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SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2026
Charlotte Convention Center - Charlotte, NC

Author: Jenabeth Ferguson

Being Present

Written by Jenabeth Ferguson on . Posted in The Symposium Desk.

‘Tis the season to pause and reflect on what truly matters. Here at the Symposium, we believe in the power of being present—not just in our work, but in our personal lives too. This December, let’s all make a conscious effort to be more mindful and truly connect with those around us.

In our busy lives, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle. But the holidays give us a special chance to slow down and savor the moments. Whether it’s sharing a meal, having a heartfelt conversation, or simply enjoying each other’s company, being present means giving our full attention to these precious times.

Mindfulness can be a game-changer. Simple practices like deep breathing, meditation, or even a quiet walk can help us stay grounded and focused on the here and now. These small acts can reduce stress and enhance our well-being, making our interactions with loved ones even more meaningful. Let’s try to weave mindfulness into our daily routines this holiday season. I have been trying to get outside each day and be sure to take deep breaths of the fresh air, look around at nature and feel the ground below me. Even if it’s just 5 minutes it can be a game changer.

The holidays are all about relationships. It’s a time to reach out, listen, and engage with family, friends, and colleagues. A genuine conversation or a shared experience can create lasting memories and strengthen our bonds. Let’s make an effort to connect on a deeper level with those we care about. Two of my cousins and all their kids come to visit each summer and Christmas and I make spending as much time with them as possible a priority. I grew up with them and want to be a part of their kids lives so I make sure I show up when it’s possible.

Balancing work and personal life can be tough, especially during the holidays. It’s important to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. Remember, taking care of yourself helps you be more present and effective in all areas of your life. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks, take breaks, and do things that bring you joy. My mother was a school teacher so she was always off over the holidays and I don’t remember my father ever working that week.  While it was a time of big family celebrations, it was also a time of everyone on the couch watching movies or off to the city to explore bookstore and buy new music (you know before every song was on your phone at your fingertips). I have kept up that tradition as an adult.  Actually, December 26th is my favourite day of the year – I stay in my pajamas, watch old movies, enjoy the leftovers and just relax. I probably need to do that more than once a year!

As we head into the new year, let’s carry the lessons of presence and mindfulness with us. By being more present, we can enrich our relationships, improve our well-being, and create a more balanced life.

Wishing you a joyful, peaceful, and present holiday season.

Unsung Heroes: The Insights of Non-Clinical Staff

Written by Jenabeth Ferguson on . Posted in Featured Articles.

Input from operational roles is crucial for hospital expansion projects. They have great ideas because they see and affect everything.

By Angela Kolosky
AIA, ACHA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Associate Principal, Healthcare Planning Market Leader

I recently spent time with a family member in the hospital. I was impressed with the doctors and nurses who provided excellent clinical care. But the people I remember the most are the environmental services techs who diligently tended to the room each day. Always with a smile, they would quietly enter the space, ensure all areas were orderly and clean, check that everything was going okay, and efficiently move on to the next room.

Daily room cleanings are critical to ensure patient safety, especially at Washington Hospital’s inpatient units

When you think about the “money makers” in a hospital, departments like surgery come to mind first. Practicalities are paramount in these spaces: do they have enough storage, supplies, and so on. But so much of surgery room performance is driven by people who aren’t the surgeons and nurses. They’re the ones who resolve how quickly a room can be cleaned and turned over. The ones who process used instruments, move supplies to sterile storage rooms, and keep the systems running optimally. The people who pick up trash and launder scrubs.

Processing time of instruments is crucial to surgical throughput at SOMC’s Sterile Processing Department

Heroes of the hospital

I call these people the unsung heroes of the hospital – the departments most patients and visitors don’t immediately think of, such as environmental services, facilities, materials management, nutrition services, sterile processing, laboratory services, and all the other staff in a busy healthcare environment. The ones helping it hum without interruption.

Their input on the operations of a hospital is a critical aspect of successful design. Whenever I get a chance to engage with these experts, I’m reminded of how much they influence workflow. What they perceive as day-to-day efficiency can influence design throughout the facility, like placing linen hampers and cabinets near the entrance of a patient room, so they can empty and resupply with minimal disruption to the patient. Small moments like this can have huge impacts on the satisfaction of patients and staff – and can be missed if we don’t include their voices early on in a project.

Big projects, big impact

Without this input on large projects or new tower additions, support service spaces can easily be underestimated and undersized. These spaces are just as dependent on patient volumes as are operating rooms and inpatient beds. Early discussions about how these areas can be right sized for future growth and appropriate placement (it’s never fun to relocate landlocked operations, like nutrition services) will save the project time and money when coordinated early.

Whenever we start a project, we bring these varied groups together to leverage all they know about supporting patient and staff safety, reducing waste and steps, and creating higher-performing spaces. One example: Our in-place renovation of Allegheny General Hospital’s new Level 1 Trauma center. Engagement from stakeholders across the facility was crucial for project success, both during construction and implementation.

