Industry conferences, such as Environments for Aging and LeadingAge, provide the MDP Team with networking, ongoing education, and product-sourcing opportunities. MDP Partner Kimberly Hyduke and Design Director Christine Kepko joined fellow senior living industry professionals in Atlanta for the 2024 Environments for Aging Conference and Expo. Here are a few conference highlights from our MDP roving reporters.
Networking
One of the best parts of any conference is meeting new people and reconnecting with industry colleagues. Whether clients, project partners, vendors or dear friends, it is the ideal time to reminisce, discuss current project details or gain insights on future project opportunities.
Hyduke and Kepko enjoyed conversations, connections and exploring products with vendor partners like H Contract, Fairfield, Charter, Architex, Fabricut and more.
“The conference provided numerous opportunities to engage with like-minded, forward-thinking individuals who are all instrumental in creating inspired living environments for the aging,” says Kepko.
Education
Each year the conference offers a well-curated selection of educational sessions covering important senior living topics, best practices and industry trends. In particular, Hyduke and Kepko noted Session E22 – Aging, Accessibility, Autism and Dementia: Designing for Everyone?
The session reinforced the importance of incorporating accessibility solutions—design for all. The panelists discussed resources, such as organizations like the American Academy of Health Care Interior Designers (AAHID), which provides greater access to health provisions focusing on visible vs. invisible disabilities.
“The speakers emphasized our professional responsibility to shape inclusive design and broaden accessibility,” says Hyduke. “Our design decisions are especially important in developing supportive healthcare environments.”
Interestingly, the presentation also shared data about the biological link between autism and dementia. According to the presenters, one in 36 children has autism, and the rate of autism is climbing. The speakers shared that the current needs of people with dementia parallel the future needs of children with autism. For example, both groups wander, have sensitivity to sounds, need outdoor stimulation, and sometimes cannot articulate pain or understand hunger. This underlines the need for thoughtful, sensory-friendly design. Creative solutions need to carefully consider the effects on all five senses. Acoustics, lighting, olfactory elements, spatial configuration, materials and colors all play important roles in creating a safe environment.
Designers have a lot of factors to consider when developing human-centric environments, so the importance of empathy was highlighted. A designer’s ability to identify with the people they are creating spaces for will elevate solutions, resulting in universally engaging environments and enriching experiences. The panelists shared a quote that resonated with Hyduke and Kepko.
“Empathy is the only human superpower: it can shrink distance, cut through social and power hierarchies, transcend differences, and provoke political and social change.” –Poet Elizabeth Thomas
Inspiration
In addition to supporting ample opportunities to connect with colleagues, the expo floor is the place to explore the latest and greatest in product introductions and innovations.
It is not easy to impress seasoned professionals like Hyduke and Kepko, but CATCH by Samuelson™ caught their eyes. The patented hardware is a hook developed for Samuelson Legendary Furniture chair backs, allowing a walker or personal item to suspend on the back of a chair.
“This responds to essential community needs,” says Hyduke. “It helps minimize clutter in dining rooms and other crowded areas while keeping the walker within reach.”
Hyduke and Kepko believe this product may be a game changer.
Lightwave Laser was another vendor that stood out with the designers. The company specializes in decorative, wood and metal laser cut panels and unlike other laser screening products, provides designers and architects the ability to create solutions for ceilings and skylights, signage, backlit screens, and decorative cabinetry and furniture. There is an extensive library of patterns, with new introductions adding to the creative options. Lightwave Laser also offers installation information, mounting hardware and light box assembly. The MDP Team loves adding depth, texture and visual interest to senior living environments, so Hyduke and Kepko know this product line will support inspired design solutions.
Accolades
The conference provides the perfect setting to celebrate Environments for Aging award program winners. As the Silver Award recipient in the 2023 Remodel/Renovation competition, Kepko proudly accepted the award on behalf of MDP for the work on RiverSpring Living’s RiverWalk dining project. She also shared project insights during a special session featuring the 2023 Remodel/Renovation honorees.
The judges applauded the thoughtful planning and impressive evolution of the property. They called it a stunning transformation and highlighted the design flow, indoor/outdoor connections and overall ambiance. “A very elegant and beautiful transformation of an old dining space with a lot of visual interest.”
“While the show focused on the latest trends and exposure to new products affecting our senior living community, attending the awards luncheon was an honor and a highlight for me to be recognized amongst my peers,” says Kepko. “My goal on every project is to focus on hospitality-inspired spaces, but being part of the design evolution at Riverwalk and elevating resident life–‘helping its residents live the fullest lives they can’–was particularly gratifying.”
FUN!
Industry conferences aren’t all work and no play. In fact, they can be quite exhausting as attendees balance work with a little fun. Atlanta provided a vibrant urban backdrop for Environments for Aging 2024 and reignited Hyduke and Kepko’s creative energy.
“We are often exhibiting at conferences, so it was nice to be an attendee for the first time in a while,” says Hyduke. “I am always looking to learn and grow my industry knowledge as elders’ needs and technology are rapidly changing. Attending the sessions and learning about new products helps me stay current. Exploring and finding inspiration outside the office is always fun, especially with Christine. There is always a lot of laughing. I love coming back and infusing my work with this inspired energy. It’s like getting a new bounce in my step!”
