Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo 2026
Event Date
September 28–30, 2026
Location
Charlotte, NC
Expected Exhibitors
100
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo (HFSE) is a national B2B event for the professionals who plan, design, construct, and manage healthcare environments. HFSE brings together healthcare providers, architects, engineers, contractors, facility managers, and industry partners to explore how the built environment can improve patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and staff well-being.
The Symposium is intentionally designed for professionals involved in the full lifecycle of healthcare facility creation and management — architects and designers, healthcare executives and facility directors, engineers and contractors, product and technology providers, and consultants and researchers. In Charlotte, attendees connect with architects, engineers, contractors, and healthcare leaders for an in-depth exploration of the future of healthcare environments.
Across three days, HFSE combines education, an active expo floor, and structured networking. Attendees can tap into 60+ sessions, keynotes, and case studies across AI, pediatrics, behavioral health, safety, and sustainable design, explore products from 100+ innovators, and connect with thousands of industry peers. It is worth attending for the multidisciplinary, collaborative culture and the actionable strategies attendees can apply to current and future projects.
Show Highlights
- Conference program: The agenda addresses topics shaping the industry, including AI-enabled operations, generational workforce transitions, resilient and sustainable design, behavioral health solutions, and equitable access to care, delivered through cross-disciplinary speakers, keynotes, and real-world case studies.
- Scale of content: 60+ sessions, keynotes, and case studies, plus 100+ exhibiting innovators.
- Expo floor experience: The Grand Opening of the Exhibit Floor and Symposium Party with Raffle takes place Monday evening, with Design Solutions Theaters, a networking lunch, and an Ice Cream Social during Tuesday's exhibition hours.
- Continuing education: HFSE offers AIA, IDCEC and EDAC credits, plus certificates of completion for self-reporting to other accrediting organizations.
- Facility tours: Facility tour registration is separate and available only to Full Access pass holders, with tour attendees meeting at the Charlotte Convention Center on Sunday, September 27.
- Giving back: HFSE supports charitable organizations through an annual onsite raffle, with the community donating more than $235,000 since 2006.
- Emerging Leaders: A Symposium Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program supports the next generation of healthcare facilities professionals.
Attendance
HFSE reports drawing thousands of industry peers, with 100+ exhibiting innovators and 60+ education sessions. The audience is multidisciplinary, spanning architects and designers, healthcare executives and facility directors, engineers and contractors, product and technology providers, and consultants and researchers. No precise verified attendee count is published for the 2026 edition.
Registration
You can register online through the official HFSE website. Two main pass types are offered:
- Full Access Pass: Includes the complete experience — 2½ days of conference sessions, Exhibit Hall access, all keynotes, a mobile app with presentations and networking tools, and three breakfasts, two lunches, plus breaks and receptions.
- Exhibit Hall Only Pass: Provides exhibit floor access, keynotes, education theaters, receptions, and mobile app tools. Exhibit Hall Only passes do not include meals.
Teams of three or more qualify for discounted Full Access Pass pricing during Early Bird and Regular registration. No advance session selection is required — you may attend any sessions freely during the event.
History
The Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo was founded in 1987 by Wayne Ruga, built on the belief that design has a direct impact on healing, human experience, and healthcare outcomes. For nearly four decades, HFSE has remained at the forefront of the healthcare facilities industry, evolving alongside advancements in medicine, technology, sustainability, and care delivery while maintaining a focus on the people who use and manage these spaces. The 2026 event in Charlotte, North Carolina marks the Symposium's 39th year.
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 26, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo 2026?
The 2026 Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo takes place September 28-30, 2026 at the Charlotte Convention Center, located at 501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Who should attend HFSE?
HFSE is built for professionals across the full lifecycle of healthcare facility creation and management, including architects and designers, healthcare executives and facility directors, engineers and contractors, manufacturers and technology providers, and consultants and researchers. It uniquely brings together colleagues, competitors, partners, and clients in one collaborative environment.
What registration passes are available and how do I register?
You can register online through the official HFSE website. A Full Access Pass includes 2½ days of conference sessions, exhibit hall access, all keynotes, a mobile app, and select meals, while an Exhibit Hall Only Pass covers the exhibit floor, keynotes, education theaters, and receptions but does not include meals. Teams of three or more qualify for discounted Full Access pricing during Early Bird and Regular registration.
What topics and education does the conference cover?
HFSE features 60+ sessions, keynotes, and case studies on AI-powered healthcare operations, generational workforce shifts, resilient and sustainable design, behavioral health, technology-driven care models, pediatrics, safety, and equitable access to care. The event offers AIA, IDCEC, and EDAC continuing education credits.
Where should I stay for HFSE 2026?
HFSE offers discounted room blocks at three official hotels: The Westin Charlotte at $269 plus tax (rate expires September 7, 2026), and the Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown and Hampton Inn Charlotte Uptown, each at $224 plus tax (rates expire August 25, 2026). All are located in Uptown Charlotte near the convention center.
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