The 2008 Annual Conference will feature:

• Opening events to meet colleagues from across the country, key community leaders, and local community members
• Workshops on critical topics relevant to your work and community
• Town Hall forums and dialogue series to discuss important issues related to aging
• Luncheons with prominent speakers in the government, nonprofit, and corporate realms
• Two-Day Expo, Plaza del Intercambio: A Resource Exchange
• Awards Dinner with special guests
• And a Community Walk to celebrate our elders: "Caminemos Juntos – A Nuestra Salud!"
  

Opening Events

NHCOA, the premier organization for professionals, corporations, and individuals providing services to Hispanic older adults and their families, opens up its national Conference each year with an amazing celebratory gathering of community leaders and older adults.  Each year this unique event is held in a special place that is both accessible and deeply-rooted in Hispanic history and culture. The chosen city's local community meets with NHCOA's leadership and receives a personal invitation to join us at a Conference that has been carefully crafted with their needs and intentions in mind.  The host city's leadership also joins in the festivities, officially opening the event with an official presentation to the President of NHCOA of the city's proclamation of welcome.  

The celebration continues on the eve of the Conference, opening with an intimate gathering of colleagues, community leaders, and Conference participants from throughout the country. La  Noche de Serenata serves as a reunion ground for friends, and as a dynamic and energetic setting to network and build alliances amid music and delicious local specialties.    

Workshop Sessions, Town Hall Forums, and Meal Events

NHCOA offers all of its participants an incredible three-day Conference experience, with gala luncheons that serve as both educational and entertaining sessions. Enjoy gourmet regional fare while listening to distinguished speakers—dynamic experts in their fields, sharing their success stories and their dedication to our common mission to improve the lives of our Hispanic older adults and their families. With stories of their cutting-edge findings, unique experiences, new research developments, or innovative programs, they bring hope and inspiration to us all.

The experience continues with a series of interactive workshop sessions, town hall forums, and a dialogue series, all geared toward professionals, community leaders, and older adults who want to be at the forefront of new research, programs, and resources. The workshops help all participants continue their professional growth, while enriching their lives spiritually and mentally and keeping them engaged in the national dialogues that impact the lives of the entire family. It is through this sort of engagement that we all have a chance to be active participants in real and enduring solutions.

NHCOA provides a unique arena for thoughtful discussion, learning, and networking. We "Share the Best of Us" in all of our events and invite you to become part of this transformative event!

Expo: Plaza del Intercambio: A Resource Exchange

NHCOA's Plaza del Intercambio: A Resource Exchange, is a unique gathering place set against the backdrop of a beautiful placita reminiscent of a small town anywhere in Latin America. It's a welcoming destination where community-based organizations, advocates, and corporations in the business of providing services to our community can present older adults and their families with a wide range of invaluable information regarding health, nutrition, and screenings, and important literature on issues impacting their daily lives. The placita is a place where our abuelitos can opt to take a leisurely stroll arm and arm, sit and enjoy conversation with new and old friends, or participate in one of the many charlas on different health topics including the prevention and control of diabetes and Medicare enrollment. A visit to the Expo is FREE and open to the public.

Community Walk: "¡Caminemos Juntos – A Nuestra Salud!"

Each year the NHCOA family invites the local community and registered participants from throughout the country to join us in a ceremonial walk to support efforts to raise awareness on the critical need to prevent and/or control diabetes. The event focuses on positive solutions and helps serve as a vehicle to educate and support those who may be diabetic or have family members who live with this chronic disease. This highly motivational walk completes its course at our Conference venue, bringing an energetic base of participants to officially open our Expo: Plaza de Intercambio.

Conference Awards

At each year's Annual Conference Awards Gala, NHCOA honors individuals and institutions who have made great contributions toward improving the lives of Hispanic older adults and their families. The NHCOA Awardees include individuals, community-based organizations, and corporations engaged in challenging yet rewarding efforts to support and empower our nation's Hispanic elderly.

Outstanding Community Service Award

The Outstanding Community Service Award is presented to a non-profit organization or corporation that has demonstrated leadership in providing continuity, care, and concern in services that effectively meet the needs of Hispanic older adults. The organization or corporation must strive to maintain a healthy community through the practice of outstanding corporate responsibility, and thus serve as a role model to other agencies and individuals.

Community-Based Organization or Corporation Award

The Community-Based Organization Award is presented to a nonprofit organization that has demonstrated excellence and innovation in addressing health care issues in their community. Their services must have consistently been delivered in accord with the highest standards of care and the best culturally- and linguistically-appropriate practices.

The Special Recognition of Appreciation Award

The Special Recognition of Appreciation Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and advocacy for older adults. This individual must have a history of advocating for, and contributing to, the stability and growth of NHCOA.

The Health and Wellness Award

The Health and Wellness Award is presented to an individual for demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of Hispanic older adults. The individual must have made contributions toward the advancement of the work of NHCOA's mission of improving the quality of life of Hispanic older adults, their families, and their communities through advocacy in addressing health disparities among the vulnerable sectors of our society.