Fall is always a busy time of year here at Environments for Aging.
Our calendars are full with magazine production on the annual Fall issue, preparations for the springtime EFA Conference + Expo, and finalizing editorial plans for the coming year—all of which can make the days and weeks seem to go by fast. In fact, it was just a year ago that we decided to launch the Next Wave Awards, which are featured in this issue.
This new program is designed to recognize and celebrate emerging professionals who have fewer than 10 years of industry experience and are already making significant contributions to senior living design. There’s no shortage of opportunities and challenges to tackle in the senior living sector—including meeting residents’ evolving tastes and preferences, addressing staffing challenges, supporting operational needs, and creating affordable, sustainable communities.
The four awardees selected by EFA’s editors bring not only design skills and technical expertise but also a deep sense of empathy and commitment to face these issues—and so much more. I invite you to turn to page 18 to read more about the inaugural Next Wave Awards recipients, their inspiring work, and what makes them stand out.
2026 EFA Conference + Expo Heads To Phoenix March 16-18
In addition to broadening our editorial programs, the team behind the EFA Conference + Expo is always looking for new ways to refresh and evolve the annual event. So it’s exciting to share that the 2026 EFA Conference + Expo, to be held March 16-18 in Phoenix, will feature a new format, weekday schedule, and expanded networking opportunities—changes guided by feedback from exhibitors and attendees on how best to meet their evolving needs. And look for registration to open in early November at environmentsforaging.com.
Looking out the window of my office and seeing the season’s shifting landscape and colors, it’s hard not to be reminded of the beauty of change, letting go, and making room for the new. At EFA, we’ll continue to look for new opportunities to meet this industry’s evolving needs. And if you’ve got an idea to share, reach out to me at [email protected].
Anne DiNardo is editor-in-chief of Environments for Aging magazine and can be reached at [email protected].
