September 29, 2023

Media Contact:
Sophia Lapat 212.203.6536
[email protected]

Attendees Enjoyed Exhibitor Innovations, Inspiring Keynotes, Engaging Sessions by Industry Leaders & Networking Connections, September 19-21, 2023

Charlotte, NC (September 29, 2023) – Last week, thousands of manufacturers, architects, designers, engineers, contractors and healthcare leaders convened at the Charlotte Convention Center for the 36^th annual Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo, HFSE, one of the country’s largest shows dedicated to healthcare design and facilities, energized attendees, exhibitors, speakers and partners with compelling Keynote Presentations, 100+ Exhibitors, Conference Sessions, Networking Events, Facility Tours and much more.

“Every year our speakers, exhibitors and attendees look forward to the Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo as it brings together our industry as a community to hold important discussions on timely topics from Technology Innovations to Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, as well as showcase the most cutting-edge products and services in healthcare design,” said Jenabeth Ferguson, Vice President, Symposium Director. “This year we experienced record growth and are excited about what the future holds for HFSE in 2024!”

Robust Conference and Keynotes

The Symposium featured three jam-packed days of educational and insightful Sessions and Keynotes by top industry leaders. Each year, HFSE features three compelling Keynotes and this year’s speakers included Ryan Straschnitzki, former Humboldt Bronco, current Team Alberta para-ice hockey member and founder of the Straz Strong Foundation, and Susan Black, Principal and Director, Perkins Eastman Black Architects Inc, as well as a team panel discussion on Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, featuring Nancy Hanright, Sr. Director, Real Estate & Space Planning, Boston Medical Center, Karen Heater, PE, CEM, Director, Energy & Utilities, Cleveland Clinic Buildings + Design, Brian Pratt, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, Associate Vice Chancellor and Campus Architect, University of California Irvine / Division of Finance and Administration Design and Construction Services and moderator, Beth Howard, Award-Winning Independent Writer.

“With healthcare changing as rapidly as it is, having a forum like HFSE to share knowledge, best practices and innovation is great. I have had the privilege to attend this conference for years and it never disappoints. The caliber of sessions, speakers and attendees is second to none.” – Nancy Hanright, Senior Director, Real Estate & Space Planning, Boston Medical Center Health System

Expo Hall

The Expo Hall featured 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 outperformed our expectations! The quality of the attendees is excellent for our type of business.” – Joe Kingston, Director, Fabrication & Advanced NDT Services, Smith-Emery Laboratories, Inc.

“This was our first show and we were impressed with the quality of attendees – we will be back next year!” – Tracey Heimpel, National Sales Director, Stance Healthcare

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 Winner: Banner Desert Medical Center – Women’s Tower Expansion, User-Centered Award Winner: Rush University Medical Center Joan & Paul Rubschlager Building, Adaptive Reuse Award Winner: Quinault Wellness Center, Individual Award Winner: Leslie Hanson, Studio Practice Leader, Health, Partner at HKS, George Pressler Under 40 Award Winner: Alexandra Vigliarolo, RA, Project Manager, Northwell Health

Product Award Categories: Most Innovative Winner: Vaask, Most Sustainable Winner: ZippSpace, Architect’s Choice Winner: MedSlide Pro from Serenity Sliding Doors.

Raffle and Charity Partner

The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo as 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’s community’s generosity. Since 2006, HFSE has donated over $186,000 to various charitable organizations. The Raffle continues to be a favorite event for attendees and this year’s beneficiary, Straz Strong Foundation, was started by Keynote speaker, Ryan Straschnitzki. The mission is to provide those with physical and mental disabilities an improvement of quality of life. $16,000 was raised to benefit Straz Strong Foundation.

“The Straz Strong Foundation was honored to be a part of the healthcare symposium in Charlotte, North Carolina! With the funds raised we will be putting it back into the community through adaptive sport equipment purchases, rehabilitation program funding and the continual pursuit to raise social awareness of the ways in which we can remove barriers for those living with disabilities. Straz Strong will continue to work towards providing Universal accessibility for all thanks to everyone’s continued support.” – Ryan Straschnitzki, Founder, Straz Strong

Emerging Leaders

The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo’s NEW Symposium Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program in 2023 gave recognition to individuals with less than 10 years (non-consecutive) of experience in healthcare design and construction including research and/or education. The recognition included attending the 2023 HFSE in Charlotte, North Carolina and participating in all activities surrounding the event.

For more information about the 2024 Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo taking place in Austin, TX (September 24-26, 2024), visit www.hcarefacilities.com.