At the beginning of the project, stakeholders were asked to look for success within their own services as well as their counterparts. This led to rethinking the structure of staff stations to support visibility and collaboration amongst all team members as well as strategic locations of support rooms to allow the ED to flex during various volumes without isolating support staff or creating long walks.

There’s a saying I like: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go with a team.” Designing a hospital requires the input of all its team members, especially from the support services who keep the place running every day.

Keeping Austin Great! 

Written by Jenabeth Ferguson on . Posted in The Symposium Desk.

Wow, what an incredible few days we had at the 2024 Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo in Austin! I’m still buzzing from all the amazing experiences and connections that were made.

From the moment we kicked things off, the energy was just electric. Our attendees from all over the country, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise. It was truly inspiring to see such a diverse group come together with a shared passion for improving healthcare environments.

The keynote speakers this year were absolutely phenomenal. Dr. Esmaeil Porsa opened our eyes to a segment of the population we don’t often think about and challenged the audience to “be curious” a theme that carried through the event. Dan Chuparkoff took the big bad subject of AI and simplified it, explained it and presented many ways it can help us all be more productive and creative.  Tama Duffy Day closed out by nudging us all to use the power of design to change the world and to positively affect healing and promote well-being.

Walking through the expo floor was like stepping into the future. The latest innovations in medical equipment and sustainable building materials were on full display, and it was clear that our industry partners are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. I was especially thrilled to see so many solutions aimed at enhancing patient experience and improving outcomes.

The sessions were another highlight. We tackled everything from retrofitting aging facilities to the latest trends in pediatric and oncology design. These sessions were not just informative but also highly interactive, fostering a real sense of collaboration and shared problem-solving.

But honestly, what made this year’s symposium truly special was the sense of community. Whether it was during the formal networking events or the more casual meet-ups, there was a genuine spirit of camaraderie and the exchange of ideas. It reminded me that at the core of our work is a collective commitment to making healthcare environments better for everyone.

As we look ahead, I’m confident that the insights and connections we gained in Austin will propel us forward. I’m already counting down the days to next year’s event in San Diego and can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, presented, and exhibited. You all made this year’s Symposium an unforgettable experience.

Jenabeth Ferguson
Vice President, Symposium Director
Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo

P.S. Have a thought about the Symposium? Please feel free to contact me at any time at [email protected].

Building Healthier Communities: Milwaukee’s Outreach Community Health Center Expansion Emphasizes Wellness in Every Step of its Sleek, Modern Design

Written by Jenabeth Ferguson on . Posted in Featured Articles.

From a volunteer effort providing healthcare to Milwaukee’s homeless population to the full range of primary and behavioral health services available today, the Outreach Community Health Center has decades of experience providing accessible and affordable healthcare to the Greater Milwaukee area. This continuous growth and program expansion created a need for a physical expansion of its existing 210 W. Capitol Drive location.

The new 52,000-square-foot addition to Milwaukee’s Outreach Community Health Center (OCHC) opened in October 2023. The five-story addition connects directly to three floors of the original structure to facilitate a natural and convenient flow of foot traffic for its visitors and staff.

Outreach Community Health Centers, Continuum Architects + Planners – Aria Slim in Shelby Blend (Milwaukee, WI)

OCHC’s goal of providing holistic healthcare to people experiencing homelessness, extreme poverty, and lack of insurance coverage means that accessibility is central to its approach. The recent expansion has allowed OCHC to consolidate all of its services in one central location so that those in need can receive primary care, dental care, and mental health services on-site. OCHC works closely with other social services and provides culturally sensitive care and language assistance to their patients.

As the first WELL-certified building in the state of Wisconsin, the OCHC was built as a physical environment designed to enhance human health through deliberate design. This was achieved through a variety of different ways, including making the space easily navigable with a modern and natural design. An abundance of living greenery and natural light was utilized to enhance visitors’ sense of mental well-being.

Wanting to incorporate natural and modern patterns of wood, stone, and accent colors led Continuum Architects to Echelon Masonry, the masonry brand of Oldcastle APG. Echelon Masonry’s Aria Slim Full-Depth Veneer™ was chosen for both its color and shape. Unlike a typical 8-inch brick, the 36-inch long Aria Slim creates long lines that give a clean and modern impression to the building. Echelon provided a custom color for the units to complement the existing structure and bring in a sense of nature with earth-tone blends. The result is a modern look that avoids the stark and clinical atmosphere commonly found in the healthcare setting.

Falamak Nourzad, co-founder and design principal of Continuum Architects who worked on the OCHC expansion, said “We are in a modern era; we should exude this century and bring masonry into modernity with size and slim profiles like Aria. Modernity means not using stark plain veneer, but rather bringing a sleek and modern feel to traditional brick buildings with modern colors tastefully matching the existing building. We are super appreciative of the Aria Slim line. Masons need to understand and not shy away from modern lines that are value-engineered to streamline projects and costs.”

