The Senior Living Innovation Forum recently wrapped up another unforgettable retreat in the breathtaking landscapes of Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. As SLIF celebrates its 10th anniversary milestone, this event proved once again why it has become the industry's most dynamic gathering for forward-thinking leaders.
Before anyone could settle into their comfort zones, SLIF kicked things off with outdoor adventures: jeep tours, horseback riding, and golf with stunning desert views. But the real excitement came when the intellectual firepower began.
Author and hospitality guru Chip Conley made his return to the SLIF stage, bringing insights that only come from decades of reinventing industries. NIC's Bob Kramer brought his candid, provocateur perspective that continues to shape senior living's future. And Matt Paxton, the best-selling author and host of "Filthy Fortunes" and "Hoarders," delivered insights that had the audience both laughing out loud and thinking emotionally about transformation.
A few highlights from Sunday at SLIF in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
SLIF's magic really shines in how it creates experiences rather than just presentations. This spring featured three talk shows with live studio audiences, turning passive listening into active participation.
"The not Late SLIF Show" made its second appearance, with host Murry Mercier from PointClickCare bringing together an eclectic mix of visionaries: Vince Kadlubek (founder of the immersive art experience Meow Wolf), John Erickson (founder and current resident of Erickson Senior Living), and Lynne Katzmann (CEO of Juniper Communities). The conversations that emerged were as unexpected as they were enlightening.
"From the Horses Mouth" showcased what makes SLIF truly different. Host Jack York from Talegate brought two senior living residents, a baby kangaroo, and two monkeys to the stage for what became a meaningful conversation about purposeful aging and agency. Yes, there were exotic animals—but the real focus was on the residents' voices and perspectives on what it means to age with intention and choice.
"This was the best SLIF ever!" gushed one repeat attendee. And honestly, after a baby kangaroo steals the show, how do you top that?
From L to R: The (Not) Late SLIF Show, Jack York with his guest + animals, and Chip Conley.
SLIF has been obsessed with the future longer than most—back in 2016, when AI was still science fiction to many in our industry, we had futurist Ron Galloway explaining that by 2025 AI would be writing code. He was correct! This year, we dedicated an entire AI talk show to it.
"Talk Nerdy to Me" brought host George Netscher from SafelyYou into conversation with senior living leaders who are already embracing AI within their organizations: Meghna Davidson from Leisure Care, Joel Davis from LCS, and Laura Willingham from Milestone Retirement Communities. These weren't theoretical discussions—these were real leaders sharing real experiences with real applications.
Best-selling author and Futurist Brian Solis delivered one of the retreat's most compelling talks, challenging the audience with a crucial insight: true AI innovation requires self-disruption rather than waiting for direction from above. His call to action? Always be asking yourself #WWAID (What Would AI Do?).
"SLIF offered some of the most advanced and thought-provoking discussions I've had around AI in senior living. The conversations went beyond buzzwords and focused on practical applications," shared an executive at Heritage Senior Living.
You read that right: bingo. But this wasn't your grandmother's bingo (though she probably would have loved it anyway). The Great Bingo Revival transformed into an epic celebration that perfectly embodied SLIF's ability to take the familiar and make it extraordinary. The Reverend Rusty Reams, the world's #1 Bingo caller, kept the energy high throughout the night, proving that innovation applies to networking events too.
What makes SLIF special isn't just the marquee names or stunning locations (though those certainly don't hurt). It's the intimate conversations that happen between sessions, the unexpected connections that spark new partnerships, and the focused approach that cuts through industry noise to get to what really matters.
"The focused 1:1 meetings with vendors are so much more impactful than a traditional trade show," noted a Chief Operating Officer at La Posada. And that's exactly the point—SLIF isn't about overwhelming attendees with endless booths and generic presentations. It's about creating meaningful connections that actually move the industry forward.
From L to R: Henry Winkler, Seth Rogen, and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels.
As SLIF celebrates ten years of pushing boundaries and sparking conversations, one thing is crystal clear: we've never been about playing it safe.
The next chapter picks back up in Huntington Beach, October 26–28, where the future of senior living innovation continues to unfold—because if there's one thing we've learned, it's that the future isn't just about better care or smarter technology, it's about reimagining what's possible when we dare to think differently.
🌴 Request your invite here.