HIMSS25: A First-Time Attendee’s Experience

Attending HIMSS25 felt like stepping into the future—except the future was happening in real- time, and I was navigating it with a conference map, an app, and a lot of trial and error.

As a first-time attendee representing my college, I had the incredible opportunity to experience one of the biggest healthcare technology conferences firsthand.

In 4 action-packed days, I attended insightful sessions, got a professional resume headshot, learned how to optimize my LinkedIn profile, and explored innovations that are shaping the future of healthcare.

If you’re a Health IT or Informatics student wondering if HIMSS26 is worth attending— spoiler alert: it absolutely is!

Here’s why.

The Power of Keynotes: Big Ideas from Industry Leaders

Each day at HIMSS25 started with a keynote session that set the tone for what was ahead. These weren’t just inspiring talks; they were full of insights about where healthcare technology is headed.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Opening Keynote – Shaping the Future of Healthcare: A Collaborative Care Journey Where Technology and Humanity Coexist

Dr. Seung-woo Park of Samsung Medical Center discussed how digital health transformation, AI, and EMR innovations are enhancing patient care while emphasizing the balance between technology and human connection.

Day Two Keynote – Disruptive Technologies: Examining the Challenges and Opportunities of Cyber, AI, and Beyond

General Paul Nakasone explored the evolving cybersecurity landscape in healthcare, shedding light on AI-driven cyber threats and the importance of building resilient digital health defenses.

Closing Keynote – A Conversation with Simone Biles

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles shared her journey of resilience, mental health advocacy, and the parallels between elite sports performance and career success in healthcare.

These sessions provided a great high-level view of industry trends and gave me a lot to think about in terms of career direction and the evolving landscape of healthcare technology.

HIMSS25 was a networking goldmine. I met professionals from hospitals, tech companies, and government agencies—some of whom might be future employers.

Pro tip: Bring a stack of business cards (yes, even in the digital age) and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. The connections you make here could shape your career.

Resume, LinkedIn & Headshots

One of the best aspects of HIMSS25 was the Career Connect hub, which provided real-world career support for students and professionals alike. I took advantage of the professional headshot booth—because let’s be honest, my last decent photo was from a family wedding three years ago.

I also had my resume reviewed by industry professionals, who gave me great feedback on how to make it stand out in the healthcare IT space.

The LinkedIn profile review was another highlight, offering practical tips on optimizing my online presence for job opportunities.

The HITmaker Career Expo was also a great resource, connecting students with employers looking to hire in AI, cybersecurity, digital health, and EHR management. These were invaluable takeaways that went beyond just learning about health IT—they were direct steps toward landing a future job in the field.

HIMSS isn’t just a U.S. event—it’s a global showcase of healthcare innovation. Companies from Taiwan, Israel, Korea, India, and Europe demonstrated how their technologies address different healthcare challenges.

From AI-powered diagnostics in Korea to blockchain-enabled patient records in Estonia, it was clear that healthcare IT is evolving in ways that go beyond borders. Seeing these solutions in action was a reminder that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about making healthcare more accessible and efficient worldwide.

The exhibit hall was like a theme park for health tech enthusiasts. AI-driven tools, cybersecurity innovations, and next-gen telemedicine platforms were everywhere.

Creating my own Agentforce™ AIbot

One of my personal favorites was the AI-powered 'Agentforce' workshop hosted by Salesforce.

I got hands-on experience developing an AI assistant that could interact with client queries in real time, an efficient tool I can use in my current job to drive customer education and sales.

Another highlight? Pediatric AI robots designed to assist young cancer patients. These robots provided companionship, emotional support, and medical guidance, showing how technology can enhance not just clinical efficiency but also human connection in healthcare.

If there’s one thing I wish I had known before stepping into HIMSS25, it’s how massive this conference really is. Between the exhibit halls, networking sessions, keynotes, and career events, it was easy to feel overwhelmed.

I learned the hard way that pre-planning, as suggested by Professor Nan Abbot, is crucial. I missed a few targeted sessions, like the “First- Time Exhibitors Showcase,” simply because I got lost or didn’t allow enough time to walk from one session to another.

Here’s what I’d do differently next time—and what I recommend to future attendees:

• Use the conference app to bookmark sessions and map out routes ahead of time.
• Allow extra time** for walking between events (seriously, your step count will skyrocket).
• Have a game plan each morning so you don’t miss high-priority sessions.
• Take breaks—trying to see everything will only lead to burnout (and sore feet).

If you’re a student looking to break into healthcare technology, HIMSS26 is a must.

Here’s why:

• Real-World Learning: You’ll gain insights and practical knowledge that go beyond textbooks.
• Career-Boosting Networking: Meet professionals who can open doors to internships and jobs.
• Cutting-Edge Innovation: See the latest breakthroughs before they hit the mainstream.
• Global Perspective: Learn how healthcare tech is evolving around the world.
• Inspiration & Motivation: Being surrounded by passionate experts will reaffirm why you chose this field.

Looking back, attending HIMSS25 was a game- changer. The knowledge, connections, and experiences I gained will stick with me far beyond the conference.

If you’re a Health IT or Informatics student considering HIMSS26, start planning now. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the future of healthcare technology—and maybe even shape it.

HIMSS26, the Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS 2026) will take place 9- 13 March 2026 in Las Vegas, NV, USA.

See you at HIMSS26!