When Kelly Kempf and I left Nashville after the 2025 Healthcare Summit, I knew that it would be impossible to replicate what made that event so special. I also knew then and now as we wrap up the 2026 Healthcare Summit in Boston, that the constant pursuit of excellence which drives the 100 healthcare IT professionals who joined us for 3-days of leadership development and technology briefings isn’t meant to be contained or duplicated, but rather to match the rapidly evolving needs of the people we serve: patients and their care team.
To those who joined us in Boston, our treasured clients, our sponsoring partners and our Connection family, we’re humbled every day to serve this community. You are our champions every day, and you demonstrate the goodwill and teamwork in everything we do.
If you didn’t join us in Boston, here’s a glimpse of what you missed!
Opening the Conversation: A Healthcare Industry in Transformation
The day began with welcoming remarks from our Healthcare Practice and Executive Leadership, setting the tone for a collaborative and forward-looking event. Participants were challenged to think beyond current operational pressures and focus on the opportunity technology creates for improving patient care, strengthening resilience, and driving organizational growth.
Healthcare leaders from across the industry gathered to share experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss practical approaches to today’s most pressing technology challenges.
Leadership Perspectives: Navigating Change in Healthcare
A keynote session featuring former SSM Health CIO David Jackson provided valuable perspective on healthcare leadership during a period of rapid change.
Drawing on his extensive experience leading technology initiatives in large health systems, Jackson discussed the evolving role of healthcare IT executives, the importance of innovation balanced with operational discipline, and strategies for leading organizations through digital transformation. An engaging audience Q&A created an open dialogue on the realities of leadership, governance, and organizational change management.
Building Cyber Resilience across the Continuum of Care
Cybersecurity emerged as one of the day’s most urgent topics during a session led by Cisco, Connection, and Port53.
Healthcare executives examined the growing threat landscape impacting both acute and non-acute care environments and explored how a more connected approach to detection and response can improve organizational resilience. The discussion highlighted how Cisco XDR and Connection’s healthcare expertise help organizations unify security insights, automate workflows, reduce risk, and strengthen protection across the entire continuum of care.
Attendees shared experiences managing cyber incidents and discussed how modern security platforms can better support patient safety and business continuity.
Moving AI from Experimentation to Production
Artificial intelligence remained a primary focus throughout the event, with Dell providing a practical look at how healthcare organizations can move beyond pilot projects and into production-scale deployments.
The session explored the Dell AI Factory and the combination of PowerEdge infrastructure with emerging edge and desktop AI capabilities. Real-world healthcare examples demonstrated how organizations are deploying AI closer to where data resides while leveraging hybrid architectures to accelerate outcomes and create measurable business value.
The discussion reinforced a common theme echoed throughout the summit: healthcare organizations are looking for scalable, governable AI implementations that deliver operational and clinical impact.
Reducing Costs without Compromising Care
Connection led a discussion focused on healthcare cost containment and the strategic value available through GPO memberships.
As providers continue to face reimbursement challenges, labor pressures, and shrinking margins, attendees examined practical approaches to controlling costs while maintaining positive experiences for patients and caregivers. The session highlighted how healthcare organizations can leverage purchasing power, contract optimization, and advisory expertise to maximize value across their technology investments.
Modern Infrastructure for the Next Generation of Healthcare
HPE’s executive session focused on the foundational technologies enabling future healthcare innovation.
Topics included AI-ready infrastructure, next-generation server platforms, hybrid cloud strategies, and consumption-based technology models. Attendees discussed how healthcare organizations can balance innovation with governance while maintaining control over critical data and applications.
Peer conversations throughout the session centered on the challenges of scaling AI initiatives and modernizing infrastructure without disrupting clinical operations.
Collaboration through the CHIME Community
Industry collaboration took center stage during a session with CHIME (College of Healthcare Information Management Executives).
Healthcare technology leaders explored how peer networking, advocacy, and shared industry knowledge continue to accelerate digital transformation efforts. Discussions focused on the importance of community-driven learning, leadership development, and collective problem solving as healthcare organizations navigate increasingly complex technology environments.
The session also highlighted the strong partnership between CHIME and Connection and the value that relationship brings to healthcare organizations across the country.
Reimagining Clinical Workflows with Apple
The Apple session showcased how modern device strategies can transform clinical and operational workflows.
Attendees learned how Connection’s Healthcare-in-a-Box solution combines Apple technology, deployment services, security, and lifecycle management to support healthcare organizations pursuing mobility and workflow modernization. Conversations focused on secure communication, streamlined access to patient information, simplified device management, and improved caregiver experiences.
A highlight of the afternoon was the Apple Vision Pro experience, where participants explored emerging spatial computing use cases and discussed how immersive technologies could impact healthcare education, collaboration, and patient engagement in the years ahead.
Networking, Innovation, and What’s Next
The day concluded with reflections from event leadership and a renewed sense of momentum around healthcare transformation.
From cyber resilience and AI deployment to infrastructure modernization and clinical workflow innovation, a consistent message emerged: successful healthcare organizations are moving beyond technology discussions and focusing on measurable outcomes. By combining strategic partnerships, industry expertise, and practical implementation approaches, healthcare leaders are accelerating progress while maintaining a relentless focus on patient care.
The event wrapped up with an evening reception, providing attendees an opportunity to continue conversations, deepen relationships with peers and partners, and explore new ideas that will help shape the future of healthcare technology. We’re proud to have hosted this year’s Healthcare Technology Summit with a 4.8 out of 5 star review from our clients who attended, and grateful to everyone who helped make it such a meaningful experience. We’re already looking forward to continuing the conversations at next year’s event. Engage your Connection Account Executive to make sure you join us in 2027!
