Meet our Keynote Speaker
Dr. Sheri-Ann McLean-Williams is a developmental psychologist, leadership strategist, and CEO of McLean Coaching & Consulting. She is a Maxwell Executive Certified Coach, Trainer, and Speaker with over fourteen years of experience working across the United States and Jamaica. Her work focuses on leadership development, communication, emotional intelligence, employee engagement, resilience training, and executive coaching. A Worcester Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree, she is the author of You Belong in the Room and the BREATHE 30-Day Journal. Beyond her professional roles, she is deeply committed to community service and leadership. She finds joy in family, faith, travel, and empowering others to lead with integrity, clarity, and confidence for lasting impact.
MCOA 2025 Fall Conference Countdown!
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Discover sessions on:
Healthy Aging: Focuses on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Includes topics like dementia care, chronic disease management, nutrition, fall prevention, and end-of-life planning.
Community Connections: Topics include caregiver support, intergenerational programs, volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, and creative aging initiatives.
Professional Development: Offers a wide range of sessions to enhance professional skills. Topics include leadership, marketing, finance, HR, program development, evaluation, strategic planning, advocacy, grant writing, technology, and self-care.
Social Support & Isolation: Topics include elder abuse prevention, financial security, healthcare benefits, legal and estate planning, ageism, LGBTQIA+ issues, diversity and inclusion, and strategies to combat loneliness and isolation.
🎓 CEU Information – 2026 MCOA Fall Conference
We’re excited to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) at a discounted rate for this year’s conference:
💵 $10 for 1 CEU
💵 $30 for up to 5 CEUs
💵 $40 for 6 to 8 CEUs
đź“ť How It Works:
Pick up a paper CEU tracking form at the Resolution Desk
Get a Room Monitor’s signature for each eligible workshop you attend
Submit your completed form before leaving the conference and drop off at the Resolution Desk
CEU fees will be billed to you the week after the event
âś… A list of CEU-eligible workshops will be shared soon.
âť“ Questions, andrea@mcoaonline.org
Reach out anytime—we’re happy to help!
Dr. Sheri-Ann McLean-Williams is a developmental psychologist, leadership strategist, and CEO of McLean Coaching & Consulting. She is a Maxwell Executive Certified Coach, Trainer, and Speaker with over fourteen years of experience working across the United States and Jamaica. Her work focuses on leadership development, communication, emotional intelligence, employee engagement, resilience training, and executive coaching. A Worcester Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree, she is the author of You Belong in the Room and the BREATHE 30-Day Journal. Beyond her professional roles, she is deeply committed to community service and leadership. She finds joy in family, faith, travel, and empowering others to lead with integrity, clarity, and confidence for lasting impact.
Learn more:
🌟 Thursday General Session: Celebrating Excellence, Innovation & Our Shared Impact
Join us for an inspiring Thursday General Session as we celebrate the people, programs, and partnerships that are shaping the future of aging services across Massachusetts.
We’ll honor this year’s recipients of the Director of the Year and Innovation of the Year Awards, recognizing outstanding leadership, creativity, and dedication to improving the lives of older adults in communities throughout the Commonwealth.
📸 We’ll also unveil the winners of MCOA’s inaugural Photo Contest, showcasing the moments, connections, and stories that capture the vibrant spirit of Councils on Aging and senior centers across Massachusetts.
🎓 We’ll recognize the accomplishments of Council on Aging directors and staff who have earned their MCOA Professional Certification, celebrating their commitment to lifelong learning, professional excellence, and advancing the quality of services for older adults throughout Massachusetts.
The General Session will also feature important updates from MCOA and our state and national aging services partners.
Celebrate achievements, gather valuable insights, and leave inspired by the remarkable work happening across our aging network. This is a session you won’t want to miss!
2026 MCOA Fall Conference Schedule | Wellsworth Hotel, Southbridge, MA
October 21–23
Schedule At-A-Glance
Tuesday Activities |
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| 3 – 6pm | Check-in | |
Wednesday Activities |
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| 7:30-9:00am | Breakfast | |
| 7:30am-5:00pm | Check-in & Resolution Desk | |
| 8:00am-5:00pm | Exhibitors Hall | |
| 9:00-10:15am | Welcome and Keynote | |
| 10:15-10:45am | Break | |
| 10:45am-12:00pm | Workshop/Peer Session I | See workshop schedule for rooms |
| 12:00-1:00pm | Luncheon | |
| 1:15-2:30pm | Workshop/Peer Session II | See workshop schedule for rooms |
| 2:30-3:00pm | Break | |
| 3:00-4:15pm | Workshop/Peer Session III | See workshop schedule for rooms |
| 4:30-5:00pm | Annual Meeting | |
| 6:00-9:00pm | Evening Networking | |
Thursday Activities |
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| 7:30-9:00am | Breakfast | |
| 7:30am-5:00pm | Check-in & Resolution Desk | |
| 8:00am-5:00pm | Exhibitors Hall  | |
| 9:00-10:15am | Workshop/Peer Session I | See workshop schedule for rooms |
| 10:15-10:45am | Break | |
| 10:45am-12:00pm | Workshop/Peer Session II | See workshop schedule for rooms |
| 12:00-1:00pm | Luncheon | |
| 1:00-2:30pm | General Session | |
| 2:30-3:00pm  | Break | |
| 3:00-4:15pm | Workshop/Peer Session III | See workshop schedule for rooms |
| 5:30-8:30pm | Evening Networking | |
Friday Activities |
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| 7:30-9:00am | Breakfast | |
| 7:30-10:00am | Check-in & Resolution Desk | |
| 9:00-10:15am | Workshop Session I | See workshop schedule for rooms |
| 10:30-11:45am | Workshop Session II | See workshop schedule for rooms |
| 12:00-1:00pm | Luncheon | |
Get Ready for the 2026 MCOA Fall Conference at the Wellsworth Hotel!
