- First-time attendees at the 2026 HCD Conference + Expo can request approval to receive access to the full conference at a discounted rate.
- Registration includes 110-plus keynote and educational sessions, expo hall access, continuing education credits, and multiple networking events.
The Healthcare Design Conference + Expo launched its first-ever promotional rate for first-time attendees ahead of its 2026 event, to be held Oct. 17-20 in New Orleans. The program enables new attendees to register for Full Conference access at $899 (a savings of more than $1,000 off the standard rate).
To claim the discount, prospective attendees must submit their information through the event’s online form or email [email protected]. Eligibility for the first-time rate will be verified before a promo code is issued. The discount is applicable to qualified attendees only; vendors/manufacturers are not eligible.
The conference encourages veteran attendees to refer colleagues—designers, architects, or facility leaders—who would benefit from the education and networking the event offers.
What does HCD 2026 registration include?
Full conference registration provides access to more than 110 expert-led keynote and educational sessions organized across more than a dozen program tracks, including Mental and Behavioral Health, Resiliency and High-Performance Design, Project Planning and Delivery, and Technology and Innovation, among others.
Attendees can also earn continuing education credits (CEUs), including:
- Up to 16 CEU hours accredited by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC), including HSW credits
- Up to 10 hours toward Evidence-based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC)
- Up to 14 contact hours for Continuing Nursing Education
Additionally, this year’s expo hall spans more than 65,000 square feet and features manufacturers and solution providers displaying products designed specifically for healthcare environments. A Solutions Theater inside the expo hall will host shorter, focused presentations from industry representatives and manufacturers.
Networking opportunities at the three-day event include a welcome reception on Sunday, Oct. 18, and an off-site networking party on Monday, Oct. 19.
Preconference tours to local healthcare facilities and workshops are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17; registration is required for both activities (register here).
What’s new at the 2026 HCD Conference + Expo?
New for 2026, the HCD Conference + Expo will colocate with the International Federation of Healthcare Engineering (IFHE) 29th World Congress, bringing together healthcare design, engineering, planning, construction, real estate, and operations professionals from around the world.
The IFHE conference program is available as an add-on to HCD at registration and features sessions with global perspectives on topics including health campus development, medical equipment planning, resiliency and sustainability, and project team performance.
The shared expo hall will showcase an IFHE stage with additional programming, as well as a pavilion of exhibitors.
How to register for the HCD Conference 2026 first-timer rate
Prospective first-time attendees can begin the process by submitting a request form at hcdexpo.com or by emailing [email protected]. After eligibility is confirmed, applicants receive a promo code for the $899 full conference rate.
For more conference news and updates, go here.