HEALTHCARE DESIGN CONFERENCE 2026
Event Date
October 17–20, 2026
Location
New Orleans, LA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe HCD Conference + Expo (Healthcare Design Conference + Expo) is the premier event for professionals who plan, design, construct, and operate healthcare facilities. Devoted to how responsibly built environments directly impact the safety, operation, clinical outcomes, and financial success of healthcare facilities, the show pairs a robust education program with a large product-sourcing expo hall.
Attendees include architects, interior designers, healthcare administrators, operations executives, contractors, engineers, facility managers, researchers, educators, nurses, construction managers, C-level executives, consultants, medical planners, and project managers. Together they earn continuing education credits, network with peers, evaluate innovative design products, and help shape the future direction of the industry.
The 2026 edition runs October 17–20 in New Orleans and is co-located with the International Federation of Healthcare Engineering (IFHE) World Congress, giving attendees access to a global stage for healthcare design. With 110+ educational sessions, keynote presentations, networking events, pre-conference workshops, and facility tours, HCD offers a comprehensive experience for anyone shaping healing spaces.
Show Highlights
- 110+ educational sessions covering the latest research and trends in healthcare design
- Keynote presentations from visionary industry leaders
- Expo hall featuring innovative healthcare design products and a Solutions Theater with sessions free to all badge types
- Co-location with the 2026 IFHE World Congress, adding 20+ international sessions and a global healthcare engineering audience
- Pre-Conference Workshops for in-depth, hands-on learning before general sessions begin
- Facility Tours showcasing real-world design, planning, architecture, and interior design in action
- Networking events, including a Welcome Reception and the annual Networking Party
- Nightingale Awards, recognizing product design and innovation in the healthcare built environment (open to HCD 2026 exhibitors)
- Carolina serves as the 2026 presenting sponsor
Registration
Register online at the official HCD Conference + Expo website. Multiple pass types are available:
- Full Conference (HCD): $1,799 advance / $1,989 standard — access to 110+ HCD sessions plus expo, keynotes, and networking
- Full Conference (HCD + IFHE): $2,299 advance / $2,489 standard — access to 130+ HCD and IFHE World Congress sessions
- Expo Only: $749 advance / $849 standard — three days of show floor, keynotes, and networking (no conference sessions)
- Single-Day Conference: $1,549 advance / $1,679 standard
- Full Conference Government (ID required): $1,299 advance / $1,379 standard
- Student Conference (school ID required): $149 advance / $219 standard
- Educator Conference (school ID required): $699 advance / $879 standard
- Guest (non-industry, e.g., spouse): $699 advance / $899 standard
Advance rates end Sunday, August 9, 2026; standard rates apply August 10 through October 20. Groups of 5 or more can save 10% on full-conference passes when registered together. Pre-Conference Workshops and Facility Tours are add-ons requiring an additional purchase. Registration customer service is available at +1 833-859-6126, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. EDT.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 HCD Conference + Expo?
The 2026 HCD Conference + Expo takes place October 17–20, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center at 900 Convention Center Blvd. in New Orleans, LA.
Who should attend the HCD Conference + Expo?
The show is built for healthcare design professionals, including architects, interior designers, administrators, operations executives, contractors, engineers, facility managers, researchers, educators, nurses, construction managers, C-level executives, consultants, medical planners, and project managers.
How much does registration cost and how do I register?
You can register online through the official HCD website. A Full Conference (HCD) pass is $1,799 at the advance rate and $1,989 at the standard rate, while an Expo Only pass is $749 advance / $849 standard. Advance rates end Sunday, August 9, 2026, and groups of five or more can save 10% on full-conference passes.
What makes the 2026 event special?
The 2026 edition is co-located with the International Federation of Healthcare Engineering (IFHE) World Congress, adding a global audience and 20+ international sessions. Attendees can access 110+ educational sessions, keynotes, an expo hall, pre-conference workshops, facility tours, and networking events.
How do I get to the venue and where can I stay?
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is about 12–15 miles away, roughly a 20–45 minute drive by taxi, rideshare, or shuttle. Numerous hotels sit within walking distance, including the Hyatt Place, New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Hilton New Orleans Riverside, and official HCD room blocks are available through the show's Hotel Accommodations page.
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