We’re excited to welcome you to the 2026 MCOA Fall Conference at the beautifully restored Wellsworth Hotel in Southbridge, Massachusetts! This historic New England destination provides the perfect setting for three days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration as we come together under this year’s theme, Focused on What Matters: Supporting Our Older Adults.
Why Attend?
🎓 Engaging Education
Explore timely workshops, innovative programs, and practical strategies designed to help Councils on Aging meet the evolving needs of older adults and strengthen their communities.
🎤 Inspiring Speakers
Hear from dynamic keynote presenters and industry experts who will challenge ideas, spark new conversations, and leave you energized to bring fresh perspectives back to your community.
🤝 Meaningful Connections
Reconnect with colleagues from across Massachusetts, exchange ideas, discover new resources, and build relationships with professionals who share your passion for serving older adults.
About the Venue
Located in the heart of Southbridge, Massachusetts, the Wellsworth Hotel blends historic charm with modern amenities to create a warm and welcoming conference experience. The thoughtfully renovated property offers comfortable accommodations, inviting gathering spaces, and easy access to local shops and restaurants, making it an ideal location to learn, network, and recharge.
Whether you’re attending educational sessions, exploring the exhibit hall, or connecting with colleagues over coffee, the Wellsworth Hotel provides a comfortable setting where conversations continue long after the workshops end.
Join us October 21–23, 2026, and experience three days of professional development, collaboration, and celebration with the MCOA community. We can’t wait to welcome you to Southbridge this fall!
Welcome to the MCOA Fall Conference!
The MCOA Conference App is your go-to resource for navigating the event and making the most of your experience. Here’s what you can do with the app:
- Personalize Your Schedule: Build your own agenda with sessions, workshops, and networking events.
- Access Event Information: Quickly find venue details, session descriptions, and speaker bios.
- Engage with Other Attendees: Connect with peers and share insights through the app’s networking features.
- Get Real-Time Updates: Stay informed with instant notifications about schedule changes, special announcements, and more.
- Participate in Interactive Sessions: Use live polls and Q&A features to actively engage during presentations.
- Explore Exhibitors: Discover and connect with exhibitors, and even schedule meetings right through the app.
- Navigate the Event: Access maps and directions to easily find your way around the venue.
Ready to enhance your conference experience? Download the MCOA Conference App now from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store!
Downloading and installing the MCOA Events app is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps:
- Visit Your Phone’s App Store: Whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device, head over to your respective app store.
- Search for MCOA Annual Conference: Once you’re in the app store, use the search function to find the MCOA Annual Conference app. You can also scan the QR codes provided for quick access. (Look for our Logo!)
- Get or Install the App: When you find the app, simply tap on the “GET” or “INSTALL” button to download it to your phone.
- Open the App and Sign In: After the app is installed, open it up. You’ll find the sign-in option at the top right corner. Make sure to sign in using the email address you used to register for the conference.
- Enter the Access Code: Follow the on-screen instructions to check your email for the Access Code. Once you have it, enter it into the app.
- You’re In!: Congratulations, you’re now logged into the MCOA Annual Conference app as an attendee! From here, you can explore workshops, view schedules, access FAQs, and connect with other attendees through direct messaging and a symposium socila feed.
Don’t miss out on this valuable resource for the conference. Download the app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store!
MCOA is pleased to offer workshops, events and trainings, and does have costs associated with these events.
Attendees who have registered for any MCOA function, may cancel up to the closing date deadline (October 1, 2026).
If you are unable to attend our function, we request notification prior to the closing date deadline (October 1, 2026). Registrants may send an alternate person to the event. After that time, MCOA is obligated to the caterer and speaker for the costs incurred and will pass along that cost to the registrant. A registrant who has cancelled before the closing but paid for the function will be able to apply the fee towards the next function. Cash will no longer be accepted onsite.
 Attendees (and their organizations) with a history of unpaid invoices will not be allowed to attend any event without prior payment. To cancel, please submit your cancellation in writing to Lisa@mcoaonline.org by October 1, 2026, and use the following title in the subject heading: “Conference Cancellation”.
OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
