Top 10 Healthcare IT Events in 2026 

Healthcare organizations face the challenge of harnessing transformative technologies to improve patient outcomes while maintaining security, compliance and interoperability. From implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and strengthening cybersecurity to modernizing health information exchange and navigating evolving regulatory requirements, Government healthcare agencies and providers must balance innovation with stringent standards that protect patient data and care quality. Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Healthcare IT Solutions Provider™, supports this effort with a broad portfolio of proven healthcare technologies and expert guidance across every stage of digital transformation. Throughout 2026, premier healthcare IT events will bring together clinical, IT and policy leaders to explore emerging trends and share insights that advance care delivery. Join Carahsoft at these key gatherings as we support the healthcare community’s mission to deliver better outcomes through secure, intelligent technology adoption. 

Carahsoft Charity Golf Classic 

March 8, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV | In-Person Event 

Carahsoft’s Charity Golf Classic will take place before the HIMSS Healthcare Conference, offering attendees a unique opportunity to make connections before the week’s events begin. The tournament welcomes participants of all skill levels to enjoy a day of community, networking and purpose. All proceeds from the event will support Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, helping fund critical research and provide support to families facing childhood cancer. Do not miss this chance to back a great cause and gain visibility in the healthcare industry! 

The Charity Golf Classic is hosted by Carahsoft with support from This Week Health and HIMSS. We are committed to both the healthcare community and the fight against pediatric cancer. By supporting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, we are joining healthcare leaders in making a meaningful impact beyond technology, directly contributing to research that saves children’s lives. This event embodies Carahsoft’s belief that supporting the healthcare sector means more than providing IT solutions; it means standing alongside healthcare professionals in their broader mission to improve patient outcomes and advance medical breakthroughs. Reach out to HealthcareMarketing@carahsoft.com with any inquiries. 

Beckers Healthcare 

April 13 – 16, 2026 | Chicago, IL | Hybrid Event 

Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting brings together more than 3,500 senior healthcare executives, including CEOs, CFOs, CMIOs, CNOs and service leaders, for four days of high-impact discussion centered on the industry’s most pressing challenges. With 840+ speakers, attendees will gain peer-tested strategies for margin recovery, workforce stabilization, AI integration, cybersecurity risk management and value-based care. The event features four dedicated summits that offer both focused depth and a cross-functional perspective for leaders navigating an increasingly complex healthcare landscape. The summits focus on the following: 

  • Academic Medical Centers 
  • AI 
  • Clinical Leadership  
  • Workforce 

Carahsoft will have a 10×10 gold booth at Becker’s 16th Annual Meeting, where attendees can connect with our team and explore our portfolio of healthcare IT solutions. Discounted passes are available for Carahsoft partners. Reach out to learn how to take advantage of this opportunity and maximize your presence at one of healthcare’s premier executive gatherings.  

HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition 

May 9-12, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV | In-Person Event 

As the peak of health IT education, HIMSS26 offers attendees the opportunity to explore innovative digital health solutions, network with industry leaders and engage in discussions that will shape the future of healthcare. With more than 600 educational sessions and a major emphasis on AI, cybersecurity, digital transformation, health equity, data governance and workforce challenges, HIMSS26 consistently features worldclass keynote speakers, spotlighting influential global leaders in healthcare, technology, innovation and public policy. New for 2026, the introduction of One Hour Workshops provides fast, high-density learning sessions that combine presentations, collaborative discussions and hands-on exercises. Long recognized as the premier venue for interoperability advancements, HIMSS remains the trusted stage where major updates are shared, discussed and stress tested. 

Session tracks to look out for: 

  • Emerge Experience – This track has been reimagined for HIMSS 2026 and is now a full day of education that is essential if you follow tech innovation, digital transformation or startup ecosystems. 
  • AI Track – AI-focused sessions will dive deep into AI-powered diagnostics, AI for clinical workflows and enterprise-scale AI strategies. 
  • Cybersecurity Track – With ongoing attacks on health systems, these sessions will highlight cybersecurity as a critical risk area. 

