IAC 14th Annual Conference

It's not that technology is advancing too quickly. It's that human skills are advancing too slowly. There's no big mystery as to why trust, the #1 key to business, is experiencing a crisis during the artificial age. People want something REAL - and if you don't give it to them, then your competitors will.
Where there is human connection, there is magic. Productivity improves in a way that science can't explain. Innovation strikes like lightning from a clear sky. Ordinary people transform into extraordinary teams. You don't have to wait or hope, this can be built.
Join mentalist, author, and top-rated speaker Tim David for an interactive, amazing, science-based, (and also HILARIOUS) program that helps participants experience how quickly authenticity, empathy, and trust can be built in teams using practical frameworks and action-items that can be applied immediately.
In this keynote, Tim introduces the REAL Framework. To be REAL, we must be…

• R — Radically Human: Present, authentic, vulnerable, and human-first
• E — Empathically Concerned: Replace assumptions with curiosity to reduce friction
• A — Artistically Minded: Cultivate originality and creativity in a world of replication
• L — Long-Term Focused: “People over profits” compounds trust over time

Program Objectives:After engaging with this session, participants will be able to… 

• Identify where “artificial connection” is eroding trust (meetings, email/Slack, hybrid dynamics) and choose one “Radically Human” behavior that immediately raises presence and credibility.
• Apply a simple empathy reset that replaces assumptions with curiosity—so collaboration speeds up and conflict de-escalates faster.
• Differentiate between “copy/paste work” and “artistry work,” then implement a repeatable practice that increases originality and innovation (even in AI-saturated roles).
• Build a long-term “trust deposit” system—small, consistent actions that compound reliability, follow-through, and culture over time.
• Adapt the REAL Framework to their specific context (leadership, sales, cross-functional teams, member-based organizations) so the model becomes a shared language, not a poster slogan.

Executive commitment to the DSP workforce is widespread. Executive action on it is harder. This panel demonstrates what workforce sustainability looks like when executives treat it as their own practice rather than a problem set by funding. 

In today’s workforce climate, attracting and keeping great people takes more than competitive pay and perks. In this engaging breakout session, Tim David explores the powerful role communication, recognition, and human connection play in recruitment and retention. Attendees will discover practical strategies and “magic words” that help people feel valued, motivated, and committed — creating stronger teams and healthier workplace cultures, even during challenging times.  

As the world of human services changes, it's more important than ever to deliver care that respects privacy, safety, and independence while keeping people connected to their communities. This presentation dives into the shift toward cutting-edge, technology-driven care models that follow CMS's Final Settings Rule. We'll explore why traditional group care falls short and how next-generation solutions can better serve semi-independent and vulnerable individuals. 

Key topics include how remote and in-home support technologies are making it possible to deliver faster, more flexible care, even in hard-to-reach places. Attendees will learn 5 key characteristics of a strong technology partner in order to prepare for moving to next gen services. We’ll also share insight on GoodLife’s award-winning Neighborhood Network and Shared Living models, which show how technology is not just improving care but changing lives for the better. Lastly, we'll tackle the tricky balance between protecting privacy and meeting care needs, and highlight how dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a crucial role in making this all work. With real-life examples and hands-on strategies, we'll show how these new models don't just boost quality of life-they're also the future of a stronger, more stable direct support workforce. This session is for anyone ready to push the limits and drive person-centered care with practical, game-changing solutions. 

This 75-minute moderated panel will bring together executive, legal, and risk advisory perspectives to explore what “high performance” looks like for behavioral health organizations in today’s oversight environment. As funding scrutiny intensifies and expectations evolve, it’s no longer enough to deliver strong outcomes; organizations increasingly carry the burden of proof to demonstrate sound governance, effective internal controls, and that they are responsible stewards of federal and state funds. Panelists will discuss practical ways high-performing providers are strengthening accountability (from board oversight to operational controls), preparing for heightened federal and state attention, and building resilience while navigating uncertainty in the funding landscape. Attendees will leave with peer-tested strategies they can adapt to their own organizations to sustain performance, manage risk, and stay audit-ready.
 
Learning Objectives:
·        Identify governance, accountability, and internal control practices that distinguish high-performing behavioral health organizations in today’s heightened oversight environment.
·        Translate real-world lessons into practical steps for improving oversight and resilience.
·        Understand how risk advisory functions (e.g., internal audit) can serve as strategic partners in transformation.

The ongoing uncertainty on the federal level, including the focus on fraud, waste and abuse, creates new challenges for providers seeking to continue their mission of providing quality services and supports. This presentation will examine the federal regulatory environment, New York State’s response, and proactive strategies providers can pursue in this uncertain environment.

This session will cover the evolution of Supported Decision-Making in New York, including a preview of how this model is being scaled up for the entire state of New York. Attendees will learn how Decision Makers will be empowered to carry out decisions and navigate decision-making spaces. Additionally, attendees will learn how Supported Decision- Making has synergy with the Self-Direction Model, can be a tool for succession planning, and how to make referrals to the program. We will also discuss the differences between Guardianship and Supported Decision-Making, as well as the options that people and their families have when planning for the future.