Sustainability was also a major consideration in the design. Durability, sustainability, and maintenance were carefully considered when selecting materials in order to ensure that the resulting addition was environmentally friendly. Other sustainability aspects include a solar array on the roof, bioswales, green space, a green roofing system, and an underground stormwater containment system.

The OCHC has been recognized for excellence in construction, winning The Daily Reporter’s Top Projects. The Top Projects Award recognizes high-profile construction projects in Wisconsin. It was judged based on its impact on the community, challenges, scope, teamwork, and innovative building techniques.

Arteaga Construction, with project lead Anthony Arteaga, said his crew was impressed at the minimal amount of breakage onsite. “The Aria pallets were stacked cleanly and the color blend was consistent, so we could intuitively just grab from a couple of pallets and lay in the wall.” He noted there was also minimal time blending in the field. “Aria dimensions were true – no warping or bending that can be typical to the manufacturing process of clay brick,” he added. This made labor and meeting the timeline much easier.

The Outreach Community Health Center not only provides health care but also promotes healthy living through its design for everyone who walks through its doors. This new expansion will allow the center to continue its positive growth as it is able to expand and improve programs to help the residents of Milwaukee.

Learn more about Echelon , a brand of Oldcastle APG, at www.EchelonMasonry.com. For more about Continuum Architects visit continuumarchitects.com.

Outreach Community Health Centers, Continuum Architects + Planners – Aria Slim in Shelby Blend (Milwaukee, WI)

2024 HEALTHCARE FACILITIES SYMPOSIUM & EXPO ANNOUNCES DOUBLE DIGIT ATTENDANCE GROWTH OVER 2023 AND RECORD NUMBER OF EXHIBITORS

Written by Jenabeth Ferguson on . Posted in Press Releases.

Media Contact:
Sophia Lapat 212.203.6536
[email protected]

Attendees Enjoyed Exhibitor Innovations, Inspiring Keynotes, Engaging Sessions by Industry Leaders & Networking Connections September 24-26, 2024

Austin, TX (October 2, 2024)– On September 24-26, thousands of manufacturers, architects, designers, engineers, contractors and healthcare leaders united at the Austin Convention Center for the 37th annual Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo, one of the country’s largest shows dedicated to healthcare design and facilities. The event was jam-packed with awe-inspiring programming including three Keynote Presentations and 60+ Conference Sessions featuring industry leaders, the latest innovations from 100+ Exhibitors in the Expo Hall and Networking Events, Symposium Distinction Awards, Facility Tours and much more.

“Gathering healthcare visionaries, partners, sponsors and exhibitors in one place, the Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo is where innovation meets collaboration, paving the way for a future of improved patient care, sustainable design, and cutting-edge healthcare solutions for facilities worldwide.” said Jenabeth Ferguson, Vice President, Symposium Director. “It’s an exciting time in healthcare design and we look forward to see what the future holds for HFSE in 2025!”

Conference Sessions and Keynotes

The Symposium featured three days of 60+ educational and insightful sessions, case-studies and panels meant to inspire and improve current and future healthcare facilities. The sessions spanned multiple topics including Pediatrics, Safety, AI in healthcare, Behavioral Health, and Sustainability that are making an impact on the healthcare industry.

 

The ever-popular Keynotes included  Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, President and Chief Executive Officer for Harris Health System, Dan Chuparkoff, Innovation & A.I. Expert, and Tama Duffy Day, FACHE, FIIDA, FASID, LEED AP, FwA, Principal, Gensler. This year’s Symposium Keynotes offered meaningful insight into the defining trends that impact the healthcare facilities industry including the effects of Mass Incarceration on Population Health, AI in Healthcare, and the importance of design in healthcare and wellness.

“Working in and with leaders in the healthcare sector where all of us are challenged with limited resources, time spent anywhere has to deliver an ROI. If you want a conference where you can connect with large groups of your clients, potential clients, partners, and other vendors to learn about what is coming to stay in front of the future, there is no better event than HFSE.  I look forward to attending my 9th HFSE in San Diego and highly recommend it to all our partners.” –Lisa Feeley, CSSMBB, IMEG | East Coast Business Development

 

“I have found so much value in attending and speaking at HFSE over the years as the variety of attendees are incredibly knowledgeable, experienced and engaged. Participating in sharing experiences on such a broad range of topics creates synergy for innovation and connection for years to come. I also find that the personal connections created each year develop over time and turn the conference into a backdrop for much reuniting and reconnection.”- Jodi Fernandez, EDAC, Regional BD Manager, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc.

 

Expo Hall

The Expo Hall showcased the most innovative products and services in the healthcare facilities industry from 100+ top manufacturers and solution providers. Many exhibitors launched new products at HFSE, getting in front of important decision makers from healthcare facilities, architecture and design firms. The Expo Floor also featured two Design Solutions Theaters where the design team galleries came alive with 15 minute mini-presentations by leading architectural firms.

