Lead the Way in Health Care Transformation

At VITAL2026, gain valuable insights, learn best practices, and develop strategies with your peers to shape the future of health care. Discover breakthroughs and best practices on topics including hospital financing, patient experience, innovations in health care, and population health. You’ll also connect with our aligned partners, whose services bring value to your team and patients. 

Join a powerful network of visionary leaders committed to advancing health care for all. At VITAL2026, unlock unparalleled networking opportunities to forge transformative connections, exchange groundbreaking best practices, and build a resilient community dedicated to serving underserved populations. Act now—your seat at the table could change health care forever.

• Learn from leaders who’ve walked in your shoes. Every session is crafted by essential hospital leaders who’ve faced and conquered the exact challenges keeping you up at night.  
• Discover solutions that work in the real world. Leave with practical strategies and renewed inspiration designed specifically for mission-driven hospitals that serve their communities against all odds.  
• Stay ahead of what’s coming. Get real-time intelligence on the legislation, policy shifts, and industry trends that will define your hospital’s future before they impact your doors.  
• Find your people. Connect with hundreds of hospital leaders who share your mission, your struggles, and your unwavering commitment to care. These aren’t just networking opportunities—they’re the conversations that will carry you through the year ahead.

If you’re leading an essential hospital through one of the most challenging eras in health care, balancing impossible budgets, navigating policy upheaval, and keeping your doors open for communities that depend on you, this conference is for you. 

VITAL2026 is designed for essential hospital leaders across every critical function driving change in patient experience, population health, and community engagement. 

It’s where leaders like you come together to transform challenges into breakthroughs. Find the insights that shift your perspective, the strategies that move the needle, and the connections with peers who understand exactly what you’re facing. 

This isn’t just professional development. It’s the fuel you need to accomplish the goals that matter most for your hospital, your team, and most importantly, your patients. 

The 2026 Gage Awards recognize America’s Essential Hospitals members for their exceptional achievements in quality improvement, population health, and operational excellence. The awards distinguish association members nationwide as industry leaders and promote the spread of outstanding programs and initiatives. Celebrate 2026 winners at the Gage Awards Luncheon on Thursday, June 11. .

Questions?

email us at events@essentialhospitals.org or

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