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2024 Annual Conference

Driving Forward & Forging Change

Thursday, April 18 Schedule

Working Agenda

The schedule of sessions below is a working agenda and subject to change slightly as planning continues. The final agenda will be available when the conference begins.

Session Schedule

7:00am

NY Alliance Fun Run

Fun Run Begins at the Front Door of the Main Hotel

The NY Alliance 5K Fun Run - Run, Walk, Roll - honors and supports our Direct Support Professionals. The fee is $10 per runner, walker or roller. The proceeds support DSPs around the state. Teams of three to six individuals are encouraged however individual participants will be accepted. Prizes for winners will be announced on Friday following the Keynote speaker. 

8:00am

Registration & Tradeshow Opens

The Sagamore Conference Center

9:00am-10:30pm

Session 4

25) Creating Your Personal Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Plan

Many of us have been told we have a role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our organization. However, few leaders have dived in to determine what that actually means. While all of us have the responsibility to hold ourselves accountable to DEI learning and action, we all have different strengths, access, and perspectives to contribute to our organization's mission and vision. In this workshop, attendees will walk away with their own personal DEI plan. We will discuss the importance of DEI work and the potential positive impact. Attendees will then walk through a guided framework and process to identify strengths, opportunities, and ideas to implement DEI in their everyday work and lives. We will wrap up with brainstorming group discussions on what this looks like for you and your organization. The session is intended for ALL employees and attendees will walk away with a specific handout to help put learning into action.

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  • Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, MSW, MPA, CFRE, CDP, Founder & Chief Strategist, Equity Warrior Strategies

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26) Community Players Driving Forward and Forging Change

The Community Players is a collective of Human Service professionals from a variety of provider agencies in the Mid-Hudson Valley.  We offer lively skits to elicit thoughtful and provocative discussions highlighting the important role of Front-Line Supervisors. They have a critical role balancing the needs/desires of both people supported and staff, while keeping in compliance with financial and logistical needs of programs and agencies. We will highlight some of the ethical and professional difficulties that supervisors and administrators have, while having fun and eliciting heartfelt response.

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27) ID/DD Nurses: A Support for Navigating Complex Healthcare Needs

The NYS Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Nursing Association (NYSIDDDNA) represents nurses working in the specialty practice of intellectual and developmental disabilities nursing. The nurse role has become a more collaborative one requiring innovative coordination of ID/DD services. Learn about the supports ID/DD nurses provide while implementing changes to healthcare delivery in this specialty field.

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  • Mary Jean Keegan RN, CDDN, President, NYSIDDDNA, NYS Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association, information@nysidddna.org

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28) A New Approach to Non-Certified Housing

Increasingly, self-directed individuals want to live in homes and communities of their own choosing, just like anyone else. There are thousands of available beds in certified homes that are unfilled as the group home model loses its relevance.

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Not only is certified, congregate housing less and less relevant as a model, but it’s also unsustainably expensive to continue to fund and build. A 2015 NYSACRA study demonstrated that the cost to government of placing IDD individuals in settings too restrictive (and therefore too expensive) for their needs is $40M annually. These are funds that might otherwise be spent on support services, community workers and innovative programming.

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Join this presentation to learn about Housing Differences, an organization that creates affordable housing for people with I/DD through partnerships with innovative service agencies in NYS to develop alternative housing opportunities.

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29) "What Happens When I Am Gone?": Models that Maximize

In this session, panelists will provide strategies to address a parent’s concern about “What Happens When I Am Gone?” and sustaining self-direction for their children. Join this session to learn about the avenues available to support sustaining self-direction for the person through innovative structures that increase long term support and promote sustainability.

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  • Amy Dugliss, Advocates Incorporated

  • Alan Kulchinsky, ISS

  • Jen Teich, AHRC NYC

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30) The Importance of Creative Therapies with Children and Children's Residential Programs

Creative therapies including art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, baking, and yoga, have shown significant benefits in multiple areas of competency and the quality of life in children living in residential settings. This is shown not only in the skills we see being built in the residential setting, but by the testimonies their families have given regarding their children’s improvements at home. Join this session to learn the importance of these programs and how they can improve quality of life.

