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“Hospitals and health systems come in all shapes and sizes, but at the end of the day, you’re providing care to people. And I think that’s what brings us all together. No matter our background, we’re all focused on doing that well.”

Those simple and powerful words from AHA Board Chair John Haupert capture the meaning of why we do what we do.

For many in the health care profession, it’s the relationships with patients, families and communities that drew so many to the field in the first place. And it’s the relationships with our colleagues, in our organizations and our field, that sustain and foster our passion for this vital work.

During the next six months, the AHA will host a number of conferences designed to give hospital and health system leaders opportunities to connect with colleagues and collaborate on some of the most important issues facing our field today and in the future.

Our marquee meetings allow you to hear from thought leaders and influencers inside and outside of health care, provide professional enrichment and education, and offer rewarding social opportunities that encourage peer-to-peer networking and sharing ideas and insights.

We hope you’ll make plans to join us at one or more of our “big four” conferences this year:

•  – Feb. 19-22 in San Antonio. Join top practitioners and thinkers to share strategies and resources for accelerating the growth of a stronger rural health system. Presenters will examine the most significant operational, financial and environmental challenges and present innovative approaches that will enable you to transform your organization’s care delivery model and business practices. More than 1,000 people have already registered for the meeting.
   
•  – April 23-25 in Washington. This meeting offers executive leaders the opportunity to learn, network and help impact issues essential to patients, health care workers and communities. The event showcases speakers, including top government officials, leading media figures and health care experts from across the field. Registration is open, and new speakers are being added regularly to the meeting.
   
•  – May 16-18 in Minneapolis. This meeting brings together professionals focused on improving community and population health and building partnerships, as well as those striving to advance diversity and inclusion within hospital management and executive levels. They will focus on how to address systemic inequities that prevent individuals and their communities from achieving optimal health. Registration opens in February.
   
• – July 16-18 in Seattle. This conference brings together senior health care executives, clinicians, trustees and the next generation health care leaders to discuss innovative approaches for delivering better care and greater value, ensuring financial stability, addressing workforce challenges and improving the health care consumer experience through operational excellence, creative partnerships and redefined delivery models. Registration opens soon.

Real bonds are forged when people spend time talking about things that matter to them. And research continues to show that there’s simply no substitute for in-person meetings and high-touch connections.

Our field continues to face an extremely challenging period. But we also have tremendous opportunities to advance the health of individuals and communities across the nation. We look forward to seeing you at our meetings this year and working with you to create a just society of healthy communities, where all individuals reach their highest potential for health.