The Environments for Aging Conference + Expo is introducing a new experience when it heads to the Phoenix Convention Center in the “Valley of the Sun,” March 16-18, 2026.
Among the updates are a refreshed format and schedule as well as new and expanded opportunities for networking and one-on-one meetings with industry connections.
Jennifer Kovacs Silvis, vice president, health design group and brand director for EFA, says the shifts are in response to feedback from both exhibitors and attendees regarding the desire for a tighter, weekday schedule.
“We’ve condensed the program to a high-impact, high-value two-day schedule plus a pre-conference day, all with the same top-tier education, expo, networking, and community building that EFA is known for,” Silvis says.
What’s new at 2026 EFA Conference + Expo?
Kicking off on Monday, March 16, the conference begins with workshops and community tours earlier in the day and an evening welcome reception in the expo hall.
On Tuesday, the schedule features a morning keynote and session block followed by dedicated expo time from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “This schedule gives attendees focused hours to peruse booths, meet with vendors, and check out the expo hall programming being introduced in our new community space with a stage,” Silvis says.
On the final day, the conference will transition to an education-focused format with conference sessions that dive into the latest trends and insights on the senior living sector, including case studies, research findings, and design strategies, as well as the annual EFA Magazine Awards Luncheon, which celebrates the 2025 Next Wave Awards, Design Showcase, and Remodel/Renovation winners.
EFA Conference Heads To Phoenix in 2026
“Our primary goal is to be a partner to this industry and do whatever we can to help senior living design professionals achieve their business objectives, and this new format and schedule is a testament to that. We’ve listened to feedback, made strategic changes, and created what I believe is an event that will best allow our attendees and exhibitors to learn, connect, and grow as an industry to, ultimately, drive the very best in design and enhance the lives of senior living residents and staff,” Silvis says.
“Plus, our Tuesday evening off-site networking party just so happens to fall on St. Patrick’s Day—the green beer is on us!”
Registration opens in early November. For more information and updates, visit environmentsforaging.com.
