This year marked an extraordinary milestone for Southern Administrative Services as leaders from client facilities across Arkansas gathered in Hot Springs for the annual SAS Leadership Conference. Hosted at the beautiful Oaklawn Resort, the two-day event brought together administrators, department heads, and partner teams for training, education, collaboration, and celebration.

With SAS celebrating 20 years in business, this year’s theme - “Honoring Our Legacy, Inspiring Our Future” - set the tone for an event filled with reflection, renewed purpose, and forward-thinking energy. Attendees had the opportunity to look back at the impact SAS has made over the past two decades while also exploring new ideas and strategies that will shape the future of long-term care in Arkansas and beyond.

A Conference Built on Growth & Excellence

Each year, the SAS Leadership Conference provides a meaningful space for leaders to come together, share insight, and strengthen the mission we carry into every facility we serve. The 2025 conference included:

• Engaging training sessions focused on leadership development
• Industry updates and educational workshops
• Collaboration between facilities across the state
• Inspiring keynote messages centered on compassion, integrity, and innovation

These sessions reaffirmed SAS’s commitment to equipping leaders with the tools and support they need to positively impact the daily lives of elders and staff in each community.

An Evening of Celebration: The Annual SAS Awards Banquet

A highlight of the conference was the annual Awards Banquet, an elegant evening dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements from the past year. Held at Oaklawn’s stunning event space, the banquet featured beautiful décor that perfectly complemented this year’s 20th-anniversary celebration.

The awards ceremony honored individuals and teams who exemplified excellence in caregiving, leadership, culture change, and service. These recipients have gone above and beyond in their dedication to providing quality care and creating positive environments within their facilities—and their achievements truly embody the mission of Southern Administrative Services.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

As SAS reflects on two decades of service, one thing remains clear: the heart of this company is found in the people who care for elders each and every day. This year’s conference not only celebrated a powerful legacy but also sparked inspiration for what lies ahead.

Southern Administrative Services remains committed to supporting its leaders, empowering its facilities, and shaping a future filled with excellence, innovation, and compassion. Here’s to the next 20 years—and to the incredible leaders who make it all possible.