 ABOUT

The mission of the Healthcare Facilities Symposium & 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.

September 12, 2023

The fourth annual PBW attracted retail and food service buyers who met with exhibitors and sampled hundreds of new plant-based food brands.

NEW YORK, September 12, 2023 – Plant Based World Expo North America (PBW) returned to the Javits Center in New York on September 7 and 8, 2023. Attendees at the only 100% plant-based B2B industry event sampled delicious new plant-based products, heard from knowledgeable and inspiring speakers, and attended exclusive networking opportunities. There were 3,168 registrants, including a substantial increase in qualified retail and food service buyers walking the expo floor. 

“The positive energy and excitement was palpable from the minute the show floor opened,” said Ben Davis, Content Chair and Strategic Advisor, PBW. “We’ve gotten fantastic feedback from buyers, exhibitors, and sponsors. Overall, exhibitor satisfaction has increased, and more than 50% of exhibit space has already been reserved for the 2024 show, including country pavilions from Italy, Denmark, Brazil, Thailand, Spain, and more.”

Trends at the 2023 Plant Based World Expo included:

• Healthier plant-based snacks and prepared foods using sustainable ingredients like hemp, jackfruit, acai, algae, and seaweed. 
• Global culinary creativity and chef-crafted products from countries including Italy, Brazil, Denmark, Peru, France, the UK, Thailand, Australia, and Canada. Products included plant-based cheese with truffles from Italy, plant-based croissants from France, and organic certified and vegan Dutch stroopwafels.
• More collaborations and training opportunities between food service institutions, chefs, and product manufacturers.
• Exceptional mushroom-based meats, snacks, and jerky from MyForest Foods, Green Wolf Foods, Popadelics, and Myco Technology.
• Exciting new plant-based seafood products from companies such as BeLeaf, Jinka, and Mind Blown Seafood.

This year, exhibitors from more than 200 global companies in more than 250 booths showcased their plant-based products, handed out delicious samples, met buyers, and kept the show floor buzzing for two days. “The experience has been very positive, and we’ve met some wonderful buyers,” said exhibitor Janessa Steenberg, Founder of Panacheeza. “We landed a huge deal today and have already reserved our spot for next year. After being at Plant Based World, we can fulfill retail space and food service.”

Henrik Lund, CEO of Naturli` Foods echoed a similar sentiment: “The quality of the people we talked with this year has been exceptional. They are decision-makers and stakeholders, and I loved the Hosted Buyer Lounge, where PBW arranged meetings with the exhibitors and buyers. PBW is one of the best places to showcase plant-based products.”

Buyers at the show were also enthusiastic about their experiences, citing great connections and the chance to learn about new products to bring to their customers. Additionally, exhibitors and buyers raved about the one-to-one meeting opportunities set up by PBW via the Hosted Buyer Program and the Food Export International Buyers Mission, which all combined resulted in nearly 400 meetings between 40 key buyers and more than100 exhibitors over three full days.

“The Hosted Buyer program was fantastic, and I walked away with a good, solid list of brands to seriously consider,” said Fedele Stella, a buyer with Fairway Market. Chris Chagnon, Assistant Category Manager at Hannaford Supermarkets, said he also had an overwhelmingly positive experience and “was impressed with the innovation and variety of products on the Expo floor.” He also expressed enthusiasm for the Hosted Buyer Program, which “allowed for meaningful conversations in an informal setting.” Thomas Clark from Clark Distribution said PBW was more focused than other large natural product trade shows, allowing him to have more meaningful and valuable conversations.

Don’t forget to save the date for next year’s show, September 11-12, 2024. PBW also offers the only hosted buyer program that is free of charge and exclusive to exhibitors.  Learn more about exhibiting at the 2024 Plant Based World Expo here.

To learn more about Plant Based World Expo or to schedule an interview with PBW leadership, please contact Sacha Cohen, [email protected] or 202-251-9417.

To inquire about exhibiting at future shows, please contact Sam Morley at [email protected].

About Plant Based World Expo

Plant Based World Expo is North America’s only 100% plant-based event designed exclusively for food service and retail professionals, distributors, investors, and manufacturers. PBW combines a world-class conference with an exhibition showcasing thousands of innovative plant-based food products and brands from around the world, plus high-level networking and tasting opportunities. PBW is the official tradeshow of the Plant Based Foods Association. 

About JD Events

Plant Based World Expo is produced by JD Events, dedicated to creating targeted and innovative industry-leading events that deliver results. The company brings together highly qualified buying audiences, education-rich content, and high-level networking opportunities — all geared toward increasing collaboration in the markets it serves.