In June, Healthcare Design hosted its 10th annual Forum in Charleston, S.C. This annual event brings together high-level industry decision-makers, including HCD’s Editorial Advisory Board, invited attendees, and sponsors, for three days of keynote speakers, panel sessions, small group breakouts, and networking activities.
Looking back over the past decade, a lot of great memories come to mind: fabulous locations like the vineyards of Napa, the coast of Maine, and the slopes of Park City, Utah; engaging keynote speakers including National Geographic photographer Annie Griffiths and PBS Nova’s “Your Brain” host Heather Berlin; and all-out-fun icebreakers ranging from cooking and trivia competitions to Olympic-themed group activities. It’s hands-down one of my favorite events of the year.
More important, though, are the community and relationships that have developed over the years. During the Forum welcome, we go around the room to introduce ourselves and share how many Forums we’ve attended. It’s common to hear veteran attendees welcome first-timers to the “Forum family.” Over the next few days, we watch those relationships deepen as industry colleagues, sponsors, HCD 10 winners, and other industry leaders sit side by side and have meaningful conversations about challenges and opportunities for impact.
This year’s event in Charleston had an audible buzz, and many attendees followed up afterward to share their appreciation for the variety of events and topics discussed. “I took away so many new insights, as well as a reminder that good design needs to simultaneously look at present and future states with great intentionality,” shared one attendee. Enjoy a recap of the 2026 HCD Forum here.
A few months later, it’s rewarding to see these same people—along with many other industry professionals—reconnect at the annual HCD Conference and Expo, which marks its 26th conference this year. Set for Oct. 17-20 in New Orleans, the 2026 HCD Conference features more than 100 educational sessions, our largest exhibit hall to date, facility tours, and keynotes. This year’s event will also be colocated with the International Federation of Healthcare Engineering 29th World Congress, expanding opportunities for connection, networking, and idea sharing on a broader global scale. Stay up to date with the latest news about the conference here.
The healthcare design industry thrives when it comes together to share expertise, experience, and learning. I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!
