The HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition 2024, held from March 11 to March 15 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, brought together over 30,000 healthcare professionals, technology leaders, policymakers, and innovators from more than 70 countries. As one of the largest gatherings in the healthcare technology sector, HIMSS24 showcased groundbreaking advancements in digital health, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and interoperability, while fostering collaboration across the global health ecosystem.

Key Themes and Innovations at HIMSS24

Artificial Intelligence and Health Equity

AI was a central focus at HIMSS24, with discussions revolving around its potential to transform healthcare delivery and improve health equity. Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, delivered a keynote on the responsible use of AI in healthcare, emphasizing, “AI can help drive health equity if implemented correctly. It’s not just about technology; it’s about ensuring access and fairness.”

Exhibitors like Google Cloud and Epic Systems demonstrated AI-driven solutions for predictive analytics, patient engagement, and operational efficiency. Meanwhile, panels explored the ethical implications of AI, including its role in addressing clinician burnout and improving patient outcomes.

Cybersecurity and Patient Privacy

With the increasing digitization of healthcare, cybersecurity was a critical topic at HIMSS24. Rachel Tobac, CEO of SocialProof Security, captivated audiences with her keynote on the evolving threat landscape and the importance of building a culture of cybersecurity within healthcare organizations.

The Cybersecurity Command Center on the exhibition floor featured live demonstrations of threat detection and response technologies, with companies like Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet showcasing their latest innovations. Discussions also addressed the balance between protecting patient data and enabling seamless information exchange.

Interoperability and Data Exchange

Interoperability remained a cornerstone of the conference, with sessions highlighting the need for seamless data sharing across healthcare systems. HIMSS24 introduced the Interoperability Showcase, where attendees could witness real-world applications of data exchange in action.

Hal Wolf, President and CEO of HIMSS, emphasized during his opening remarks, “Interoperability is not just a technical challenge; it’s a human one. It’s about breaking down silos to ensure that patients receive the best care possible.”

Global Policy and Digital Health Transformation

The Global Policy Leaders’ Summit brought together ministers of health, government officials, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities in digital health. Topics included AI regulation, cybersecurity frameworks, and strategies for improving access to care in underserved regions.

HIMSS also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea to advance digital health initiatives, marking a significant step in global collaboration.

Startups and Innovation

The Venture Connect Program provided a platform for startups and entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to investors and industry leaders. Zipline, a leader in drone delivery for medical supplies, showcased its latest innovations in logistics, while other startups focused on telehealth, wearable devices, and remote patient monitoring.

The Innovation Pavilion featured over 1,000 exhibitors, including emerging companies and established players like Philips and Cerner, offering hands-on demonstrations of their latest technologies.

Notable Speakers and Keynotes

HIMSS24 featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including:

• Dr. Geeta Nayyar, Chief Medical Officer at Salesforce, who hosted several keynote events and discussed the intersection of social media and health IT.
• Nick Saban, legendary college football coach, who shared insights on leadership and teamwork in healthcare.
• Karen DeSalvo, Chief Health Officer at Google, who spoke about the role of technology in addressing public health challenges.
• Dr. Patrice Harris, former President of the American Medical Association, who highlighted the importance of health equity in digital transformation.

Networking and Professional Development

HIMSS24 provided unparalleled networking opportunities, with 21 chapter-hosted events, receptions, and executive forums. The Women in Health IT Reception and the Emerging Healthcare Leaders Reception were particularly well-attended, fostering connections among professionals at all career stages.

Attendees also earned continuing education credits through sessions tailored to clinicians, IT professionals, and executives, ensuring that the conference delivered both inspiration and practical value.

By the Numbers

• Attendees: Over 30,000 from 70+ countries.
• Exhibitors: 1,000+ companies showcasing cutting-edge technologies.
• Speakers: Nearly 500 experts delivering education sessions.
• Networking Events: 38 chapter-hosted events and receptions.

Conclusion

HIMSS24 was a resounding success, offering a comprehensive look at the future of healthcare technology. From AI and cybersecurity to interoperability and global policy, the conference underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges.

As HIMSS passes the stewardship of the Global Health Conference to Informa Markets, the event’s legacy of innovation and thought leadership is set to continue. Planning for HIMSS25, scheduled for March 17-21, 2025, in Las Vegas, is already underway, promising even more groundbreaking insights and opportunities for the global health community.