Carahsoft is proud to sponsor the HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition, demonstrating our commitment to helping healthcare organizations navigate the complex intersection of innovation, security and patient care. Carahsoft’s anchor booth pavilion will host demo kiosks and 10×10’s showcasing our vendors’ solutions, connecting the healthcare community with the expertise, guidance and proven tools needed to advance digital transformation safely and effectively. Join us at booth #6424 to learn more about the technologies shaping the future of public health and be sure to check back for new opportunities to connect at the event! 

AFCEA Health IT Summit 

May 26-27, 2026 | Bethesda, MD | In-Person Event 

The transformation of the U.S. public healthcare system is an ongoing mission, striving to deliver quality care, exceptional outcomes and improved patient experiences. At the 2026 AFCEA Health IT Summit, this mission takes center stage as Federal agencies and industry leaders gather to accelerate progress in an era defined by AI, interoperability, automation and strengthened cybersecurity. This year’s Summit theme, Making Progress, Advancing Healthcare Outcomes in an Era of AI, highlights how modern health IT is reshaping Federal healthcare by driving prevention, enhancing access through telehealth, enabling seamless data exchange and securing critical systems against evolving cyber threats.  

Session topics include: 

  • Acquisitions 
  • Cybersecurity 
  • Data science 
  • Generative AI (GenAI) 

Carahsoft will have a tabletop at AFCEA Health IT Summit as well as introductory remarks during the keynote session. Understanding the unique challenges faced by agencies in modernizing health IT while maintaining security and compliance, Carahsoft is dedicated to connecting healthcare leaders with insights and proven solutions. Our team will engage with attendees to help identify practical approaches to transforming healthcare delivery for service members, veterans and all Americans. 

MESC 2026 

August 17-20, 2026 | Portland, OR | In-Person Event 

For more than two decades, the Medicaid Enterprise Systems Conference (MESC) has served as the premier national gathering for Federal, State and Private Sector leaders, attracting over 1,600 attendees annually across the healthcare community. Each year, a new state volunteer committee curates an agenda designed to address the evolving needs of the Medicaid enterprise, featuring sessions on Medicaid programs, system procurement and funding, operations, modularity initiatives, Health Information Technology (HIT), Health Information Exchange (HIE) and data analytics. With over 100 exhibitors, MESC offers attendees an expansive platform to explore the latest solutions, technologies and proven strategies that support the future of Medicaid enterprise systems. 

Carahsoft’s pavilion at MESC 2026 will feature six, 10×10 healthcare technology exhibitions showcasing our vendors’ solutions, as well as booth activations, a speaking session and a cohosted reception. These easy-access opportunities presented by Carahsoft allow attendees one-on-one time with leading healthcare technology experts to discuss their unique challenges and come up with solutions that best fit their healthcare system needs. Our team will be available throughout the conference to share implementation insights from successful Medicaid modernization projects and help agencies identify practical approaches to improve program outcomes and better serve beneficiaries. 

GovCIO Health IT Summit 

September 2, 2026 | Bethesda, MD | In-Person Event 

The GovCIO Health IT Summit brings together Federal health leaders and innovators to explore how emerging tools and modernization efforts are transforming healthcare delivery across Government agencies. At this year’s Summit, attendees will gain critical insights into the technology that is shaping the future of public health services. As Federal agencies work to improve care coordination, enhance data sharing and strengthen digital infrastructure, the Summit serves as a forum for advancing meaningful progress across the health IT ecosystem.  

Agenda topics include: 

  • Electronic Health Record (EHR) Modernization 
  • Data Interoperability and Frameworks 
  • AI in Health Care 
  • Cybersecurity 
  • Telehealth 

Carahsoft’s participation in the GovCIO Health IT Summit demonstrates our commitment to helping Federal healthcare agencies navigate the challenges of health IT modernization and improve care delivery. Understanding that Government healthcare organizations face unique pressures to balance innovation with security, interoperability and regulatory compliance, Carahsoft’s team will engage with attendees, discussing emerging health IT trends, sharing implementation lessons and helping agencies identify ways to leverage technology to enhance patient outcomes. 