 

“The turnout was exceptional!  We will be back next year.”- Mark Tott, Sales Director/Partner, Skyline Glass

 

“We enjoyed our time in Austin. HFSE is one of the best run shows we have participated in.” –  Dave Stumpfig, President, MedViron

 

“Wow!  What an event. I am so happy that we participated!  It’s a completely different vibe than other conferences I’ve been to.  Everyone was very open to having discussions and honest feedback.” – Karen Schlanger, National Accounts Partnership Development/Healthcare, The Garland Company, Inc. 

 

Symposium Distinction Awards

The annual program recognized design teams, projects and individuals who have made a profound contribution to the healthcare design industry. In addition, it recognized the best and most innovative new products within the healthcare design & construction industry. This year’s winners included:

Team Award: Children’s Wisconsin – Skywalk Building, The Boldt Group, User-Centered Award: Malone Family Tower, Perkins+Will, Adaptive Reuse Award: Cooper University Health Care – Moorestown Campus, Array Architects, Individual Award: Dave Redemske, HDR, George Pressler Under 40 Award: Judith Kanera, HDR, Product Awards: Most Innovative-Cove, DIRTT and HKS, Most Sustainable-Lotus Casegoods Collection, Stance Healthcare, Architect’s Choice-Cove DIRTT and HKS.

 

Raffle and Charity Partner

The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo has a long history of selecting charitable organizations each year, holding a raffle onsite and donating the proceeds to that charitable organization. What started as a small endeavor has grown to a highlight of the annual event with diverse organizations across the country benefitting from the HFSE community’s generosity. Since 2006, HFSE has donated over $200,000 to various charitable organizations. The Raffle continues to be a favorite event for attendees and this year’s beneficiary was Hope Totes, a non-profit based in Austin, TX! Their mission; to deliver hope to every child entering foster care or emergency shelters. They seek to demonstrate to every child that someone does care about them by ensuring they are not dropped at the doorstep with a small trash bag of belongings. Instead, they are given a tote full of hope and love.

“For every Child, Inc. has a waiting list of shelters and safe houses who have requested totes form our ‘Hope Totes’ program.  We are so thrilled to be the charity benefiting from the 2024 Healthcare Facilities Symposium because this donation will allow us to start providing our totes to another Austin area shelter.” Julie Petrovic, For Every Child, Inc.

Emerging Leaders

The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo’s Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program started in 2023 and gives recognition to individuals with less than 10 years (non-consecutive) of experience in healthcare design and construction including research and/or education. 35 Emerging Leaders attended the 2024 edition in Austin, TX and participated in all activities surrounding the event.

 

For more information about the 2025 Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo taking place in San Diego, CA (September 23-25, 2025), visit www.hcarefacilities.com.

 

ABOUT

The mission of the Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo is to create a multi-disciplinary environment that inspires you to evoke change and the advancement of a better delivery of healthcare through the physical space. Competitors, clients, and colleagues come together as friends to collaborate, share research, hear fresh perspectives and participate in the ever-changing conversation of your industry.

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HEALTHCARE FACILITIES SYMPOSIUM AND EXPO ANNOUNCES SYMPOSIUM DISTINCTION AWARD WINNERS

Written by Jenabeth Ferguson on . Posted in Press Releases.

Media Contact:
Sophia Lapat 212.203.6536
[email protected]

HEALTHCARE FACILITIES SYMPOSIUM AND EXPO ANNOUNCES SYMPOSIUM DISTINCTION AWARD WINNERS

Eight Award Recipients Selected by Industry Leaders

Austin, TX  (September 24, 2024) –The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo, one of the country’s largest and leading shows dedicated to healthcare design and facilities, announces the prestigious winners of its 2024 Symposium Distinction Awards. The annual program recognizes design teams, projects and individuals who have made a profound contribution to the healthcare design industry. The program accepts submissions of all types and sizes of patient care-related facilities. In addition, it recognizes the best and most innovative new products within the healthcare design and construction industry. A total of eight awards were announced during a lunch celebration on Tuesday, September 24.

“The Symposium Distinction Awards honor and recognize individuals, teams, projects and products making a difference in our industry,” said Jenabeth Ferguson, Vice President, Symposium Director. “Our esteemed team of judges have an important job evaluating submissions to choose this year’s winners and weare thrilled to honor the winners with a celebratory luncheon among their peers.”

 

Team Award
The Team Award focuses on a project team that has worked together to change the face of healthcare design through innovation, creativity, efficiency and teamwork.

Winner: Children’s Wisconsin – Skywalk Building, The Boldt Group

 

User-Centered Award
The User-Centered Award recognizes a healthcare design project or facility that best reflects and balances the requirements of patients, their family and practitioners.

 

Winner: Malone Family Tower, Perkins+Will

 

Adaptive Reuse Award
The Adaptive Reuse Award recognizes a healthcare design project that creatively achieved the reuse of an existing structure or space originally used for another purpose.