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31) Creative Collaboration and Agency Success

The New York Foundling has recently implemented several creative solutions to issues faced by our agency and by the collective I/DD field. Each of these solutions was developed and implemented with input and feedback from the people we support. By involving the people we support in our decision-making processes, we have been able to come up with solutions that improved not only the administrative results for our agency but also improved quality outcomes for the people we support. Join this session to learn about the solutions that were implemented, how they were developed and the feedback received to improve these solutions for the best possible outcome.

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32) A Creative Approach to Hiring and Development

Arc of Monroe faced the same troubles as many other agencies....high staff vacancies and insurmountable turnover with inexperienced applicants in the cue.  A partnership was formed with Bryant and Stratton college and these problems were tackled with solutions!  In this session, hear how the two entities worked together to form a new 4-week program for DSPs in Training.  We will share the steps taken, as well as the lesson learned in this journey together.

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  • Melody Johnson, Arc of Monroe, mejohnson@arcmonroe.org

  • Karen Oliver, Chief Human Resources Officer, The Arc of Monroe

  • Kelly Mariani, System Director of Career Service, Bryant & Stratton College

  • Michael Mariani, Rochester Campus Director, Bryant & Stratton College

10:45am-12:00pm

Session 5

33) Workforce Development Initiatives

Addressing the workforce crisis has been identified as the #1 priority in the OPWDD 5-year strategic plan and as such the agency has directed 76% of the funding received through the American Rescue Plan Act toward bonuses and workforce development projects. Join this session to hear an update on the workforce development grants and our intentions for the future of these initiatives.  Specifically, the NADSP credentialing program, SUNY Microcredential, HS/BOCES Pipeline, NY Alliance Technical Assistance, and University of Minnesota Evaluation.

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34) Least Restrictive Practices with Limited Resources

As of 2022, national shortages of Direct Support Professionals in the field of direct care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have led to 83% of providers in the United States rejecting new referrals and 63% discontinuing services (ANCOR, 2022). The Cornerstone Program in rural upstate NY faces a 41% staffing vacancy rate as of January 2024, but continues to expand the number of services provided. Limited access to community clinical resources and funding challenges make resource allocation crucial for maintaining treatment standards. The program, known for its success and person-centered approach, employs Direct Support Professionals trained to use the ARMIDILO-S for risk management and supervision. Despite increased wages and bonuses during the pandemic, staffing has not improved, yet recidivism rates remain low. Presenters will discuss decision-making with ARMIDILO-S during a staffing crisis, emphasizing Human Rights and avoiding over-restriction. The session will include a case study and explore housing projects developed amid the crisis, providing specialized services with reduced staffing requirements. The importance of sharing successful, evidence-based approaches in the face of long-term staffing challenges will be highlighted.

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  • Sarah Louer, LCSW, LICSW, Senior Director of Clinical Services, Mountain Lake Services

  • Ashley Wilfore, MS, Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Mountain Lake Services 

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35) Dementia and Down Syndrome

We have been observing our population with Down Syndrome suffer from dementia and the quick onset and death. We have decided to become an expert in this area and have started with training staff in what renovation needs to be completed in our designated homes and family support.  We have had staff become trained in this area and continue to learn more to support staff, families and people supported.

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36) Planning with the Uncertainty of New Base Year

OPWDD’s 1915(c) Comprehensive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Amendment, Amendment 14 has been approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to take effect October 1, 2023. With the approval of the waiver amendment, cost-based rates will be re-based within a five-year period as opposed to the original four-year timeframe, transportation re-basing will be postponed and implemented July 1, 2024. The uncertainty of the new base year gives both finance and program leaders unique challenges to budget and plan for the new year. 

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37) Coaching: More Than Putting Out Fires

Supervisors often end the day feeling like they have not completed their daily tasks to their satisfaction because they spent most of their time 'putting out fires.' This is one form of leadership that can lead to inefficiency and cause chaos in the workplace. This workshop will identify essential ways to prepare before another "fire ignites" by setting a clear definition of roles, responsibilities and priorities that will decrease stress and increase productivity for leaders and their employees.

