Add-On Education - 2026 Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference

August 2 | 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Annual Chapter Leadership Forum will feature sessions to address branding your chapter, succession, and strategic planning to help pave the path forward for chapter growth. Chapter members will have the opportunity to engage fellow members in important dialogue and share ideas and discover solutions to chapter challenges, gain valuable takeaways from colleagues, and refine their leadership skills.

Chapter Leadership Forum Agenda

7 - 7:30 a.m. - Check-In & Breakfast
7:30 a.m. - Noon - Chapter Leadership Forum
Noon - 2 p.m. - Networking Lunch

August 2 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Designed to give you a final check before taking the Certified Health Care Facility Manager (CHFM) Exam, this course will help you gain confidence in the five key competency areas of the CHFM exam. Through a combination of lecture, CHFM exam-simulated practice test questions, and study materials, you will feel more confident to take the CHFM exam and also review best practices for taking a computer-based test.
Please note: Participation in this course does not guarantee a passing score on the exam. The course fee does not include the CHFM exam fee, nor does it register you for the exam. Check if you are ready to take the CHFM Exam*.

Intended Audience:

Health care facility managers
Health care engineers and maintenance personnel

Learning Outcomes:

Apply your knowledge and experience in answering application and analysis questions.
Implement suggestions for preparing for the CHFM exam.
Identify the topic areas that are your strengths.
Identify the knowledge gaps and topic areas that are your strengths.

Resources:

Download the CHFM exam Candidate Handbook here.
Apply online for the CHFM Exam here.
View other exam preparation resources, including flashcards here.
*We recommend checking your eligibility for taking the CHFM exam here before registering for the course.

CHFM Exam Review does not qualify for continuing education credits (CECs).

August 2 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
7 CECs

Health care facilities managers play a vital role in the mission to enable positive outcomes for patients by maintaining a safe, comfortable, and compliant healing environment. To do so, health care facilities managers need to be well versed in a range of skills amid an ever-changing health care landscape. Choose between two modules or take both for a comprehensive introduction to how facilities managers must be proficient across a set of core competencies to perform day-to-day facilities management in the modern health care setting and manage special projects in order to respond to complex challenges in their mission-critical role in the delivery of patient care.

Learning Objectives:

Develop a plan for professional development as it relates to health care facility management.
List key codes and standards that impact health care facility management and articulate your role in the compliance process.
Navigate through the Life Safety Code® and explain the emergency management process.
Describe the steps in the PDC process and how health care facility operations and construction impact infection rates.
Articulate the operational budget implications of daily compliance and operations to leadership.

August 2 | 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
4 CECs

Also available as a bundle with Emergency Preparedness Workshop: Strengthening Infrastructure Reliability and Response: Safety and Security Precon Bundle.

Workplace violence is an urgent and pressing concern that significantly impacts the physical and emotional well-being of health care professionals. Leveraging the expertise of top subject matter experts in the field, IAHSS and ASHE have created a new, first-of-its-kind program focused on effective workplace violence prevention programs. This four-hour education course was developed for health care facility managers. At its foundation is the successful IAHSS workplace violence prevention program – now modified and enhanced with specialty content for facility managers. Learn the keys to a successful program, explore the critical role you play in prevention and how to leverage your facility knowledge to enhance your program.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the Prevalence of Workplace Violence in Health Care: Learn about unique risks health care workers face regarding workplace violence and why it is more prevalent in this industry compared to others.
Master the Components of an Effective Workplace Violence Prevention Program: Identify the key elements of a successful workplace violence prevention program tailored to health care settings.
Recognize the Role of Facility Managers in Violence Prevention: Learn the critical responsibilities and influence of facility managers in creating and maintaining safe workplace environments.
Leverage Facility Knowledge to Enhance Prevention Efforts: Apply specialized facility management knowledge to optimize workplace violence prevention strategies and contribute to program effectiveness.

August 2 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
3 CECs

Also available as a bundle with Workplace Violence Prevention for Facility Managers, powered by IAHSS and ASHE: Safety and Security Precon Bundle.

This interactive tabletop exercise is designed for health care facilities professionals and built environment leaders who are committed to maintaining resilient, safe, and compliant facilities. Through a facilitated, scenario-based discussion, participants will work through a realistic infrastructure disruption with supply chain challenges, exploring practical strategies to anticipate risk, enhance interdepartmental coordination, and strengthen operational readiness. The session will emphasize real-world application for facilities engineers, managers, designers, and code compliance professionals, and will be tailored with insights from ASHE subject matter experts.

Learning Objectives:

Assess critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and continuity planning considerations for health care facilities.
Identify gaps in communication, coordination, and decision-making across facilities, clinical, and support functions.
Apply best practices and tools to reinforce preparedness planning, risk mitigation, and response execution.

