Author: Jenabeth Ferguson

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.

October 2, 2025

Media Contact:
Sophia Lapat
212.203.6536
[email protected]

Designing Tomorrow’s Healthcare Environments: 2025 Event Bring Together Visionaries in Healthcare Design

San Diego, CA (October 2, 2025)– On September 24-26, thousands of manufacturers, architects, designers, engineers, contractors and healthcare leaders united at the San Diego Convention Center for the 38^th annual Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo, one of the country’s largest shows dedicated to healthcare design and facilities. The event marks its largest and most successful West Coast edition since returning to the California area. HFSE was jam-packed with awe-inspiring programming including three Keynote Presentations and 60+ Conference Sessions featuring industry leaders, the latest innovations from 100+ Exhibitors in the Expo Hall and Networking Events, Symposium Distinction Awards, McGrath Outpatient Pavillion Facility Tour and much more.

“The 2025 Symposium & Expo exceeded all expectations — bringing together the brightest minds in healthcare design, sparking bold innovation, and strengthening connections. This event truly reflects our vision of transforming care environments through collaboration, creativity, and purpose,” said Jenabeth Ferguson, Vice President, Symposium Director. “It’s an exciting time in healthcare design and we look forward to see what the future holds for HFSE in 2026!”

Conference Sessions and Keynotes

The Symposium featured three days of 60+ educational and insightful sessions, case-studies and panels meant to inspire and improve current and future healthcare facilities. The sessions spanned multiple topics including sustainable and resilient infrastructure, discussions on the integration of AI and smart technologies in hospital settings, and case studies showcasing cutting-edge facility designs that prioritize patient outcomes and staff efficiency.

The ever-popular Keynotes included para-triathlon gold medalist turned motivational storyteller and healthcare advocate, Oz Sanchez, delivered an address titled, “Know No Limits”, blending his inspiring journey with lessons on resilience, adaptability, and designing environments that empower patient and provider wellbeing. Renowned author, filmmaker, and technology researcher Ron Galloway offered a bold new perspective to the 2025 Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo on, “You, Multiplied: Compounding Time with AI in Healthcare Facilities”. Industry leader and President of Aesthetics, Inc. Annette Ridenour, recognized for her strategic innovations in healthcare engineering and infrastructure, delivered the event’s closing keynote titled, “Creating Healthcare Facilities that are Loved-‘Of the People, By the People, For the People”.

Expo Hall

The Expo Hall showcased the most innovative products and services in the healthcare facilities industry from 100+ top manufacturers and solution providers. Many exhibitors launched new products at HFSE, getting in front of important decision makers from healthcare facilities, architecture and design firms. The Expo Floor also featured two Design Solutions Theaters where the design team galleries came alive with 15 minute mini-presentations by leading architectural firms.

“HFSE 2025 was a fantastic opportunity to engage with caregivers and architects who share a passion for advancing behavioral and mental health environments. At Pineapple, we believe the environment itself can serve as a form of treatment, and it was inspiring to see so much enthusiasm for solutions that de-institutionalize care and create more normative, human-centered spaces.” Daniel White, Principal, Pineapple

“Our team at Cumming Group was pleased to be able to reconnect with long-standing partners and forge meaningful new relationships at the Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo in sunny San Diego. The event offered excellent programming and valuable sponsorship opportunities that allowed us to showcase our expertise and strengthen our brand presence.” Rachel Smith, Marketing Director, Cumming Group

“HFSE is one of our favorite conferences every year. The beautiful setting in San Diego certainly fueled the collaborative spirit and reaffirmed how important it is to listen to every voice in the room when designing furniture that truly solves challenges in patient spaces. This show allows us to hear from a variety of perspectives, all whose main objective is improving healing environments. “ Emily Wentz, Wieland Healthcare

