![SHSMD Connections 2024](/sites/default/files/2024-03/shsmd24-banner-1200x400_0.jpg)
SHSMD Connections Conference
Join us October 13-15 in Denver, CO, for the nation's leading conference for health care strategy and market development professionals.
The most timely health care strategy and market development programming happens at SHSMD's Connections Conference. The field comes together to share their findings, challenges and best practices with the shared goal of advancing health care. Strategists from every stage of their careers can benefit from sessions and networking at the SHSMD Connections 2024!
Get employer sponsorship to attend this year's conference! Download our customizable justification toolkit and expense sheet to persuade your employer to reimburse attendance costs.
Your investment in the SHSMD Connections Scholarship helps us build a better pipeline for future health care strategy leaders. Support SHSMD by donating to the SHSMD Connections Scholarship Fund.
Are you a current college student in a health care/business related degree program? Join our Student and Diversity Enrichment program for discounted access to conference.
Celebrate Health Care Strategy and Market Development Week by ordering gifts for your team and colleagues. Show your appreciation and boost team spirit with branded merchandise that highlights your commitment to reaching new heights in health care.
![Ben Dillon](/sites/default/files/inline-images/ben%20dillon%20%281%29%20%281%29.jpg)
2024 Leadership Excellence Award Winner - Ben Dillon
SHSMD is pleased to announce that Ben Dillon, CEO of Geonetric, has been named the recipient of our 2024 Leadership Excellence Award. Ben is a sought-after speaker and writer, known for sharing new ideas in digital marketing, keeping a watchful eye on health care trends, and helping organizations across the country embrace online strategies to engage health consumers. He is a 2022 Healthcare Internet Hall of Fame inductee, an eHealthcare Strategy & Trends editorial advisory board member, and was a member of the SHSMD Board of Directors from 2011 to 2019, serving as president in 2018. Help us celebrate Ben on Monday, October 14, during the SHSMD Connections 2024, as he is presented with this award honoring strategic leaders in the health care field.
![Speaker at SHSMD Connections](/sites/default/files/2024-03/stock-professional-crowd-applause%20%281%29.jpg)
SHSMD CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE
What to Expect
Enjoy a plethora of benefits at SHSMD Connections such as:
- NETWORKING. Connect and collaborate with peers, senior leaders, experts and people who can help you achieve your goals.
- INSIGHTS. Engage in timely and innovative sessions from leading field experts that give you actionable takeaways for your organization.
- SOLUTIONS. Access game-changing technology, products and services that can maximize efficiency and results at your organization by visiting the Solutions Center.
- INSPIRATION. Discover innovative new ideas, best practices, and more to inspire you back at your organization.
![conference speaker](https://www.ashe.org/sites/default/files/2022-11/ASHE-Academy-Speaker-585x550.png)
SHSMD Connections Conference
Buzzworthy Session Tracks
Learn directly from leaders in the field about the following hot topics:
- Marketing & Digital Engagement: Emerging technologies (AI, ChatGPT, Virtual Reality, other), Content Marketing, Campaign Automation and more
- Communications & Public Relations: Crisis/Disaster Strategies, Employee Engagement, Community Outreach, Media Relations and more
- Strategic Planning & Business Development: Managing and Growing Workforce, Building Strategic and Beneficial Partnerships, Maximizing DEI through Intentional Initiatives and more
- Innovation & Cross-Disciplinary Solutions: Emerging Health Care Trends, New Care Delivery Methods, Health Policy, Advocacy, Regulations and more
- Career & Leadership Development: Professional Development and Advancement, Building Workforce Pipelines, Mentorship and more
Keynote Speakers
Please Note Three Closing Keynote Luncheon Options
![Roberta Schwartz](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Roberta%20Schwartz.png)
Monday Keynote
Roberta Schwartz, Ph.D., FACHE
Executive Vice President, Houston Methodist Hospital & Chief Innovation Officer, Houston Methodist
"Get Beyond Calling It 'AI' and Explore How to Use Smart Technologies to Innovate"
Tune in to Roberta's podcast for an exclusive sneak peek of her upcoming keynote at SHSMD24![David Schreiner](/sites/default/files/inline-images/David%20Schreiner.png)
Closing Keynote Option 1
David Schreiner, Ph.D., FACHE
President and CEO, Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital
"Thriving Against the Odds: Using Super-Charged Engagement to Navigate the Path to Rural Hospital Sustainability"
Tune in to David's podcast for an exclusive sneak peek of his upcoming keynote at SHSMD24Pre-Conference Education
Designing and Executing an Effective Strategic Plan
Pre-Conference takes place on October 13.
This essential strategic planning workshop is designed for those developing or implementing organizational, service line or operational strategic plans. It covers proven strategic planning practices, processes and templates to enhance strategy execution and effectiveness. Participants will discuss strategic planning challenges and opportunities and identify key actions to improve practices at their own organizations.
Micro-Credential Opportunity: If you attend both "Designing and Executing an Effective Strategic Plan" and "Where Does Strategy Come From? Actionable Insights to Create Value," you will receive the SHSMD micro-credential "Strategic Planning Advanced Concepts."
