Networking Connections

Make the most of your AHA Leadership Summit experience through our networking opportunities.

INNOVATION HUB

The Innovation Hub is your one stop to discover new technologies, connect with our solution providers and network with colleagues.

  • INNOVATION HUB MAIN STAGE SESSIONS

    • July 12, 2026 | 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
      Innovation Showcase: Executive Insights on Redesigning Care and Operating Models
      These fast-paced, TED-style Highlight Talks feature a series of concise 10-minute presentations focused on what hospital and health system executives need to know as they redesign care delivery and operating models. Each session highlights cutting-edge solutions and real-world approaches that leaders can apply to improve performance, strengthen care delivery and support long-term sustainability. 
      Hosted on the Innovation Hub Main Stage, the Innovation Showcase is designed for senior leaders seeking practical insight into how organizations are using new technologies, innovative care models and operational strategies to address today’s most pressing challenges. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of emerging solutions, how they are being implemented in health systems today and what to consider when evaluating similar approaches within their own organizations.
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    • July 13, 2026 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
      Redesigning Care for an Aging Population: A Scalable Model to Improve Quality and Financial Sustainability
      This session explores how redesigning care for older adults can improve outcomes and strengthen operational sustainability. Speakers will share how the Generational Health model aligns care planning with the needs of aging patients while driving meaningful culture change across multidisciplinary teams.
      Participants will learn how clinicians assess geriatric vulnerabilities such as function, cognition, nutrition and social needs and implement mitigation strategies early in the care journey. The discussion will highlight how aligning care goals with patients within the first 24 hours of hospitalization can reduce length of stay, improve resource use and lower costs. Attendees will gain practical insights into how hospitals and health systems can apply age-friendly principles and operational tools to redesign care delivery for older adults, improving quality, performance and financial sustainability.
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    • July 13, 2026 | 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
      Managing Privacy and Security Risks in AI-Enabled Care
      As hospitals and health systems increasingly rely on technology and artificial intelligence to address financial pressure and workforce shortages, leaders face a critical responsibility to balance innovation with risk management. This panel examines how organizations can embrace AI as a necessary and positive force in care delivery while remaining vigilant about privacy, security and trust. 
      Panelists will discuss leadership considerations related to cybersecurity and enterprise risk as AI becomes more embedded in clinical, operational and administrative workflows. The conversation will explore emerging privacy and security risks, including adversarial use, data integrity concerns and vulnerabilities introduced through third-party and business associate AI tools. Attendees will gain insight into governance structures, vendor selection, deployment practices and ongoing monitoring strategies that can help mitigate risk while enabling responsible AI adoption across the hospital environment.
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    • July 13, 2026 | 12:30 PM-1:15 PM
      Innovations in Health Care Leadership: Success Stories from the Next Generation
      Through real-world stories, presenters will share how they navigated complexity, engaged stakeholders and translated bold ideas into measurable impact for their hospitals and health systems and the populations they serve. Attendees will gain practical leadership insights, lessons learned and transferable strategies that can be applied within their own health care settings. This session highlights how the next generation of health care leaders is actively shaping the future of care through measurable action and results.
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    • July 13, 2025 | 3:15 PM-3:45 PM
      From Automation to Action: The Rise of Agentic AI in Health Care
      Agentic AI represents a significant shift in how artificial intelligence is applied across health care operations, moving beyond task automation toward systems that can plan, decide and act with greater autonomy. This session examines the outcomes of a six-month collaborative involving more than 20 health systems focused on advancing the real-world use of agentic AI across call centers, patient access and nursing, while addressing the organizational capabilities required to support adoption at scale. 
      The discussion will provide a current view of agentic AI maturity and how it differs from other forms of AI, along with early use cases, pilots and emerging results from participating organizations. Panelists will also explore the leadership considerations, enabling conditions and challenges health systems must address as agentic AI becomes a key driver of productivity, workforce support and AI-enabled transformation amid ongoing cost and labor pressures.
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    • July 13, 2026 | 3:45 PM-4:15 PM
      Building Effective Advanced Practice Provider Leadership Models in Health Care
      As Advanced Practice Professionals (APPs) take on an expanding share of patient care responsibilities, health systems must evolve how they structure, support and elevate APP roles. This session examines how forward-thinking health systems are building dedicated APP leadership and governance structures that drive engagement, collaboration and operational efficiency. Attendees will leave with practical insights for fully integrating APPs into team-based care models and optimizing their strategic value — including why distinct APP leadership frameworks are essential, how to design and implement them at the local and system level, and how empowering APPs in leadership positions strengthens patient-centered care, team culture and alignment across clinical and administrative teams.

  • BREAKFAST, BREAKS AND LUNCH

RECEPTIONS

  • WELCOME RECEPTION IN THE INNOVATION HUB

  • July 12, 2026 | 4:45 PM-6:30 PM
    Join us in the Innovation Hub to connect, collaborate and engage with your peers over refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. The networking reception provides a unique opportunity to forge new connections and strengthen existing ones. Whether you're looking to share insights, seek advice or explore potential partnerships, the Innovation Hub is the place to be. Connect with colleagues who share your commitment to shaping the future of health care.

  • SUMMIT CELEBRATION AT THE DENVER ART MUSEUM

  • July 13, 2026 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM 
    After a full day of learning and networking, unwind with great food and connect with peers while exploring the Denver Art Museum. 
    Please note attendance at the Summit Celebration is included with conference registration. Guest tickets are available for an additional fee of $65 and can be purchased with conference registration.

WE ARE AHA

Stop by and learn more about all that AHA does to support members at the We Are AHA display.

AHA HOSTED BUYER FORUM

The AHA Hosted Buyer Forum is a curated session designed for AHA Member hospital and health system executives and decision-makers who want to efficiently investigate, network with and evaluate health care solution providers as potential partners or investment opportunities for their organizations. Approved applicants will receive complimentary registration for their participation.

Learn More!