The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Forum returns from 6 to 9 December 2026 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona, under the theme "Together, We Build What's Next in Healthcare." For more than 30 years the IHI Forum has been the leading global gathering for health and care professionals, leaders and advocates committed to improving health and healthcare for all.
Each year thousands of nurses, physicians, patient advocates, executives, students and improvement professionals come together to learn, connect and lead change. The Forum's programme is built around quality improvement, patient safety and health equity, with more than 100 sessions across ten content tracks — including Leadership & System Strategy, Patient Safety, and improvement science — alongside inspiring keynotes, peer learning, wellness activities and receptions.
The Forum is structured in two parts. Pre-conference days on 6 and 7 December offer deep-dive, immersive half-day and full-day workshops in small-group settings focused on key topics such as leadership and safety; the 7 December programme also includes unique off-site excursions. Sample workshops already on the agenda include "Leadership Matters: Inova's Approach to Leadership Decision Making in the New Normal" and "Patient Safety Fundamentals: Building a Strong Foundation for Improvement." The General Conference runs on 8–9 December, with the Forum Hall hosting exhibitors, the Innovation Theater, poster displays, one-to-one coaching and networking.
This year's keynote line-up features Dr. Bob Wachter (UCSF), who will present "A Giant Leap: How AI Is Transforming Healthcare and What That Means for Our Future," presented by the IHI Lucian Leape Institute; a conversation with actress, author and entrepreneur Brooke Shields with opening remarks from Sylvia Trent-Adams; nurse executive and equity advocate Dr. Katie Boston-Leary; and renowned artist and filmmaker Michael Townsend.
Registration (USD): General Conference $1,595 per guest; group registration for 10 or more $1,295 per guest; Pre-Conference 6 December $445; Pre-Conference 7 December $645; Forum Hall Only pass $400. Continuing Education credits are offered — full details on CE credit types and amounts will be published by IHI in November. Agenda times are shown in MST. After 2026, the next IHI Forum will be held in Phoenix in April 2028.
