Long term care professionals from across Alabama gathered in Montgomery September 22–25 for the 2026 Alabama Nursing Home Association Annual Convention & Trade Show, a four-day event featuring education, networking, professional development, industry resources and a celebration of ANHA’s 75th anniversary.

Held at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa, this year’s Convention carried special significance as ANHA marked 75 Years of Caring & Commitment. The theme, Past, Present, and Future: 75 Years of Caring and Commitment through the Decades, provided an opportunity to reflect on the people and progress that have shaped the association since its founding in 1951 while looking ahead to the future of long term care in Alabama.

Throughout the week, nursing home and assisted living professionals, business partners, speakers and industry leaders came together to learn, exchange ideas, build relationships and celebrate the individuals who make a difference in long term care every day.

Education Focused on Today’s Long Term Care Environment

Education remained at the heart of Convention, with sessions addressing many of the issues and opportunities facing long term care providers today.

National, regional, state and local experts shared information and practical strategies on topics including leadership development, life safety and emergency preparedness, evacuation planning, workforce development, regulatory and survey updates, the CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System, Medicaid policy and other issues affecting nursing homes and assisted living communities.

Attendees also had opportunities to earn continuing education credit while connecting with colleagues from throughout the state and learning strategies they can take back to their organizations.

Beyond the classroom, Convention provided opportunities for members to exchange ideas and experiences with peers who understand the unique challenges and rewards of serving older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Trade Show Brings the Decades to Life

One of Convention’s most anticipated events returned Wednesday evening as 88 exhibitors filled the Trade Show floor with products, services, resources and plenty of creativity.

In keeping with ANHA’s 75th anniversary theme, exhibitors and attendees embraced the decades, with costumes and booth displays adding to the energy of the evening. From networking with longtime business partners to discovering new products and services, the Trade Show offered members an opportunity to connect directly with companies serving the long term care profession.

The annual Passport Game and Best Booth Contest added to the fun as attendees made their way through the exhibit hall.

ANHA extends its appreciation to all of the exhibitors and sponsors whose participation and support helped make the 2026 Convention possible.

ANHA Elects 2027 Officers and Board of Directors

Convention also marked the beginning of a new year of leadership for the association with the election of ANHA’s 2026–2027 officers and Board of Directors during the General Business Session.

The Board represents ANHA’s membership and helps guide the association’s work on behalf of Alabama’s long term care providers.

Read more about ANHA’s 2026–2027 officers and Board of Directors: Alabama Nursing Home Association Elects Officers for 2027

Inaugural Leaders in Long Term Care Award Recipients Recognized

The celebration of leadership continued Thursday evening as ANHA presented its inaugural Leaders in Long Term Care Awards during the 75th Anniversary Celebration & Awards Ceremony.

Created in 2026, the awards recognize individuals whose leadership, dedication and service are making a meaningful difference for residents, families, colleagues and Alabama’s long term care profession.

Five individuals received the inaugural honors:

Noble Caregiver Award: Twani Russell, John Knox Manor
Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year: LuShawn Gibbs, Bridgeway Health & Rehab Center
Nurse Leader of the Year: Jackie Giles, Washington County Hospital and Nursing Home
Assisted Living Leader of the Year: Jennifer Cambron, Cherokee Village
Skilled Nursing Facility Leader of the Year: Libby Alford, Schmidt Wallace Healthcare

The recipients were selected following a blind judging process, with three finalists recognized in each of the five award categories.

Meet the 2026 Leaders in Long Term Care Award recipients: ANHA Announces Inaugural Leaders in Long Term Care Award Recipients.

ANHA Inducts Inaugural Hall of Fame Class

Thursday evening also marked another milestone with the induction of the first members of the ANHA Legends of Long Term Care Hall of Fame.

Established as part of ANHA’s 75th anniversary, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership, service and lasting contributions have helped shape the association and advance long term care in Alabama.

The 2026 inaugural class includes:

Clarence M. Ball, Jr. • Richard Brockman • Frank Brown • Carol Knight Bullock • J. Norman Estes • Ann Galloway • Benjamin Edward “Eddie” Jackson • Joe Kelley • Pam Penland • Bill Hatley • Joseph William “Billy” Jones, Jr. • Patti Wallace

Hatley, Jones and Wallace were inducted posthumously.

Together, the 12 inaugural inductees represent decades of leadership, advocacy, service and commitment to Alabama’s long term care community.

Meet the inaugural ANHA Legends of Long Term Care Hall of Fame class: ANHA Inducts Inaugural Class into Legends of Long Term Care Hall of Fame.

Celebrating 75 Years of Caring & Commitment

The awards and Hall of Fame inductions were part of a milestone evening celebrating ANHA’s 75-year history.

During the 75th Anniversary Celebration & Awards Ceremony, attendees reflected on the association’s journey from its founding in 1951 to the statewide organization it is today. A special anniversary video highlighted people, milestones and moments from across the decades, while historical photographs and other anniversary elements carried the story of ANHA’s past throughout the evening.

The celebration also recognized the generations of leaders, caregivers, members and partners who have contributed to ANHA and Alabama long term care over the past 75 years.

The evening concluded by looking toward the future and celebrating the people who will carry that legacy forward.

Looking Ahead

While the 2026 Convention provided an opportunity to commemorate a historic anniversary, it also reflected what has remained constant throughout ANHA’s history: people coming together to strengthen long term care in Alabama.

From education and professional development to new connections, industry partnerships, leadership transitions and recognition of outstanding service, this year’s Convention celebrated both the history of the association and the people shaping its future.

ANHA thanks the members, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and partners who helped make the 2026 Annual Convention & Trade Show and 75th anniversary celebration a success.

After 75 years of caring and commitment, ANHA looks forward to continuing its work alongside Alabama’s long term care community for the years ahead.