August 2 | 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
3.5 CECs

Abbott Northwestern Hospital modernized its utility infrastructure to ensure long‑term reliability, resiliency, and capacity for future growth. The project introduced a strategically sized combined heat and power system, flexible utility tunnels, and SCADA‑based performance tracking across an active healthcare campus. These upgrades allow the hospital to maintain normal and essential power during utility outages while supporting more than 1.2 million square feet of planned expansion. The new system reduces annual emissions by over 9,000 metric tons of CO₂ and delivers significant operational cost savings. Collaboration with the Phillips neighborhood, the City of Minneapolis, and the State of Minnesota was essential, especially in completing a 1,100‑foot utility tunnel. Continuous monitoring through SCADA and KPIs ensures the hospital can document performance, reliability, and efficiency improvements. Lessons learned include the value of early stakeholder engagement and designing infrastructure that is both resilient today and adaptable for tomorrow.

11:00 a.m. bus is available for pick up.
- Those who register will receive information about where the pick-up location will be.
The tour buses will depart promptly at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Tour buses will depart the hospital around 2:30 p.m. and return at 3 p.m.
- The drop-off location will be the same location as pick-up.

Attendees will be provided a lunch during the tour that is kindly sponsored by JE Dunn Construction and KFI Engineers.

Learning Outcomes 1
Understand how healthcare systems can align energy infrastructure upgrades with long-term strategic goals.

Learning Outcomes 2
Explore innovative design and construction methodologies for operating campuses.

Learning Outcomes 3
Review real-world data to assess capacity planning and future-proofing strategies.

Learning Outcomes 4
Recognize how sustainability can complement resiliency in energy-focused healthcare projects.

ASHE/AHA CECs
3.5

August 2 | 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
3.5 CECs

Join us to experience the future of care at Abbott Northwestern Hospital’s expanding campus, featuring HGA’s integrative design for a new Care Pavilion Tower. This major project adds 192 private beds, 52 interventional suites, and over 500,000 square feet of modern facilities—all seamlessly connecting three centers of excellence in a tight urban environment.

Highlights include:

Innovative Patient Care: New room prototypes with prefabricated wall systems and advanced technology to elevate patient experience, care efficiency, and outcomes.
Operational Excellence: Two-level Interventional platform, with integrated P-P on each floor, streamlined for workflows and long-term flexibility
Structural Solutions: A sophisticated steel framework balanced the need for new support with the limitations of the existing structure. By reinforcing select foundations and strategically locating both new and strengthened steel columns, room for administrative offices and a large conference room was created while preserving vital hospital operations and remaining fully functional throughout construction.
Infrastructure Solutions: An innovative, high–air change rate HVAC system is incorporated into the surgical suite to reduce infection risk, enhance surgical team comfort and patient stability, and improve energy performance. The electrical infrastructure is intentionally designed to reliably support these mechanically intensive systems by utilizing two utility circuits and two essential circuits from the new campus central plant, which minimizes single points of failure and ensures continuous support of critical care environments.
Smart Technology: Automated TUGS robots optimize logistics in materials, pharmacy, and dietary services, freeing staff to work at the top of their expertise.
Cost & Value Leadership: Planned during a volatile market, the project leveraged Target Value Design, finishing under budget while maintaining best-in-class features.
We invite you to see how innovative solutions and thoughtful design are reshaping patient care and operational efficiency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

Schedule:

11:00 a.m. bus is available for pick up.
- Those who register will receive information about where the pick-up location will be.
The tour buses will depart promptly at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Tour buses will depart the hospital around 2:30 p.m. and return at 3 p.m.
- The drop-off location will be the same location as pick-up.
Attendees are to bring a lunch or snack. Food and beverage consumption is prohibited on the bus.

Learning Outcomes 1
Understand how integrative campus planning and phased construction support hospital growth while minimizing operational disruption.

Learning Outcomes 2
Explore innovative patient room designs and interventional platforms that enhance patient experience, clinical outcomes, and workforce efficiency.

Learning Outcomes 3
Examine engineering and sustainable building solutions—including advanced structural frameworks and high-performance HVAC systems—for their impact on safety, flexibility, and energy efficiency.

Learning Outcomes 4
Discover how automated technologies and data-driven cost management strategies improve hospital logistics, resource allocation, and project value.

Tracks
Maintenance & Operations

ASHE/AHA CECs
3.5

August 2 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
1 CEC

Join the co-chairs of the Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference planning committee to learn how to make the most of your conference experience. Get tips on making the most of keynotes and general sessions, tailoring your schedule to fit your experience level and areas of focus, and expanding your professional network. Meet members of ASHE’s Advisory Board and staff, plus learn how to become involved. If you are new to the Conference and/or a new ASHE member, this session is a must!