“Exhibiting at HFSE was an exceptional experience. We learned from top leaders in healthcare design, connected with the right people across design and facilities, and enjoyed the social events that made the show so engaging. It was a great opportunity to showcase our products while being part of the conversations shaping the field.” Kevin Claffy, Strategic Sales, Cortech

Symposium Distinction Awards

The annual program recognized design teams, projects and individuals who have made a profound contribution to the healthcare design industry. In addition, it recognized the best and most innovative new products within the healthcare design & construction industry. This year’s winners included: The Team Award was presented to Inova Health Center – Oakville by DPR for outstanding collaboration in healthcare design. The User-Centered Award went to Veterans Affairs Fredericksburg Health Care Clinic, designed by Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Inc., for prioritizing the needs of patients, families, and practitioners. The Adaptive Reuse Award honored SAC Health Brier Campus Medical Office Building by Perkins&Will for creatively repurposing an existing space.

The Individual Award recognized Anthony Treu, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP of SOM for his long-term leadership in healthcare design. The George Pressler Under 40 Award was awarded to Sydney Harris of MindCareConnect for her emerging leadership in the field.

In the Product Awards, LIGHTGLASS – Simulated Windows and Skylights won Most Innovative, RAMPART® Fiber by Wolf-Gordon earned Most Sustainable, and the Architect’s Choice went to New Star Lighting’s CompleteCare™ Door Surround Series.

Raffle and Charity Partner

The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo has a long history of selecting charitable organizations each year, holding a raffle onsite and donating the proceeds to that charitable organization. What started as a small endeavor has grown to a highlight of the annual event with diverse organizations across the country benefitting from the HFSE community’s generosity. Since 2006, HFSE has donated over $217,000 to various charitable organizations. The Raffle continues to be a favorite event for attendees and this year’s beneficiary was Mama’s Kitchen, which strives to help clients stay healthy, preserve their dignity, and keep their families together by providing, medically tailored home-delivered meals and nutrition education – all at no cost. More than $17,000 was raised and counting for Mama’s Kitchen.

Emerging Leaders

The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo’s Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program started in 2023 and gives recognition to individuals with less than 10 years (non-consecutive) of experience in healthcare design and construction including research and/or education. 35 Emerging Leaders attended the 2025 edition in San Diego, CA and participated in all activities surrounding the event.

For more information about the 2026 Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo taking place in Charlotte, NC (September 28-30, 2026), visit www.hcarefacilities.com.

ABOUT

The mission of the Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo is to create a multi-disciplinary environment that inspires you to evoke change and the advancement of a better delivery of healthcare through the physical space. Competitors, clients, and colleagues come together as friends to collaborate, share research, hear fresh perspectives and participate in the ever-changing conversation of your industry.

Media Contact:
Sophia Lapat 212.203.6536
[email protected]

Attendees Enjoyed Exhibitor Innovations, Inspiring Keynotes, Engaging Sessions by Industry Leaders & Networking Connections September 24-26, 2024

Austin, TX (October 2, 2024)– On September 24-26, thousands of manufacturers, architects, designers, engineers, contractors and healthcare leaders united at the Austin Convention Center for the 37^th annual Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo, one of the country’s largest shows dedicated to healthcare design and facilities. The event was jam-packed with awe-inspiring programming including three Keynote Presentations and 60+ Conference Sessions featuring industry leaders, the latest innovations from 100+ Exhibitors in the Expo Hall and Networking Events, Symposium Distinction Awards, Facility Tours and much more.

“Gathering healthcare visionaries, partners, sponsors and exhibitors in one place, the Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo is where innovation meets collaboration, paving the way for a future of improved patient care, sustainable design, and cutting-edge healthcare solutions for facilities worldwide.” said Jenabeth Ferguson, Vice President, Symposium Director. “It’s an exciting time in healthcare design and we look forward to see what the future holds for HFSE in 2025!”

