Month: June 2026

Media Contact:
Sophia Lapat
212.203.6536
[email protected]

Inspiring Programming, Product Launches, Keynotes, Industry Leaders, Facility Tours, Emerging Leaders, and Networking Events

CHARLOTTE, NC- (June 10, 2026) — Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo, one of the country’s largest shows dedicated to healthcare design and facilities, returns for its 39th annual event at the Charlotte Convention Center, September 28-30, 2026. This must-attend symposium and expo brings together architects, designers, engineers, contractors, healthcare providers and owners to explore the innovations shaping tomorrow’s healthcare spaces. Centered around the theme “Learn. Connect. Thrive.”, HFSE 2026 will feature compelling Keynote Presentations, 100+ Exhibitors, daily Conference Sessions, tours of Charlotte’s biggest Healthcare Facilities, Networking Events, Symposium Awards and much more.

“Healthcare facilities continue to evolve at a rapid pace as organizations seek new ways to improve patient outcomes, support caregivers, embrace emerging technologies, and create more resilient environments,” said

Jenabeth Ferguson, Vice President, Symposium Director. “HFSE provides a unique forum where healthcare leaders, designers, builders, and solution providers can come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and help shape the future of healthcare delivery through the built environment.”

Robust Conference and Keynotes

The Symposium features three jam-packed days of educational and insightful sessions, case-studies and three Keynotes meant to inspire and improve current and future healthcare facilities.

Monday, September 28, 8:30am

Opening Keynote: Zap the Generational Gap!

Join multi-generational workplace expert Meagan Johnson as she explores how organizations can successfully recruit, retain, and engage employees across today’s five-generation workforce. Through practical insights and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to overcome generational stereotypes, improve communication, and build a culture where every generation can thrive.

Wednesday, September 30, 11:00 am

Closing Keynote: The Audacity to Thrive: Creating Transformative Spaces for Grace, Dignity, and Metamorphosis

Join Sydney Harris , Co-Founder, MindCareConnect and Parker Wolff, Co-Founder, MindCareConnect for an inspiring conversation on the future of healthcare design and the power of co-production. Moderated by renowned behavioral health architect Frank Pitts, this thought-provoking session will challenge attendees to rethink traditional approaches, elevate the voices of people with lived experience, and explore how truly collaborative design can create spaces that foster dignity, healing, and better outcomes. Visit https://hcarefacilities.com for information on the final keynote.

Conference sessions will span multiple topics including Behavioral Health, AI in Healthcare, Pediatric Care, Sustainability, Changing Workforce and Safety and Crisis Management and more. A few highlights include:

HOW AI IS RESHAPING HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTS, OPERATIONS, AND HUMAN EXPERIENCE

DESIGNING FOR EQUITY AT SCALE: BUILDING A HIGH-PERFORMING MEGA PROJECT TEAMAI is transforming healthcare facilities, operations, and patient experiences. Learn how healthcare organizations are leveraging emerging technologies to improve efficiency, enhance care delivery, and shape the future of healthcare environments.

DESIGNING FOR EQUITY AT SCALE: BUILDING A HIGH-PERFORMING MEGA PROJECT TEAM

Learn how the team behind the 1.3 million-square-foot Harris Health LBJ Replacement Hospital built a collaborative, mission-driven approach to deliver a complex safety-net hospital while advancing equity, innovation, and community impact.

A CONTINUUM OF CARE: THREE DESIGN LENSES FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Explore how design can support the full behavioral health continuum, from acute psychiatric care and substance use disorder treatment to crisis stabilization, helping healthcare organizations respond to growing mental health needs.

Exhibit Hall: Where Innovation Meets Care

The Exhibit Hall features the most innovative products and services in the healthcare facilities industry from some of the country’s top manufacturers and providers. Many exhibitors will launch new products at HFSE, getting in front of important decision makers from healthcare facilities, architecture and design firms.

New for 2026, the Experiential Areas offer attendees immersive, hands-on opportunities to explore innovative healthcare environments, products, and solutions beyond the traditional booth experience. From a full-scale behavioral health patient room and modular healthcare construction showcase to interactive furniture, seating, and water safety demonstrations, these installations allow visitors to experience firsthand how design, technology, and construction innovations improve patient care, staff wellbeing, and operational performance. Featured experiences include showcases from La-Z-Boy Healthcare | Knú Comfort, Wieland Healthcare, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions, AJ Manufacturing & Operamed, and VITAL Space.

Don’t miss mini sessions on the Exhibit Floor presented by architecture firms in the Design Solutions Theaters where the design team galleries come alive in these 15-minute presentations. Back by popular demand, there will be two design solutions theaters so double the chance to hear about the latest projects in this exciting format.

Symposium Distinction Awards

The annual program recognizes design teams, projects and individuals who have made a profound contribution to the healthcare design industry. The program accepts submissions of all types and sizes of patient care-related facilities. In addition, it recognizes the best and most innovative new products within the healthcare design & construction industry. All entries are due August 7th and submissions can be made here: https://hcarefacilities.com/awards/

Networking Events

Mix and mingle with new and old friends at daily events including the Grand Opening of Exhibit Floor and Symposium Party, the Ice Cream Social, the Happy Hour at Church and Union and many more fun and engaging events.

Emerging Leaders Welcome

The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo’s successful Symposium Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program returns in 2026 offering recognition to those individuals with less than 10 years (non-consecutive) of experience in healthcare design and construction including research and/or education. The recognition includes attending the 2026 edition in Charlotte and participating in all activities surrounding the event.

RECIPIENTS RECEIVE:

· A Full Access registration to the 2026 Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo (travel expenses are not included)

· Welcome breakfast for all emerging leaders to meet each other at the beginning of the event

· Recognition at the Opening Keynote at the 2026 HFSE

· Recognition on a display board at the 2026 HFSE

Invitation to the VIP Reception at the 2026 HFSE and be paired with a Board Member to offer guidance

· Featured in the October 2026 Leaflet issue

For more information and to apply, visit https://hcarefacilities.com/elp/

Facility Tours

On Sunday, September 27, HFSE will be offering two Tours of major Charlotte medical facilities:

Tour 1: The Novant Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic

Tour 2: David L. Conlan Center at Atrium Health Carolinas Rehabilitation

For more information or to register, please visit www.hcarefacilities.com

ABOUT
The mission of the Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo is to ignite change and advance healthcare delivery through innovative, high‑performing physical spaces. HFSE creates a unique, multidisciplinary environment where: industry competitors become collaborators Clients become long‑term partners Healthcare leaders share research, experience, and practical solutions. By fostering open dialogue and cross‑disciplinary learning, HFSE moves the healthcare facilities industry forward—helping professionals design and operate spaces that support healing, safety, resilience, and equity.