Surf and Sand Resort — room rates, amenities, and check-in details.
02
Agenda
Full schedule for October 6–8, including meals, sessions, and activities.
03
Activities
Golf at Monarch Beach and spa at Surf and Sand AquaTerra.
04
Explore Laguna
Dining, beaches, arts, and things to do around town.
05
Special Guests
Meet our keynote speakers, entertainment, and conference sponsors.
06
FAQ
Answers to common questions about the conference.
Ready to join us?
Registration takes just a few minutes. Spaces are limited.
Accommodations
Surf and Sand Resort
Perched directly on the beach in Laguna Beach, the Surf and Sand Resort is your home for the duration of the conference. CareTrust has secured a group rate for hosted nights — details below.
Surf and Sand Resort
1555 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. One of Orange County's most beloved coastal resorts — 167 rooms perched directly above the Pacific.
* Some dates may be subject to higher rates. Please indicate extension nights on your registration form and we will confirm availability.
Guest Parking
Overnight & Day Parking Fees Waived
The overnight valet parking fee of $65 per night for each vehicle valet parked at the Resort is waived. Additionally, day parking fees of $10 to master and $12 to IPO are waived for this group.
Ready to register?
Indicate your hotel nights as part of your registration.
Schedule
Conference Agenda
October 6–8, 2026 · Surf and Sand Resort, Laguna Beach
4:00 PM
Hotel Check-In
Surf and Sand Resort · Room keys available at front desk
All Attendees
6:00 PM
Welcome Reception
Cocktails and dinner to welcome all attendees · Sponsor TBD
Choose between a round of golf at one of Orange County's finest courses, or a restorative spa experience at the Surf and Sand AquaTerra Spa.
Golf at Monarch Beach
Monarch Beach Golf Links · Dana Point
Course
Monarch Beach Golf Links, Dana Point — oceanfront course with panoramic Pacific views.
Tee Times
TBD · Will be confirmed and emailed to golfers prior to the conference.
Club Rental
Available upon request. Indicate left or right handed on your registration form.
Attire
Standard golf attire required.
Spa at AquaTerra
Surf and Sand Resort · Laguna Beach
The AquaTerra Spa at Surf and Sand offers a serene, oceanfront wellness experience. Choose your treatment below — appointments will be confirmed prior to the conference.
Customized Aromatherapy Massage
60 minutes · Personalized blend of essential oils for deep relaxation
Recovery Massage
60 minutes · Targeted muscle relief and tension release
Ageless Glow Facial
60 minutes · Brightening and rejuvenating facial treatment
Earth and Sea Scrub
60 minutes · Full body exfoliation with ocean-inspired ingredients
Morning fitness classes — for guests
Wednesday, October 7
Private Yoga Class
9:00 AM · Surf and Sand Resort For registered guests only — indicate interest on registration form.
Thursday, October 8
Private Mat Pilates Class
9:00 AM · Surf and Sand Resort For registered guests only — indicate interest on registration form.
Select your activity
Choose golf or spa — and indicate guest fitness classes — on your registration form.
Laguna Beach & Beyond
Explore the Area
From world-class dining to hidden coves and scenic drives, here are the CareTrust team's personal picks for making the most of your time in Southern California.
Worth a Bite — Dining
Jimmy's Famous American Tavern
American · Dana Point
A local favorite for hearty American food with a laid-back coastal vibe.
Truly Pizza
Pizza · Laguna Beach
Reservations get booked up months in advance — but they do offer to-go orders!
Baja Fish Tacos
Casual · Laguna Beach
Fresh, classic fish tacos — a Southern California staple done right.
Bear Flag
Seafood · Newport Beach
Fresh catch daily — known for their poke bowls and fish tacos.
Taco Stand
Mexican · Laguna Beach
Authentic street-style tacos — a quick, delicious stop any time of day.
Gelato Paradiso
Dessert · Laguna Beach
A perfect spot for a sweet treat — handcrafted gelato in the heart of Laguna.
In-N-Out Burger
Burgers · Various
You can't say you've been to California if you haven't tried this.
Chart House
Fine Dining · Dana Point
High-end seafood and steak — can only be beat by the views.
Coastal Kitchen
Casual · Laguna Beach
Relaxed coastal dining with a solid menu for breakfast or lunch.
What a Dish
Café · Laguna Beach
A charming local café — great for a casual bite or coffee.
