IAHSA hosted a luncheon for members and international conference attendees during the LeadingAge Annual Meeting in Boston Massachusetts in early November. The luncheon welcomed guests from places as far as Australia, China, Beirut and Kenya to name only a few.

The gathering was an opportunity for members of IAHSA’s U.S. chapter to connect and engage with international attendees as well as for IAHSA to recognize its members and to honor LeadingAge President & CEO and IAHSA President, Larry Minnix, for his contributions to IAHSA’s mission and growth.  Larry Minnix will be retiring from his position as President & CEO of LeadingAge at the end of the year.

Joyce Eid was presented with an IAHSA Certificate of Distinction in recognition of her work in the establishment of Moadieh Evangelical Center, an interfaith elder care community in Beirut. The award was presented by David Reimer of Palm Village in CA who worked closely with the project.  More projects of this kind (which require the involvement and support of international communities—connections which can be made through IAHSA) were encouraged throughout the programme.

IAHSA Board Member and Immediate Past Chair, Rob Hilton, extended IAHSA’s gratitude to Larry Minnix for his vision and support of IAHSA’s mission over the years, commenting that “no activity of LeadingAge better represents Larry’s vision for and commitment to the field of aging than our participation in IAHSA.” As IAHSA’s acting President, Larry Minnix’s support has been integral to the IAHSA’s growth as a key resource for the world’s leaders in aged care as well as the development of its programming.

In closing, IAHSA Board Member Rich Schutt, reflected on his organization’s experiences as an IAHSA member, highlighting 4 key benefits and advantages of membership.

1. Education. “First, and foremost, it is a place to learn.”

2. Service. “Second, IAHSA is a place where you can serve. “

3. Expansion—the potential to expand services, resources and supports internationally.

4. Ease of engagement. “If you have not experienced these benefits of IAHSA, all you have to do is join-in, and engage.“