LAS VEGAS — The HLTH USA conference, held Oct. 19–22 at The Venetian Expo Center, underscored how AI is transforming the healthcare industry. The event drew more than 12,000 attendees from 40 countries, including an unprecedented 2,750 CEOs, reflecting HLTH’s growing international stature and influence.
“You couldn’t go anywhere on the show floor without AI being part of the conversation,” Jody Tropeano Greene, Head of Content, HLTH, said.
Founded in 2018, HLTH has quickly evolved into one of the largest and most influential health innovation gatherings in the world. Attendance has surged from 3,500 at its debut to over 12,000 this year, while sponsorship has grown 15% year over year, reaching roughly 1,000 participating companies.
“It shows the true power in live events, bringing people together. There is a lot of noise online, [and] a lot of AI-generated content, but there is something about hearing about the latest developments from executives that is really powerful,” Greene said.
AI Dominates the Conversation
HLTH 2025 showcased how AI is increasingly embedded across every facet of healthcare, from diagnostics to operations, and featured more than 400 speakers in 900 sessions.
The American Medical Association announced a new Center for Digital Health and AI, a physician-led initiative that will collaborate with policymakers to shape standards and accelerate responsible technology adoption.
Another standout moment came when Jessica Federer, an investor and recognized leader in digital transformation, health technologies and women’s health, unveiled a new marketplace for women’s health, aimed at advancing research, funding and advocacy across the sector.
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Star Power and Candid Conversations
Keynote speaker Mark Cuban, founder of Cost Plus Drugs, challenged attendees to confront high healthcare costs and rethink industry inefficiencies. Rob Lowe brought a deeply personal touch to the stage, sharing his experiences as a cancer caregiver and advocate.
HLTH also moved away from traditional panels, embracing interactive formats such as power panels, point-counterpoint debates, founder “tell-alls” and challenge arenas where experts solved real-world attendee problems live on stage.
The conference also incorporated wellness programming including morning yoga sessions and an art gallery featuring creative works from community health centers and clinics. A puppy park, pickleball court, Zen Den and AI Startup Zone added vibrancy.
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Networking was a focus with Market Connect facilitating curated, double opt-in 15-minute meetings between health buyers and solution providers.
Investor Connect matched startup CEOs with leading venture capitalists in investor-driven, one-to-one meetings. The program facilitated over 2,000 meetings, creating a speed-dating format.
HLTH Meet-Up provided an AI-powered networking lounge where attendees could schedule meetings, receive personalized connection recommendations based on mutual interests and goals, and engage in group conversations.
The conference also hosted specialized happy hours and receptions including Women @ HLTH, the Nurse Innovator Pavilion celebration, the AgeTech After Dark Pitch Challenge and an Impact Pavilion happy hour convening changemakers focused on innovation, community and access.
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