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38) A Person-Centered Approach to Using Enabling Technology

YAI’s Center for Innovation and Engagement was established to create a technology hub to assess, design, implement and evaluate innovative solutions for everyday challenges for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.  This presentation will focus on a 2–year grant funded project to promote the use of innovative technologies as well as the 4-step process that was completed to promote the use of innovative technology.

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39) Introducing Abilibee

Introducing Abilibee, an app for those with developmental challenges and those who care. A friend along the way, Abilibee is a step-by-step transition guide to prepare people for what comes next on the journey from EI to OPWDD and beyond. Abilibee is also a communication log that keeps dedicated contacts and notes of important conversations together and a curated library of resources and support information. Learn more about the organizational tools that motivate and elevate made possible by funding from the Council for Developmental Disabilities. Join us for a sneak peek!

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40) Unlocking Data's Potential: A Glimpse into One Agency's Strategy and the Future Landscape

Discover the pivotal role of data in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or Autism. Learn from Unity House of Cayuga County's innovative use of data and dashboards in OPWDD Day, Residential, and Employment Services showing how data maximizes service impact. This presentation will share key resources and strategies to make your organization truly data-driven, enabling you to identify trends, reduce risk, and drive impactful changes. Join us for insights on harnessing data's power to elevate your organization's effectiveness.

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1:15-2:30pm

Session 6

41) Catching the Strategy Unicorn: One Provider's Story of Keeping Their Strategic Plan from "Collecting Dust on a Shelf"

In this age of workforce shortages, industry change, uncertainty and inadequate funding and resources, having a strong strategic plan in operation is more important than ever. Unfortunately, these same factors – along with the day-to-day crises – are often the reasons why many strategic plans become forgotten and left to “collect dust on the shelf.” Learn about one provider’s experience on how they’ve been able to keep their strategic plan in operation and the benefits that have resulted from it.

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The goal of this workshop is to inspire I/DD leaders who are looking to spark, revamp or rekindle their strategic planning efforts for a better tomorrow for their organizations, their staff and – most importantly – the individuals they support.

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  • Elizabeth Martin, CEO, Living Resources

  • John Breitenbach, Director of Community Living, Living Resources

  • Ian Mott, Director of Employment, Living Resources

  • Myrissa Crossman, Deputy Director of Residential, Living Resources

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42) Navigating the Benefits Cliff - Findings and Recommendations

NYSID and NY Alliance contracted with SUNY Rockefeller Institute on Government to perform a deep dive on the challenges people with disabilities and others face navigating the complex world of public benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, HEAP, etc.) while also trying to get or remain employed.  A series of public forums were held with people from varied backgrounds and experiences in this complex world.  Now, as the project comes to close, this presentation will identify what was learned and the recommendations being developed to help people more successfully navigate the benefits cliff as they secure employment and look to advance in their careers.

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  • Shameka Andrews, Self-Advocacy Association of NYS

  • Maureen O’Brien, NYSID

  • Michael Seereiter, NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation

  • Andrew Sink, NYS Office of Mental Health

  • Leigh Wedenoja, SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government

  • Courtney Burke, SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government

  • Steve Towler, AHRC NYC

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43) E-Badges in New York (E-Badge Academy)

The NADSP E-Badge Academy is a certification platform that allows DSPs (and their supervisors) to earn electronic badges by describing how their work is consistent with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Core Competencies and the NADSP Code of Ethics. These badges can be stacked to meet the requirements for NADSP’s DSP-I, DSP-II, DSP-III and FLS certifications. This session will provide background on the current certification pilot program in New York which utilizes the NADSP E-Badge Academy. Information will be shared about the implementation of the E-Badge Academy in some of the participating provider organizations in New York and around the country

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  • Carolynn Anklam, COARC

  • Joann Ainbinder, East End Disability Associates

  • Rachel Palmesano, Heritage Christian Services

  • Kathy Brown, NADSP, kbrown@nadsp.org

  • Dan Hermreck, NADSP, dhermreck@nadsp.org

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44) Handling the Emotional Toll of Leadership

This workshop is intended for anyone who is in a leadership role.  This can be a CEO of an agency as well as a direct support professional.  The emotional labor of leadership is an often-unspoken topic, as it is often seen as an expectation of this role.  This workshop will dive into what emotional labor is and how important it is for people to recognize it.  It will also discuss what some of the consequences are, as well as how to meet these challenges in an interactive, fun way.

