Aging Well Conference - OACAO

Aging Well Conference

REIMAGINE          REDEFINE       REDISCOVER

 

The Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO), founded in 1973, is a non-profit organization providing resources, expertise and leadership to Older Adult Centres, Seniors Active Living Centres (SALCs) and senior groups through advocacy, education, networking, and innovative direction. The Association has a membership of over 270 Centres, organizations and individuals involved in working with over 200,000 older adults across Ontario.

 

 The 2026 OACAO Aging Well Conference –

CALL FOR PRESENTERS IS NOW OPEN!

 

The OACAO Conference Planning Committee would like to invite leaders, educators, researchers, managers, seniors, and students to submit an application for presentation at our annual conference AGING WELL: Reimagine, Redefine, Rediscover, to be held in-person,
Sunday November 1 to Tuesday November 3, 2026 in Mississauga. This year’s theme Reimagine, Redefine, Rediscover, provides the opportunity to build the future of Senior Active Living and Older Adult Centre programming, welcomes new collaborations and opportunities to activate new innovative ideas for the sector. The OACAO Conference encourages personal and professional development through inspiring and informative learning experiences.

Speaking at the 2026 OACAO Aging Well Conference provides you with an opportunity to share and exchange new approaches and information in the areas of older adults and Seniors Active Living Centres (SALCs). Our conference has experienced growth each year and we expect attendance of over 175 staff & volunteer leaders from all over Ontario.

Application should support staff and older adult volunteer leaders from municipal and not-for-profit SALCs and older adult centres to Reimagine, Redefine, Rediscover in one of the following program streams: 

  • Technology & Outreach: AI, digital platforms, personalized tech education for seniors, including online outreach to combat social isolation.
  • Social Prescribing & Collaboration: Community-based health initiatives, including green prescribing, tailored programs, and engagement with healthcare professionals.
  • Organizational Development: Policy and procedure development (risk, governance, advocacy), diversity/inclusion initiatives, capacity building through fundraising, program evaluation, and empowered leadership.
  • Volunteer Management: International Year of Volunteers, aging volunteer cohort/change over of
    volunteers, facilitation skills for volunteers and staff.
  • People Management: Difficult conversations, supporting different personalities, increasing capacity for supporting higher needs members such as service navigation.
    Future-Focused Programming: Addressing the evolving needs of older adults, innovative programs (eg.: Food and mood, seniors boxing, what is the next trend?)

PRESENTATION FORMATS INCLUDE:

A. Workshop Presentations – English Sessions delivered in English that are between 30 minutes – 75 minutes in length and should allow for a presentation, interaction, and question & answer period or discussion with participants. Most workshop presentations will take place on Monday, November 2nd, 2026. Some topics may be offered on Sunday November 1 or Tuesday November 3, 2026


B. Ateliers présentés en français Des sessions en français d’une durée de 30 à 60 minutes dans lesquelles nous y retrouvons une présentation, une interaction avec les participants, une période de questions et réponses suivi d’une occasion d’échanges. Ces ateliers auront lieu dimanche 1 Novembre 2026


C. Keynote Presentations – English Keynote presentations are offered on both Monday and Tuesday of the conference for approximately one hour. If you feel your presentation could be offered as a keynote (energetic, engaging and of interest to our FULL delegation) please select the applicable box in the application form.


D. Lightning Talks Lightning Talks are quick 7 – 10 minute presentations that are intended to share creative ideas and trends, innovative solutions, and inspiring approaches for cutting edge, “think outside of the box” results to programming and senior services. These are high level presentations meant to share the most important information quickly. Lightning talks will take place on Tuesday with full-delegate participation.

