While it’s harder to anticipate the impact of the new Administration on agency supported events, included here is a list of Fed Health IT events that you will want to consider as you build out your 2017 plan. Where necessary dates are projected with links to any past conferences held.
HIMSS-NCA Monthly Educational Programs
7 events total in 2017 with 4 upcoming;
- January 19, 2017 – February 18, 2017 – The Impact of Technology on Individual Health and Well-Being and Enabling Patient and Provider Satisfaction
- March 16, 2017 – The Future of MACRA – what to expect?
- April 19, 2017 – Topic TBD
- May 18, 2017 – Topic TBD
Irrespective of the lineup or topic, the National Capital Area chapter for HIMSS regularly draws in Federal Health IT leaders from across industry and government and the networking alone makes this worth the trip. With government and industry involvement, the topic areas are timely and directly relate to programs and projects trending towards opportunity during the year.
HIMSS 2017 Conference & Exhibition – Where the Brightest Minds in Health and IT Meet
DATE: February 19-23, 2017
LOCATION: Orlando, Florida
For the Federal Health IT professional, HIMSS can be an overwhelming spectacle as the FedHIT market constitutes a small fraction of the sessions and exhibits, however there are always several key presenters and organizations in attendance and the conference does provide a great opportunity to meet with prospective customers and partners in a casual setting.
Military Healthcare Summit
DATE: February 27-March 1
LOCATION: Washington, DC
This will be an early opportunity to focus on military healthcare under the new incoming Administration and following the FY2017 NDAA which transfers operational authority for the military treatment facilities to the Defense Health Agency by October 2018.
8th Health Datapalooza 2016
DATE: April 27-28, 2017
LOCATION: Washington, DC
With strong government support, this 8th iteration is billed as a gathering place for people and organizations creating knowledge from data and pioneering innovations that drive health policy and practice. This is the 2nd year for the event under the direction and leadership of AcademyHealth.
3rd Annual FedHealthIT Innovation Awards
DATE: May 2017
LOCATION: Washington DC
The 3nd Annual FedHealthIT Innovation Awards will be held in May. This event recognizes the top Federal Health IT programs and initiatives happening across DHA, VA, CMS and HHS. Attended by more than 250 Federal Health IT leaders from across Government and Industry, this is a great opportunity to network and celebrate the innovative programs being driven by the Federal Health IT community today.
VA Healthcare 2017
DATE: May 15-17, 2017
LOCATION: Washington, DC
VA Healthcare 2017 is specifically designed to bring leaders within the VA together from across the nation to discuss best practices, new technologies, and facilities, as well as discuss the challenges and opportunities for the future. This event was well attended in 2016 and we would expect great interest as firms work to understand new administration objectives.
Defense Strategies’ Institute 12th DoD/VA EHR and HIT Summit
DATE: May 31- June 1, 2017
LOCATION: Alexandria, VA
By May, initiatives begun under the incoming Trump Administration will be well underway, so expect this spring gathering to be well attended and a great networking opportunity. To get a glimpse of the proceedings of this summit held twice a year, view the latest Post-Summit report which highlights the primary findings and solutions identified as part of the past October event that included more than a dozen leaders from across VA, DoD, and the larger Federal Health IT community.
**Note DSI usually has a fall event in October, but the data has yet to be announced.
VA Technology Acquisition Center Open House
DATE: mid-June, 2017
LOCATION: Eatontown, NJ
The annual trek to Eatontown is expected to occur again in mid-June. In 2016, this event transitioned to an Open House. Look for the usual networking opportunities before, during, and after the event. For those who have not journeyed to Eatontown before, this is almost a required gathering if you are serious about winning business at VA.
2016 Defense Health Information Technology Symposium
DATE: July 25-27, 2017
LOCATION: Orlando, FL
This will be the 4th year for DHITS. With an initial operating capability target for MHS Genesis in the spring and with the recent legislation bringing management of all military treatment facilities under the Defense Health Agency by October 2018, this will be an extremely important event to attend if you aim to pursue business at DHA in the years ahead.
Convergence 2017: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
DATE: August 10, 2017
LOCATION: Baltimore, MD
With a new Administration targeting healthcare reform, by August industry will be clamoring for more face time with CMS and guidance on their latest needs and priorities. Meeting key influencers and decision-makers, as well as targeted networking, will be key to pursuing CMS opportunities in 2017 and beyond.
Public Health Informatics Conference
DATE: Late August
LOCATION: Atlanta, GA
Out of town conferences can be a challenge from a budget perspective, but if you aim to play in the expanding field of Public Health, this is an investment to consider. Historically very focused on CDC, this conference does draw in public health leaders from across HHS, with a heavy focus on digital health communications.
National Veterans Small Business Engagement
DATE: November
LOCATION: TBD
With the ever present ‘Rule of Two”, veteran small businesses are in high demand for partnering opportunities at VA. With over 3000 registrants it’s the signature event for the Veterans small business community but the presence of over 400 procurement decision-makers (including many VA) lures many a Federal Health IT professional. The quality of the sessions and the unique networking opportunities along with the strong presence of VA makes this a quality event to attend.
AFCEA Bethesda Health IT Day 2017
DATE: Late Fall
LOCATION: Bethesda, MD
In terms of can’t miss Federal Health IT events, AFCEA Bethesda continues to host the premier event around town. If this is the primary market you serve, the sessions and networking are invaluable. It often serves as a capstone for the year, but especially so in 2017 as the community reflects on the new Administration’s impact on Federal Health IT initiatives at and across the agencies.
This is by no means complete. It’s intended to highlight some of the Go to Federal Health IT events that you should consider for participation in 2017. Add to the list by contributing to the discussion below.
About the Author: Eric Klos is a Health IT SME and Advisor to G2Xchange Health. Eric is the Managing Principal of HealthTechture, a business consulting firm providing specific analysis around solution offerings, agencies, opportunities, and competition to Federal Health IT firms. In 2017, he is launching HealtheWeather, delivering solutions to provide weather insights for better patient health.