Winner: Cooper University Health Care – Moorestown Campus, Array Architects

 

Individual Award
The Individual Award seeks to distinguish a professional in the fields of healthcare planning, design, construction and operations that have displayed leadership and vision over a significant period of their career. This award looks to recognize an individual whose passion and driven their organizations or project teams to enhance the healing environment and a way above and beyond.

Winner: Dave Redemske, HDR

George Pressler Under 40 Award 
The George Pressler Under 40 Award seeks the next generation of leaders within the fields of healthcare planning, design, construction and operations. The George Pressler Award recognizes a young professional who has demonstrated leadership and vision within their organization or project teams.

 

Winner: Judith Kanera, HDR

 

Product Awards

The Product Awards recognize innovative new products that contribute to the enrichment of a healing environment through their unique design and operational support.

 

Product Award Categories
Awards will be presented to those outstanding new products whose unique design contributes to the enrichment of a healing environment in each of the following product categories:

 

Most Innovative

Winner: Cove, DIRTT and HKS

 

Most Sustainable

Winner: Lotus Casegoods Collection, Stance Healthcare

 

Architect’s Choice

Winner: Cove DIRTT and HKS

 

For more information about the Symposium Distinction Awards, please visit www.hcarefacilities.com

 

ABOUT

The mission of the Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo is to create a multi-disciplinary environment that inspires you to evoke change and the advancement of a better delivery of healthcare through the physical space. Competitors, clients, and colleagues come together as friends to collaborate, share research, hear fresh perspectives and participate in the ever-changing conversation of your industry.

 

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Taking care of the caregivers

Written by Jenabeth Ferguson on . Posted in Featured Articles.

By: Jamie Raymond, EDAC, RID, LEED AP
Partner, Four Point Design

August is National Wellness Month, and when it comes to improving community health and wellness, caregivers play a critical role. Firms that provide architecture and interior design services for healthcare facilities should prioritize creating environments that not only consider the patient experience, but that support and enhance the wellbeing of caregivers, as well.

Inspired by personal experiences

Since its founding in 2015, Four Point Design has specialized in interior design for healthcare facilities. The firm’s partners each have unique perspectives they bring to their work—insights gained not just from past projects, but from experiences as users of the healthcare system interacting with caregivers.

For Four Point Design partner Jamie Raymond, one of her formative experiences happened when she was just 19 years old. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer, requiring a 12-hour brain surgery.

“It was traumatizing, so there’s a lot I don’t remember,” Raymond said. “I remember waiting in the lounge, but can’t really recall the color of the walls, the lighting levels, or the artwork. What I do remember was the care my mother received and the communication from the caregivers. Today, as a designer, I see the built environment as a backdrop—a supporting element that gives caregivers the tools to do their best work and allows patients and their loved ones to focus on healing.”

Victoria Numbers, partner at Four Point Design, also has firsthand knowledge of the healthcare experience. Her mother was an intensive care nurse for 30 years. And when Numbers had her first son, Numbers spent two weeks in the hospital, and then her new baby was in the neonatal intensive care unit for a month. She recalls breaking down and not wanting to leave the NICU late one evening.

“One of the nurses gently came over and said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll move over to this charting station that’s right here at his window, and I’ll look after him all night; I’ll hold him,’” Numbers said. “She just put me at ease, and I gained a whole new appreciation for what caregivers do. Caregivers are with us when we’re at our most vulnerable. They not only care for your body or your family members; they also care for the whole person and their emotional wellbeing.”

Creating spaces for work and rest

Today, the team looks for any opportunity to make nurses’ jobs easier and improve their experience. For example, considering efficiencies and ergonomics helps create nurse stations that are functional and thoughtfully designed. Light-filled staff suites with amenities and a variety of comfortable seating give caregivers a place to refresh and recharge.

“The level of commitment and passion it takes to be a healthcare worker inspires me to do my best work for them,” Raymond added.

Designing schools of nursing that attract and retain

Another way to support the wellness of caregivers is to address the need for nurses and health professionals. Talent shortages put stress and strain on the existing workforce, and as aging Baby Boomers need more care, the need for Registered Nurses will only increase.

Four Point Design has experience in multiple schools of nursing, bringing real-world healthcare experience to educational spaces that provide flexibility, thoughtful adjacencies, and durable finishes. For example, Indiana University’s renovated School of Nursing facility in Indianapolis expands the size of the school to accommodate more nursing students with spaces like a new skills lab; simulation, debrief, and practice exam rooms; and informal learning spaces.

“Caregivers play a critical role in our society, and a welcoming environment can both celebrate that impact and fuel schools’ retention efforts,” said Four Point Design partner Diana Ricks. “Through our school of nursing projects, we incorporate thoughtful touches such as graphics that celebrate the rich history of nursing schools and ‘Instagrammable’ backdrops for graduation photos. These features foster a sense of pride among students.”

