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.

• MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH SPONSORS

• Look for our themes throughout the hall, showcasing sponsors who offer solutions-based products and services geared toward health care leaders' most pressing issues:

• 	Transforming Care Delivery
  	Patient Engagement and Education
  	Workforce
  	Financial Sustainability
  	Strategy and Innovation
  	Behavioral Health

• INNOVATION STAGE

• Located in the heart of the action in the center of the hub, the Innovation Stage is the place to recharge your batteries (and your phone!) as you listen to the freshest ideas in health care during special programming. 
   
  • July 20, 2025 | 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
    Advancing Innovation Showcase @ The Innovation Hub
    The need for innovation in health care has never been greater. At the same time, businesses are providing fresh takes on collaboration with hospitals and health systems to solve tough problems and capture new opportunities. The AHA Leadership Summit Advancing Innovation Showcase will feature quick-fire presentations from six leading-edge companies to address health care’s most complex and pressing challenges. The companies represented are backed by the AHA as part of its initiative to invest in and support the development of needed innovations for the field. After each solution showcase, a duo of health system innovation leaders will dive deeper into each solution's promise and potential roadblocks during a Q&A session. Join us to learn more about these companies at the forefront of practical and tactical innovations for health systems and their patients.
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  • July 21, 2025 | 8:00 AM-8:45 AM
    Innovations in Health Care Leadership: Unveiling Success Stories from the Next Generation
    Join us for a dynamic story slam session that spotlights rising stars in health care leadership. In this session, we'll delve into stories from fellows from the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship program who have spearheaded projects at their hospitals and health systems designed to disrupt health care by addressing critical issues and challenges that impact health care affordability, cost, quality and safety.
    AHA Next Generation Leaders will share first-hand experiences in leading innovative initiatives that have impacted their organizations and the populations they serve. This session promises a rich exchange of ideas, lessons learned and actionable insights that attendees can apply in their health care leadership roles. Don't miss the opportunity to be inspired by the next generation of health care leaders who are driving positive change in the field.
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  • July 21, 2025 | 11:00 AM-11:30 AM
    Transforming Geriatric Care: Strategic Solutions for an Aging Population
    This panel discussion will explore innovative strategies to enhance the quality and safety of care for older adults, drawing on real-world insights from the Superior Treatment of Elders Pathway (STEP) Program, the West Health Accelerator at MGB and the Age-Friendly Health Systems Initiative. Panelists will share how tailored approaches improve patient outcomes, streamline care processes and support workforce development. Attendees will gain practical tools, data-driven protocols, and a replicable framework to transform geriatric care delivery across diverse health care settings. Through a blend of clinical and operational expertise, this session will demonstrate how strategic leadership and actionable solutions can empower health system leaders to implement sustainable, systemwide improvements for a rapidly aging population.
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  • July 21, 2025 | 11:30 AM-12:15 PM
    The Circle of Life Awards: Transforming Palliative and End-of-Life Care
    The Circle of Life Awards honors programs and organizations that excel in delivering safe, patient- and family-centered care, building strong community partnerships and implementing innovative care models. This session features a conversation with the 2025 honorees, who will share insights on advancing palliative and serious illness care. Panelists will discuss strategies for creating a seamless patient-centered care continuum, strengthening community partnerships to enhance long-term sustainability and fostering a supportive culture that promotes resilience among care teams. Attendees will gain practical approaches to improving care delivery and driving meaningful organizational change.
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  • July 21, 2025 | 1:15 PM-1:45 PM
    From Stories to Safety: Harnessing Narrative in Patient Safety
    Patient safety is built on more than policies and protocols. A strong safety cultre thrives on shared experiences, lessons learned and meaningful engagement. Storytelling humanizes safety efforts, strengthens leadership and fosters lasting change. This session explores how the American Hospital Association’s Living Learning Network and Patient Safety Initiative use storytelling to improve care quality and safety.
    A panel of participants from the first year of the Patient Safety Initiative will share insights on integrating storytelling into safety initiatives. Attendees will learn how storytelling serves as a catalyst for cultural transformation in health care organizations, strategies for collecting and sharing impactful stories, and real-world applications of storytelling in the AHA’s patient safety efforts.
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  • July 21, 2025 | 3:45 PM-4:30 PM
    Collaborations for Community Health: NOVA Award Winners Share Their Strategies
    Hospitals can't go it alone when it comes to improving community health status and addressing the societal factors that influence health. By identifying needs and forming partnerships with local agencies and other groups to address multifaceted challenges like food insecurity, untreated behavioral health conditions and poor birth outcomes, hospitals and health systems can change the future of their communities. Join us for a panel discussion among the 2025 AHA Dick Davidson NOVA Award honorees to learn about building strong partnerships with community stakeholders, identifying where resources will make the biggest impact, setting parameters for success and measuring outcomes.
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• NEXT GENERATION LEADERS POSTER DISPLAYS

• Excellence is in the field! Stop by during the Welcome Reception on Sunday, July 20, from 4:45 PM-7:00 PM to speak with leading organizations sharing their expertise and lessons learned. 
   

RECEPTIONS

• WELCOME RECEPTION IN THE INNOVATION HUB

• July 20, 2025 | 4:45 PM-7:00 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 COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME

• July 21, 2025 | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM 
  After a full day of learning and networking, unwind with great food, engaging conversations and Nashville hospitality at the Country Music Hall of Fame, home to one of the world’s largest collections of country music history. Connect with peers, explore iconic exhibits and celebrate together in this iconic setting! 
  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.