Connect. Inspire. Lead.

The conference for essential hospital leaders, June 10–12, in Minneapolis  

Lead the Way in Health Care Transformation


At VITAL2026, attendees gained valuable insights, learned best practices, and developed strategies with their peers to shape the future of health care. They discovered breakthroughs and best practices on topics including hospital financing, patient experience, innovations in health care, and population health.

What Made this Conference VITAL?

A powerful network of visionary leaders committed to advancing health care for all. At VITAL2026, attendees unlocked unparalleled networking opportunities to forge transformative connections, exchange groundbreaking best practices, and build a resilient community dedicated to serving underserved populations.

Conference Highlights
  • Learn from leaders who’ve walked in your shoes. Every session is crafted by essential hospital leaders who’ve faced and conquered the exact challenges keeping you up at night.  
  • Discover solutions that work in the real world. Leave with practical strategies and renewed inspiration designed specifically for mission-driven hospitals that serve their communities against all odds.  
  • Stay ahead of what’s coming. Get real-time intelligence on the legislation, policy shifts, and industry trends that will define your hospital’s future before they impact your doors.  
  • Find your people. Connect with hundreds of hospital leaders who share your mission, your struggles, and your unwavering commitment to care. These aren’t just networking opportunities—they’re the conversations that will carry you through the year ahead.

Attendees joined a movement that inspires and equips leaders to build a brighter health care future.

What People Said

I loved networking with colleagues from across the country who face the same challenges and the opportunities to exchange ideas.

It was exciting, timely, informative, provocative. It made me energized to get more things done!

I loved meeting other health systems with similar missions and dedication to care for the health and well-being of EVERY individual in the communities served with the highest level of care.

2026 Gage Awards

The 2026 Gage Awards recognized America’s Essential Hospitals members for their exceptional achievements in quality improvement, population health, and operational excellence. The awards distinguished association members nationwide as industry leaders and promote the spread of outstanding programs and initiatives.

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Questions?

email us at events@essentialhospitals.org or

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