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  • Doriann Adams, Director of Staff Development & Education, AHRC, Region 5 Co-lead for RCWT, dadams@suffahrc.org

  • Lori LaRocco, Asst Director of Staff Development & Education, AHRC, Region 5 Co-Lead for RCWT, llarocco@suffahrc.org

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45) Front Ending Accessibility: Innovative Strategies, Creative Processes

How are we making accessibility the first thing considered in design instead of an afterthought? At Heartshare, we are collaborating with NYU to cultivate a deeper societal commitment to learning more about the social model of disability and universal design and working to put both into practice. We look forward to sparking innovation and discussion around the social model of disability and we would love to identify more “co-conspirators” to advocate for and implement policy change around these inclusive mindsets. We hope you join us!

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46) On the Same Page with DEI, The NYS Community of Practice

AHRC Nassau, in partnership with Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD), and National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) are developing regional teams, a statewide advisory council and a DEI Toolkit for providers. Learn how your organization may become a leader in DEI and become part of The Community of Practice. 

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  • Bridget Cariello, Assistant Director of Strategic Project Development, AHRC Nassau, bcariello@ahrc.org

  • Sarah Gonzalez Noveiri, Ph.D., DEI Officer, AHRC Nassau, snoveiri@ahrc.org

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47) Managing Risk and Strengthening Your Organization by Bringing Teams Together (How to Be Proactive Again)

A C-level discussion of the administrative and compliance risks NYS agencies face, citing past incidents or near-misses the presenters have observed.  The workshop will discuss ways to bring different administrative departments together, along with key vendors, to assess and manage these risks.

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48) Employment NYC Styles: Creative Revenue-Generating Innovations in Staffing Solutions/Inclusive Hiring

AHRC NYC will highlight ways in which they have increased revenue through innovation and strategic partnerships, creating a range of inclusive staffing solutions initiatives.  Included will be an overview of direct employment programs, social enterprise Hudson River Services - a full-service janitorial company, our Partnership for Inclusive Internships with government, a successful staffing solutions model in partnership with Salesforce, and a hybrid direct hire-staff solution initiative for Etsy.

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2:45-4:00pm

Session 7

49) Trauma Informed Care

The profound recognition of the widespread impact of trauma on individuals necessitates a paradigm shift in the approach to behavioral health treatment and supportive work of our team members. Cultivating a trauma-informed care lens entails continuous education, staying informed of emerging research, and adapting therapeutic modalities to align with the evolving needs of individuals. There is power in collaborative, strengths-based approaches that empower individuals to reclaim their narratives and embark on a healing journey, increasing awareness to obtain optimal outcomes

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50) Join the Conversation about Self-Direction Services, Fastest Growing Service

Members of the NY Alliance’s Self Direction Advisory Committee will share their best practices and lessons learned with a special focus around topics of interest from housing to community classes. 

In addition, the panelist will share tips on operational considerations for any new FI’s or agencies considering supporting a person in Self-Direction

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  • Diane Lagoumis, East End Disability Associates

  • Brittany Hoosier, AIM Services Inc

  • Julie Owen, Heritage Christian Services

  • Alan Kulchinsky, ISS

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51) Best Practices in Supporting Individuals with Complex Clinical Needs

The OPWDD population has continued to become diversified as more individuals are being referred to our field with criminal legal system involvement or who have engaged in “likeminded” behaviors.  These clinically complex individuals manifest behavioral health symptoms that can be challenging to mitigate in residential settings.  We are tasked with the mission to traverse the diverse systems with which they come, including law enforcement, the behavioral health system, emergency services, and advocacy groups.  This training is geared towards those working with this clinically complex population.

