15 Years of Connecting the Healthcare Community
Since its inception, Australian Healthcare Week (AHW) has been more than just an event -it’s been a reflection of the Australian healthcare system itself: evolving, resilient, and driven by purpose.
As we approach our 15th edition in March 2026, we reflect on a decade and a half of connection, collaboration and transformation - and look ahead to what’s next.
A Platform Built with the Sector, For the Sector
At the heart of AHW’s success is a simple but powerful principle: listen first. For 15 years, we've worked hand-in-hand with clinicians, executives, policymakers, and innovators to understand the most pressing challenges and the greatest opportunities shaping Australia’s healthcare system. Whether it's the burden of staff shortages, the pressure of system reform, or the promise of digital health and AI, AHW has provided the space each year to bring the entire ecosystem together - not only to share ideas, but to co-create the path forward. Through deep consultation, research, and long-term partnerships, we've helped to shine a light on the innovations and initiatives that matter - while uniting people with purpose.
“This event gives us all an opportunity to learn from each other, to network and to build new connections. Our whole health system right across the country works on all of those shared learnings.”
- Susan Pearce, Secretary, NSW Health
Government Voices, National Vision
AHW has consistently provided a national stage for government leaders to engage directly with the healthcare community. Over the years, we’ve been honoured to welcome senior government figures who have used the event to share progress, consult with stakeholders, and shape future policy. This includes:- The Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, outlining the future vision for My Health Record and the digital health roadmap.
- The Hon. Brad Hazzard, former NSW Minister for Health, discussing the role of infrastructure and digital tools in enhancing patient care experiences.
“Patients are at the heart of everything we do, and the technology that is actually here is not just about making people better, but also making it a better experience when they’re in health facilities.”
- Brad Hazzard, Former Minister for Health, NSW
In 2026, AHW will feature its largest-ever Government Zone, hosting representatives from federal, state and local departments to share best practices, announce new initiatives, and engage directly with providers and innovators on the ground.
Celebrating Partnerships with Purpose
Partnership has always been central to the AHW model. Over the years, we’ve collaborated with a growing list of community and commercial partners - not just to sponsor sessions, but to drive real conversation and action across key issues facing the sector. We’ve been proud to work closely with Sydney Local Health District and other local and state departments to spotlight award-winning programs, co-design content with clinicians, and showcase outcomes that can be scaled nationally. Our commercial partnerships have been just as impactful, bringing critical technologies and solutions into the conversation. From cloud transformation and cybersecurity to hospital infrastructure and patient experience, organisations such as Microsoft, Cisco, Stryker, Johnson Controls, Google, Zoom, CBA, and ServiceNow have helped shape the future of health at AHW.
"Australian Healthcare Week is an event I look forward to each year. As the largest event in Australia to unite the entire healthcare ecosystem - across digital health, mental health, health policy, facility design, and aged care - it’s inspiring to hear what is already happening to improve healthcare across the entire sector and to explore together what might be possible just around the corner."
- Dr. Robert Marshall, Chief Strategy Officer, St. Vincent’s Health Australia
A Global Perspective
AHW’s strength lies in its local roots - but our outlook has always been global. Each year, we bring together senior thought leaders from across the world to share insights and innovations that can shape the future of care in Australia. Over the years, this has included participation from organisations such as NHS England, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and beyond. Their involvement ensures that Australian audiences hear first-hand how global leaders are navigating change, and how we can collaborate across borders to solve shared challenges.
"What surprises me every time I attend AHW is how many Chief Executives I see there... Because there's so many different exhibitors that are relevant to a Chief Executive - infrastructure, service delivery, digital - they tend to hang around and they have time to talk."
- John Lambert, Chief Clinical Information Officer, Department of Health, Tasmania
What’s Next: AHW 2026
Next year marks not just another edition of Australian Healthcare Week — but a celebration of 15 years of impact. In 2026, we’re proud to launch the biggest and most future-focused edition of the event to date, with several exciting new features:
- Healthcare 2040 Expo – our co-located event dedicated to the future of care, exploring how AI, digital health and interoperability will reshape healthcare delivery Hosted Buyer & Partner Programs – curated 1:1 meetings to support smarter, faster connections
- Expanded Nursing & Midwifery Stage – designed in partnership with frontline professionals
- New Healthcare OPEX Stage – with deep dives into procurement and operational excellence
- Redefined Ageing Transformation Stage – to spotlight models of care for older Australians
- Women’s Leadership Breakfast – creating space for the next generation of female leaders
- Start-Up Showcase & Investor Talks – connecting bold ideas to real-world investment
- Biggest-ever Government Zone – bringing policymakers and practitioners closer together
"Australian Healthcare Week keeps going from strength to strength and is the one conference I keep returning to year after year."
- Rod Sprenger, Former Director, Digital Health, New Women’s & Children’s Hospital Project
Be Part of What’s Next
The 15th Annual Australian Healthcare Week will be held on 11–12 March 2026, in Sydney at the International Convention Centre. Join us as we celebrate the community that has shaped AHW into what it is today — and help define where healthcare is headed next.
