2014 Annual Conference Information

Consumer Voice 38th Annual Conference 
Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport 
2399 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia  22202

November 15 - 18, 2014

Quick Links:

• Conference Materials and Presentations
• Summary
• 12 Reasons to Attend
• Conference Agenda
• Sponsorship & Scholarships
• Registration
• Accomodations & Venue
• Travel
• 2014 Consumer Voice Leadership Awards

Summary

Join the Consumer Voice in the Washington, DC region for a truly one-of-a-kind experience that will include the best speakers in the field, many opportunities to network with your colleagues and time to interact directly with long-term care consumers.

At the 2014 Conference, you will:

• Engage in one-on-one dialogue with consumers of long-term services and supports;

• Get the latest policy updates directly from key experts at the federal level;

• Learn about best practices nationwide;

• Attend skills trainings and acquire tools and resources;

• Leave the meeting with specific information and takeaways to help you put your systems or individual advocacy into action!

Register now!

Click here to download a conference flyer to share with friends, family and colleagues. 

12 Reasons to Attend

#1 Get advocacy training

Attend the Consumer Voice Annual Conference and experience one of a kind advocacy skills training and acquire important resources and tools.  Learn to craft an effective message, advocate in all settings, gain tips for meeting with decision-makers, use both traditional advocacy methods and social media, and more.

#2 Visit legislators on the Hill

After gaining new skills and tools at the advocacy training, take what you've learned to deliver your message to members of Congress.  The Consumer Voice's Public Policy Associate, Marybeth Williams, will lead a group of advocates on Hill visits.  Come to promote issues important to you or use talking points provided by the Consumer Voice.  Register for the conference, then sign up for the Hill visits by emailing Marybeth at mwilliams@theconsumervoice.org

#3 Meet Elma Holder

Elma Holder is the founder of the National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR, now the Consumer Voice).  In 1975, she organized a group of reform advocates who attended a nursing home industry conference in Washington.  That effort, one of the first times in which reformers took their demads for change directly to nursing home operators, led to the formation of NCCNHR.  Meet Elma in November at the conference.  Elma will be holding two dialogue sessions with conference participants.

#4 Attend a White House Conference on Aging Listening Session

White House Conference on Aging Executive Director Nora Super has been invited to a listening session during the Consumer Voice Conference.  Join other advocates and attend the listening session on important issues in the aging community.

#5 Learn about best practices nationwide

Connect with advocates from across the country and learn best practices and tips you can integrate into your own advocacy.  Advocates, residents, ombudsmen, and others come from all over the nation to share their strategies and words of advice on dealing with a variety of long-term care issues.  Attend the Consumer Voice Conference to network and gain important knowledge.

#6 Engage in one-on-one dialogue with consumers

At the Consumer Voice Conference, you will have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with consumers of long-term care services and supports.  Engage personally with those who you advocate for everyday.  Learn personal stories to inform and fuel your advocay work once you return home.

#7 Get the latest policy updates

Get the most up-to-date news and reports from experts at the federal level.  Learn what is going on nationally and understand how it affects your work.

#8 Celebrate the recipients of the 2014 Consumer Voice Leadership Awards

The Consumer Voice will be presenting several awards during the conference.  Congratulate and learn from fellow advocates who are working to ensure quality long-term care for all consumers.

#9 Participate in celebrating Consumer Voice's 40th Anniversary

The Consumer Voice wants to hear YOUR voice at the Annual Conference! Take a minute and visit our video booth to tell us why the Consumer Voice matters to you!  We are gathering and recording short anecdotes, reflections and observations to help us celebrate CV's 40th anniversary in 2015.  Take a moment to stop by the video booth and add your voice!

#10 Listen and learn from experts during three plenary sessions

Each day of the conference begins with a plenary session from key experts.  This year's plenaries:

Better Staffing: The Key to Better Care - Presenters: Jeff Kelly Lowenstein; Sarah Greene Burger; Diane Carter
New Standards in HCBS Settings: What Do They Mean? - Presenters: Eric Carlson; Elizabeth Priaulx
Developing Strategies and Partnerships in the Search for Person-Centered Care - Presenters: Barbara Frank & Cathie Brady, B&F Consulting

#11 Extend your trip and visit the National Monuments, Old Town Alexandria, Mount Vernon or the National Harbor

The conference is being held in Arlington, Virginia, a great access point to many nearby historic sites and attractions.  The Hilton Crystal City is in walking distance to DC's subway, called the Metro, and just a short ride away from the National Mall, Old Town Alexandria, Mount Vernon and the National Harbor.  DC veterans and newbies alike will find there is much to explore; extend your trip before or after the Consumer Voice Conference and discover everything the area has to offer.

#12 Attend special dialogues and breakout sessions on important issues

During the conference, a variety of dialogues, meetings and breakout sessions will cover a wide range of long-term care topics.  Special events include:

LTCO Volunteer Management Dialogue
Breakout Sessions: Crafting an Effective Advocacy Message; Delivering Your Message
Residents' Luncheon
Breakout Session: Educating and Empowering Family Caregivers
Assisted Living Consumer Alliance Meeting
Breakout Session: How Medical Directors Influence Quality Care
 

Conference Agenda

Click here to view the preliminary agenda for the 2014 conference.  Agenda highlights include:

Saturday, November 15

• New Attendee Orientation
• Welcome Reception

Sunday, November 16

• Opening Plenary - Better Staffing: The Key to Better Care
• Consumer Voice Leadership Awards Luncheon

Monday, November 17

• Residents' Rights Luncheon

Tuesday, November 18

• Closing Plenary - Developing Strategies and Partnerships in Search of Person-Centered Care

Note! We cannot offer CEU credits for conference sessions or presentations.  We are happy to provide certificates of attendance upon request.