August 2 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Meet up with conference attendees from your region and hear updates from your ASHE Advisory Board representative regarding updates to your region and its chapters.
Doors open at 4:00 p.m., updates will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Region 1: CT, ME, MA, NH, NY, RI, VT, and Northeast Canada
Region 2: DE, DC, MD, NJ, PA
Region 3: KY, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV
Region 4: AL, FL, GA, MS, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Barbados
Region 5: IL, IN, MI, OH
Region 6: IA, MN, ND, SD, WI, Manitoba, Ontario, Northwest Territories
Region 7: AR, LA, NM, OK, TX
Region 8: CO, KS, MO, NE
Region 9: AZ, CA, NV, UT
Region 10: AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Guam

August 5 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
2 CECs

This interactive session explores how healthcare facility leaders can use ChatGPT as a practical tool to improve compliance, documentation, and decision-making. Participants will see live demonstrations showing how prompt design transforms AI from a generic assistant into a knowledgeable partner for developing plans, policies, and Plans of Correction. The session explains how generative AI models process information and how structured prompting enhances clarity, context, and regulatory precision.

Attendees will learn to use personas and scenario-based prompts to mirror expert-level reasoning in facility and life safety management. Real-world case studies illustrate how AI can strengthen quality, accuracy, and alignment with NFPA and CMS expectations when properly applied. The focus is on practical methods, accuracy verification, and ethical implementation—providing attendees with the tools and understanding needed to turn effective prompts into compliant, reliable outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

Explain how generative AI models like ChatGPT process input, recognize context, and produce structured outputs relevant to healthcare compliance.
Apply AI-assisted methods to draft or refine compliance documents such as evacuation plans, policies, and Plans of Correction (PoCs).
Demonstrate how personas and scenario-based prompting can replicate expert-level reasoning in hospital facility and life safety compliance.
Evaluate AI-generated outputs for accuracy, code alignment, and regulatory integrity using real-world case examples.

August 5 | 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.
4 CECs

Life Safety is at the heart of what we do every day because of the high risk involved.

This presentation would provide an overview of the risks present in the physical healthcare environment that include, but are not limited to, safety/security, project/construction management, emergency procedures, utility management, infection prevention and much more!

The workshop is based on the DNV National Integrated Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (NIAHO®) standards and ISO 9001- 2015 Quality management systems - Requirements.

Learn to apply risk-based thinking to physical environment processes.
Learn to develop a process-based approach to the management of the physical environment.
Develop an understanding of managing interrelated processes as a system.
Improvement of physical environment processes based on the evaluation of data and information.ation.

August 5 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
2 CECs

Learn directly from Joint Commission leadership. During this exclusive and limited capacity event, attendees will learn tips for survey preparation and documentation, information regarding new or updated elements of performance, and review the most common physical environment deficiencies that surveyors are seeing. Attendees can ask questions and get answers directly from those overseeing Joint Commission Life Safety Code surveyors.

Discuss solutions to common findings found during survey.
Understand the basic backgrounds of follow-up survey activity (e.g., meddef, AFS, SPCUNA, etc.)
Understand how surveyors present and score the SAFER matrix.
Understand the post-survey process, including the clarification process, time-limited waivers, evidence of standards compliance submissions, etc.
Review the sustainability certification.
Receive an update on any changes to survey processes and agendas.

August 5 | 12:30 - 5:00 p.m.

August 6 | 7:15 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

12.5 CECs

The Energy to Care, Treasure Hunt is a 1.5 day immersive, hands-on event hosted by ASHE and based on the ENERGY STAR Treasure Hunt Program. This event primes you to identify low-cost energy savings opportunities from behavioral, operational, and maintenance actions. Since its inception the Energy to Care Treasure Hunt program has been a remarkable success in helping hospitals become more energy efficient, enabling cost savings and more resources for patient care. The program has helped hospitals find, on average, $900,000 in annual energy savings opportunities! These incredible case studies have solidified this program as a powerful tool for hospitals striving to reduce costs and inspire change, promoting a culture of environmental sustainability. Attendees will learn how to apply what they’ve learned on the “hunt” at their own facilities, creating ripple effects of cultural change and resource conservation.

Attendees of this program will:

Engage in a dynamic process for identifying energy savings opportunities
Utilize real-world, hands-on techniques for pinpointing and enacting measurable savings
Practice calculating annual cost reductions associated with energy savings
Become inspired to build a culture of continuous improvement for energy efficiency

Location and full agenda COMING SOON!