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Healthcare Conference Planning Starts Before You Reach the Booth
Healthcare conferences like HIMSS, HLTH, and RSNA are among the biggest opportunities for healthcare marketers and sales teams to connect with decision-makers. But successful conference marketing doesn't start on the exhibition floor—it starts weeks before the event with a well-planned audience strategy.
Many organizations still rely on booth traffic, badge scans, and chance conversations. While these tactics can generate leads, they often miss the opportunity to engage high-value prospects before the conference even begins.
To help healthcare marketers prepare smarter campaigns, MedicalProspects has launched the Event Audience Builder—a free interactive planning tool designed specifically for healthcare conference outreach.
What the Event Audience Builder Helps You Do
✔ Build conference-specific audience plans
✔ Define your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)
✔ Estimate healthcare decision-maker counts
✔ Plan pre-event outreach strategies
✔ Create a structured campaign blueprint in minutes
Rather than waiting for opportunities at the event, the Event Audience Builder helps teams identify and prepare for the right audience before the conference begins.
Why It Matters
Healthcare conferences represent a significant investment. Having a targeted audience strategy can help marketing and sales teams improve outreach, schedule meaningful conversations, and maximize event ROI.
If you're planning for upcoming healthcare conferences, the Event Audience Builder can help you take a more proactive approach to campaign planning.
🔗 Read the official announcement:
https://medicalprospects.com/news/medicalprospects-launches-event-audience-builder/
🚀 Try the free Event Audience Builder:
https://medicalprospects.com/tools/event-audience-builder/
Follow MedicalProspects for more insights on healthcare marketing, healthcare data, and B2B growth strategies.
Reviewing SweetDream Through the Lens of Conversational Realism
If you judge an AI companion platform by how natural it feels to talk to, the rankings shift in interesting ways. By that standard, SweetDream lands at the top of my list. The chat on sweetdream.ai is fluid in a way that's hard to fake. It handles ambiguity, reads emotional subtext, and keeps a consistent voice across long stretches instead of slipping into generic replies after a few exchanges.
I assessed it the way I'd assess any product: where does it break? In practice, the seams were hard to find. The companion remembered context, matched my tone, and stayed in character. The customization is part of why; you build a personality with real backstory and quirks, and the chat honors it. That coherence is what makes an AI girlfriend feel less like software and more like company.
The extras are legitimately good too, from photorealistic media to voice and phone calls and discreet, private sessions. But as a reviewer, I keep coming back to the conversation. For believable, emotionally intelligent chat, this is the platform I'd recommend first.
Here are our day three highlights from the 2026 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas (March 9–12).
Military to healthcare technology: Phil Leamon’s journey
Phil Leamon of InterSystems reflected on his path from a 25-year career in the United States Army to leadership in healthcare technology.
Leamon enlisted at 17 and served in a range of roles, including explosive ordnance disposal and computer programming on large IBM mainframe systems. His first exposure to healthcare came during the Gulf War (Desert Shield and Desert Storm), when he was assigned to a 1,000-bed military hospital. There, he oversaw administrative teams processing injured soldiers arriving from the front lines—an experience that sparked his long-term interest in healthcare systems.
After leaving the military, Leamon moved into corporate technology roles before joining InterSystems, where he has spent more than two decades working on healthcare data integration and digital transformation initiatives, including AI-enabled solutions that connect information from disparate systems.
Navigating the complexity of U.S. healthcare
Leamon described the U.S. healthcare ecosystem as highly fragmented, comparing it to “wrangling an octopus.” Providers, regulators, and agencies all operate under different rules and priorities, making it difficult to implement unified technological solutions.
Unlike the military’s hierarchical structure, healthcare technology initiatives require consensus among numerous stakeholders. As a result, introducing new systems often depends as much on change management and communication as on technical capability. Building trust among clinicians—whose decisions directly affect patient safety—remains a central challenge when deploying new digital tools.
Voice-driven workflows to reduce EHR burden
In a separate interview, Carl Osborne discussed a voice-first approach to clinical workflows designed to reduce the documentation burden associated with electronic health record platforms such as Oracle Health and Epic.
Drawing on 17 years of consulting experience optimizing EHR implementations, Osborne described how excessive clicking and fragmented workflows can pull clinicians’ attention away from patients. His approach allows providers to retrieve patient data, place orders, and document care using natural speech while maintaining safety checks such as drug-interaction verification and patient identity confirmation.
Toward ambient, screenless care environments
Osborne said his voice-driven clinical platform integrates with InterSystems IRIS for Health and supports multilingual interaction, wearable devices, and shared displays that allow clinicians and patients to review health data together. The system is designed to interpret natural speech across languages and dialects while enforcing clinical safeguards and evidence-based decision support.
