Reflections from the ASA “On Aging 2025” Conference

This year’s ASA On Aging Conference 2025, held at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center in sunny Orlando, Florida, was nothing short of impactful. Promoted as an exciting and informative experience for professionals working in aging, the conference truly delivered. As a first-time attendee, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but I walked away inspired, informed, and more connected than ever.

One of the most welcoming aspects for newcomers was ASA’s Buddy Program, which pairs first-time attendees with returning members to help navigate the conference and make the most of the experience. I had the pleasure of being paired with Atheda Fletcher from Oklahoma. We clicked right away, and I’m confident we’ve started what will be a lasting professional friendship—full of knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and encouragement.

Before the main event even began, I attended the Disrupting Ageism Intensive Workshop—a powerful pre-conference session that explored the current landscape of ageism and how it's being addressed across the country. A particularly inspiring takeaway? Maine is the first state to launch a statewide initiative to end ageism. This effort highlights the growing momentum in combating age-related bias, and the session challenged us to consider ageism through the lens of youth privilege—a vital and often overlooked perspective.

The conference schedule was impressively full, with several different sessions running concurrently at any given time. While it was initially overwhelming, I saw this as a sign of a strong, relevant conference agenda. The wide range of topics reaffirmed my decision to attend, even with the steep investment—roughly $1,700 for non-member registration and travel (excluding hotel costs). Still, the opportunity to network with aging professionals from across the country made it well worth the expense.

A few sessions stood out as particularly impactful:

• Pre-K – Grade 2 Curriculum Toolkit: This virtual resource is designed to help educators introduce young children to positive views of aging. It offers lesson plans that highlight the value of older adults, helping to foster intergenerational respect early in life.

• Panel of Pundits: A dynamic discussion among leading voices in the aging field.

• Aging While Black Summit: This powerful session offered critical insights into the unique experiences of Black older adults and the systemic challenges they face.

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Personally, one of the most meaningful moments was reconnecting with colleagues from my alma mater, Concordia University Chicago, and meeting new professionals from the Los Angeles area. These connections are a vital part of how we continue to grow as individuals and as a community committed to advancing equity and excellence in aging.

In all, the ASA On Aging Conference 2025 lived up to its promise—and then some. I left feeling energized and more committed than ever to the work we do in gerontology and aging services.