March 30 - April 1, 2026

Nashville Tennessee

Sessions

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

NIC Premier Session: Rising Storm: Labor Force Headwinds & Insights for Change

Session Type: Main Stage



Date and Time:Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Speaker

Ron Hetrick

Principal Economist

Lightcast

Moderator

Lisa McCracken

Head of Research & Analytics

NIC

It is no secret that staffing is a top priority for senior housing & care operators and owners. In this data-rich, eye-opening session, Ron Hetrick, one of the nation’s top labor economists and dynamic storyteller, will unpack the demographic forces driving today’s workforce shortages and what they mean for the future of care.

With deep expertise in healthcare and senior services, Hetrick will present robust workforce-related data and share deep insights on macro labor force trends, generational shifts, the rise of AI, and emerging solutions for adaptation. Attendees will leave this session with a clearer understanding of the economic realities behind workforce constraints and the practical ideas to navigate the road ahead.