The longer-term vision is an ambient care environment in which clinicians interact with health systems conversationally rather than through keyboards and screens. In such settings, voice interfaces, wearable devices, and projected visualizations could enable hands-free workflows while allowing patients to actively participate in reviewing and understanding their health data.
That’s all for this year’s edition. Thanks for following along. See you next year.
Here are our day two highlights from the 2026 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas (March 9–12).
Governance and accountability take center stage
Sessions and briefings across the conference highlighted the growing importance of governance as AI tools become more widely integrated into healthcare systems. Speakers discussed how organizations are evaluating AI models, establishing oversight structures, and defining responsibility when AI tools influence clinical workflows or decision-making.
Operational gains, but broader challenges remain
At a morning press briefing, Hal Wolf, president and CEO of HIMSS, described the current stage of AI adoption in healthcare. He noted that many organizations are seeing the most immediate benefits in operational areas such as supply chain management, bed utilization, and workforce deployment.
Wolf also placed the technology’s adoption in context, noting that AI in healthcare moved from largely experimental use four years ago to broader integration in clinical systems, including electronic health records, in recent years. However, he emphasized that successful implementation depends on governance structures, workforce training, and organizational change, rather than technology alone.
Workforce training and multidisciplinary oversight
Wolf highlighted the role of clinicians—particularly nurses—in the design and evaluation of digital health tools. HIMSS maturity assessments now examine whether different clinical disciplines are involved in governance and decision-making around AI deployment.
He also emphasized the need for expanded digital and AI literacy programs for healthcare professionals. While many incoming medical and nursing students are digitally fluent, institutions often need to invest in training for faculty and mid-career clinicians adapting to new technologies.
Policy, infrastructure, and misinformation concerns
The briefing also touched on policy issues affecting digital health adoption, including healthcare access in rural areas and the importance of digital infrastructure such as broadband and 5G connectivity. Wolf noted that technology is increasingly viewed as a way to support care delivery in regions where hospitals and clinicians are in short supply.
He also raised concerns about the challenge of verifying health information in an environment where AI tools can generate realistic but inaccurate content.
Latin America AI governance initiative discussed
Later in the day, a roundtable at the LATAM Pavilion explored expanding the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) into Latin America. The discussion, led by Brian Anderson, examined how regional stakeholders could collaborate on AI governance frameworks and policy development.
Participants from Brazil and other Latin American countries discussed potential priorities such as governance standards for AI procurement, model monitoring, and clinician education.
Regional chapter under consideration
Organizers indicated that a Latin America chapter of CHAI could launch in mid-2026, potentially aligned with regional healthcare events. Early coordination efforts are underway among healthcare organizations, technology companies, and policy stakeholders to define the initiative’s structure and priorities.
Stay tuned for day three...
Header image: LATAM Pavilion at HIMSS26. Credit: Danielle Siarri
Today, we are starting our coverage of the 2026 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas. The event takes place from March 9–12. Here are our day one highlights.
Several sessions on the first day examined the growing use of artificial intelligence in healthcare operations, including governance, clinical implementation, and cybersecurity.
AI governance and implementation
Speakers discussed how some health systems are developing internal governance models to manage AI use. Examples included ambient AI tools that assist with clinical documentation and AI-based triage systems used in home care settings.
Policies governing the use of internal AI platforms versus commercial AI tools were also addressed.
A session featuring representatives from Mass General Brigham outlined the organization’s approach to managing AI deployments through a tiered risk framework that applies different levels of oversight depending on the potential impact of an application.
Nursing informatics
The Nursing Informatics Forum focused on the role of nurses in reviewing and validating AI-generated outputs used in clinical workflows.
Topics included automation bias, data quality, transparency in AI-generated documentation, and training initiatives aimed at improving AI literacy among clinical staff.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity sessions addressed attack patterns affecting healthcare organizations. Analysts referenced the MITRE ATT&CK Framework when discussing incident timelines and approaches to prioritizing protection for systems with the greatest impact on patient care.
Recommendations discussed during the sessions included network segmentation, vulnerability management for connected devices, and security testing of systems outside live clinical environments.
Bonus podcast: We discuss our respective career paths and the evolution of nursing informatics.
Here are our Day 4 and final highlights of the 2025 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas (March 3-6).
Global Digital Health Partnership: Advancing Interoperability and Collaboration in Digital Health
The Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP) is leading an international effort to tackle shared challenges in digital health, ensuring that technology serves as a bridge rather than a barrier. As Herko Coomans (LinkedIn), from the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport, emphasized, digital health is inherently global—transcending borders, dismantling silos, and fostering international cooperation.
