Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Annual HCANJ Convention & Expo is a premier event for professionals in the long-term care sector. Scheduled for October 27-28, 2026, at Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City, this convention will feature a variety of exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders and participate in educational sessions designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in long-term care. Annual HCANJ Convention & Expo.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The 78th Annual HCANJ Convention & Expo takes place on October 27-28, 2026, at Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, Atlantic City.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for professionals in long-term care, featuring numerous exhibitors and educational sessions.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by the Health Care Association of New Jersey, with more details available at hcanj.org.
- 4Entry: Registration is required, with booth spaces sold out; no individual vendor passes are available.
Why visit
For New Jersey long-term care operators, this is the week when the people running skilled nursing facilities, assisted living residences and continuing care communities sit in the same rooms as the state surveyors, Medicaid rate-setters and suppliers they deal with all year.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their products and services to key decision-makers in the long-term care industry, increasing visibility and generating leads. This event is a key gathering for professionals in long-term care, featuring numerous exhibitors and educational sessions. Attendees include decision-makers from long-term care facilities and healthcare providers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Long-term care facility administrators
Healthcare providers and decision-makers
Nursing home operators
Assisted living facility managers
Healthcare consultants
Policy makers in healthcare
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Suppliers of medical equipment and supplies
Providers of healthcare technology solutions
Consultants specializing in long-term care
Service providers for healthcare facilities
Pharmaceutical companies
Training and education providers for healthcare professionals
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Medical equipment and supplies for long-term care
Healthcare technology solutions
Consulting services for healthcare facilities
Pharmaceutical products and services
Training and educational resources for healthcare professionals
Facility management solutions
Location & Facilities
Venue
Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center
Atlantic City, USA
Facilities
Parking
Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
HCANJ member registration by COB September 25
700General admission
Non-member registration by COB September 25
1800General admission
HCANJ member registration after September 25
800General admission
Non-member registration after September 25
2300
Who runs the show
Organisers
Health Care Association of New Jersey
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Atlantic City, USA
Why it matters
On 2026-10-27 to 2026-10-28, Annual HCANJ Convention & Expo in Atlantic City covering Medical equipment and supplies for long-term care, Healthcare technology solutions, Consulting services for healthcare f gives medical buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Atlantic City International
Closest commercial gateway. Fastest route is about 22 minutes over 15.6 miles via Atlantic City Expressway East, which is tolled; a 12.0-mile toll-free alternative runs via Delilah Road and East Absecon Boulevard. Confirm taxi or rideshare availability on arrival, as ACY is a small airport
approx. 15.6 miles (25 km) by road
to venue
approx. 22-30 min
by car
Philadelphia International
Deeper flight inventory for long-haul and connecting itineraries. Road transfer takes roughly an hour; the rail alternative is NJ Transit from Philadelphia 30th Street to the Atlantic City Rail Terminal, then a Jitney or short taxi to the Marina district. Compare the ground cost against an ACY fare
to venue
approx. 45-60 min by road or rail
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
The Seahaus Hotel, Atlantic City Boardwalk, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
4-star
Atlantic City Boardwalk4.2
Captured rate of about INR 11,825 per night for the late-October check window, roughly USD 142. Free cancellation and pet-friendly; boardwalk location means a roughly 10-minute ride to the Marina district venue.
Caesars Atlantic City - A Caesars Rewards Destination
4-star
Atlantic City Boardwalk4.2
Captured rate of about INR 10,077 per night, roughly USD 121. Free cancellation, pool and hot tub on site; a large casino-resort with several dining options for evening meetings.
Comfort Suites Atlantic City North
4-star
Atlantic City North3.5
Captured rate of about INR 7,592 per night, roughly USD 91. Hot tub and pool; north-end location is a drive rather than a walk to the Waterfront Conference Center.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Absecon-Atlantic City Area by IHG
2-star
Absecon4.3
Captured rate of about INR 10,098 per night, roughly USD 122. Free cancellation, hot tub and breakfast included; Absecon is a 15-20 minute drive from the Marina district, so budget parking or a taxi.
Clarion Inn Atlantic City - Beach and Boardwalk
3-star
Atlantic City Beach and Boardwalk3.4
Captured rate of about INR 7,592 per night, roughly USD 91. Free cancellation and pool; the cheapest boardwalk-side option in the capture set and a short ride from the venue.
Residence Inn by Marriott Atlantic City Airport Egg Harbor Township
3-star
Egg Harbor Township near ACY4.2
Captured rate of about INR 17,517 per night, roughly USD 211. Suites with kitchens, pool and pet-friendly policy; convenient for ACY arrivals but the furthest option from the conference centre.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Jitney
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50-3.50 one-way per ride (confirm current Jitney fare)
Best forAtlantic City Jitney along Pacific and Atlantic Avenues toward the Marina district
The Jitney is Atlantic City's frequent small-bus service and the cheapest way to cover the Boardwalk-to-Marina hop. Routes and stops are published at jitneyac.com; cash is common, so carry small notes.
