The 2026 Healthcare Design Conference + Expo, set for Oct. 17-20 in New Orleans, has announced its opening keynote speaker.
Richard Heinzl, founder of the Canadian division of Doctors Without Borders (Toronto) and chief executive officer of My Next Health (MNH; New York), will present the opening keynote session, “AI, Genomics, and You – Inspiring New Innovations in Healthcare Technology,” on Sunday, Oct. 18, following the conference welcome at 8 a.m.
Heinzl will discuss how artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, nanotechnology, and genomics are shaping healthcare innovation and their impact on care delivery in underserved regions.
The keynote will draw on Heinzl’s experience using telemedicine to overcome geographic barriers while working with Doctors Without Borders, a humanitarian organization that provides emergency aid and medical care in areas affected by conflict, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks.
Heinzl will also examine insights from MNH, a health tech company leveraging quantum computing to develop personalized health solutions.
Keynote presentations at 2026 HCD Conference + Expo
On Sunday, Oct. 18, from 12:15-1:45, the Afternoon Keynote will feature the Healthcare Design Magazine Awards Luncheon.
Open to all attendees, the presentation will honor the winners of HCD’s annual competitions, including the recent winners of the Healthcare Design Showcase, Remodel/Renovation Competition, and Rising Star Awards. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Anne DiNardo, the program will also recognize the 2026 HCD 10 honorees.
How to register, get updates on 2026 HCD Conference
To register for the 2026 HCD Conference + Expo, go here. Find updates and additional information on the conference here.