RUN FOR THE ROSES: ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN ASSISTED LIVING
Off to the Races: Run for the Roses at the 2026 SCALA Spring Conference!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It’s time to dust off your fascinators and tighten those bowties! We are thrilled to invite you to the SCALA Spring Conference & Trade Expo in Columbia, South Carolina. This year, we’re bringing the spirit of Churchill Downs to the senior living industry with our theme: “Run for the Roses: Achieving Excellence in Assisted Living.” Just like the legendary race, the senior care landscape moves at lightning speed. To stay ahead of the curve, you need the right strategies, the latest trends, and a stable of “thoroughbred” partners.
Event Details
- When: April 29th & 30th, 2026
- Where: Columbia, South Carolina, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
- The Stakes: Will be submitted for up to 18 CEUs for SC licenses or 15 NAB hours in two days!
Downloads
Why You Should Join the Paddock
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the track, this conference is designed to empower you to make a championship impact on the lives of seniors.
- Expert “Jockeys” (Speakers): Hear from industry leaders and renowned experts on regulatory changes, healthcare advancements, elder law, marketing and staffing.
- The Winner’s Circle (Networking): Connect with 250+ providers, administrators, and owners. Forge meaningful relationships that lead to lifelong collaboration.
- Training Grounds (Workshops): Participate in sessions covering person-centered care, technology integration, leadership and much more!
- The Trade Expo: Discover a wide array of resources and innovative tools tailored for senior living solutions.
Register Today!
As in previous years past, we anticipate a full field of over 250 assisted living providers, including regional directors and corporate representatives from across the state. We’ll see you at the races!
Look for the agenda to be available in February.
Hotel Info
Hilton Columbia Center Hotel
924 Senate Street, Columbia
Assisted Living Assoc Annual Meeting 2026 / Group code: 911
Self-Parking is available for $18.00 per day with in and out privileges in the connected city owned parking garage. There are 2 entrances to the parking garage, one on Pendleton Street and one on Park Street. Valet parking is available for $26 per day.
ROOM BLOCK ENDS MARCH 29 UNLESS FULL
$199/night + tax
Hampton Inn Columbia Downtown Historic District
822 Gervais Street,Columbia, SC 29201
SC Assisted Living Assoc Annual Meeting 2026 / Group code: SCA
ROOM BLOCK ENDS MARCH 29 UNLESS FULL
$179/night + tax
GENERAL INFO
CONFERENCE LOCATION: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center- 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia SC 29201
HOW TO REGISTER: You can either submit the registration form included in this packet to SCALA or register online through the new SCALA website beginning in February . The registration fees are the same regardless of your chosen method. These fees cover daily breakfast, breaks, and lunch.
CEU’s: 18 hours will be submitted to the South Carolina Board of Long Term Healthcare Administrators for CRCFA and NHA licenses. 15 hours will be submitted to the National Association of Boards (NAB). While the South Carolina Board of Long Term Healthcare Administrators (CE Broker) will approve the Trade Expo hours, NAB does not, so only 15 NAB hours will be approved. You will receive a form at registration on the first day to track the sessions you attend and it also serves as your certificate. This form contains all the
approval codes, so you won’t receive an additional certificate from SCALA. This ensures that you receive your hours promptly instead of waiting for a certificate to be issued from SCALA. After the conference concludes, SCALA will enter your hours into the NAB and CE Broker database. Please ensure that we have the correct license numbers. If we do not have the correct information, you will be responsible for entering your own hours.
Agenda: The complete agenda will be available in February. Topics we are working on include: AI marketing, regulatory policy updates, workforce crisis, caring for solo agers (without a support system), handling difficult family dynamics, digital marketing, referral relationships, marketing, fall prevention, preventing wrongful death & neglect claims, and more!
The daily schedule runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, which we understand may be long, but is essential if you want to complete your hours in just two days. If you prefer shorter days, we offer webinars and one-day seminars on our education schedule for alternative options.
Photography: By registering and attending the event, I acknowledge and agree that SCALA or its authorized representatives may take photographs, videos, and other recordings of the event. These recordings may be used by SCALA in any media for any purpose related to its mission, including educational, promotional, and awareness-related activities.
Membership: Consider joining & supporting SCALA so you can be involved & have a voice in the long-term care industry. Strength comes in numbers & your support is essential.
CANCELLATION POLICY: PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY
We understand that plans can change. Because SCALA must finalize guarantees and venue contracts well in advance, we adhere to the following refund schedule:
Refund Deadlines:
| Dates of Request (Written) | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| On or before March 1 (5:00 PM) | Full refund minus a $75 processing fee |
| March 2 – April 1 | 50% refund of the registration fee |
| After April 1 | No refunds or credits will be issued |
Important Policies
- Substitutions: If you are unable to attend, you may send a colleague in your place at no additional cost. Please notify SCALA in writing prior to the event to update the registration.
- Forfeiture: Cancellation fees and non-refundable balances cannot be applied as credit toward future events.
- Event Changes: In the unlikely event that SCALA must cancel or postpone the conference due to health emergencies, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, attendees will receive a credit for a future event.
Please Note: Our deadlines are firm as they align with our binding commitments to the Conference Center. Once final headcounts are submitted, we are financially responsible for your registration regardless of attendance.