NJ Transit rail
Estimated costApprox. USD 11 one-way adult fare (confirm current NJ Transit fare)
Best forPhiladelphia 30th Street to Atlantic City Rail Terminal
The Atlantic City Rail Line is the practical rail approach from Philadelphia, with connections onward from New York via Trenton and Philadelphia. From the rail terminal, take a Jitney or short taxi to Harrah's in the Marina district.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 35-45 one-way before tip
Best forAtlantic City International (ACY) to Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center
About 15.6 miles and 22 minutes via Atlantic City Expressway East (toll) or a 12.0-mile toll-free route via Delilah Road and East Absecon Boulevard. Confirm rideshare availability at ACY before relying on it for a late arrival.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 130-170 one-way before tip
Best forPhiladelphia International (PHL) to Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center
Roughly an hour by road. Compare against the NJ Transit rail plus Jitney combination if you are travelling alone, since the rail fare is a fraction of the taxi cost.
rideshare (short hop)
Estimated costApprox. USD 8-14 one-way
Best forBoardwalk hotels (Caesars Atlantic City, The Seahaus) to the Marina district venue
A roughly 10-minute cross-town ride. Surge pricing is common on conference evenings and around casino show times, so the Jitney is a cheaper fallback for this leg.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-25 per day depending on self-park vs valet (confirm with venue)
Best forSelf-park garage or valet at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
On-site parking serves the Waterfront Conference Center. Hotel guests should confirm whether parking is bundled into the resort fee, and allow 10 minutes to walk from the garage to the conference wing.
Weather
Late October on the Atlantic City coast is mild but changeable: daytime highs typically near 18-20 C (65-68 F) and overnight lows near 9-11 C (48-52 F), with ocean breezes that make the Marina district feel cooler than inland New Jersey. Rain is possible in any week, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs through 30 November, so check the forecast in the final 72 hours. These are seasonal norms, not a forecast for the conference dates. Business casual with a light waterproof layer covers both the walk between the resort tower and the conference centre and the evening resort functions.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) give strong coverage across Atlantic City; international visitors should arrange an eSIM or roaming plan before landing, since a local SIM from a US carrier requires a store visit and ID. The US uses 120 V / 60 Hz power with Type A and Type B plugs, so UK and European devices need a plug adapter and should be checked for voltage compatibility. Harrah's Resort is a large concrete complex and in-building signal varies between the tower, the conference wing and the garage; conference Wi-Fi access details are issued with your badge at pickup.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm for Atlantic City clinical and association conferences: collared shirts and trousers or a jacket for men, business separates or a dress for women. Resort-casino venues loosen up in the evening, but the session rooms stay professional.
Tipping
US service staff expect tips: 18-20 percent on restaurant bills before tax, USD 2-5 per bag for hotel bell staff, and USD 2-3 per night for housekeeping. Taxi and rideshare drivers are usually tipped 15-20 percent.
Badge pickup and arrival
Registration opens before the first session on day one. Because the Waterfront Conference Center sits inside the Harrah's Resort Atlantic City complex, allow extra time to walk from the hotel tower or the parking garage, and carry photo ID in case credentials are checked.
Venue orientation
The Waterfront Conference Center is part of Harrah's Resort Atlantic City in the Marina district, several miles from the Boardwalk. Floor plans and meeting-space maps are published by Caesars Entertainment for the property, so download the layout before you arrive.
Marina district versus Boardwalk
The Marina district is a self-contained resort area with limited street life after dark; the Boardwalk and its restaurants, casinos and beach are a short ride away. Attendees mixing business with an evening out usually plan transport back rather than walking between the two.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ACY
ACY is the closest airport, about 15.6 miles and 22-30 minutes from the Waterfront Conference Center. Long-haul itineraries often route through East Coast hubs; a New York JFK to ACY capture showed American and Republic routings via Washington National and Philadelphia, plus a PHL alternate-airport prompt at USD 539. Compare the full PHL ground transfer - roughly an hour by road or the cheaper NJ Transit plus Jitney combination - before booking the lowest headline fare. Midweek October fares into ACY are usually thin, so book early or plan to arrive a day ahead.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Atlantic City International (ACY): approx. 22-30 min; Philadelphia International (PHL): approx. 45-60 min by road or rail. Allow road or rail time to Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center: Atlantic City Boardwalk: The Seahaus Hotel, Atlantic City Boardwalk, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel; Atlantic City Boardwalk: Caesars Atlantic City - A Caesars Rewards Destination; Atlantic City North: Comfort Suites Atlantic City North.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across Atlantic City and serve Atlantic City International (ACY), though the pickup zone at that small airport can be limited outside peak arrival times. At Harrah's, rideshare pickup and drop-off is at the resort entrance rather than the conference wing - allow 5-10 minutes to walk. Surge pricing is common on conference evenings and around casino show times, so the fixed-fare Jitney is often the cheaper option for the Boardwalk-to-Marina hop.
