July 9, 2026 —Marketing, Sales and Communications professionals from across the Kendal System gathered at Enso Village in Healdsburg, California, for the 2026 Kendal Marketing Gathering—a three-day event dedicated to collaboration, professional development, and sharing ideas that strengthen marketing and sales efforts across Affiliates.
The gathering brought together Affiliate marketing team members, TKC staff, and strategic partners to exchange best practices, explore emerging trends, and develop new strategies that support resident engagement and organizational growth.
The program opened with welcome remarks from Vassar Byrd, CEO of The Kendal Corporation, along with leaders from Enso Village and the TKC Marketing team. Throughout the event, attendees participated in educational sessions, interactive workshops, and peer discussions designed to provide practical tools they could apply immediately in their own communities.
A major focus of this year’s gathering was the growing role of artificial intelligence in marketing and communications. Jonathan Jedeiken, TKC’s Chief Information and Privacy Officer, and Morgan Lamphere, Senior Director of Marketing, led a hands-on workshop demonstrating how Affiliates can begin developing their own AI channels and leverage large language models to improve efficiency, content creation and collaboration.
Attendees also explored strategies for strengthening local communications with guidance from longtime partner AKCG – Public Relations Counselors, working together to define what makes each Affiliate distinct. TKC Marketing introduced a new sales development platform, INSPIRE, and workshopped two modules for INSPIRE – Creative Follow Up and providing a unique visit experience. Additional sessions highlighted practical leadership, including a presentation by Director of Organizational Development and Engagement Diane Massey on using Kendal values to improve how we practice Radical Candor at work (featuring a special guest appearance by “manipulative insincerity”).
This year’s gathering also featured guest speaker Brad Breeding, founder of My Life Site, who provided an in-depth analysis of current financial market trends affecting senior living.
One of the most valuable aspects of the gathering was the opportunity for Affiliates to learn from one another. During roundtable discussions and speed networking sessions, participants shared successful campaigns, discussed common challenges, exchanged tips on Salesforce and database engagement, and explored innovative approaches to reaching prospective residents.
The event also offered opportunities to experience the unique ethos of Enso Village and Zen Inspired Senior Living through a community tour and guided meditation in the Zendo, led by Nancy Petrin, Spiritual Coordinator at Enso Village, and Susan O’Connell, Founder of Zen Inspired Senior Living and Enso Village Resident.
The Kendal Marketing Gathering reflects TKC’s ongoing commitment to support Affiliate marketing teams through education, collaboration and shared innovation. By investing in professional development and creating opportunities to learn from one another, the gathering helps strengthen marketing efforts across the Kendal System while ensuring Affiliates have the tools and resources needed to meet the evolving needs of prospective residents and their communities.
Thank you to the TKC Marketing team, Enso Village, AKCG, guest speakers, and everyone who helped make the 2026 Marketing Gathering a success. We look forward to continuing this collaboration throughout the year and building on the ideas and connections established during our time together.