2026 Living with Dementia CNY
Conference Agenda
Thursday, October 29, 2026
Lighting the Way: Practical Strategies for Dementia Care
DateOctober 29, 2026
LocationEmbassy Suites Destiny USA, Syracuse, NY
Hosted ByLiving With Dementia CNY
Featured PresenterAdria Thompson, MA, CCC-SLP
Special Keynote SpeakerAmy Robbins, 93Q
8:00 AMto 8:20 AM
Registration, Vendor Hall & Resource Fair
- Attendee check-in
- Sponsor/vendor tables open
- Community resources and networking opportunities
- Meet the Sunshine Horses of Memory Care Corral
8:20 AMto 8:30 AM
Welcome Address
- Mission of Living With Dementia CNY
- Regional caregiver support initiatives
- Conference goals and CEU overview
8:30 AMto 10:00 AM
Session 1
Through Their Eyes: Embracing a New Perspective on Resistance
- Dementia progression overview
- Understanding resistance, refusals, and anosognosia
- Toileting and bathing challenges
- P.R.E.P. communication framework
- Practical dignity-preserving care strategies
CEU Credit: 1.5 Hours
10:00 AMto 10:15 AM
Break
- Sponsor visits
- Resource networking
10:15 AMto 10:45 AM
Keynote Address
Amy Robbins, 93Q
- Inspiration, advocacy, and broader dementia caregiving perspective
- Personal experience
10:45 AMto 12:00 PM
Session 2
Connecting Through Communication & Activities
- Communication changes across dementia stages
- Evidence-based communication strategies
- Montessori-based dementia activities
- Matching activities to abilities
- Restoring joy, purpose, and engagement
CEU Credit: 1.5 Hours
12:00 PMto 1:00 PM
Lunch, Networking
- Lunch provided
- Community resource engagement
- Caregiver support organizations
1:00 PMto 2:00 PM
Session 3
Fork in the Road: Navigating Mealtime Challenges in Dementia
- Swallowing and feeding changes
- Meal environment optimization
- Adaptive dining strategies
- Safety and independence support
CEU Credit: 1 Hour
2:00 PMto 2:20 PM
Resource Tables
2:20 PMto 3:20 PM
Session 4
Guiding Care Partners: Navigating the Medical Maze
- Medical team navigation
- Early Diagnosis
- Therapy resources
- Burnout prevention
- Home and community services
- Advocacy tools for families
CEU Credit: 1 Hour
3:20 PMto 4:10 PM
Panel Discussion / Audience Q&A
- Practical application
- Caregiver challenges
- Community support opportunities
4:10 PMto 4:30 PM
Closing Remarks
- Call to action
- Future county summits
- Respite & Renewal initiatives
- Sponsor appreciation
- Final attendee thank you
With Thanks to Our Sponsors
Their support makes the 4th Annual Living with Dementia CNY Conference possible.
Bringing a group? Add multiple General Admission or CEU tickets to your cart — each additional seat is $60 (or $110 with CEU credit). Questions about group rates? Call (315) 220-0720 or email info@livingwithdementiacny.org.