< + > The Pearl, the Pitch, and the Panels: A HLTH 2025 Preview

It’s easy to dismiss the annual HLTH conference as nothing more than a spectacle. Yes, the branding and production value are unmatched, but the content and programming have real weight too. From interoperability stages to interesting panels to hosted buyer meetings at scale, HLTH has always been about more than flash

At HLTH2025, I expect AI to once again dominate the discussion. Over 20 sessions have “AI” in the title. But I expect the conversations to be focused more on the practical implementation of AI rather than on the hype of AI.

My secret hope is that the workforce shortage and access crisis get more attention, because that is something Health IT will have to help address in the years ahead.

Here is what else I’m looking forward to at HLTH 2025.

There’s no shortage of sessions I’m eager to attend:

• Better Data, Better Care: Enhancing Quality and Usability of Patient Data – Sunday, Oct 19 at 1:45pm. Featuring Charlie Harp (Clinical Architecture), Lauren Riplinger JD (AHIMA), Dr. Viet Nguyen MD (HL7 International)
• Opening Fireside Chat with Mark Cuban – Sunday, Oct 19 at 5:05pm
• Building a Frictionless Future: Payer-Provider Collaboration in the New Administrative Era – Monday, Oct 20 at 8:00am. Featuring Mirini Kim (Pocket RN), David Less (Leavitt Partners), Corinne Stroum (SCAN), Erin Weber (CAQH). Moderated by John Lynn.
• Healthcare Innovation at The Pearl – Monday, Oct 20 at 11:45am. Featuring Dr. Rasu Shrestha from Advocate Health
• Sounding the Alarm on our Healthcare Workforce and Access Crisis – Monday, Oct 20 at 1:10pm. Featuring the American Medical Association, American Dental Association, American Nurses Association, and the Wharton School of Medicine.
• Main Stage Keynote: Jim O’Neill, Deputy Secretary, HHS – Tuesday, Oct 21 at 9:25am
• HLTH Startup Pitch Competition Grand Finale – Wednesday, Oct 22 at 9:15am

As always, I’ll be making time for the HLTH exhibit hall – an eclectic mix of software, devices, and services that shows just how crowded the field for provider, payer, and pharma mindshare has become. I’m excited to see the Patient Lounge (with Savvy Coop), the artwork, the Puppy Park, and the different booth designs.

HLTH is still a spectacle, but it’s also where important conversations take place.

What are you looking forward to in Las Vegas this year?