Top 2026 healthcare conferences for independent practices

As a private healthcare provider, the only way to stay competitive is to keep up with the latest industry developments. In 2026, many healthcare conferences will spotlight critical shifts in AI-driven diagnostics, public health policy, and practice sustainability. 

However, attending an event is a significant investment of time and money. To help you prioritize, we've curated a list of 16 healthcare conferences in the United States that specifically cater to independent clinics or healthcare innovation.

We selected these events based on their direct impact on private practice success:

Here’s a list of healthcare conferences private providers should consider attending in 2026. Please confirm the details with official conference websites before booking as they may be subject to change.

When and where: February 22–25, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California. 

ViVE is a premier event for digital health leaders focusing on the intersection of healthcare business and technology. The 2026 program is designed for high-impact networking and ROI-driven insights, with specific focus areas including AI implementation, cybersecurity, and interoperability. Independent providers can gain a clear view of how emerging technology will redefine patient care in the coming decade.

Who attends: C-suite executives, senior digital health leaders, and innovative healthcare providers.

Where to register: Register on the official ViVE website.

When and where: February 8–11, 2026, at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, San Antonio, Texas.

This conference gathers more than 1,000 rural health leaders to address the unique challenges of providing quality care in underserved areas. Sessions focus on creating an adaptive workforce, improving access to behavioral and maternal health, and developing sustainable governance models. It is an essential stop for rural providers seeking actionable business strategies to strengthen their community impact.

Who attends: Rural hospital executives, clinic administrators, and physician leaders.

Where to register: Register on AHA’s conference website.

When and where: March 9–12, 2026, at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.

HIMSS Global Health Conference and Exhibition is a massive gathering for healthcare information and technology. With over 25,000 attendees, the conference offers a choose your own adventure style of education that covers topics like AI, cybersecurity, interoperability, and digital health. Specialty pavilions let you dive deep into areas like health equity, patient experience, and patient engagement.

Who attends: Primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, C-suite executives, health IT professionals, government officials, and startup leaders.

Where to register: Register on the HIMSS website.

When and where: April 7–9, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Health 2.0 Conference brings the global healthcare community together to discuss healthcare innovations and trust. It covers a range of topics, from AI-powered healthcare to the neuroscience of depression.

Who attends: Healthcare providers, policymakers, investors, startups, and researchers.

Where to register: Register on the Health 2.0 Conference website.

When and where: March 12–14, 2026, at Signia by Hilton, Orlando Bonnet Creek, Florida.

Nextech's EDGE 2026 conference focuses on content to improve practice performance and help physicians stay up to speed on the latest industry and regulatory changes. It will feature more than 130 sessions on administrative, billing, clinical, and general healthcare themes and will also offer networking events and access to industry experts.

Who attends: Specialty physicians, practice managers, and billing coordinators.

Where to register: Register on the Nextech EDGE website.

When and where: March 9–11, 2026, at the Hilton Park Plaza, Boston, Massachusetts. 

The Healthcare Business Management Association (HBMA) 2026 Innovation Conference focuses on revenue cycle management (RCM). You can see how other healthcare leaders manage their revenue cycles and how newer technologies like AI, automation, and robotic process automation (RPA) help with the process, including best practices to win new medical billing business.

Who attends: Healthcare business management professionals, including practice managers, billing specialists, and RCM professionals and physicians who want to improve their practice's RCM.executives.

Where to register: Register on the HBMA website.

When and where: April 29–May 2, 2026, at Resorts World, Las Vegas, Nevada.

THRIVELIVE 2026, presented by Henry Schein, is a dental education event. It blends clinical excellence with business development, offering sessions on software solutions and wellness alongside cutting-edge dental technology. It's also a unique opportunity for dental professionals to network. 

Who attends: Dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, office managers.

Where to register: Register on the THRIVELIVE 2026 website.

When and where: April 13–16, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago, Illinois.

Becker's is known for its high-level executive networking and high-profile keynote speakers. The 16th annual meeting will focus on healthcare transformation and covers topics like AI in healthcare, value-based care, physician leadership, outcome-centric care models, and the revenue cycle. Keynote speakers include George W. Bush, Troy Aikman, Eduardo Conrado, and Maria Ansari.

Who attends: Healthcare leaders and executives.

Where to register: Register on Becker's Hospital Review conference website.

When and where: May 12–15, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel, Orlando, Florida.

American Telehealth Association (ATA) Nexus 2026 is centered on digital-native care activation. Attendees can explore the latest in AI, remote monitoring, telehealth policy, and direct-to-consumer strategies. The 2026 event features deep-dive sessions, focus group labs, and patient voice theaters.

Who attends: Clinicians, C-suite leaders, researchers, and investors.

Where to register: Register on the ATA Nexus 2026 website.

When and where: May 17–19, 2026, at the Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina. 

