Speaking Opportunities

The AHA invites hospital leaders transforming the future of healthcare to apply to speak at the 2027 AHA Leadership Summit, July 18–20 in San Diego.

Our immersive three-day program brings together executives, clinicians and experts to share innovative insights, inspiring ideas and disruptive solutions. We are seeking real-world strategies and proven solutions that will help hospitals and health systems address today's challenges and prepare for tomorrow.

Session Topics of Interest

The theme of the 2027 AHA Leadership Summit is Advancing Access and Affordability. Better care. Lower cost. Greater reach. Hospitals and health systems are working to make care more affordable and accessible without compromising quality — rethinking how, where and by whom care is delivered and how it is paid for.

We are seeking speakers who can share strategies, case examples and lessons learned that show how their organizations are improving access and affordability through redesign of care delivery, operations and patient engagement. Submissions should highlight actionable tactics that peers can implement today, as well as longer-term approaches with measurable results.

Areas of particular interest include:

• Advancing Access & Prevention: Expanding access to primary care, chronic disease management, behavioral health, telehealth and virtual care; capacity management; driving patient engagement; partnerships that improve health outcomes.
• Transforming Care Delivery: New care delivery and staffing models; care coordination and pathways; managing high-cost populations; reducing variation; site-of-care optimization; accelerating effective value- and risk-based payment models; palliative care and end-of-life planning.
• Harnessing AI & Digital Innovation: Precision medicine and personalized care through technology; remote monitoring; hospital at home; consumer engagement technologies; digital infrastructure for the future of care.
• Navigating Cost Pressures: Responding to external forces such as drug pricing, payer requirements and supply chain challenges; removing administrative burden and unnecessary complexity; public policy solutions.
• Leading Transformation: Setting enterprise vision and strategy; leading organizational change; building leadership capacity at all levels; engaging physicians, caregivers and boards; fostering cultures of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.

How to Apply

Speakers can apply to:

• Speak on a Panel: Join an interactive conversation with fellow member leaders, guided by AHA subject matter experts, exploring strategies and lessons learned on key hospital and health system challenges.
• Present a Case Study Session: Share a deep dive into your organization's initiative, with practical takeaways other hospitals and health systems can adapt.
  • Case Study Formats
    • Long-Form (45 minutes): A deeper dive into your initiative with time for audience interaction and discussion.
    • Short-Form (7 minutes): A concise, impactful presentation followed by a moderated discussion with other presenters.

Speaker Submission Deadline: November 13, 2026.

There will be no extensions.

Selection Criteria

We are seeking speakers who:

• Bring unique insights and share lessons learned from innovative projects their organizations have implemented.
• Offer unexpected perspectives and provide actionable insights.
• Preference is given to speakers from AHA member hospitals or health systems. If you are a solution provider or vendor, we encourage you to explore opportunities for sponsored sessions.
• Presentations must be noncommercial; sales pitches or product promotions are strictly prohibited.
• Accepted speakers will receive complimentary registration for the AHA Leadership Summit. Speakers are responsible for their own travel and hotel expenses.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Share measurable results. Show the impact your work has had on access, affordability, outcomes or experience.
• Emphasize how your work can be adopted by other hospitals or health systems, whether as a near-term tactic or a longer-term approach.
• Be ready for dynamic discussions — this is your opportunity to engage with peers and share actionable insights.

Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: November 13, 2026
• Notification of Selection: February 1, 2027

Questions?

Contact leadershipsummit@aha.org.