 

NOTICE OF ACCEPTANCE:

All submissions will be reviewed by the Conference Program Committee which will select the most relevant submissions. We thank all applicants, but only successful applicants will be informed by mid-July. Please ensure all contact information is current and correct, updating us with any changes ASAP. The primary contact person listed will be the only individual contacted regarding a submission.
Applicants should be comfortable speaking to a large group in a conference style room with and without a microphone.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW: 

For more details on the Aging Well Conference 2026 Call for Presenters: 

OACAO Aging Well Conference 2026 Call for Presenters

 

TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should complete the online application form using the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AgingWell2026 

 

***Submission Deadline: Friday June 5, 2026***

 

For an overview of last year’s Conference please refer to the 2025 OACAO AGING WELL Conference Brochure AVAILABLE HERE

 

What an incredible few days! The 2025 OACAO Conference was more than just sessions and speakers — it was about people coming together, sharing stories, and building connections that strengthen and support Seniors in our communities.

🌟 From the laughter in the hallways to the thoughtful conversations in workshops, every moment reflected the spirit of collaboration and care that defines OACAO, their Members and Partners.

📸 We’ve collected some of our favourite snapshots from the event to help you relive the energy, joy, and inspiration. Take a look through the photos and celebrate the amazing community that made this year’s conference so special.

 

OACAO Aging Well Conference 2026—a premier event for leaders and professionals supporting older adults across Ontario.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

🔹 Francophone & Pre-Conference Workshops

🔹 Keynotes from visionary leaders

🔹 Practical breakout sessions on funding, collaboration & programming

🔹 A dynamic trade show of Industry Leaders

🔹 Networking with peers and industry innovators

🔹 Evening entertainment & improved travel-friendly Tuesday schedule

We’re reimagining the conference experience based on your feedback—designed to leave you inspired and equipped for the year ahead.

 

2025 OACAO AGING WELL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS

  • *Sarah Feeney-Martin, *Nora Jones

PROGRAM COMMITTEE

  • *Sarah Feeney-Martin, Dan Grummon, Robin Mech, Dena Silverberg, Sue Hesjedahl, Kelly Meeussen, Kara Miller, Julie Pennal, Jenn Wiebe, Léo Lavergne, Denise Lemire

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

  • *Lisa Tobio, Kennedy Leblanc-Robins, Amanda Trinh

TRADE SHOW COMMITEE

  • *Emily Angel, Karen Kelly, Anna Do, Victoria Stewart, Sue Hesjedahl

DELEGATE BAGS

  • *Emily Angel, York Fairbank Centre for Seniors team

REGISTRATION

  • *Julie Moran-Illes, Rajan Dosanjh, OACAO Admin team

MARKETING/PROMOTION, SPONSORSHIP

  • *Emily Angel

HOTEL/LOGISTICS

  • *Sarah Feeney-Martin, Nora Jones, Sue Hesjedahl

VOLUNTEERS

  • *Dena Silverberg, *Robin Mech

TRAVEL BURSARY

  • *Bill Krever, Karie Papillon, Nora Jones

(* = Committee Chair or Co-Chairs)

🎟️2026 Aging Well Conference Registration Opening Soon

 

 

The OACAO Aging Well Conference is held at the Hilton Meadowvale Hotel located at 6750 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L5N 2L3,

Hotel Booking Details: 

Online Booking:

To book your room please follow the booking link below

https://book.passkey.com/go/OACAO2026

Using Group Code: 91Y

Telephone Booking:

Delegates can contact our central reservation number at 1-800-445-8667 with Group Code: 91Y

When booking, guests may specify that they are reserving under the Older Adult Centres’ Association room block  and provide the SRP code: 91Y

 

 

Stay Tuned for the 2026 Aging Well Conference Details!

In the meantime…for a taste of how your conference experience will look, please refer to last year’s Aging Well Conference Overview

 

The 2025 Aging Well Conference Overview

Sunday Evening Welcome Reception with Networking and Music Bingo

The Aging Well Conference kicked off at our Sunday Reception! Delegates enjoyed light refreshments while connecting with fellow attendees, sharing experiences, and meeting peers from across Ontario. This was the perfect way to spark new ideas, build relationships, and set the tone for 2 days of learning and inspiration.