CHIME26 Fall Forum 

November 11-14, 2026 | Denver, CO | In-Person Event 

The CHIME26 Fall Forum brings together experts from across the industry to redefine leadership in the next era of healthcare. This year’s Forum invites those who think boldly and push boundaries to engage in critical conversations at a pivotal moment for healthcare IT. As organizations navigate rapid transformation across care delivery, technology and leadership, CHIME26 provides a platform for thought-provoking keynotes, engaging sessions and high-impact networking. This impactful event offers attendees the opportunity to connect with industry experts, collaborate with peers and to be a part of charting the path forward for digital healthcare. 

Session topics to look out for include:  

  • Mastering the Latest in AI 
  • Strengthening Cybersecurity 
  • Exploring Innovative Care Models 

Carahsoft will have a presence at CHIME26, continuing our mission to help healthcare Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and IT leaders navigate the complexities of digital transformation while maintaining the security, reliability and patient focus that define exceptional healthcare delivery. Our team will be on-site, connecting attendees with the technologies, insights and approaches that will enable them to lead transformative changes within their organizations. We invite attendees to join our focus group session, where participants can collaborate on addressing shared challenges and contribute valuable insights that help shape future solutions for the CHIME community. 

HLTH 2026 

November 15-18, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV | In-Person Event 

HLTH 2026 is a major annual conference that brings together over 12,250 attendees from the healthcare ecosystem, including providers, startups, investors, policymakers and more. With focus on areas such as AI, global health collaboration, workforce and employer health, diagnostics and clinician-centered transformation, HLTH 2026 offers a powerful platform for exploring how technology, partnerships and new care models are reshaping healthcare delivery and experience. From groundbreaking sessions to dynamic networking opportunities, HLTH is where bold ideas and meaningful conversations are shaping the future of healthcare. 

Carahsoft will participate in HLTH 2026, advancing our mission to help healthcare executives and clinical leaders navigate digital transformation while preserving the patient-centered care that defines healthcare excellence. As industry pioneers converge to explore innovations reshaping care delivery, payment models and health equity, our team will connect attendees with technologies and strategic perspectives that enable organizations to drive meaningful change. We are committed to facilitating dialogue between healthcare visionaries and solution providers who share the goal of improving outcomes through intelligent technology adoption that serves patients, providers and populations. 

This Week Health 229 Events 

Various Dates and Locations in U.S. 

Sacramento City Tour Dinner (April 1) | 2 Partner Spots Left 

Boise City Tour Dinner (June 2) | 3 Partner Spots Left 

CISO Roundtable (Dallas, April 16-18) | 2 Partner Spots Left 

CTO Roundtable (Destin, May 14-16) | 1 Partner Spot Left   

The 229 Project from This Week Health is expanding its national footprint in 2026, bringing together healthcare technology leaders for in-depth discussions, networking opportunities and professional development. With over 63 events planned across 30 cities, these events offer unparalleled opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations, build community and accelerate transformation in healthcare organizations. Whether through summits, roundtables or city-tour dinners, each 229 event creates space for leaders to exchange insights, tackle pressing challenges and form the relationships that drive real progress.  

As a trusted partner of This Week Health, Carahsoft understands that healthcare executives benefit most from intimate, peer-to-peer conversations where they can openly discuss challenges, share insights and learn from each other’s experiences. By supporting 229 events throughout the year, Carahsoft is helping executives connect, collaborate and advance their organizations’ missions to deliver better patient care. 

More Events 

ViVE 2026 

February 22-25, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA | In-Person Event 

ViVE brings together the leadership of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) and the innovation marketplace of HLTH, creating a premier event where the business of healthcare meets the future of technology. Designed for digital health decision makers, ViVE convenes C-suite executives, Government leaders, healthcare providers, IT security professionals, investors and a broad ecosystem of solution providers driving measurable transformation across healthcare. At ViVE 2026, attendees will gain access to real-world solutions, curated networking experience, though-leading speakers and immersive programs focused on areas such as patient experience, AI, data innovation and diagnostics. Join ViVE to explore groundbreaking technologies, collaborate with industry leaders and help shape the future of healthcare. 