Conference Sessions and Keynotes

The Symposium featured three days of 60+ educational and insightful sessions, case-studies and panels meant to inspire and improve current and future healthcare facilities. The sessions spanned multiple topics including Pediatrics, Safety, AI in healthcare, Behavioral Health, and Sustainability that are making an impact on the healthcare industry.

The ever-popular Keynotes included  Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, President and Chief Executive Officer for Harris Health System, Dan Chuparkoff, Innovation & A.I. Expert, and Tama Duffy Day, FACHE, FIIDA, FASID, LEED AP, FwA, Principal, Gensler. This year’s Symposium Keynotes offered meaningful insight into the defining trends that impact the healthcare facilities industry including the effects of Mass Incarceration on Population Health, AI in Healthcare, and the importance of design in healthcare and wellness.

“Working in and with leaders in the healthcare sector where all of us are challenged with limited resources, time spent anywhere has to deliver an ROI. If you want a conference where you can connect with large groups of your clients, potential clients, partners, and other vendors to learn about what is coming to stay in front of the future, there is no better event than HFSE.  I look forward to attending my 9^th HFSE in San Diego and highly recommend it to all our partners.” –Lisa Feeley, CSSMBB, IMEG | East Coast Business Development

“I have found so much value in attending and speaking at HFSE over the years as the variety of attendees are incredibly knowledgeable, experienced and engaged. Participating in sharing experiences on such a broad range of topics creates synergy for innovation and connection for years to come. I also find that the personal connections created each year develop over time and turn the conference into a backdrop for much reuniting and reconnection.”- Jodi Fernandez, EDAC, Regional BD Manager, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.

Expo Hall

The Expo Hall showcased the most innovative products and services in the healthcare facilities industry from 100+ top manufacturers and solution providers. Many exhibitors launched new products at HFSE, getting in front of important decision makers from healthcare facilities, architecture and design firms. The Expo Floor also featured two Design Solutions Theaters where the design team galleries came alive with 15 minute mini-presentations by leading architectural firms.

“The turnout was exceptional!  We will be back next year.”- Mark Tott, Sales Director/Partner, Skyline Glass

“We enjoyed our time in Austin. HFSE is one of the best run shows we have participated in.” –  Dave Stumpfig, President, MedViron

“Wow!  What an event. I am so happy that we participated!  It’s a completely different vibe than other conferences I’ve been to.  Everyone was very open to having discussions and honest feedback.” – Karen Schlanger, National Accounts Partnership Development/Healthcare, The Garland Company, Inc. 

Symposium Distinction Awards

The annual program recognized design teams, projects and individuals who have made a profound contribution to the healthcare design industry. In addition, it recognized the best and most innovative new products within the healthcare design & construction industry. This year’s winners included:

Team Award: Children’s Wisconsin – Skywalk Building, The Boldt Group, User-Centered Award: Malone Family Tower, Perkins+Will, Adaptive Reuse Award: Cooper University Health Care – Moorestown Campus, Array Architects, Individual Award: Dave Redemske, HDR, George Pressler Under 40 Award: Judith Kanera, HDR, Product Awards: Most Innovative-Cove, DIRTT and HKS, Most Sustainable-Lotus Casegoods Collection, Stance Healthcare, Architect’s Choice-Cove DIRTT and HKS.

Raffle and Charity Partner

The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo has a long history of selecting charitable organizations each year, holding a raffle onsite and donating the proceeds to that charitable organization. What started as a small endeavor has grown to a highlight of the annual event with diverse organizations across the country benefitting from the HFSE community’s generosity. Since 2006, HFSE has donated over $200,000 to various charitable organizations. The Raffle continues to be a favorite event for attendees and this year’s beneficiary was Hope Totes, a non-profit based in Austin, TX! Their mission; to deliver hope to every child entering foster care or emergency shelters. They seek to demonstrate to every child that someone does care about them by ensuring they are not dropped at the doorstep with a small trash bag of belongings. Instead, they are given a tote full of hope and love.