Music Bingo
It’s bingo with a beat! HearCANADA is hosting MUSIC BINGO- Music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Sing along (if you want), laugh with friends, and maybe even win a prize—no music skills required, just bring your ears and enthusiasm!

Monday Gala with Entertainment and Silent Auction

Join us for an unforgettable night of dining and entertainment! Enjoy a delicious buffet-style dinner, followed by a captivating performance from Sawyer Bullock—an international, award-winning magician and mentalist. Known for his unique blend of wit and trickery, Sawyer has been featured at TIFF, Canada’s Wonderland, Massey Hall, and the Toronto Centre for the Arts. He has starred in three seasons of his own television show with Rogers Broadcasting, sold out theatres across Ontario, and performed internationally in Las Vegas, Korea, the Dominican Republic, and Rwanda. Prepare to be amazed!

Goose Chase Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Join in for a 3-day virtual scavenger hunt using the Goosechase App! Get to know other conference delegates and our OACAO Business Partners and win fun prizes.

Networking Opportunities

The Aging Well Conference is more than a learning experience—it’s a chance to connect. Throughout the event, you’ll have opportunities to meet peers, share ideas, and spark collaborations with professionals, service providers, and community leaders from across Ontario. Whether it’s over coffee breaks, at the trade show, or during social events, these connections are designed to inspire partnerships that strengthen the sector and support healthy aging.

 

 

 

 

2024 Recap

 2026 Aging Well Trade Show Applications Opening Soon!

As in the past, the OACAO’s 2026 Aging Well Conference will feature an interactive Trade Show, providing OACAO Partners and seniors-serving businesses and organizations with the opportunity to highlight their services and products to Canada’s fastest-growing demographic.

On Monday, November 2, 2026,

The OACAO will host the 2026 Trade Show at the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario (OACAO) Annual Provincial Conference at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale Hotel in Mississauga 

Building on the success of past events, which featured over 30 exhibitors, our upcoming Trade Show will offer a unique opportunity to showcase your products and services.

With a growing network of over 275 senior centres and organizations reaching more than 200,000 older adults across Ontario, this event will connected exhibitors directly with approximately 175 front-line staff and volunteers who support seniors in their communities every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Stand out and make an impact!

The 2026 OACAO Aging Well Conference offers unique sponsorship opportunities for organizations looking to elevate their brand and demonstrate their commitment to Ontario’s aging population.

As a sponsor, you’ll gain premium visibility among 175 + front-line professionals, volunteers and decision makers from over 275 older adult centres and organizations across the province. 

Whether you’re aiming to build new partnerships, launch a product or align your brand with a trusted provincial network, sponsoring the Aging Well Conference is a strategic investment in Ontario’s vibrant seniors’ sector.

 
For more information on sponsorship opportunities:

OACAO Sponsorship Package 2026 will be available soon!

 Contact Emily Angel at emily@oacao.org.

Toll free: 1-866-835-7693,

Local: 905-584-8125.

 

We look forward to partnering with you!

I am interested in being a speaker or am a speaker for the Conference, who do I contact?

Please contact info@oacao.org for more information.

 

I am interested in being a sponsor for the Conference, who do I contact?

Please contact emily@oacao.org for more information.

 

I am interested in being an exhibitor at the Trade Show at Conference, who do I contact?

Please contact emily@oacao.org for more information.

 

I am interested in providing a delegate bag insert, who do I contact?

Please contact emily@oacao.org for more information.

 

Where can I learn more about the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario?

Please visit www.oacao.org/about-oacao for more information.

 

How do I become a member of the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario?

Please visit www.oacao.org/membership/become-a-member/ for more information.

 

How can I volunteer?

Please contact info@oacao.org for more information.

 

I have a registration question.

Please contact admin@oacao.org / 1-866-835-7693 or 905-584-8125.