The LeadingAge conference and expo lands in Chicago Nov. 5-8 and will feature a handful of new wrinkles. One of the most notable will be a revamped exhibit hall experience, grouped into seven learning communities, each with a corresponding educational track. 

With “thought-provoking activations, collaborative spaces, and eateries to creatively interactive booths, every moment in E2 will be more experiential and less transactional than a traditional expo,” organizers said. Included will be “chef-inspired hot meals in spaces that feel like swanky downtown restaurants.”

Exhibits will be open 12-3:30 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday. All events will be held Nov. 5-8 at McCormick Place.

The annual convention kicks off with a Chicago Street Fest at 11 a.m. Sunday Nov. 5 and then blends into afternoon sessions at the convention center on Chicago’s lakefront.

The Monday morning sessions will be anchored by a keynote address by Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor, social scientist, best-selling author and columnist at The Atlantic. Among other things, he is a co-author, along with Oprah Winfrey, of “Build the Life You Want.”

Karen Walrond will be the Tuesday morning keynoter. She is a nationally-recognized author and photographer who inspires others to find and celebrate their own uniqueness, through the power of storytelling. She has spoken around the world appearing on CNN, TEDxHouston, and the “Oprah Winfrey Show.” Through her book “The Beauty of Different,” her blog Chookooloonks, her e-books, online courses and in-person retreats, she impresses that individuals’ uniqueness, skills and stories have the power to connect in the “most beautifully different ways.”

Attendees will have the option of attending dozens of educational sessions, with the opportunity to earn up to 16 continuing education credits.

Numerous opportunities for member site visits, as well as many networking opportunities onsite also will be available.

Visit the LeadingAge conference website for more information or to register.