SHSMD Connections 2026
Build a stronger case for attending with the SHSMD26 Justification Toolkit.
Use these planning tools, worksheets and templates to communicate the professional and organizational value of attending the nation’s leading conference for health care strategy, marketing, communications and business development leaders.
Why organizations invest in SHSMD Connections
SHSMD Connections brings together the health care industry’s leading voices in strategy, marketing, digital engagement, communications, business development and patient experience.
This is where health care leaders exchange real-world strategies, explore emerging trends and discover practical solutions they can bring back to their organizations immediately.
Plan early and maximize value
- Booking early can help reduce airfare and hotel costs while ensuring access to official conference rates.
- Bringing a team creates even more value. Organizations sending five or more attendees may qualify for group discounts.
- Build your experience around the priorities most relevant to your role, organization and strategic goals as programming announcements continue throughout the year.
Communicate the ROI clearly
- Use the justification letter template to explain how attending supports your organization’s strategic priorities and professional development goals.
- Highlight opportunities to engage with industry-leading solution providers and peers facing similar challenges.
- Share a plan for applying what you learn through post-conference recommendations, presentations or team discussions.
- Position the conference as a strategic investment in innovation, growth and organizational performance.
Download planning resources
Justification Letter Template
Customize a ready-to-use letter outlining the professional and organizational value of attending SHSMD Connections 2026.
Expenses & Benefits Worksheet
Estimate conference costs and map specific benefits, ideas and strategic opportunities you can bring back to your organization.
Need help customizing your request?
Use AI to strengthen your justification
After downloading the worksheet and letter template, use these prompts to personalize your request for your role, organization and goals.
Prompt 1: Draft the request
“Help me write a concise, professional justification letter to attend SHSMD Connections 2026. I work in [your role] at [organization type]. My top priorities are [priority 1], [priority 2] and [priority 3]. Emphasize how attending will benefit my organization.”
Prompt 2: Make the ROI clearer
“Rewrite this justification to focus more clearly on return on investment, including professional development, peer learning, practical takeaways and ideas I can bring back to my team.”
Prompt 3: Prepare for manager questions
“Create a short list of likely questions my manager may ask about attending SHSMD Connections 2026, along with clear answers focused on cost, time away and organizational value.”
Ready to start planning your SHSMD26 experience?
Return to the main conference page for the latest updates, registration details and event information.