Public transit: NJ Transit's Atlantic City Rail Line connects Philadelphia 30th Street with the Atlantic City Rail Terminal, with connections from New York via Trenton and Philadelphia; from the terminal it is a Jitney or short taxi ride to the Marina district. The Atlantic City Jitney runs frequent small buses along Pacific and Atlantic Avenues at roughly USD 2.50-3.50 a ride and is the workhorse for short hops. Check the NJ Transit trip planner before travelling, since weekend and evening frequencies are thinner than weekday service.
Parking: Harrah's Resort Atlantic City operates an on-site self-park garage and valet serving the Waterfront Conference Center. Expect roughly USD 10-25 per day depending on self-park versus valet and whether you are a hotel guest; confirm current rates and whether parking is bundled into a resort fee. Allow 10 minutes to walk from the garage to the conference wing, and keep your ticket with you for in-and-out access during the show day.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. 9-20 C (48-68 F): daytime highs near 18-20 C (65-68 F) and overnight lows near 9-11 C (48-52 F). These are seasonal norms for coastal New Jersey, not a forecast - check the 72-hour outlook before packing.
Seasonality: October is a moderately wet month on the Atlantic City coast, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs through 30 November, so a washout day or a delayed flight is possible. Build a light waterproof layer and a little slack into your arrival day rather than booking the tightest possible connection.
Packing: Pack business casual for sessions, a light waterproof jacket, a sweater for heavily air-conditioned meeting rooms, and comfortable shoes for the walk between the resort tower, the parking garage and the conference wing. Bring a notebook or tablet for the regulatory sessions, and a small umbrella if you plan to walk the Boardwalk in the evening.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Annual HCANJ Convention & Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your registration tier before the price steps up
T-2
Register the name and credentials you want on the badge
T-3
Book lodging and decide whether you are staying in the Marina district
T-4
Build your session agenda from the online schedule
T-5
Lock in the airport and ground transfer
T-6
Decide on the car and parking plan
T-7
Set your exhibit-floor shortlist
T-8
Pack for a coastal October and long session days
T-9
Re-check schedule changes and travel conditions
T-10
Collect your badge early and orient in the resort
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Annual HCANJ Convention & Expo registration concourse
Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 700 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 700 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Annual HCANJ Convention & Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Annual HCANJ Convention & Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Medical equipment and supplies for long-term care solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Annual HCANJ Convention & Expo in Atlantic City.
Min. budget
$2,800.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Medical equipment and supplies for long-term care products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$12,600.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Atlantic City show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- HCANJ
- Health Care Association of New Jersey, the state trade association for skilled nursing and assisted living providers that runs this annual conference and lobbies on long-term care policy in Trenton.
- SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility)
- A licensed nursing home providing 24-hour clinical care, rehabilitation therapy and post-acute recovery, regulated by the state Department of Health and certified for Medicare and Medicaid where applicable.
- Assisted living (ALF)
- A residential setting that provides help with activities of daily living, medication management and some nursing oversight, but not the continuous skilled care of a nursing home.
- CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community)
- A campus offering independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing under one residency contract, so residents can move between care levels as needs change.
- CMS Five-Star Quality Rating
- The 1-to-5 star score published on Care Compare for nursing homes, built from health inspection results, staffing hours and quality measures - a standing agenda item for administrators and DONs.
- MDS (Minimum Data Set)
- The standardised resident assessment tool completed on admission and at set intervals; it drives Medicare and Medicaid payment, quality reporting and surveyor review of care planning.
- PDPM (Patient-Driven Payment Model)
- The Medicare Part A prospective payment case-mix model for skilled nursing facilities that pays on resident characteristics and therapy minutes rather than therapy volume alone.
- Survey and plan of correction
- The state licensure and CMS certification inspection process, ending in deficiency citations and a facility-written plan of correction with dated remediation steps.
- QAPI
- Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement, the structured data-driven programme nursing homes must maintain to identify, measure and fix care quality problems.
- ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)
- Bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating and continence - the functional measures used in assessment, staffing models and level-of-care determinations.
- Medicaid long-term services and supports
- The state and federal funding stream that covers the majority of nursing home days in New Jersey, administered through the state Medicaid programme with eligibility and rate rules set annually.
- I-SNP (Institutional Special Needs Plan)
- A Medicare Advantage plan designed for long-stay nursing home residents, with nurse practitioners and care coordination built into the facility relationship.
- PACE
- Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, a capitated Medicare and Medicaid model that keeps nursing-home-eligible seniors in the community through a day health centre and care team.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Annual HCANJ Convention & Expo 2026
- Annual HCANJ Convention & Expo Atlantic City 2026
- Annual HCANJ Convention 2026
- Annual HCANJ Convention Atlantic City 2026
- HCANJ 2026
- HCANJ Atlantic City 2026
- Atlantic City USA
- Medical equipment and supplies for long-term care
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.