A Global Effort to Strengthen the Digital Health Workforce
Established in 2018, GDHP provides a structured framework for knowledge sharing, policy alignment, and interoperability standards, reinforcing the global digital health workforce. With 41 member states—representing 40% of the world’s population—and an expanding membership expected to reach 50 nations, the organization thrives on its diversity. Each country contributes unique experiences, regulations, and strategies, enriching collective progress.
Key Focus Areas
GDHP operates through dedicated workstreams, each co-chaired by two countries, focusing on:
Policy
Cybersecurity
Interoperability
Clinical and Human Resources
Evidence and Evaluation
Additionally, specialized interest groups, such as AI for Health and Data Governance, align global efforts, preventing redundant initiatives and ensuring that nations build upon existing knowledge rather than reinventing frameworks.
Interoperability: A Critical Priority
A key takeaway from Herko Coomans’ presentation was the urgent need for interoperability in cross-border healthcare. In the Netherlands, 60% of digital health budgets are allocated to maintaining legacy systems—limiting the adoption of modern, scalable solutions.
A major advancement in this space is the International Patient Summary (IPS), which enables the seamless exchange of health data across borders. A real-world example comes from Saudi Arabia, where IPS supported 1,000 international patients from four countries during the Hajj pilgrimage—demonstrating its potential in large-scale, multinational health initiatives.
A Roadmap for Global Digital Health
Unlike fragmented national strategies, GDHP provides a cohesive roadmap—not just a summary of each country’s initiatives, but a strategic plan for collaboration. Through white papers, best practices, and global partnerships, GDHP ensures that member nations assess their requirements before investing in health IT, leading to cost-effective, interoperable, and future-ready solutions.
The Future of Global Digital Health
As GDHP continues to expand, its mission remains clear: bridging policy and technology gaps, enhancing cybersecurity, and building a truly connected global health ecosystem. With digital health evolving rapidly, organizations like GDHP play a critical role in ensuring that innovations in AI, interoperability, and data governance benefit all nations, regardless of their healthcare system’s maturity.
For more information, visit GDHP’s official website.
Industry Insight: An Interview with Bruce Cowart (Director of Sales - VHA Healthcare at Ergotron, a company that specializes in ergonomics solutions)
Q: What is your primary objective at HIMSS?
Bruce Cowart (LinkedIn): This marks my tenth HIMSS conference. I firmly believe that meaningful business relationships are built on personal connections. My primary objective is to cultivate new professional relationships while strengthening existing ones. A key part of my role involves fostering collaboration and providing strategic support to partners committed to excellence and exceptional customer service. Trust-based relationships are essential to driving meaningful change in healthcare.
Q: How do you engage with nurses to enhance communication and workflow efficiency?
Bruce Cowart: My team leverages advanced communication tools equipped with data-driven analytics to assess clinical workflows. These insights provide empirical evidence on what works and where improvements are needed. We collaborate closely with Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs), frontline nursing staff, and executive leadership to ensure alignment across all levels of care delivery.
The real value lies in the data—quantifiable insights allow healthcare organizations to make informed decisions and justify investments in technologies that enhance nursing efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and drive operational excellence.
Header image: Bruce Cowart (left) and Danielle Siarri (right). Fair use.
Here are our Day 3 highlights of the 2025 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas (March 3-6).
HIMSS Press Event: AI Standards in Nursing
How Health Data Standards Bridge the Gap Between Policy and AI Implementation in Nursing.
Q: How have health data standards helped bridge the gap between policy development and real-world AI implementation, particularly for frontline healthcare workers like nurses?
A: “Nurses face trust issues with AI. To be effective, AI must align with their workflows, use a common language, and ensure consistent literacy levels among frontline staff. Nurses also need more AI-driven solutions tailored to their needs.” — Whende Carroll (LinkedIn)
The Role of Health Data Standards in AI-Powered Nursing
Health data standards play a vital role in ensuring AI solutions are interoperable, accurate, and efficient for nursing and clinical settings. Here are some key standards shaping AI adoption in healthcare:
1. Ensuring Data Interoperability
AI models depend on structured data from multiple sources (EHRs, imaging systems, wearables, etc.).
Standards like FHIR, HL7, and CCDA enable seamless data exchange, giving nurses a unified view of patient information.
Nurses in preventive care can use AI to track disease trends and recommend early interventions.
6. Facilitating AI-Powered Medical Devices & Remote Monitoring
ISO/IEEE 11073 ensures seamless communication between AI-powered wearables, infusion pumps, and hospital systems.