A's Burgers
Burgers · Dana Point
Dave's favorite is the burrito — trust the recommendation.
Young's Beach Shack
Casual · Salt Creek
A Salt Creek classic — casual beachside eats with great views.
Giana Bakery & Provisions
Bakery · Laguna Beach
Fresh pastries, provisions, and coffee — perfect for a morning stop.
South of Nick's
Mexican · Laguna Beach
An upscale, lively spot specializing in modern-creative Mexican cuisine and premium cocktails.
Worth the Wander — Outdoors & Sights
PCH Drive
Scenic Drive · Dana Point to Coastal Cove
The drive from Dana Point up to Coastal Cove is gorgeous, especially around sunset. Doesn't get more CA than that!
Bluff Top Trail
Hike & Walk · Near CareTrust HQ
A great hike and walking spot near CareTrust HQ with stunning coastal views.
Baby Beach
Beach · Dana Point Harbor
Calm waves — perfect for little ones or a peaceful afternoon by the water.
Crystal Cove
State Park · Newport Coast
A scenic stop on your PCH drive — tide pools, historic cottages, and beautiful coves.
Balboa Island
Island · Newport Beach
Iconic Newport destination — grab yourself a frozen chocolate-covered banana while you're there.
Strands Beach & Doheny State Beach
Beach · Dana Point
Two of the best nearby beaches — great for a walk, swim, or just soaking up the California sun.
San Clemente Outlets
Shopping · San Clemente
A great shopping center with lots of brands — worth the short drive down PCH.
Monarch Beach Golf Links
Golf · Dana Point
One of only a handful of oceanfront golf courses in California — where we'll be playing on Wednesday!
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Historic Site · San Juan Capistrano
Landmark Spanish mission founded in 1776 with beautiful grounds and historic exhibits.
Salt Creek
Beach & Park · Dana Point
Picnic on the grassy hill, then walk down to the water — one of the best sunset spots around.
We've emailed your itinerary and event details to the address you provided. Questions? Contact kgazdik@ctre.com
Thank You
Conference Sponsors
This conference is made possible with the generous support of our sponsors. We are grateful for their partnership and commitment to the senior care community.
Author, Unreasonable Hospitality · Former Co-Owner, Eleven Madison Park
Will Guidara is the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, named the Best Restaurant in the World under his leadership. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect, co-producer of the Emmy Award-winning series The Bear, and host of The Welcome Conference. His new book, Unreasonable Hospitality: The Field Guide, was released in April 2026. Will is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers on creating transformative experiences through radical generosity and genuine care.
Clifton J. Porter II is the President and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 15,000 long-term care facilities nationwide. With over 36 years in long-term care, Clifton began his career as a nursing home administrator before rising to lead national advocacy efforts at HCR ManorCare. A patient listener and energetic speaker, Clifton is known for his deep relationships with legislators and operators alike.
Johnny Wu is Los Angeles's #1 rated corporate magician, mentalist, and entertainer. Seen on Netflix and a TEDx speaker, Johnny has performed for Apple, Google, Netflix, and more than 18 Fortune 500 companies — earning over 2,000 five-star reviews. Combining ancient Chinese mysticism, sleight of hand, modern technology, and mind-reading, Johnny delivers an unforgettable evening of "Real Magic" that leaves every audience amazed.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors whose generous support makes this event possible. Their commitment to the senior care community is what brings us together each year.
Answers to common questions about the 2026 CareTrust Operator Conference.
Who is invited to the conference?
For questions about attendance, please reach out to Kayla Gazdik at kgazdik@ctre.com.
When is the registration deadline?
The registration deadline is August 1, 2026.
Can I bring a guest or spouse?
Yes, all attendees are welcome to bring one guest or spouse. Simply indicate this on your registration form and provide your guest's details.
Is airfare covered?
Airfare is not covered. However, CareTrust REIT is pleased to host two nights at the Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach for all registered attendees.
Should I leave room in my luggage?
Yes! We recommend leaving a little extra room in your suitcase, as we'll have conference swag for you to take home.
What is the dress code?
The dress code for the conference is business casual. For the golf outing, golf attire is appropriate. For evening dinners and receptions, smart casual to business casual is perfect, think polished but comfortable for a coastal setting.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Please note any dietary restrictions, including kosher, on your registration form. You are also welcome to email Kayla Gazdik directly at kgazdik@ctre.com.
