The 22nd Annual Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo will be held September 30th – October 2nd, 2009 at the Navy Pier in Chicago
The Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo's 21st Annual Conference & Expo was a tremendous success! 2,274 people came together for educational sessions, exhibits and unique networking opportunities. Plans are already in the works for 2009! Some of the 2008 event highlights include:
Dr. Regina Benjamin set the tone for the entire event. She shared her story of making a real difference in the lives of indigent residents in and around Bayou La Batre, Alabama, a small shrimping village on the Gulf of Mexico with a population of 2,500. She reminded the HFSE audience that at the core of what we do is making sure EVERYONE has a positive healthcare experience!
On Tuesday evening, the conference attendees got a sneak preview of the exhibition floor and an opportunity to network with exhibitors during the opening reception. The following morning the more than 200 companies, 20% more than last year, welcomed 1000's of design, construction and healthcare professionals from the greater Chicago area. The highlights of the exhibition floor were “Greening the Patient Experience” patient demo room and The Learning Lounge where were able to explain their products and services.
On Wednesday morning, the management team of Chicago’s own Children’s Memorial Hospital talked about building their new facility. CEO, Patrick Magoon; COO, Gordon Bass and Chief – New Hospital Project, Bruce Komiske presented Creating the World’s Tallest Children’s Hospital to a standing room only crowd. Prior to the presentation Master of Ceremonies, George Pressler, presented Pat Magoon with a check of $6,500 from the proceeds raised at the raffle the evening before at the Symposium Party.
The conference closed with the back by popular demand presentation by Marc Suave discussing The Future of Healthcare in America: A Convergence of Undeniable Trends. Marc presented some very compelling facts about the looming healthcare crisis in America and provides guidelines for surviving the next 5-10 years.
Over 200 attendees spent Thursday afternoon visiting local facilities to get behind the scene looks at some of the newest facilities in the greater Chicago area. Attendees visited Northwestern’s Prentice Women’s Hospital, St. Alexius Medical Center and returned to the scene of last year’s hard hat tour at Loyola University Hospital Tower to see the progress.