Sessions to look out for: 

  • Reimagining Nursing Workflows: Giving Time Back to Care – This session focuses on AI-enabled transformation, automation and reducing administrative burden. 
  • Nursing and Remote Care: Expanding Care Delivery Beyond the Bedside – This session discusses how to scale nurse-led virtual care as remote and hybrid care models continue to expand. 
  • Navigating Healthcare Policy Twists in 2026 – For anyone tracking Federal/State policy shifts, reimbursement, data privacy and regulatory compliance, this is a key session for understanding 2026 health policy impact. 

Carahsoft will have a presence ai ViVE 2026 at booth #1442, demoing several vendors, including Broadcom and Dell. Carahsoft will also be hosting a session discussing how AI can save lives and improve cyber defenses. Our team will be available throughout the event to connect healthcare professionals with the right solutions to enhance their mission of delivering better care. 

The healthcare technology landscape is evolving rapidly, creating both opportunities and complex challenges for organizations focused on improving patient care. These 2026 events offer healthcare leaders valuable insights, proven implementation approaches and trusted partnerships to navigate digital transformation successfully. Carahsoft is proud to support the healthcare community at these premier events, connecting Government healthcare professionals, clinical innovators and technology experts dedicated to advancing care delivery. Whether exploring AI, strengthening cybersecurity, modernizing Health Information Systems (HISs) or improving interoperability, these events provide invaluable opportunities to learn from peers, discover innovative solutions and build collaborative relationships that drive healthcare forward. We look forward to connecting with you throughout the year as we work together to transform healthcare through secure, effective technology adoption. 

To learn more or get involved in any of the above events, please contact us at Healthcare@carahsoft.com. 

For more information on Carahsoft and our industry-leading healthcare technology partners, visit our healthcare solutions portfolio and healthcare events page. 

Becker’s Healthcare Online 2025: Top 5 Insights on Sustainability, Efficiency and Security in Patient Care 

At the 15th annual meeting of Becker’s Healthcare, providers and industry leaders gathered to discuss the latest in Health IT. Sessions explored intellectual capital, cybersecurity, logistics and technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI).  

Carahsoft and its partners, such as Oracle, Bamboo Health, Innovaccer, Laserfiche, Smart Communications, Wolters Kluwer and more, attended Becker’s to connect healthcare systems with the latest technology.  

Becker’s Healthcare conference featured five key themes for attendees to learn about. 

Expanding Patient Care Through Automation 

Speakers from Baptist Health discussed patient care amidst high demand in the session “Empowering Healthcare Teams: Baptist Health’s Journey to Efficiency.” As the Baptist Health Healthsystem began examining inpatient flows, they tracked all components of the patient’s experience. The influx of patients exposed existing weaknesses, such as fragmented operations, low visibility and discharging delays, resulting in lost revenue and overall inability to meet patient demand. In response, Baptist Health opened a command center to centralize its logistics, proactively taking steps to increase reliability and predictability. Viewing all components of a patient’s stay, from the moment patients entered to being fully discharged, as well as the time spent cleaning the room, enabled them to find and remove bottlenecks that prevented the efficient transfer of patients. Baptist Health also began automating workflows to expedite processes. Automated texts would be pushed to providers when patients were not moved, allowing providers to know where they were needed. These changes resulted in a 6% increase in overall admissions and a 50% increase in on time or early discharges by 11am, which helped free up beds, increasing overall capacity and revenue.  

Patient-Centered Sustainability 

In the session “The Future of Patient-Centered Care: Strategies for Sustainable Healthcare,” Fariha Siddiquie, the Director of Healthcare Services at The Kaleidoscope Group, emphasized that patients are the center of healthcare. When crafting a positive customer experience, healthcare systems should take a holistic approach to the patient’s journey. 

Healthcare systems can foster a positive experience by:  

  • Utilizing front desk staff to create positive experiences as soon as patients enter the facility 
  • Providing a comfortable experience in the waiting room 
  • Removing technical jargon to help patients and their support system understand billing, procedures and treatments 
  • Preventing and slowing the spread of diseases through community outreach 

Meeting patients and their support systems at their level contributes to patients feeling safe and welcome. While providers are not fully responsible for the experience a patient has at a healthcare center, they shoulder the most responsibility. Healthcare systems can help alleviate this responsibility by fostering a culture of empathy between employer and provider, which will ultimately extend to provider and patient. Focusing on the patient’s experience will ensure satisfaction in all aspects of patient care. 

