American Society for Healthcare Engineering - ASHE Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference 2026
Event Date
August 2–5, 2026
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Expected Exhibitors
300
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference® (formerly the ASHE Annual Conference & Technical Exhibition) is the flagship event of the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE), a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association. The conference is described as the one place where health care facilities professionals can connect directly with the nation's leading experts and peers to gain practical, actionable guidance — especially in compliance, operations and emerging risks for the health care built environment that directly impact patient safety.
The conference serves an array of health care physical environment professionals, including health care facilities managers, hospital and health system executive leaders, construction managers, safety professionals, technology and integration specialists, and facilities engineers at all career stages. Tailored conference tracks at four knowledge levels align with different career stages, from foundational to strategic, empowering attendees to choose a personalized conference agenda.
Beyond education, the event pairs learning with a large technical exhibition and extensive networking. The Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference brings industry-leading solutions providers to demonstrate the impact of technology in advancing innovation in the health care facilities field, with dynamic, interactive demonstrations from premier vendors and business partners servicing fire protection; heating, ventilating and air conditioning; power and electrical equipment; health care lighting, furnishings and flooring; building automation; safety and security; and many others.
Show Highlights
Learning aligned to a proven framework: The conference's learning tracks are aligned with ASHE's Core Competency Framework™ and tie into preparation for CHFM certification, with sessions offered across strategic, applied, exploratory and foundational knowledge levels.
Marquee general sessions (2026):
- A keynote by author and former NFL and NBA executive Paul Epstein, who will teach attendees a three-step process used by top leaders to make more effective decisions.
- A presentation by John Riggi, the AHA's national advisor for cybersecurity and risk, on emerging threats to health care organizations and how facilities professionals can prepare for them.
Signature session topics include navigating the 2026 FGI codes, the 2027 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code updates, workforce building, right-sizing energy systems, lithium battery safety and leadership strategies to reduce staff burnout.
Add-on events (additional fees): Add-on events increase knowledge, networking opportunities and education credits and include the ASHE Chapter Leadership Forum; the Certified Health Care Facility Manager (CHFM) Exam Review Program; and Foundations of Health Care Facilities Management: Daily Operations. Facility tours of Abbott Northwestern Hospital, a Workplace Violence Prevention program with IAHSS, an Emergency Preparedness Workshop and the Energy to Care® Treasure Hunt round out the schedule.
Attendance
The Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference is expected to attract more than 3,000 health care facilities management professionals to the Minneapolis Convention Center. The event also features 70+ speakers and 300+ exhibitors. The audience spans health care facilities managers, hospital and health system executive leaders, construction managers, safety professionals, technology and integration specialists, and facilities engineers at all career stages.
Registration
The American Society for Health Care Engineering has opened registration for the Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference, which will take place August 2-5, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis. Registration is handled online through the event's Cvent registration site, accessible via the "Register" link on the ASHE conference page (ashe.org/innovation).
Add-on education sessions, exam review programs and facility tours can be added during registration and require additional fees. Attendees can earn continuing education credits toward Certified Health Care Facility Manager and other industry-standard certifications, with 26.5 CECs or more available across breakout, pre- and post-conference sessions.
History
The Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference (formerly the ASHE Annual Conference & Technical Exhibition) has served as the premier conference for professionals in the health care facilities field for more than six decades, and underscores ASHE's mission to equip its members to meet the opportunities and challenges presented by the rapidly changing health care field. The event is the flagship annual gathering of ASHE, a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association. More than 12,000 members rely on ASHE as a critical source of professional development, information and advocacy. The conference rotates among major U.S. cities; recent and upcoming host cities include Columbus, Ohio (2025), Minneapolis (2026), Denver (2027) and Indianapolis (2028).
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: July 18, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 ASHE Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference?
The conference takes place August 2-5, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is organized by the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE), a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association.
Who should attend the conference?
It is designed for health care physical environment professionals, including facilities managers, hospital and health system executive leaders, construction managers, safety professionals, technology and integration specialists, and facilities engineers at all career stages. Tailored tracks at four knowledge levels serve professionals from foundational to strategic experience.
How do I register?
Registration is open and handled online through the event's Cvent site, accessible via the Register link on the ASHE conference page at ashe.org/innovation. Add-on education sessions, exam review programs and facility tours can be added for additional fees during registration.
How many people and exhibitors attend?
The conference is expected to draw more than 3,000 health care facilities management professionals, along with 70+ speakers. More than 350 exhibitors showcased their solutions at the previous year's event.
Can I earn continuing education credits?
Yes. Attendees can earn 26.5 CECs or more toward CHC, CHFM and MECH renewal across breakout sessions and pre- and post-conference programs. The learning tracks align with ASHE's Core Competency Framework and support preparation for CHFM certification.
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