Learn More
![SHSMD Pre-Conference Courses](https://www.shsmd.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/stock-staff-meeting-aerial-table-250x250.jpg)
Where Does Strategy Come From? Actionable Insights to Create Value
Pre-Conference takes place on October 13.
This session explores the origins of effective strategy and how to eliminate irrelevant activities, address major challenges with focused resources and learn from other industries. Using value creation and capture concepts, you'll learn how market forces, behavioral insights and competitive asymmetries form modern strategy foundations. The session includes both out-of-industry and health care examples.
Micro-Credential Opportunity: If you attend both "Designing and Executing an Effective Strategic Plan" and "Where Does Strategy Come From? Actionable Insights to Create Value," you will receive the SHSMD micro-credential "Strategic Planning Advanced Concepts."
Learn More
![SHSMD Pre-Conference Courses](https://www.shsmd.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/stock-group-meeting-young-adult-tablet-graphs-250x250.jpg)
Breaking Up with Google: The Good, The Bad & The Not So Ugly
Pre-Conference takes place on October 13.
In 2023, Emory Healthcare's Marketing Tech & Ops team successfully migrated from Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager to a HIPAA- and GDPR-compliant alternative. Learn about the decision process, migration planning and maintaining analytic continuity. Discover insights gained during the migration, life after Google and the team's reflections in light of recent OCR/HHS guideline challenges.
Learn More
![SHSMD Pre-Conference Courses](https://www.shsmd.org/sites/default/files/2024-08/GettyImages-11223-250x250.jpg)
OK, But How Do I Actually USE AI - AI 101
Pre-Conference takes place on October 13.
Most health care marketers are taking classes, watching webinars, and starting to get excited about the potential for AI. But, if you’re newer to AI you may still be asking yourself how to actually get started! If you have been trying to learn about AI but still feel a little lost, attend this impactful 101 session. Broken down into four sections, attendees will walk away with a meaningful understanding of which AI tools may be useful in different scenarios, the six tenants to using AI in health care marketing, and real-world examples of how you can use AI in your day-to-day job. We'll wrap the session by getting your hands dirty with each attendee using their laptop to dig into Generative AI tools, testing different prompts and getting comfortable with the process.
Learn More
![SHSMD Pre-Conference Courses](https://www.shsmd.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/stock-background-data-technology-screen-250x250.jpg)
Getting Reel: How to Create Video Content that Works for Your Institution
Pre-Conference takes place on October 13.
With tightening budgets, marketing and communications teams need to justify their content strategies more than ever. Videos are getting more views and engagements than any other content type but can be costly and time-consuming to produce. This session will cover how to create a multi-platform script, work with freelancers, create a video-filming schedule and position your video for maximum recruitment, retention, public engagement and brand awareness.
Learn More
![SHSMD Pre-Conference Courses](https://www.shsmd.org/sites/default/files/2024-05/shutterstock_1751492918-250x250.jpg)
Plan your Perfect Path at SHSMD24 and get the most out of conference by checking out our variety of Roadmaps (tailored to your role)! They include: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), Senior Leaders, Small/Rural Hospital Strategy, and First Time Attendees.
"Opening keynote! As a creative, I felt very inspired by the opening speaker. Great way to kick off the conference."
- SHSMD Connections 2023 Attendee
"Hearing articulate peers sharing best practices. I also enjoyed the keynotes."
- SHSMD Connections 2023 Attendee
"Learning from other organizations and seeing how they approach issues."
- SHSMD Connections 2023 Attendee
"I thought day two topics were really applicable to me, and I thought the closing keynote was phenomenal and very timely."
- SHSMD Connections 2023 Attendee
❮ ❯
![ahrmm exhibit hall](/sites/default/files/2024-05/482%20%282%29.jpg)
Reach Health Care MarCom and Strategy Leaders as a SHSMD24 Solution Provider or Sponsor!
Forge powerful connections and elevate your brand by partnering with us. Reach out today to explore our customized sponsorship packages, designed to highlight your products, services and expertise to our diverse audience. Don't miss this opportunity to make a lasting impression – contact us today!
Event Location
Colorado Convention Center
700 14th Street
Denver, CO 80202
Hotel information will be provided to registered attendees in the confirmation email.
ALERT: SHSMD and its partners do not utilize third parties to solicit its exhibitors, attendees or members for purposes of selling hotel rooms or any other conference product or service. Please be aware that SHSMD has NO affiliation with such companies. Exhibitors and attendees are urged to exercise caution and advised to secure conference products and services only through SHSMD channels. If you are solicited by such a company, please notify SHSMD at shsmd@aha.org.
![Denver square](/sites/default/files/styles/medium_400x400/public/2024-05/stock-skyline-city-denver-colorado-twilight%20%282%29.jpg?itok=vK6gG7Rq)
This fast-growing, walkable city is a unique combination of innovation, tradition and culture with breathtaking mountain scenery and a host of downtown attractions. Some top rated activities to explore in Denver, CO include:
- Denver Botanic Gardens / Zoo / Downtown Aquarium
- Museum of Nature and Science
- Denver Union Station / Art Museum
- Mount Blue Sky