An Update from the CEO of HLTH

COVID-19 has brought enormous uncertainty to our personal and professional lives. While we continue to adapt to this new normal and struggle with the anxieties brought about by the coronavirus, we want to reassure you that HLTH remains a reliable partner. HLTH is privileged to be a part of the health ecosystem and in this very personal business, we succeed together—or not at all. We have been humbled by the dedication, bravery and humanity demonstrated by the community we proudly serve. 

HLTH 2020 Event Updates

During this period of dynamic change, you can depend on us to be honest, responsive and transparent. We recognize the responsibility and significance that comes with hosting HLTH in 2020, given the event is scheduled three weeks before the presidential election and would be the first industry gathering of senior leaders across the health ecosystem since the pandemic began. 

We have convened an Advisory Committee of recognized public health experts to help us make the best decision possible about HLTH 2020, guided only by the facts. We anticipate a final decision in the coming weeks and will communicate that with you immediately. We are grateful to the members of this esteemed Committee for stepping forward despite their own very busy schedules. They include:

• Dr. Amy Abernethy, Principal Deputy Commissioner and Acting CIO, FDA
• Dr. John Brownstein, Chief Innovation Officer, Boston Children’s Hospital; Professor, Harvard Medical School 
• Dr. Farzad Mostashari, Co-Founder & CEO, Aledade Inc; former National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, HHS
• Dr. Kavita Patel, Primary Care Physician, Mary's Center, The Brookings Institution, Former Director of Policy for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement in the White House 
• Andy Slavitt, Founder & Board Chair United States of Care; former Acting Administrator of CMS
• Dr. Leana Wen, Visiting Professor, George Washington University Milken School of Public Health; former Baltimore City Health Commissioner 

Your Investment in HLTH

We are taking several measures to preserve your investment in HLTH:

• In the event HLTH 2020 is not able to take place as scheduled, we will transfer all sponsorships to HLTH 2021 and registrations to any event in the future, as well as work through options for an appropriately scaled virtual event.
• We have designed the 2021 event and will work with sponsors on space holds until we have a clear direction for this year’s event. Our sales team will be reaching out to each of our sponsors in the coming days.
• We launched the HLTH Matters GoLIVE Webinar series this week, bringing together subject matter experts in conversations about technologies, innovations and partnerships that will shape healthcare in the years ahead. Learn more about how to get involved: hlth.com/go-live-webinars
• HLTH remains committed to working toward gender parity in healthcare leadership. We are pleased to announce the relaunch of CSweetener, a virtual mentorship program for women aiming for the c-suite. CSweetener, a HLTH Foundation program, is looking for new mentors, mentees and partners interested in sponsoring mentorships for mid/senior-level employees and key recruits. Visit csweetener.org to learn more and get involved in the community!

On-Site Safety for 2020 & 2021

The safety of HLTH’s attendees is our top priority. We will remain continuously engaged in safety evaluations and planning and keep you updated. Some of the measures we have already adopted include:

• Communicating closely with our partners, who are working with Infectious Disease Specialists on cleaning and disinfecting conference facilities and hotel rooms.
• Posting sanitation stations in venue foyers, meal rooms and all public and back of house restrooms.
• Partnering with the onsite staffing company for measures to deliver as many touch-free options as possible including all onsite staff wearing gloves and door opening service offered throughout the venues.
• Working with catering teams to include chef-attended stations and individually plated items as part of food and beverage service (self-service stations will be unavailable).
• Digital swapping of business cards via HLTH’s mobile app.
• Establishing social distancing in general session seating and enabling proper distancing on the exhibit floor and in public spaces, in accordance with our Advisory Committee, local authorities and in conjunction with our hotel partners.
• Continuing to confer with our Advisory Committee on best practices in order to hold a safe event.

COVID-19 Support

A new section of the HLTH website has been created to share COVID-19 resources and information from experts across various sectors. We are continuously updating this resource with blog & video interviews, news, volunteer opportunities, and health and wellness offerings for individuals and healthcare workers.

As we navigate this together, you can count on HLTH to make responsible decisions that respect the value of our relationships, the depth of our connections and the true meaning of health care. 

Be well,

Jonathan Weiner

Founder and CEO

HLTH