welcome reception
Tuesday, October 14
3:00
Registration Opens
4:30 – 7:30
Welcome Reception
Kick off the conference with a warm welcome at one of New Orleans’ iconic establishments. This relaxed evening gathering is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and build new relationships. Enjoy the city’s signature hospitality, local flavors, and vibrant atmosphere as we come together to network and celebrate the start of an inspiring event.
Conference • day one
Wednesday, October 15
7:00 – 8:15
Registration and Networking Breakfast
8:15 – 8:30
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Meggan Christman Schilkie, Chief Operating Officer, HMA
8:30 – 9:15
Keynote Address
The Policy and Politics of Making America Healthy
Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson will challenge the true underpinnings of what makes people healthy and what it takes to achieve this goal. He will address the current anxieties felt by healthcare stakeholders regarding the changes to certain policies, programs, and initiatives. Our speaker will address strategies and opportunities to find a different path forward and achieve common goals. Drawing from his experience as governor, where he worked extensively to address obesity in his state, Hutchinson will present a vision of what is possible even in polarizing and partisan times to improve health in states and communities.
Speaker
Asa Hutchinson, 46th Arkansas Governor
9:20 – 10:30
Plenary Session
When the Ground Shifts: Publicly Financed Health Coverage and Policy in Motion
As federal policy continues to evolve, its ripple effects are reshaping state and local healthcare markets in real time. Our panel of multidisciplinary leaders—from government, health plans, hospitals, and private equity—are navigating these shifts from multiple vantage points. Together, they’ll explore how recent federal actions are transforming the payer mix, driving innovation, and creating new opportunities for collaboration and sustainability.
10:30 – 11:00
Break
11:00 – 12:15
Expert-Led Workshops
12:15 – 1:30
Networking Lunch
1:30 – 2:45
Expert-Led Workshops
2:45 – 3:15
Networking Break
3:15 – 4:45
Plenary Session
Shifting the Paradigm: Transforming Value-Based Healthcare for Lasting Impact
As the healthcare system continues its shift toward value-based care, the question is no longer if change is coming—but how to lead it. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is laying the groundwork for a reboot of value-based care. This session will explore where CMS’ strategy is already reshaping the healthcare system and care delivery for patients, particularly the opportunities to revisit Medicare Advantage relationships with providers and to integrate technology to advance the prevention of chronic conditions and achieve population health goals. From payers and enabling organizations, to providers and community organizations, the healthcare sector must be prepared for new expectations for global risk and consumer engagement – and to articulate the return on investment when making this shift.
5:00 – 7:00
Sponsor Reception
conference • day two
Thursday, October 16
7:00
Registration
7:45 – 9:00
Coffee Conversations and Collaborations
9:15 – 10:15
Plenary Session
Maintaining Behavioral Health Innovation Momentum in a Complex Environment
In this dynamic environment, healthcare leaders must balance access to behavioral healthcare with payment and regulatory changes. This panel features experts from various healthcare sectors discussing unique perspectives and experiences in creating innovative frameworks and approaches. The discussion will cover the ways in which organizations are stepping up to fund and implement new initiatives, clinical improvements, parity, community care, and impacts on hospital systems and payers.
10:15 – 11:00
Networking Break
11:00 – 12:00
Plenary Session
From Gridlock to Growth: Advancing Population Health Through Resilient System Design
Through the lens of housing, transportation, and food insecurity, panelists—including payers, health system executives, and community experts—will share bold, actionable strategies for building a stronger healthcare ecosystem and improve population health. Discover how cross-sector collaboration can create resilient healthcare systems that deliver equitable, sustainable outcomes across communities.