What a way to celebrate 100 years!
SDAHO’s 100th Annual Convention brought together a record-setting crowd of over 500 attendees in Sioux Falls for a milestone celebration filled with education, connection, recognition and plenty of memorable moments.
Held September 16–18 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, this year’s event honored a century of SDAHO and health care in South Dakota while keeping an eye firmly on the future. Attendees participated in educational sessions addressing some of the most important issues facing health care today, while nationally recognized keynote speakers Kyle Scheele and Justin Wren challenged and inspired attendees through messages of innovation, purpose and leadership.
For Michella Sybesma, SDAHO Vice President of Education and Communication, seeing months of planning come together—and seeing members embrace the centennial celebration—made the milestone especially meaningful.
“There were so many moving pieces that went into making our 100th Annual Convention special, but seeing nearly 500 people come together to learn, reconnect and celebrate was incredibly rewarding,” Sybesma said. “Our members are what make this event what it is, and we wanted this year to feel like a celebration of them and the incredible health care community we have in South Dakota.”
The celebration extended well beyond the classroom. A packed Exhibitor Social brought attendees and industry partners together, while special centennial experiences provided opportunities to reflect on SDAHO’s history and the people and organizations that helped shape health care across the state.
One of the convention’s most memorable moments came during the 100th Annual Distinguished Service Awards Luncheon, where SDAHO celebrated individuals making a difference in health care. The milestone ceremony was made even more special with Governor Larry Rhoden joining SDAHO Board Chair Paulette Davidson to help recognize this year’s honorees, along with a special appearance by Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills.
“Our team wanted the 100th Convention to honor where SDAHO has been while still creating an experience that felt fresh, meaningful and fun,” Sybesma said. “From the education and awards celebration to the exhibitor social and special guests, there were moments throughout the convention that reminded us why gathering together still matters.”
For SDAHO President and CEO Tim Rave, the record attendance was a fitting reflection of the strength of the association and its membership as SDAHO begins its next century.
“Celebrating 100 years is really about celebrating the people and organizations that have built SDAHO and continue to move health care forward in South Dakota,” Rave said. “To see a record number of members and partners come together for this milestone was incredibly meaningful. We are grateful for their support, their engagement and the work they do every day for communities across our state.”
After 100 conventions, one thing remains unchanged: Annual Convention is about bringing South Dakota’s health care community together.
Thank you to our attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, award recipients, special guests and everyone who helped make SDAHO’s 100th Annual Convention one to remember.
A Century Strong—and ready for what comes next.