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Sponsorship & Scholarships

2014 Conference Sponsors:
(as of October 24, 2014)

Conference Underwriters

Conference Champions

Conference Leaders

Conference Partners

Delaware State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Conference Contributors

National Association of Local Long-Term Care Ombudsmen (NALLTCO)
The Fenwick Foundation

Conference Friends

Center for Justice and Democracy
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Pressley Henningsen
Teresa Story
Beverley Laubert

Additional Contributors

Debra Sheard
Mary Ellen Dellefield
Kylie Meyer
Mary Ellen Jacobs
Patricia Thorsen
Barbara Frances Delo

Become a sponsor of the Consumer Voice Annual Conference by donating online or filling out this response form and mailing it along with your donation to:

The Consumer Voice
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 425
Washington, DC 20036

We have created a special giving opportunity for Scholarships.  This funding enables us to register individuals who cannot otherwise afford to attend.  If you are able, please give as many scholarships as you can.  We would be delighted to obtain support for an additional 50 people.  Provide a scholarship by making a donation of $295 x the number of scholarships you would like to give.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of sponsoring the conference.

For more information about becoming a conference sponsor or providing a conference scholarship, visit the Sponsorship page.

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Registration

Click here to register!

The registration fee includes admission to all events, including receptions, conference plenary and workshop sessions, and luncheons; also includes conference materials, group meals (unless otherwise noted) and refreshment breaks.

Group Rates
Interested in bringing a group of people to the annual conference? Take advantage of our group discounts! Contact us (info@theconsumervoice.org) and we will help you register your group. Discounts must be applied for prior to registration, so start forming your group today!

Please note the following:

• You must apply to receive a group discount prior to registering anyone in your group. Send the list of individuals you would like to include in your group to info@theconsumervoice.org, and we will send you the applicable group code to use during registration.  We will not issue a new discount code after your initial group rate approval even if your group ends up exceeding your discount bracket.  Any additional individuals added to your group after you receive your group code can register using the same discount.

• The discount code will apply to the current registration rate at the time individuals in your group complete the registration form.  For example, if an individual in your group waits to register after the early bird registration date and therefore is charged the regular registration rate, the group discount will apply to the regular registration rate.

• Group discounts apply to full conference attendees only.  Group discounts cannot be applied to one-day registrations.

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Accomodations & Venue

Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport

Conveniently located next to Reagan National Airport, the Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport hotel is the perfect base to see the sights of the USA’s capital city. The National Monuments, Government Agencies and Museums are accessible via the Metro located within walking distance from this Arlington, VA hotel. We offer a free shuttle bus service daily between the hotel and Reagan National Airport (DCA), the Crystal City Metro station, nearby shopping, restaurants and businesses.

Reservations

Participants will need to book their own rooms in Consumer Voice’s room block (rather than Consumer Voice booking your room for you).

Do not wait! A block of rooms have been reserved for November 14, 2014 - November 18, 2014. The special room rate will be available until October 27th, or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first.

Check-In Time: 3:00 p.m.
Check-Out Time: 12:00 p.m.

Rooms are available at the Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport for $149/night. Reservations can be made by calling 703-418-6800. Please refer to the "Consumer Voice Annual Meeting 2014" room block to book your room - a credit card hold or deposit is required at booking. Room reservations can also be made online.

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Travel

FROM RONALD REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT:
Follow signs to airport exit for Crystal City/Route 1. Take Route 1 North (Jefferson Davis Highway). After coming down the ramp, make the first right onto 23rd Street, then and immediate right onto Clark Street. The Hilton Crystal City is directly on the right.  The hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service to Reagan National Airport.

Distance from Hotel: 1 mi.
Drive Time: 5 min.
Taxi: 10.00 USD

FROM DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
Take the Dulles Toll Road East Towards Washington, DC. Follow to I-66 East. Take I-66 East approximately 7.3 miles to exit 75 (Rt. 110 South). Go approximately 3 miles. Rt. 110 South turns into Rt. 1 South (Jefferson Davis Hwy.) Take Rt. 1 South/Jefferson Davis Hwy to 23rd Street. Make a left onto 23rd Street, then and immediate right onto Clark Street. The Hilton Crystal City is directly on the right.

Distance from Hotel: 30 mi.
Drive Time: 45 min.

FROM BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (BWI):
Take I-95 West to I-95 South. Follow I-95 South over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge into Virginia. Take Exit 177B for Rt. 1 North in the direction of Arlington/Alexandria. Travel on Rt. 1 North approximately 4 miles, passing through the city of Alexandria. After passing the ramp for Reagan National Airport, take the next right onto 23rd street and another immediate right onto Clark Street. The Hilton Crystal City is directly on the right.

Distance from Hotel: 36 mi.
Drive Time: 60 min.
 

FROM CRYSTAL CITY METRO:
From the Crystal City Metro Station, you are going to take a right down S. Bell Street (once you are on S. Bell St. the Synetic Theater should be on you right).  Next, you will take the first right down 20th Street S. and then the first left on S. Clark Street. Take S. Clark Street for approximately 0.2 miles and the Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport will be on your right.

Distance from Hotel: 0.4 mi.
Walk Time: 7 min.

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2014 Consumer Voice Leadership Awards

Based on your nominations, the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) recognizes people who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of long-term care consumers. Individual members and group members of the Consumer Voice may nominate people for an award. Awards will be presented at our 38th Annual Conference, November 15-18, 2014, in Arlington, Virginia.

Click here to view 2014 Award Winners.

 Click here to learn more about the awards.

 Questions about the awards? Contact  aoveralllaib@theconsumervoice.org.

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Questions about the conference?  Contact us at info@theconsumervoice.org.