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52) Building the Capacity of Frontline Supervisors through a Comprehensive Coaching and Supervision Leadership Development Program

This presentation focuses on a dedicated multi-level comprehensive Leadership Development Program designed to build the capacity of frontline supervisors using gamification technology. Attendees will learn how Care Design NY used this approach to accelerate targeted employee-centered performance management leadership skill development that results in job satisfaction and retention. Supervisors going through the program have achieved significant growth, experienced greater positive emotion, demonstrated increased resiliency, and are helping the organization succeed by building future leaders.

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53) The Partnership for Inclusive Internships: Expanding Work Opportunities in Government for People with Disabilities

The Partnership for Inclusive Internships (PII) at AHRC NYC is a public-private partnership developed to foster diversity within New York City and State government agencies for people with disabilities. The PII Program leverages the value of internships and partnerships to create change in the culture of hiring.

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54) Creating a Path from Dayhab to Employment

Many people we support in Day habilitation are interested in employment and want to work.  Separation between our Day and Employment Services can result in people not making progress toward employment while in Day habilitation.  We’ll share some ways we’re using time spent in Dayhab, and the Dayhab allowable services, to support people in moving into employment and improve collaboration between our Day & Employment programs.

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55) I Speak for Me! An In-Depth Approach to Supporting Self Advocacy

Self-Advocacy and Self Advocates alike are one of the core pillars within the developmental disabilities field. As the world evolves and the ideas and opportunities for those people, we support grow and evolve with it, there is now more than ever a need to push the ideals of self-advocacy and making sure that all of those persons we support understand what it means, and how important it is to be able to speak for oneself in a world where they often feel voiceless. This presentation hopes to bridge the gap between caregiver and support person, as well as unmask the taboo thought that those who are differently abled are voiceless. It will explore self-advocacy groups, ways to promote self-advocacy within programs and agencies, and provide helpful tools to still provide safe effective support while giving the autonomy to live one's life by their own standards.

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56) Welcoming Immigrants with Disabilities

Advocates in Buffalo NY have taken steps to engage newly arrived refugee and immigrant families with disabilities by addressing both the barriers traveling with them as well as the complex systemic barriers that exist in our service system.

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This presentation will highlight the diverse immigrant communities in NY state, how people come to the US and what unique cultural attributes and stigmas might exist, especially related to disabilities. The agenda will also cover the resettlement and immigration system and what processes and procedures immigrants and service providers need to navigate and ways to be best prepared.

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Finally, we will share our efforts to make changes in Western New York, We will tell you about the WNY Refugees with Disabilities Task Force that we have spearheaded, as well as the outreach, education and advocacy strategies are being employed to ensure that refugees and immigrants in our communities have equal access to disability services.

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  • Pamela Kefi, pamkefi@gmail.com

  • Cynthia Stewart, Office for New Americans, Ramirez June Institute

  • Kristi Moscato, Person Centered Services

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57) Dive into the Future of Independence with the TIP Squad!

Ready to witness what happens when technology meets lived experience? Join us as Laurie Dale, the Senior Leader, Empowering Tech unlocks the door to a future of empowerment.

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Get ready to: Unravel the story of the TIP Squad: What sparks ignited this revolution of empowering technology? We will unveil the next-gen tech brewing in the TIP Squad's labs. Learn how you can tap into the power of the TIP Squad and unlock a world of boundless potential. See how we go from utilizing everyday off the shelf products to 3D design, soldering and coding.

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4:15-6:00pm

Art Exhibit & Reception

NY Alliance proudly presents its annual art exhibit by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the people who support them. Join us and enjoy light refreshments, beautiful pieces of art and conversation about the incredible talent across the state. The Sagamore Rec Center

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Learn more about the Art Exhibit here!

4:45-6:00pm

Regional Gatherings @ The Art Exhibit

You're invited to join the NY Alliance Regional Directors and colleagues from your region for a casual networking opportunity alongside the Annual Art Exhibit. The Sagamore Rec Center

6:00pm

Dinner On Your Own

La Bella Vita is now taking reservations for dinner on Thursday evening. Participants of the conference must make reservations to eat in the restaurant at The Sagamore. The contact person and phone number for making a reservation will be included in your conference registration confirmation.

9:00pm

DJ/Karaoke Dance Party

Featuring DJ Darik Habel of Encore Productions

Gift Cards will be awarded to the top two singers!

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