The 2026 Healthcare Design Conference + Expo returns to New Orleans Oct. 17-20 with 100-plus keynote and educational sessions, an expo hall featuring more than 400 vendors, and multiple opportunities for networking.
Attendees will also be able to connect with peers and exhibitors during meals, receptions, and other events throughout the four-day event. Here’s a preview of networking opportunities at this year’s HCD Conference + Expo.
Preconference workshops and tours at HCD Conference
The 2026 HCD Conference + Expo kicks off Saturday, Oct. 17, with preconference activities, including two workshops held in room 215 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The first, “W01 – HOPD Designation: What It Really Means for Surgery Center Planning & Design,” runs from 8 a.m.-noon, followed by “W02 – What’s Next? The Future of Healthcare Project Delivery,” from 3-5 p.m.
Attendees can also sign up for one of four tours of area healthcare facilities. The tours, noted below, run from 1-5 p.m. and have limited capacity:
- T01 – Debra H. and Robert J. Patrick Neuroscience Center
- T02 – Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine
- T03 – Thibodaux Regional Health System
- T04 – East Jefferson General Hospital
Find more details on the tours here. Pre-registration is required for both the workshops and tours at hcdexpo.com.
Welcome reception in the expo hall
After a full day of conference programming on Sunday, Oct. 18, the day wraps up with a welcome reception in the expo hall from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The reception marks the opening of the exhibit floor and includes drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and a chance for attendees to explore the booths and talk with vendors about their products. (Read about first-time exhibitors at the 2026 conference here.)
Prior to the welcome reception, from 4:15-4:45 p.m. on Sunday, attendees can peruse project work from leading design firms in the Project Gallery Preview and Reception. The gallery is located on the first level of the convention center, near the expo hall and registration.
Sessions in the Solutions Theater
While networking in the expo hall, attendees have the opportunity to learn from exhibitors and industry partners during short panel sessions in the HCD Solutions Theater, at booth 2552.
Session range in topics, from providing respite for healthcare staff to optimizing surgical care environments for safety and comfort. They’re held during exhibit hall hours on Monday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Solutions Theater sponsors are Construction Specialties, Association of Medical Facilities Professionals (AMFP), Haworth, Steris, Tarkett, Kimball, and Vinyl Institute. More details are available at hcdexpo.com.
Monday night networking party
Under the theme “The Big Easy Social,” the annual networking party takes place Monday, Oct. 19, at Mardi Gras World, home to floats and props used in many of the city’s largest Mardi Gras parades.
The event runs from 6-9 p.m. and features food, drinks, and entertainment. AVA is the event’s title sponsor, with Kevin Barry Art Advisory (KBAA) as the supporting sponsor and BSA as the contributing sponsor.
Meals and refreshment breaks
Attendees can also network over breakfast in the ballroom lobby starting at 7 a.m. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, and during lunch in the expo hall starting at 11:30 a.m. Monday and Tuesday. Multiple coffee and refreshment breaks between sessions round out the networking opportunities each day.
More insights on what to do during the HCD Conference + Expo are in the article “Things To Do In New Orleans.”
For more on the 2026 HCD Conference + Expo, including the full schedule and to register, visit hcdexpo.com.