To meet all of a patients’ needs, providers should consider how different backgrounds, such as geographical location and age, factor into care needs. With technology, certain features, such as specific fonts or options to connect to a help desk, boost accessibility. When these features are not included, the technology that already has been invested in will be ineffective. By committing to a strategic plan that impacts day-to-day workflow, healthcare systems can ensure a more welcoming, fostering environment for patients. 

Choosing the Right Technology for Your Healthcare Systems  

As IT expenses continuously grow, healthcare systems must consider which technology to prioritize. In the session “From Friction to Flow: Advocating for Smarter, Safer Healthcare Systems,” panelists discussed how healthcare systems must consider whether replacing existing technology with new ones is cost effective. Before purchasing, healthcare systems should consider how the technology will be incorporated into the workplace, and whether staff will need to be trained to use the new technology. Talking to front line caregivers and other staff can illuminate what solutions and tools are needed for daily operations. The technology with the best return on investment is that which alleviates monotonous administrative tasks and uplifts providers, who face potential burnout from the administrative tasks placed on top of their job. Once the technology is in place, healthcare systems should measure the outcomes of technology and gather and listen to feedback from end users. While technology helps processes, it cannot automatically solve problems. Rather, technology is best utilized when aiding providers and expediting work processes, allowing clinicians to focus on patient care. 

Preventing Data Breaches in Healthcare  

In the session “Doing the Inevitable: How Health Systems Are Stopping Data Breaches,” speakers from various institutions discussed the daily phishing breach attempts that healthcare systems face. Phishing attacks are insidious as they are impossible to fully prevent. Threat actors are getting more sophisticated with social engineering, using AI to impersonate leadership over the phone, or even on video calls. While security solutions, such as multi-factor authentication, are important to preventing breaches, there are use cases where they are not applicable- such as emergency situations in the operation room. 

Phishing breaches should be treated as a “when,” not an “if;” systems must proactively prepare for data breaches. Attacks can force an area or unit to go offline, so a response strategy can help operations continue smoothly. Trainings that simulate breaches can demonstrate to leaders the full complexity of these attacks and what is at risk. Even breaches for agencies that are indirectly exposed to your network can be a hazard. To prevent phishing breaches, everyone from providers to clinical leadership must be knowledgeable about mitigating attacks. 

Optimize Daily Operations with Artificial Intelligence  

In the session “AI in Healthcare: Big Ideas and Risks for the Next 5 Years,” speakers Dr. Chris Longhurst from UC San Diego Health, Dr. Mike Phepher from Stanford, the Chief Data Officer from CommonSpirit Health and Mohan, the Founder and CEO of LeanTaaS, discussed the variety of AI projects have been tested in healthcare systems to aid with operational processes. With the onboarding of secure AI portals, healthcare systems enable staff to experiment and learn how to use the new technology.  

They have found that AI can aid daily procedures in numerous areas, such as: 

Operational Tasks 

AI can help eliminate monotonous tasks that are not directly related to helping patients, such as with calls and removing duplicate insurance requests, empowering providers with more time with patients. 

Safety 

AI has helped predict which patients need palliation. This early identification has enabled symptom relief, disease prevention and reduced mortality rate. It has also democratized medical information, empowering patients and providers, as well as aided in eliminating misdiagnosis. 

Patient Empowerment 

AI has enabled patients to learn more about the care they receive. Tools such as language learning models (LLMs) have helped providers craft response letters to patients, and electronic health record (EHR) integration aids in provider-patient communication by making medical information more accessible to patients. 

When choosing the right AI platform for a healthcare system, the speakers recommend onboarding an AI model that is secure and sufficient for necessary procedures. A platform approach can help avoid siloing. Technology experts, such as VMWare, are constantly working to be at the forefront of AI initiatives and enablement, and Salesforce offers a variety of AI tools. Overall, AI can be used in many scenarios. Between aiding call centers and predicting illnesses, AI increases efficiency, optimizes processes and decreases costs. 

By maintaining security and investing in mission-supporting technologies, healthcare systems can support providers and offer the best care to patients. 

