Panel Coming Soon
Track B
Sponsor Talk Coming Soon
11:30 - 12:00 PM
12:00 - 1:00 PM
1:00 - 1:30 PM
Panel Coming Soon
1:30 - 2:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
3:30 - 4:15 PM
Rob Burkart
Vice President National Sales -Healthcare
US. Foods
Networking Break
2:00 - 2:45 PM
Panel Coming Soon
2:45 - 3:20 PM
Sean Rowe
CEO
MealSuite
Navigating the Roadmap to Technology Adoption Excellence
Technology has become an essential component of senior living. While many providers may be eager to implement technological solutions, it is crucial to approach technology adoption strategically. By following a systematic and thoughtful approach, operators can harness the power of technology to create a more efficient, engaging, and supportive environment for all stakeholders involved.
Track A
Breakout Sessions
1:30 - 2:00 PM
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Rob Burkart
Vice President National Sales -Healthcare
US. Foods
Track A
Breakout Sessions
3:00 - 3:30 PM
Meat and Potatoes: Navigating Nutrition, Dining, and Beyond
Matt Tremblay
Director of Procurement and Culinary Operations
Northbridge Companies
Dining and Data: Metrics show the present and future of senior living culinary ops
It’s no secret that senior living is becoming an increasingly data-driven business. In this session, dining leaders share metrics to paint a picture of where culinary ops stand today and where they might be headed.
Track A
Breakout Sessions
3:35 - 4:05 PM
Raising the Bar: Inside New Senior Living Beverage Programs for the Boomers
Costco Break Rooms and Family Meals: How Operators Recruit, Engage Culinary Workers
Networking Break
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Networking Reception
In-Person Event Experience
Get an overview of what to expect from attending a premier Senior House News event.
Ryan King
VP of Culinary
The Arbor Company
Ashleigh Pedersen
VP of Enterprise Culinary Services
Aegis Living
Kate Hays
Director of Dining Services
WakeRobin
Learn how and why three senior living operators, Wake Robin, Priya Living and Arbor Company, are changing up their culinary programs for a new era of senior living.
Panel Coming Soon
2:45 - 3:15 PM
Anjan Mitra
Head of Innovation
Priya Living
Ryan King
VP of Dining Services
The Arbor Company
Steve Fowler
AVP of Food and Beverage Vi Living
Dan Novak
Corporate Director of Culinary
Beztak
In this session, panelists will share insight into navigating increasing acuity in resident care along with resident satisfaction in dining.
Menu management: What have you found to be successful when managing kitchen operations along with unique diet modifications, food preferences, etc.?
Resident nutrition care – expectations, specialized diets, etc.
Creative budgeting and money management: What are some of the ways you have found to be successful at navigating budget for foodservice operations?
Adapting and adopting – new standards for food, menus, and dining
Mark Holmes, CDM CFPP
National Director of Culinary Operations
The Goodman Group
Mary Ann Thurman, MAM RD LMNT
Director of Culinary and Dining Services
Vetter Health Services
Andrew Poole
Chief Operating Officer
DDS Hospitality
Tess Sutter
Manager Menu Solutions
US Foods
Accommodations
Click HERE to access our hotel room block at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Cut-off date to make reservations is August 12, 2025.
September 3, 2025
Craft cocktails, curated wine lists, coffee brands, no- and low-alcohol drinks -- these are just a few of the trends from the bar and beverage world that have made their way into senior living in recent years. Learn how senior living operators are embracing more sophisticated bar and beverage programs for a new incoming group of residents.
Panel Coming Soon
September 4, 2025
In the last year, the price of certain goods and services has been anything but stable. Senior living operators must find ways to deal with – or eat – higher costs in dining. Learn how companies are reducing food waste, saving staff hours and working with suppliers to keep their food costs low and their margins higher.
In 2025, senior living companies are upgrading their operations and back-of-house facilities to attract and retain culinary talent. Learn about next-gen hiring practices, how and why they are upgrading break rooms and what employees of today really want.
Panel Coming Soon
Michael Sessler
Director of Dining
Mirabella at ASU
John Hetzel
Vice President of Culinary
Atria Senior Living
Matt Garnett
Regional Food and Beverage Director
LCS
September 2, 2025
5:30 - 6:30 PM
Welcome to Atlanta, with Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy
Join us and be welcomed to Atlanta and its rich restaurant history with one of the brands that started it all—Chick-fil-A. CEO Andrew Cathy will share his journey and tales growing up in the iconic chain, and how he’s now fostering and nurturing a people-first culture that continues to lead with heart and a commitment to best-in-class operations. You’re invited to the intimate conversation and celebration, which will include some light appetizers and drinks, music, and swag drops.
Andrew Cathy
CEO
Chick-fil-A
6:30 - 7:30 PM
Welcome Reception
Join four leaders from Yum! Brands—the largest restaurant group in the world—as we explore the ever-evolving avenues of guest and team member engagement. How can you meet consumers on their own terms? How do you become a brand synonymous with culture? How do you attract and retain the next generation of QSR team members? This insightful keynote with Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC and Habit Burger & Grill marketing executives will explore these topics and more as we dive into how to evolve your brand overtime and truly connect with the next generation.
Neha DK
Sr. Director of Marketing
Pizza Hut Global
Amy Durini
CMO
Taco Bell International
Anna Faktorovich
VP of Brand Management
KFC U.S.
Jack Hinchliffe
CMO
Habit Burger & Grill
Kate Jaspon
Chief Financial Officer
Inspire Brands