“For every Child, Inc. has a waiting list of shelters and safe houses who have requested totes form our ‘Hope Totes’ program.  We are so thrilled to be the charity benefiting from the 2024 Healthcare Facilities Symposium because this donation will allow us to start providing our totes to another Austin area shelter.” Julie Petrovic, For Every Child, Inc.

Emerging Leaders

The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo’s Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program started in 2023 and gives recognition to individuals with less than 10 years (non-consecutive) of experience in healthcare design and construction including research and/or education. 35 Emerging Leaders attended the 2024 edition in Austin, TX and participated in all activities surrounding the event.

For more information about the 2025 Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo taking place in San Diego, CA (September 23-25, 2025), visit www.hcarefacilities.com.

ABOUT

The mission of the Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo is to create a multi-disciplinary environment that inspires you to evoke change and the advancement of a better delivery of healthcare through the physical space. Competitors, clients, and colleagues come together as friends to collaborate, share research, hear fresh perspectives and participate in the ever-changing conversation of your industry.

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Media Contact:
Sophia Lapat 212.203.6536
[email protected]

HEALTHCARE FACILITIES SYMPOSIUM AND EXPO ANNOUNCES SYMPOSIUM DISTINCTION AWARD WINNERS

Eight Award Recipients Selected by Industry Leaders

Austin, TX  (September 24, 2024) –The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo, one of the country’s largest and leading shows dedicated to healthcare design and facilities, announces the prestigious winners of its 2024 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 and construction industry. A total of eight awards were announced during a lunch celebration on Tuesday, September 24.

“The Symposium Distinction Awards honor and recognize individuals, teams, projects and products making a difference in our industry,” said Jenabeth Ferguson, Vice President, Symposium Director. “Our esteemed team of judges have an important job evaluating submissions to choose this year’s winners and weare thrilled to honor the winners with a celebratory luncheon among their peers.”

Team Award
The Team Award focuses on a project team that has worked together to change the face of healthcare design through innovation, creativity, efficiency and teamwork.

Winner: Children’s Wisconsin – Skywalk Building, The Boldt Group

User-Centered Award
The User-Centered Award recognizes a healthcare design project or facility that best reflects and balances the requirements of patients, their family and practitioners.

Winner: Malone Family Tower, Perkins+Will

Adaptive Reuse Award
The Adaptive Reuse Award recognizes a healthcare design project that creatively achieved the reuse of an existing structure or space originally used for another purpose.

Winner: Cooper University Health Care – Moorestown Campus, Array Architects

Individual Award
The Individual Award seeks to distinguish a professional in the fields of healthcare planning, design, construction and operations that have displayed leadership and vision over a significant period of their career. This award looks to recognize an individual whose passion and driven their organizations or project teams to enhance the healing environment and a way above and beyond.

Winner: Dave Redemske, HDR

George Pressler Under 40 Award 
The George Pressler Under 40 Award seeks the next generation of leaders within the fields of healthcare planning, design, construction and operations. The George Pressler Award recognizes a young professional who has demonstrated leadership and vision within their organization or project teams.

Winner: Judith Kanera, HDR

Product Awards

The Product Awards recognize innovative new products that contribute to the enrichment of a healing environment through their unique design and operational support.

Product Award Categories
Awards will be presented to those outstanding new products whose unique design contributes to the enrichment of a healing environment in each of the following product categories:

Most Innovative

Winner: Cove, DIRTT and HKS

Most Sustainable

Winner: Lotus Casegoods Collection, Stance Healthcare

Architect’s Choice

Winner: Cove DIRTT and HKS

For more information about the Symposium Distinction Awards, please visit www.hcarefacilities.com

ABOUT

The mission of the Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo is to create a multi-disciplinary environment that inspires you to evoke change and the advancement of a better delivery of healthcare through the physical space. Competitors, clients, and colleagues come together as friends to collaborate, share research, hear fresh perspectives and participate in the ever-changing conversation of your industry.

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