To learn more about technologies featured at Becker’s Healthcare Online, visit Carahsoft’s healthcare technology portfolio. 

Becker’s 2023: Optimizing the Medical Field and User Experience Through AI

Medical practices are quickly entering an age where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing and expanding to help improve user and patient experience, as well as increase automation in the work environment. During the Becker’s Health IT + Digital Health + RCM conference, healthcare and IT leaders came together to discuss how to adapt to the latest trends in the field, including telehealth, cybersecurity, diversity and the simplification of healthcare through AI.

The implementation of AI in the medical world is increasing as doctors and researchers explore ways to make healthcare as seamless as possible for both doctors and patients. Telehealth, the ability to meet with a healthcare provider virtually rather than in-person, is an important process that doctors are utilizing as the patient population and their needs continue to grow. Doctors and medical staff will soon be able to: 

  • Use AI for administrative tasks to increase healthcare staff efficiency 
  • Continue to consolidate electronic medical records (EMR) onto a singular platform, making it easier for providers across a health system to access up-to-date patient information  
  • Close the access gap in more rural and underserved areas to collect data and maximize face time with patients 
  • Utilize technology to focus on holistic health and increase discussion about behavioral nudges, for example a smart watch mentioning that it is ‘time to stand’  
  • Improve the digital experience for patients of all demographics through easy access medical records and utilization of telehealth for older populations

Diversity in Telehealth Technology 

Carahsoft Becker's Healthcare Tradeshow Recap Blog Embedded Image 2023With the progression of AI and telehealth, hearing diverse voices on the implementation of these tools cannot be overlooked as medical professionals change the way they utilize technology. It is imperative that new technology is working to make medical support and processes simple for communities that may not have as many resources when it comes to telehealth and digital medical records. For example, a chat box that pops up on a medical practice’s website may have been created to help patients, but non-English speaking patients do not benefit if the box is not programmed to display and understand other languages.

Skillset diversity must also be considered when doing research. Instead of finding medical staff and researchers based only on a certain educational background, it is beneficial to consider candidates with a range of experience as well. Inviting different voices into the medical field can only benefit the way healthcare progresses and provides better outcomes to patients.

A Platform-First Approach: Creating Maximum Value for Enterprises  

It is important for medical companies to create maximum value within the applications and systems that they are paying for. Technology is evolving at such a rapid pace that often, by the time a new technology has been implemented by an enterprise, it is already basically obsolete and needs to be replaced. This is where the platform-first approach comes into play. With this approach, companies prioritize getting the most value from existing applications that are already purchased and installed in the enterprise. For example, ensuring that there is no overlap between the use cases of multiple apps a company is paying for. 

The platform-first approach includes:  

  • Leveraging platforms that are already currently in use 
  • Adding features that are easy to use with easily accessible interfaces  
  • Focusing less on training and more on hands-on experience 
  • Being selective in what tools and platforms are implemented 
  • Being agile and looking at a platform strategy instead of individualistic needs  
  • Ensuring that what an organization already has makes sense in regard to the bigger picture and is not being underutilized

Moving Forward: Maximizing Every Tool and Every Person 

Even with today’s fast-paced changes, there are processes and elements of healthcare that AI cannot replace. AI is rapidly growing and evolving, but it cannot take away the qualities of being a human, especially in the medical field. If a bot can do a simple task, such as filing paperwork, it is best to let the bot do it, and allow doctors to spend more personalized time with patients. It is ideal to offer digital opportunities in the workplace, but not to the extent that it hinders user experience. Technology can alleviate pressures and remove friction from a workforce, but at the end of the day, AI cannot replace the personal human element of care that a doctor provides to a patient.  

AI is not something to fear, but rather something to embrace in the areas where it meets providers and patients’ needs. It is also important that every voice is heard while technology advances, and minority groups are not left behind in the fast-moving AI path. Companies and researchers are focusing on where the demand is and either changing or providing additional technology as frictionless and simple as possible. 

 

Visit Carahsoft’s Healthcare Solutions Portfolio to learn more information and key insights for the IT and Healthcare industries. 

*The information contained in this blog has been written based off the thought-leadership discussions presented by speakers at the Becker’s Healthcare Summit 2023.*