Whether it’s being mindful of and grateful for our own experiences with caregivers, being thoughtful to design and construction solutions, or encouraging the next generation to enter the nursing profession, we all have a role to play in taking care of the caregivers.

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TOP TEN THINGS TO EXPERIENCE AT THE 37TH ANNUAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES SYMPOSIUM AND EXPO

Written by Jenabeth Ferguson on . Posted in Press Releases.

Media Contact:
Sophia Lapat 212.203.6536
[email protected]

Enjoy Three Keynotes and 60+ Sessions, Explore Cutting-Edge Products from 100+ Exhibitors, Partake in Expert Panels in the Design Solutions Theaters, Networking with Healthcare Leaders and Professionals and More

Austin, TX (August 20, 2024) — Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo, one of the country’s largest shows dedicated to healthcare design and facilities, returns for its 37th annual event to the Austin Convention Center, September 24-26. This must-attend symposium and expo brings together architects, designers, engineers, contractors and healthcare providers to collaborate, share research, hear fresh perspectives and participate in the ever-changing healthcare industry. Attendees will have a chance to sit in on compelling three Keynote Presentations, explore 100+ Exhibitors, be inspired by industry leaders at daily Conference Sessions, explore two of Austin’s newest Healthcare Facilities, enjoy Networking Events and much more.

 

  1. Explore 100+ Exhibitors

The expansive Expo Hall features the latest furnishings, wall coverings, lighting, technology, flooring, and modular and healthcare solutions from long-standing, returning exhibitors, as well as 30+ newcomers. Returning manufacturers include WIELAND Healthcare, Pineapple Contract, Stance Healthcare, Belden, MazeMap, Tarkett, Mohawk Group, Interface, vHealth Lighting, Modular Services Company, SLD Technology, OWA USA, and Odulair, Essex Electronics, La-Z-Boy Healthcare| Knu Comfort, Mesa Electronics, Inc., RAD technology Medical Systems, Serenity Sliding Door Systems, Shen Milson & Wilke LLC, Unicel Architectural Corp., Whitehall Mfg/AcornVAC, as well as newcomers Kingsway Group, MedViron, Skyler Design Build, RPS America Inc., MDC Interior Solutions, PEVCO, PABCO Gypsum, Amico Lights, EquipWare, LLC, Chesapeake Healthcare Planning, Lonseal Flooring, Calico Building Services, Inc., Walters Healthcare Resources, Hallmark Building Supplies, Johns Manville, AHF Products, Broaddus & associates, Lonseal Flooring, Neopod Systems and Whoop Wireless.

 

  1. Keynotes Take Center Stage

Each year, HFSE features three compelling Keynotes and this year’s speakers include  Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, President and Chief Executive Officer for Harris Health System, Dan Chuparkoff, Innovation & A.I. Expert, and Tama Duffy Day, FACHE, FIIDA, FASID, LEED AP, FwA, Principal, Gensler. This year’s Symposium Keynotes will offer meaningful insight into the defining trends that impact the healthcare facilities industry including the effects of Mass Incarceration on Population Health, AI in Healthcare, and the importance of design in healthcare and wellness.

 

  1. Robust Conference Sessions

The Symposium features three jam-packed days of 60+ educational and insightful sessions, case-studies and panels meant to inspire and improve current and future healthcare facilities. The sessions will span multiple topics including Pediatrics, Safety, AI in healthcare, Behavioral Health, Sustainability and more that are making an impact on the healthcare industry. Don’t miss some key sessions including:

 

“Texas Healthcare: The Epicenter of Growth and Development” featuring an expert mix of media professionals and HFSE exhibitors. Healthcare is one of Austin’s largest and fastest-growing industries. In this session, hear about the latest developments in Texas and why the state is such a center for increased growth.

 

Tackling important issues of the day, “Culturally Inclusive Care: Healthcare Design for Black Communities”, will hear from black voices in healthcare about disparities they have experienced and discuss examples and strategies of how design can change the narrative.

 

Understand how Disaster Recovery and Future Planning took place for the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital during the “Disaster Recovery and Future Planning for the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital after Hurricane Maria in the US Virgin Islands”. The executive director of the Territorial Hospital Redevelopment Team, Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation (USVI) will travel to the US to share the hospital’s story with the architect and engineer who served on the project.

 

  1. The Next Gen

The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo’s Symposium Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program started in 2023 and gives recognition to those individuals with less than 10 years (non-consecutive) of experience in healthcare design and construction including research and/or education. The recognition includes attending the 2024 HFSE in Austin September 24-26 and participating in all activities surrounding the event.

 

  1. And the Award Winners Are

The Symposium Distinction Awards recognize design teams, projects and individuals who have made a profound contribution to the healthcare design industry. The program accepts submissions of all types and sizes of patient care-related facilities. In addition, it recognizes the best and most innovative new products within the healthcare design & construction industry. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 24 during a celebratory luncheon.

