Aging Well Conference

2024 Conference Volunteers

Conference Chair: Sue Hesjedahl 

Program Committee: Sarah Feeney-Martin, Karie Papillon, Julie Pennal, Dena Silverberg, Kelly Meeussen, Kara Miller, Pierre Benoit, Wendy Caceres-Speakman, Léo Lavergne, Robin Mech and Sue Hesjedahl

Social Committee: Lisa Tobio, Donna St Martin, Dena Silverberg and Anna Do

Trade Show: Lina Zita

Registration/Delegate Bags: OACAO Admin Team

Marketing/Promotion: Lina Zita, Erica Rizzi, Victoria Stewart

Hotel/Logistics: Sue Hesjedahl, Donna St Martin

Sponsorship: Sue Hesjedahl, Leisa Davie

Volunteers: Wendy Caceres-Speakman

Travel Bursary: Bill Krever, Wendy Caceres-Speakman, Nora Jones, Donna St Martin and Sue Hesjedahl

* (Chair/Co-Chairs are bolded)

Volunteer opportunities are still available. Please contact info@oacao.org.

Full conference and single day registration options are available.

Sunday October 27, 2024

1:00 – 5:30PM: Pre-Conference Powerups – Social Prescribing & French Language Sessions
5:30 – 6:30 PM: Break
6:30 – 8:30 PM: Networking Reception – join us to get to know other conference delegates, meet the OACAO board and enjoy a selection of appetizers and cash bar!

Monday, October 28, 2024

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Registration and Information
7:15 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM: Conference Kick-Off & Indigenous Welcome
8:30 AM: Opening Keynote Speaker – Pete Bombaci, GenWell: The Power of Building a Culture of Human Connection
9:45 – 10:45 AM: Breakout Session A
10:45 – 11:30 AM: Trade Show
11:45 – 12:45 PM: Breakout Session B
12:45 – 2:30 PM: Lunch & Tradeshow
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM: Greeting from Minister Raymond Cho / Prize Draws and Sponsor Thank You’s
3:00 – 4:00 PM: Breakout Session C
4:15 – 5:00 PM: Networking Breakout Sessions
5:00 – 6:00 PM: Free Time
5:30 PM: Pre-Dinner Social with cash bar
6:00 PM: Dinner followed by Entertainment & Dancing With the Fiddlestix Band!

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Note: Tuesday offers plenary sessions for the duration of the day.

7:00 – 7:30 AM: Morning Movement – Yoga Stretch and Group Walk 
7:30 – 8:30 AM: Breakfast
8:15 – 8:45 AM: Dr. Dion Neame – Heath and Wellness Presentation
8:45 – 9:15 AM: Mathew Varsava – Minister’s Office, MSAA – Interactive Question & Answer Session: Ask About MSAA Programs and Other Ministry Programs
9:15 – 10:00 AM: Dr. Paula Rochon – Women’s Age Lab, Women’s College Hospital: Rethinking Aging: The Opportunities Ahead
10:00 – 10:30 AM: Refreshments & Hotel Check-out
10:30 – 12:00 PM: Lightning Talks
12:00 – 12:45 PM: Lunch
12:45 – 1:45 PM: Chris Bint – Tech Coaches – Beyond Fear: Embracing AI (Artificial Intelligence) in a World Reshaped by Technology
1:45 – 2:00 PM: Break & Prize Draws
2:00- 3:00 PM: Jennie Queen – Jennie Queen Coaching – Thriving Everyday: Navigating Work & Life

**Order of events may change as the program is developed.

Join us for an inspiring and informative event designed to connect, educate, and empower those working to support seniors. You can find all the details, including the full conference schedule, sessions, and speaker lineup, in our brochure, now available for download on our website (click on the image to the left). Don’t miss out—register today and secure your spot! The Registration deadline is October 16, 2024.

Registration deadline is Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Conference Packages & Fees

New for 2024: Conference Travel Bursary

This year, the OACAO Board of Directors has allocated funds to assist OACAO members traveling from greater distances, facilitating their participation in the conference. The travel bursary aims to subsidize eligible delegates’ travel and accommodation expenses. Please find the eligibility criteria, bursary amounts and other details on the attached Application Form. Deadline to submit is now closed, questions can be directed to info@oacao.org.

Book Your Accommodations

Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale (6750 Mississauga Road, Mississauga).

Delegates are responsible for booking their own reservations directly. The OACAO Room Block is SOLD OUT.

Call 1-800-445-8667 with Group Code: OACAO 2024 or contact sue@oacao.org for assistance.

Monday Gala Dinner and Entertainment

Join us for an unforgettable evening at our Monday Gala! Enjoy a buffet-style dinner, then dance the night away with a high-energy performance from the Fiddlestix band!

Join us Monday night for an epic evening of entertainment featuring the Fiddlestix performing high energy, fun for all ages. The Fiddlestix will light up any party or event! With their energizing original songs and a blend of popular songs and famous classics, the band masterfully gets everyone on the dance floor! Wear your dancing shoes.

Monday Silent Auction

Don’t miss our exciting annual silent auction with great prizes to be won!

Halloween Costume Contest

Show off your creativity with your best Halloween costume at our Monday Gala Dinner! Win prizes for best costume, most innovative costume, and best group costume!

GooseChase

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. The GooseChase App must be downloaded prior to conference to participate: www.goosechase.com

OACAO Annual Aging Well Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

Collaborate, Innovate, and Advocate

The OACAO invites you to participate in our Annual Aging Well Conference, taking place on October 28 & 29, 2024, at the Hilton Mississauga / Meadowvale. This premier event brings together experts, community leaders, and individuals dedicated to promoting healthy aging and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

Join us in celebrating healthy aging and seize the opportunity to:

• Gain Visibility: Showcase your brand to a diverse audience of professionals, community organizations, and older adults.
• Network: Connect with key decision-makers and influencers in the aging sector.
• Align Your Brand: Associate your company with a respected organization committed to improving the lives of older adults.
• Make an Impact: Contribute to meaningful discussions and initiatives that support healthy aging.

Sponsorship Levels

Diamond Sponsor

$7,750 – Reserved

Platinum Sponsor

$3,500 – Reserved

Gold Sponsor

$2,000 – Reserved

Silver Sponsor

• $1,500 (Pre-conference learning sessions sponsor)
• $1,500 (2 keynote speaker sponsor opportunities)
• $1,500 (4 delegate swag sponsor opportunities)
• $1,500 (Lightning talks sponsor)

Bronze Sponsor

• $1,000 (4 refreshments break sponsor opportunities)
• $1,000 (4 workshop session sponsor opportunities)

By sponsoring the OACAO Annual Aging Well Conference, you are investing in the future of healthy aging. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an influential event that aims to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for better aging. Click on the image for the sponsorship package. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at sue@oacao.org, Toll free: 1-866-835-7693, Local: 905-584-8125. We look forward to partnering with you!

Transportation Information to Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale (6750 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, ON L5N 2L3):

The hotel is centrally located in the city of Mississauga, Ontario within easy reach via Highway 401, 407 and 403.

Airport shuttle – Not available

MiWay, Mississauga Transit: https://www.mississauga.ca/miway-transit/

Go Transit: https://www.gotransit.com/en

Bus stations near Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale:

Argentia Road at Century Avenue – 3-minute walk

Argentia Road at Mississauga Road – 4-minute walk

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 Sue Hesjedahl at sue@oacao.org for more information.

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

Please contact Lina Zita at coordinator@oacao.org for more information.

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

Please contact Lina Zita at coordinator@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 OR Lina Zita at coordinator@oacao.org.