On Sept. 24-26, thousands of manufacturers, architects, designers, engineers, contractors and healthcare leaders united at the San Diego Convention Center for the 38th annual Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo. It was the largest and most successful West Coast event since returning to the California area.
The symposium featured three days of more than 60 educational and insightful sessions, case-studies and panels meant to inspire and improve current and future healthcare facilities. The sessions spanned multiple topics including sustainable and resilient infrastructure, discussions on the integration of AI and smart technologies in hospital settings and case studies showcasing cutting-edge facility designs that prioritize patient outcomes and staff efficiency.
The expo hall showcased the most innovative products and services in the healthcare facilities industry from over 100 top manufacturers and solution providers. Many exhibitors launched new products at HFSE. The expo floor also featured two Design Solutions Theaters where the design team galleries came alive with mini-presentations by leading architectural firms.
The Symposium Distinction Awards recognized design teams, projects and individuals who have made a profound contribution to the healthcare design industry. In addition, the best and most innovative new products within the healthcare design and construction industry were recognized. The Team Award was presented to Inova Health Center – Oakville by DPR for outstanding collaboration in healthcare design. The User-Centered Award went to Veterans Affairs Fredericksburg Health Care Clinic, designed by Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, for prioritizing the needs of patients, families and practitioners. The Adaptive Reuse Award honored SAC Health Brier Campus Medical Office Building by Perkins&Will for creatively repurposing an existing space.
The Individual Award recognized Anthony Treu, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP of SOM for his long-term leadership in healthcare design. The George Pressler Under 40 Award was awarded to Sydney Harris of MindCareConnect for her emerging leadership in the field.
In the Product Awards, LIGHTGLASS – Simulated Windows and Skylights won Most Innovative, RAMPART Fiber by Wolf-Gordon earned Most Sustainable and the Architect’s Choice went to New Star Lighting’s CompleteCare Door Surround Series.
The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo has a long history of selecting charitable organizations each year, holding a raffle onsite and donating the proceeds to that charitable organization. What started as a small endeavor has grown to a highlight of the annual event with diverse organizations across the country benefiting from the HFSE community’s generosity. Since 2006, HFSE has donated over $217,000 to various charitable organizations. The raffle continues to be a favorite event for attendees and this year’s beneficiary was Mama’s Kitchen, which strives to help clients stay healthy, preserve dignity and keep families together by providing medically tailored home-delivered meals and nutrition education – all at no cost. More than $17,000 was raised and counting for Mama’s Kitchen.
The Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo’s Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program started in 2023 and gives recognition to individuals with less than 10 years (non-consecutive) of industry experience. Thirty-five emerging leaders attended HFSE and participated in all activities surrounding the event.
The 2026 Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo will take place Sept. 28-30 in Charlotte, North Carolina. For more information, visit hcarefacilities.com.