 

  1. Networking and Socializing

Mix and mingle with new and old friends at daily events including the Networking Breakfast opening morning to kick off the 2024 Symposium (Tuesday, September 24, 7-8:30am). The Grand Opening of Exhibit Floor and Symposium Party kicks off at 4pm and features lite bites, cocktails and the ever-popular Raffle that benefits charity partner, Hope Totes.

 

The Expo Hall will also be home to the Networking Lunch, Ice Cream Social and many more fun and engaging events on Wednesday, September 25. Later that evening the Happy Hour is a chance for all attendees to gather in a local Austin establishment for some fun. For the full schedule visit, Schedule At a Glance – Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo.

 

  1. Design Team Gallery

The HFSE Design Team Gallery is an exclusive area for AEC firms to showcase their best healthcare project and expertise to inspire attendees. This year’s participants include Arcadis, Array Architects, BSA LifeStructures, DLR Group, E4H Environments for Health Architecture, EwingCole, HDR, HGA, HKS, HOK, Hord Coplan Macht, LEO A DALY, Marmon Mok Architecture, Page, Payette, Perkins Eastman, Perkins&Will, Stantec, The Haskell Company and Tsoi Kobus Design.

 

  1. Mini Sessions in the Design Solutions Theaters

The Expo Hall is home to two Design Solutions Theaters where the design team gallery projects come to life with intimate 15-minute mini-presentations conducted by leading healthcare architecture firms. This year attendees can look forward to sessions on a range of topics including “Adaptive Reuse in Healthcare”, “Engaging The Community to Reshape the Future of Healthcare”, and “Overflowing Shopping Cart: Maximizing Space Efficiency in Repurposed Buildings.”

 

  1. Austin Facility Tours

On Monday, September 23, HFSE will be offering two Facility Tours at Texas Children’s Hospital and Lillibridge Healthcare Services for attendees to learn about two major health construction projects in Texas. Texas Children’s Hospital, one of the top-ranked hospitals in America providing pediatric and maternal-fetal care, recently opened a brand-new, greenfield hospital for children and women in Austin, Texas. The design for this facility began in February 2020 and opened in February 2024, just in time for the institution’s 70th birthday. Lillibridge Healthcare Services, Ventas’ wholly owned medical office operating subsidiary, and development partners at HKS Architects and Rogers O’Brien Construction began designing a full scale modernization of Medical Park Tower in 2019. Concept design was completed in early 2020, and construction began in the fall of 2020.

 

  1. Raffle Benefits Hope Totes

The Healthcare Facilities Symposium has a long history of selecting charitable organizations each year, holding a raffle onsite and donating the proceeds to that charitable organization. What started as a small endeavor has grown to a highlight of the annual event with diverse organizations across the country benefitting from the HFSE’s community’s generosity. Since 2006, HFSE has donated over $200,000 to various charitable organizations. The Raffle continues to be a favorite event for attendees and this year’s beneficiary, Hope Totes is a non-profit based in Austin, TX! Their mission; to deliver hope to every child entering foster care or emergency shelters. They seek to demonstrate to every child that someone does care about them by ensuring they are not dropped at the doorstep with a small trash bag of belongings. Instead, they are given a tote full of hope and love.

 

For more information or to register, please visit www.hcarefacilities.com.

 

ABOUT HEALTHCARE FACILITIES SYMPOSIUM AND EXPO

The mission of the Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo is to create a multi-disciplinary environment that inspires you to evoke change and the advancement of a better delivery of healthcare through the physical space. Competitors, clients, and colleagues come together as friends to collaborate, share research, hear fresh perspectives and participate in the ever-changing conversation of your industry.

 

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Redefining Community-Based Facilities through Patient-Centered and Data-Driven Design

Written by Jenabeth Ferguson on . Posted in Featured Articles.

By: NELSON Worldwide

In an era where healthcare dynamics in the United States are swiftly changing, the rise of community-based facilities and centers, including outpatient facilities, is reshaping the landscape. This shift is driven by various factors, including staffing changes, a return to community connection, the necessity for convenience, virus containment efforts, and advancements in medical technology like telemedicine. Community-based and outpatient facilities are becoming the preferred choice for many due to their cost-effectiveness, personalized care, and accessibility. However, their success hinges on patient-centered and data-driven design and planning.

Understanding the Shift Toward Community-Based and Outpatient Facilities

As healthcare evolves, patients are increasingly opting for remote and outpatient facilities over major hospitals, provided they receive proper care. These facilities, whether general or specialized, offer a more personalized and less intimidating healthcare experience. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of such facilities, demonstrating their critical role in expanding healthcare accessibility and business.

Focusing on Efficiency and Community Needs

Smaller facilities, including outpatient centers, excel in staffing and budgeting efficiency, tailored specifically to meet community needs, including those of ethnic communities. Many major hospitals have high costs and intimidating environments, often deterring individuals from seeking all types of care from lifesaving to treatment of simple ailments or injuries. In contrast, local clinics and outpatient centers, including emergency care and imaging centers, are far more approachable, have strong ties with the community, and even mitigate the risk of exposure to additional illnesses.

