SHSMD Connections Conference
Save the Date for SHSMD26
September 27-29 | Baltimore, MD
The Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD), a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association, will be hosting the premier event for health care strategists. At SHSMD Connections Annual Conference, we equip you with forward-thinking insights and a robust professional network to further you on your journey of leading health care into the future.
SHSMD conference attendees are innovators, storytellers, collaborators and strategic thinkers helping to shape the rapidly evolving health care landscape and promote health in their communities. These health care strategists work in a variety of roles, including:
- Marketing and Digital Engagement
- Communications and Public Relations
- Strategic Planning
- Business Development
- Innovation and Consumer Experience
- And similar fields related to health care strategy
Schedule Overview
-
Kickoff Sunday: Join us at the Baltimore Convention Center and attend a full day of free preconference workshops, starting at 9am. Then join us for the Opening Keynote at 4:15pm, followed by our Welcome Reception.
Daily Agenda:
- 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Preconference Workshops
- 2:00 - 4:00 PM: Executive Summit
- 3:00 - 4:00 PM: New Member and First-Time Attendee Reception
- 4:15 - 5:30 PM: Opening Keynote
- 5:30 - 7:00 PM: Welcome Reception
-
Education: Attend six concurrent breakouts across five different tracks:
- Marketing & Digital Engagement
- Strategic Panning & Business Development
- Communications & Public Relations
- Innovation & Cross-Disciplinary Solution
- Career & Leadership Development
Networking Events: Connect with your peers and experts in your field! Participate in member meet-ups, receptions, and round-table discussions to learn the latest trends, solutions to your problems, and expand your network.
Daily Agenda:
- Four Separate Concurrent Sessions (45 minutes each), across five different tracks
- Keynote
- Solution Center Breaks, Lunch and Presentation Theaters in the Exhibit Hall
- Member Meet-ups
-
Education: Attend six concurrent breakouts across five different tracks:
- Marketing & Digital Engagement
- Strategic Panning & Business Development
- Communications & Public Relations
- Innovation & Cross-Disciplinary Solution
- Career & Leadership Development
Networking Events: Connect with your peers and experts in your field! Participate in member meet-ups, receptions, and round-table discussions to learn the latest trends, solutions to your problems, and expand your network.
Closing: End at 1:30pm on Tuesday, with our closing keynote and walk away with a list of action items to bring back to your organization. You’ll also get access to the conference recordings as part of your registration.
Continuing Education Credits: Those who attend the full conference will receive 10 ACHE qualifying education credits, plus up to 5.5 additional credits if you attend the full day of preconference workshops.
Daily Agenda:
- Two Separate Concurrent Sessions (45 minutes each), across five different tracks
- Solution Center Give-Away and Breaks in the Exhibit Hall
- Closing Keynote
| Registration | Dates |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | May 2026* |
| Earlybird Registration Ends | August 11 (rates increase $100 and workshops an additional $25) |
| Hotel Pricing | $254/night** |
*Subject to change.
**Exclusive of applicable taxes which are currently 17.5% (6% MD State Sales Tax, 9.5% Occupancy Tax, 2% Baltimore Tourism Assessment Fee)
| Full Conference Registration for Health Care Provider-Based Registrants | Earlybird |
|---|---|
| Member | $1,275* |
| Non-Member | $1,475 |
*Contact shsmd@aha.org if you are part of a group membership to receive your discounted rate.
Full Conference Registration Rates Include:
- Membership: a one-year membership renewal for current members or new membership for non-members (valued at $235).
- Access to the virtual conference recordings (over 30+ in person session recordings) available on demand in early November (value of over $500).
- Free registration for preconference workshops on Sunday, September 27 (value of $150 per workshop).
| Full Conference Registration for Non-Exhibiting or Sponsoring Solution Providers | Cost |
|---|---|
| Member | $1,525* |
| Non-Member | $1,725* |
| Day Passes* | Cost |
|---|---|
| Member |
Monday: $1,000 Tuesday: $650 |
| Non-Member |
Monday: $1,200 Tuesday: $850 |
*Access to all of Sunday’s events, including preconference workshops, opening keynote and Welcome Reception in the exhibit hall is only available for full conference registration and cannot be combined into the Monday or Tuesday day pass.
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It’s hard to choose one thing! The quality of the presentations, the eagerness of literally everyone to connect, and the keynotes were outstanding.
There were some sessions that I took a number of “must do’s” home to implement. I met some new people and really enjoyed the member meet up and all the ideas shared there.
Networking with others and hearing that they too have some similar struggles. I was able to get some ideas from them on how they navigate through it.
The topic variations, and the keynote speakers were both inspiring. Overall we had a great first time attending.
The people! I got to meet and have conversations with people from so many different backgrounds and places!
Connect in Baltimore
Baltimore Convention Center
The SHSMD26 conference will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center in downtown Baltimore, MD. The venue places you in the heart of the city, steps away from Inner Harbor and within walking distance to the National Aquarium, and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Stroll along the ten-block plus entertainment and cultural destination at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, and enjoy authentic local cuisine just outside the convention doors. With dining, entertainment and cultural attractions just steps away, you’ll be in the center of it all at SHSMD26.
SHSMD Solution Center Exhibit Hall
Learn, Network and Discover Solutions
Find ways to integrate leading solutions in the field, improve your systems and refine your processes with in-person demonstrations of products and strategies. Take your organization and goals to the next level by taking advantage of our many experts in the SHSMD exhibit hall. You’ll discover a network of solutions and innovative ideas among our exhibitors who are eager to discuss your challenges and goals. You can also attend mentoring sessions, get a free headshot and attend a presentation theater.
Interested in exhibiting or sponsoring SHSMD Connections 2026?
Don't take it from us! Hear from past exhibitors:
"The new connections I made were wonderful and I learned so much!"
"I really appreciated the opportunity to connect directly with healthcare marketing and strategy professionals from across the country. The sessions were well-organized, and the speakers provided actionable insights on patient engagement, brand differentiation, and digital transformation. The networking events were also excellent for building relationships and sharing best practices."
"Great people, smoothly run conference. Great traffic to our booth and quality prospects."