Communications

(Sept. 4, 2026) – The countdown is on! Next week, hospital and health care leaders from across Kansas will come together in Overland Park for the 2026 KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show, Sept. 10-11. After months of planning, we are excited to welcome you for two days of learning, connection and celebration centered around this year’s theme, Unstoppable Together.

If you have not registered yet, there is still time to join us. We also will have on-site registration available at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center.

For those arriving on Wednesday, we invite you to start your convention experience with us at the Registration and Welcome Reception from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Sept. 9. Sponsored by our friends at KAMMCO, this casual gathering is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the state, meet new friends and pick up your convention materials before Thursday morning.

Thursday morning kicks off a tremendous lineup of speakers and programming. Kevin Brown will open our general session with The Hero Effect, followed by RaDonda Vaught, who will share her powerful story and lessons surrounding accountability, transparency and patient safety. Thursday afternoon, Jon Carmichael will challenge us to think differently about uncertainty, opportunity and innovation through The Eclipse Mindset. Throughout the day, attendees also will have opportunities to participate in valuable education, networking and allied organization programming.

The KHA Trade Show also opens on Thursday afternoon, and this year's show is completely sold out, with more than 180 exhibitors joining us. I encourage you to spend time visiting with our exhibitors and learning more about the products, services and solutions available to Kansas hospitals.

Then on Thursday evening, we hope you will join us at The KHA Lounge from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for an evening of food, drinks, entertainment and plenty of time to catch up with friends and colleagues. Thanks to APS, The University of Kansas Health System and our additional hospitality partners, this event is complimentary for convention attendees.

We have another outstanding day planned Friday. Theresa Payton will explore artificial intelligence and what it means for the future of our organizations and workforce, and we will hear from the unmistakable voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, Mitch Holthus.

Before you arrive, be sure to download the KHA Convention and Trade Show App. It is your go-to resource throughout convention for session and speaker information, exhibitors, schedules, venue maps, the trade show floor plan and important updates.

Most importantly, convention is an opportunity to spend time together. Kansas hospitals continue to navigate significant challenges, but we also continue to see what is possible when we share ideas, support one another and speak with a collective voice. That is what Unstoppable Together is all about.

Thank you to our Convention Planning Committee, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and everyone who has helped make this year's event possible. We are ready for a great KHA Convention and Trade Show, and I look forward to seeing you in Overland Park next week!
--Chad Austin