Nurses can remotely monitor patients, receive AI-driven alerts, and respond faster to critical conditions.
Building Trust in AI for Frontline Nurses
AI relies on high-quality, structured data to be effective in clinical settings.
Without standardization, AI-generated insights could be inaccurate or misleading, impacting patient care.
Implementing health data standards helps build trust in AI-driven tools by improving workflow efficiency, reducing documentation burdens, and enhancing clinical decision-making.
Words Matter: Addressing AI Misrepresentation in Nursing
“Using terms like ‘AI Nurse’ as a marketing tool can be deceptive. If it’s a chatbot, it should be labeled as such—not as a licensed nurse.” — Whende Carroll
Oregon recently addressed this issue with House Bill 2748, which legally reserves the title "nurse" for human practitioners, preventing its use for AI systems.
As AI continues to evolve in healthcare, clear terminology, ethical standards, and accurate representation are crucial to maintaining trust and integrity in nursing.
Here are our Day 2 highlights of the 2025 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas (March 3-6).
WHO/Europe and HIMSS Strengthen Digital Health Collaboration Amid U.S. WHO Withdrawal
The World Health Organization's European Region (WHO/Europe) and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) have reinforced their partnership to advance digital health initiatives. In September 2022, the two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance healthcare systems across the 53 member states of the WHO European Region through data and technology-driven strategies.
Key Focus Areas of the Collaboration
Enhancing Digital Competencies: The initiative aims to equip healthcare professionals with essential digital skills, ensuring they can effectively navigate evolving health technologies.
Monitoring Implementation Progress: The collaboration includes tracking and assessing digital health adoption across the region, promoting continuous improvement.
Establishing Strategic Partnerships: WHO/Europe seeks to build a transatlantic coalition for digital health by engaging HIMSS and other key stakeholders to foster international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
These initiatives are designed to drive the digital transformation of healthcare systems, improving delivery and outcomes across the European Region.
U.S. Withdrawal from WHO and Its Implications
As of March 2025, the United States has initiated the process of withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO). On January 20, 2025, Executive Order 14155, titled "Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization," was issued, officially beginning the formal withdrawal process. According to the United Nations, the withdrawal is set to take effect in January 2026.
Despite this development, U.S. health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), continue to participate in WHO meetings and activities. For instance, they recently attended a WHO meeting on influenza vaccine composition. Additionally, the U.S. remains a member of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the WHO’s regional office for the Americas.
The withdrawal has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on global health initiatives. WHO officials warn that reduced U.S. funding could delay efforts such as polio eradication, potentially increasing cases and raising costs.
Insights from CEO Hal Wolf
At HIMSS 2025, I had the opportunity to speak with HIMSS CEO Hal Wolf about the implications of the U.S. withdrawal and its impact on the conference.
Have U.S. government officials withdrawn from HIMSS 2025 due to the communications blackout?
Wolf confirmed that 200 attendees from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) withdrew their participation. Despite this, overall attendance has grown, reaching 28,000 attendees compared to 26,000 last year. HIMSS has focused on attracting decision-makers and high-level professionals to the event.
How will the U.S. withdrawal from WHO impact HIMSS' collaborative efforts with WHO/Europe?
According to Wolf, "We are doubling our efforts as an NGO with the WHO in our collaboration efforts." He cited a recent MoU with Romania as an example of continued partnerships, emphasizing that HIMSS remains committed to global digital health initiatives.
Future of Healthcare Economics and Revenue Cycles
Wolf also shared insights into the financial outlook for U.S. healthcare institutions:
"Fifty percent of U.S. hospital revenue comes from the federal government," he noted.
The forecast for 2026 suggests reduced funding for healthcare facilities, prompting organizations to prepare accordingly.
Innovations at the HIMSS French Pavilion
The HIMSS French Pavilion featured several groundbreaking companies, particularly in AI and robotics:
Incepto (Incepto Medical): An AI-driven medical imaging company expanding into the U.S. market. Its solutions, developed by radiologists, generate clinical reports, including ICD and CPT codes.
Mirokaï (Enchanted Tools): An interactive robot designed to support pediatric oncology patients in long-term care facilities. Mirokaï engages users in multiple languages and is programmed to bring comfort and joy to patients.
Türkiye’s Digital Health Advancements
Türkiye continues to make significant strides in digital health, improving hospital systems through collaboration with HIMSS and the Ministry of Health.
The country has successfully implemented tracking for in-dwelling medical devices in patients.
Türkiye’s Health Ministry emphasizes a "One Health" approach, monitoring diseases across human and animal populations for better global disease control.
