Healthcare Design Conference + Expo (HCD) will be held October 17-20, 2026 in New Orleans, LA.

The Healthcare Design Conference + Expo is the ultimate networking, education, and product-sourcing event. Join us for expert insights on the latest trends, best practices, and leading-edge approaches in the planning, design, construction, and ongoing operation of healthcare spaces. Leave with new connections, new ideas for current and future projects, and earn AIA, IDCEC, EDAC, and nursing LUs to meet your continuing education goals. Learn more about attending >>

 
 

The HCD 2026 Sponsorship Drive is LIVE! Get ready to be part of NIHD’s biggest events of the year—our exclusive member dinner, hands-on pre-conference workshop, lively celebration reception, and key support for member attendance at HCD! These sponsorships are all about real connections and face-to-face time with our incredible members. Spots go fast, so jump in now and make your impact!

SPONSOR AN EVENT
 
 

Pre-Conference Workshop.

Saturday, October 17 from 8am - 12pm.

Hospital Outpatient Department (HOPD) designation can unlock strategic, financial, and clinical advantages for health systems—but it also fundamentally reshapes how ambulatory surgery environments are planned, designed, and operated.

This highly interactive 4-hour workshop goes beyond definitions to explore the real-world implications of HOPD and ASC designation across planning, design, operations, and revenue cycle. Participants will examine how regulatory frameworks (FGI, NFPA 99/101, CMS provider-based rules) influence everything from occupancy classification and essential electrical systems to patient flow, sterile processing, and survey readiness.

Through a guided, team-based scenario exercise, participants will apply concepts to determine whether an HOPD, or ASC model best aligns with defined clinical, financial, and community parameters. Groups will evaluate trade-offs, defend their decisions, and learn from peer perspectives.

Participants will leave with a practical decision framework, project-start checklist, and peer-tested strategies to align capital investment, compliance, and throughput goals—while reducing redesign risk.

Register for this session W01 as part of your HCD Registration. 

Clinical Perspectives Track.

October 18 - 20 (times vary).

This track is carefully curated by the NIHD Education Task Force. It offers programs that focus on clinical perspectives and knowledge as they relate to healthcare design. These programs offer continuing nursing professional development hours, but are applicable to all attendees.

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Member Dinner.

Friday, October 16 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.

Here is your chance to connect, unwind, and enjoy a night of great food, great company, and even better conversation! This special evening brings NIHD Members together to network, talk shop, and build real connections—face-to-face. We don’t get many chances like this, so come join us and meet the incredible people who make this organization what it is!

This year’s dinner will be held at Grand Isle Restaurant. We look forward to celebrating together!

Register

exclusive event for NIHD Members.

Reception.

Saturday, October 17 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm.

Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration with 125+ attendees, including NIHD members from all across the country! This is your chance to network face-to-face, enjoy great company, and be part of a vibrant community. All NIHD members, partners, and event sponsors are welcome—don’t miss it!

No registration needed.

Expo Hall Booth #2852.

Visit NIHD in the Exhibit Hall!