2026 Nightingale Awards
The 2026 Nightingale Awards entry portal is now open and accepting entries through September 28. These annual awards honor new healthcare and contract (non-residential) products that are exhibited at the Healthcare Design Conference + Expo, to be held October 17-20 in New Orleans.
Presented by Healthcare Design magazine in partnership with the HCD Conference + Expo, the Nightingale Awards recognize contributions to the healthcare built environment through product design and innovation that contribute to healing. The annual competition is named for Florence Nightingale, a tireless advocate for the improvement of care and conditions in military and civilian hospitals in the 1800s.
The deadline for Regular Entries is Aug. 31 ($695 entry fee); the Late Entry deadline is Sept. 28 ($795 entry fee). Find the rules and entry form for the 2026 Nightingale Awards Competition here.
Nightingale competition guidelines
The product competition is open only to companies that are exhibitors during the HCD Conference. Eligible products were introduced to the U.S. market after October 1, 2025, and were not judged in previous Nightingale Awards.
Each manufacturer/brand may enter as many products into the competition as they wish, and products may be entered into one or more categories as the product fits.
Products entered to the competition will be judged for their contribution or solution for clinical or operational outcomes and the built environment; aesthetics and innovation; durability, functionality, and quality; industry certifications and standards; environmental sustainability; and list price.
A jury of healthcare design professionals and facility managers will review entries digitally prior to visiting the exhibitors’ booths (before the expo hall opens to attendees) to examine the products in person and ask questions of the manufacturers.
Nightingale Awards announced at HCD Conference + Expo
Entrants are eligible for the following award types: Gold, Silver, Innovation, Sustainability, and one Best of Competition.
The competition results will be announced live at the 2026 HCD Conference + Expo. Winning products will also be featured in the January/February 2027 issue of Healthcare Design magazine.
Read about the 2025 Nightingale Award winners here.
For more information on the 2026 Nightingale Awards Competition, including the rules and entry form, go here.
Find updates and additional information on the 2026 HCD Conference + Expo here.
