Creativity and Culture to Define Plenary Sessions at ALFA 2013 Conference & Expo

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Assisted Living Federation of America, the largest national association exclusively dedicated to professionally managed senior living communities and the seniors and families served, today announced that Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor Benjamin Zander and 35-year Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts veteran executive Jim FitzGibbon will be keynote session speakers during the ALFA 2013 Conference & Expo, scheduled for May 6-9, 2013 in Charlotte, N.C.

“Encouraging executives to look at our business afresh each year is one reason why we conduct an annual conference”

“Encouraging executives to look at our business afresh each year is one reason why we conduct an annual conference,” said Richard P. Grimes, president and CEO of ALFA. “Both Benjamin Zander and Jim FitzGibbon will offer participants very different perspectives on ways to tackle some of the biggest issues and opportunities in senior living today. ALFA is honored to welcome both of these highly experienced and thought-provoking leaders to our seminal executive conference.”

Tuesday, May 7 Plenary Session Key note

In a symphony—as in business—one person can’t do it all. Greatness comes when everyone gives his or her best. Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor Benjamin Zander is legendary in the music world for inspiring greatness in his players. Through music theory and practice, Zander will inspire participants in all new ways to coach greatness in a discussion entitled, The Art of Possibility. One part educational, one part motivational, participants will fine tune both sides of their brains to help tackle some of the biggest business and management challenges they face.

Wednesday, May 8 Plenary Session Key note

Culture drives senior living organizations. Jim FitzGibbon spent 35 years of his career at the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts constantly reinforcing strong beliefs and values that made a good service culture into an extraordinary one. In his session entitled, Culture: The Competitive Advantage, he’ll share the secrets of cultivating a dedicated workforce and loyal customer base to produce a world class experience for all. Read a preview of Jim FitzGibbons’ remarks in the latest issue of Senior Living Executive magazine at www.alfapublications.org.

The Most Effective Way to Find Answers to Business Questions

The ALFA 2013 Conference & Expo will offer more than 60 executive level education sessions, peer-to-peer best practice sharing and opportunities to connect with experts from inside and outside senior living. An enhanced ALFA Executive Director Leadership Institute (EDLI) curated by the Erickson School for Aging Studies at the University of Maryland Baltimore County will offer a university level curriculum over four days to prepare some of the best community executives in the country for greater contributions to the field of senior living. In addition, the Expo at ALFA 2013 will offer one of the most effective ways for senior living executives to connect with 250 companies focused on finding ways to help operators improve their operations. More details are at www.alfa.org/conference.

About ALFA

The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) is the largest national association exclusively dedicated to professionally-managed, resident-centered senior living communities and the seniors and families they serve. Since 1990, ALFA has advocated for choice, accessibility, independence, dignity, and quality of life for all seniors. ALFA’s programs promote business and operational excellence through education, research, publications, professional networking and online tools designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurism in the field of senior living. Visit ALFA’s Web site at www.alfa.org.