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)'s new Whole Health Summit addresses not just clinical expertise but also whole-person health for clinicians themselves. This immersive experience focuses on system redesign and physician well-being. Attendees participate in coaching clinics and simulation labs, leaving with a customized "90-day whole health plan" to tackle burnout and operational inefficiency back home.

Who attends: Family physicians and care team leaders.

Where to register: Register on the AAFP website.

When and where: July 14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla, San Diego, California.

The Health Information Technology (HIT) Summit explores the intersection of healthcare and technology under the theme "where innovation, digital health, and technology meet.” The summit provides interactive sessions that help decision-makers tackle key challenges at their healthcare organizations. 

Who attends: Healthcare professionals, C-level physicians, and healthcare decision-makers.

Where to register: Register on the official CMA website.

When and where: May 3–5, 2026, at the Marriott St. Louis Grand, St. Louis, Missouri.

The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) Focus Private Practice Conference is for healthcare leaders and professionals who want to run their practices better and continue providing personalized care. The sessions focus on the distinct demands of small- to mid-sized groups, and will offer practical takeaways on AI integration, staffing strategies, and financial sustainability.

Who attends: Practice managers, physician-owners, operations directors, and executive team members of privately owned practices.

Where to register: Register on the MGMA website and get a complimentary pass to the online summit as well.

When and where: September 2–4, 2026, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, California.

RISE West targets senior leaders in the Medicare Advantage and managed care sectors. As the regulatory landscape shifts, this conference explores strategies for achieving operational excellence. Attendees will gain insights on key themes such as balancing financial and care considerations, Medicare Advantage compliance, AI trends, digital transformation, and the impact of recent CMS changes. 

Who attends: Healthcare providers, senior executives from health plans, government agencies, community-based organizations, and professionals in risk adjustment, HCC coding, quality improvement, finance, and more.

Where to register: Register on the RISE website.

When and where: September 27–30, 2026, San Antonio, Texas.

Leaders Conference, hosted by MGMA, gathers healthcare leaders to accelerate the success of ambulatory care and medical practices. The 2026 event focuses on leading through uncertainty and building scalable, sustainable systems. It is a venue for aspiring leaders to expand their professional networks and join high-level peer discussions.

Who attends: Medical practice managers, executives, and aspiring healthcare leaders.

Where to register: Learn more about registration at the MGMA website.

Who attends: Family medicine professionals, including physicians, residents, medical students, and care team members.

When and where: October 20–24, 2026, at Music City Center, Nashville, Tennessee.

The AAFP runs Family Medicine Experience (FMX), one of the most popular conferences for family medicine professionals. It focuses on targeted education to empower patient care, interactive workshops to build clinical skills, and evidence-based resources to grow your practice.

Where to register: Registration will open in early 2026 on the official AAFP FMX website

When and where: November 15–18, 2026, at the Venetian Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.

HLTH 2026 is a premier healthcare innovation event that's expected to host over 12,250 healthcare leaders and executives. Some of its topics include diagnostics, patient voice and impact, oral health, and AI and emerging technology. You can also participate in curated matchmaking programs, like market connect, which connects approved buyers and solutions providers.

Who attends: Healthcare providers, payers, investors, startup leaders, pharmacy and life sciences professionals, government officials, and the patient community.

Where to register: Register on the HLTH 2026 website.

To ensure your 2026 conference circuit provides a high return on investment, follow these strategies:

Before you register, think about what your practice needs right now. What are your most pressing challenges? Revenue cycle, staffing, technology adoption? Map them out and see which conferences cater to these problems the most.

Also, some conferences offer continuing medical education (CME) sessions. Research them beforehand if you need to maintain your medical license requirements.

Every private practice faces a similar set of challenges. Whether it’s optimizing your operations or hiring the best in the field, you need to stay on top of everything.

Participate in networking sessions that address those challenges or include other practice owners, vendors, or executives who can help you in the long run. Make sure you have business cards in hand in case you need to exchange contact information with potential partners.

Actively identify and register for the most relevant and valuable presentations, workshops, networking opportunities, and materials available at conferences to maximize your learning and professional connections, allowing you to benefit most from the events. 

Carry a dedicated notebook or have a digital way to capture the best ideas. Notate actionable takeaways that you can implement immediately. Consider your current resources, staff capabilities, and budget constraints when you’re evaluating new ideas or solutions.

Create a list of practice management or billing vendors you want to meet and set up time with them beforehand. Schedule demos in advance and collect all the information vendors need before attending to expedite the process.

Schedule a time within 2 weeks of getting home to review your notes and create a plan to prioritize the most important engagements. For example, set up follow-up calls to finalize your plans if you need to use new software or meet with new referral partners.

Healthcare conferences are an excellent opportunity to get advice and mentorship from practitioners who have solved the challenges you're currently facing. By choosing strategically, you can ensure your practice remains efficient, modern, and patient-centered.

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