Reducing Dread Through Patient-Centered Design

To alleviate the dread associated with visiting major hospitals, community-based and outpatient facilities should be designed as inviting and less intimidating. This can be achieved with warm colors, natural light, and comfortable furnishings. Incorporating artwork and local cultural elements, simplifying navigation with clear layouts and intuitive signage, fostering personalized interactions through open reception areas and private consultation rooms, and minimizing wait times with efficient workflows are all crucial. Enhancing privacy and comfort with private consultation spaces, acoustic treatments for noise reduction, and incorporating nature through outdoor areas and views can significantly improve the patient experience.

Tailoring Solutions for Specific Needs

Community-based and outpatient facilities must address the specific needs of their populations. For example, in the community of Fishermen, Florida, healthcare facilities cater to common issues of local patients such as boating and fishing injuries, along with addressing everyday ailments. Additionally, embracing the essence and needs of the community, care centers may include auxiliary spaces to highlight local artists or areas to provide safe havens during hurricane seasons.

Regardless of serving rural or suburban areas, affluent or underserved communities, offering a range of options at a variety of scales is critical. Quick-care clinics in local grocery stores are leveraged for administering vaccines, blood pressure checks, or low-risk illness treatment. Convenience, adaptability to meet future needs, and embracing evolving healthcare technology are priorities to ensure these facilities are well-equipped to support the health and well-being of their communities.

Overcoming the Learning Curve

A significant challenge is that many people do not realize they can access local facilities, including outpatient centers, for their healthcare needs. Increased awareness and understanding that they do not need to rush to a major hospital for every health concern are contributing to the rise of local facilities.

Leveraging Expertise for Community-Centric Care

Our Healthcare Practice is at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that community-based and outpatient facilities effectively serve their populations through strategic, data-driven design and planning. By engaging with local leaders and organizations, we accurately address specific community requirements and challenges. Furthermore, we focus on designing adaptable facilities that can evolve with technological advancements. Our expertise ensures that community-based and outpatient facilities are not only more efficient but also more attuned to the needs of the populations they serve. By leading this charge, we are helping to shape a future where healthcare is more accessible, affordable, and personalized.

By embracing these principles and strategies, community-based and outpatient facilities can redefine healthcare delivery, ensuring compassionate, patient-centric care that meets the evolving needs of diverse communities.

For more information on NELSON Worldwide visit https://nelsonworldwide.com

Austin Here We Come!

Written by Jenabeth Ferguson on . Posted in The Symposium Desk.

In just over a month, we will all be gathered at the 37th Annual Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo.  We have quite a line up this year over two and a half days, including 3 keynotes over 55 sessions featuring a roster of over 200 industry leaders speaking, an exhibit hall packed with companies eager to show you their latest products and services and so much more.

I want you to register for the event if you have not already and come to Austin for the all the education and sourcing innovative products and solutions in our exhibit hall.  I also know how important networking with your industry peers is, and how much more important in person networking has become in the past several years. I thought I would share our top three networking events that you need make sure are on your schedule when at the Symposium in Austin this September.

 

  1. Opening Reception and Symposium Party! Talk about an event highlight.  It is your first chance to see all the exhibitors and talk with them about their latest products and services. We’ll be serving drinks and appetizers so you can catch up with your fellow attendees. The Symposium Party also features our annual raffle, where you can buy tickets to win prizes ranging from Apple products to Kate Spade bags to Amazon gifts cards and so much more.  The best part is 100% of the proceeds from the raffle go to benefit a charitable organization, and this year we’ll be supporting For Every Child, Inc which is a charity based in Austin. Their main initiative is called Hope Totes which focuses entirely on children arriving in emergency shelters or safe houses and those entering the foster care system after being removed from abuse or neglect. Each year, they assemble and donate as many Hope Totes as they can, to children entering emergency shelters and the foster care system. Removed from abuse and neglect, these kids are alone and afraid. A small act of love delivered in a hopeful tote reminds them that someone does care.
  2. Ice Cream Social! This is your last chance to visit with exhibitors and thank them for their support of the Symposium.  And to make it a little more tempting we provide ice cream as a mid-afternoon snack for all in attendance.  Feel like a kid again, grab a sweet treat and make one last circle around the exhibit floor.
  3. Happy Hour! Now this is the time to get away from the convention center, maybe change into a little more casual attire and check out a local watering hole.

 

If you still need to register, as a reader of The Leaflet, you can receive a 10% discount if you register by August 31. Use VIP Code LT24.* Enjoy the last few weeks of summer and I will see you in Austin very soon!

Be Well,
Jenabeth

Jenabeth Ferguson
Vice President, Symposium Director
Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo

P.S. Have a thought about the Symposium? Please feel free to contact me at any time at [email protected].

*Discount is only applicable to registrations not yet received. No refunds will be given.