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​NCAL Day 2026 was one for the books! With record-breaking attendance, two inspiring keynote addresses, and two major milestones to celebrate, this year's event brought the assisted living community together for an unforgettable day of learning, connection, and recognition.

This year marked the 20th Annual NCAL Day, a significant achievement that reflects two decades of bringing assisted living professionals together to share ideas, celebrate successes, and strengthen the future of the profession. The occasion was even more meaningful as the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026.

A Record-Breaking Celebration

The energy was undeniable as more than 350 attendees gathered for this milestone event. With the largest attendance in NCAL Day history, this year's turnout demonstrated the passion, dedication, and commitment of assisted living professionals from across the country.

NCAL Day has long provided an opportunity for leaders and professionals to connect with peers, gain fresh perspectives, and reflect on the important work they do every day. This year's record attendance made that sense of community even more powerful.

The milestone also served as a reminder of how far the assisted living profession has come and the importance of continuing to work together to support residents, families, and caregivers.

An Inspiring Start with Chris Vasami

One of the day's highlights was the morning keynote delivered by Chris Vasami, who left the audience feeling inspired and energized. He focused on how resilience, mindset, and purpose-driven habits unlock the next level of personal greatness leadership and caregiving. He drew from his personal journey in professional baseball, his battle with multiple cancers, and his work as a high-performance coach. His powerful presence set an uplifting tone for the day, reminding attendees of the importance of resilience, purpose, and perseverance. 

Honoring the Profession’s Pioneers

A special highlight of NCAL Day was the presentation of the NCAL Distinguished Founder Award to Dr. Keren Brown Wilson, a visionary leader and pioneer in the assisted living profession. Widely recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to the development of assisted living, Dr. Wilson helped shape a model of care centered on independence, dignity, and personal choice for older adults. Her dedication to creating environments where individuals can maintain their autonomy while receiving the support they need has left a lasting impact on the profession.

NCAL Day also honored Jan Thayer, recognizing her contributions to assisted living. Thayer was an important leader in the very beginning of NCAL, serving as the first Chair.  The tribute, which included her son David, was a meaningful moment of appreciation, celebrating her legacy and remembering the genuine impact she had on residents, caregivers, and even the assisted living leaders of today. 

A Passionate Way to Wrap Up the Day

As workforce remains an important issue for long term care providers, closing keynote Cara Silletto spoke about how to build teams that connect. She helped attendees recognize how individual words, actions, and assumptions impact trust, team culture, and staff retention. Assisted living providers in attendance were left with actionable approaches that empower staff and improve team dynamics to support care delivery and team effectiveness.

Honoring the Past, Looking Toward the Future

As NCAL celebrates 25 years of supporting and advocating for assisted living providers, this year's NCAL Day was about more than recognizing milestones. It was about celebrating the people behind the profession and looking ahead to future opportunities. 

Next year’s NCAL Day will be held on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2027, in Indianapolis, Ind.