JOIN US IN TAMPA FOR HCEA'S 2024 ANNUAL MEETING
GROWING STRONGER TOGETHER

GST24 will be held Wednesday, August 14 through Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Tampa, Florida.

Who is Expected?

HCEA membership represents all levels of experience and expertise in corporate healthcare convention management, management of healthcare conventions, convention services suppliers, and related nonprofit organizations. We expect 150-200 industry professionals to attend in person. While GST24 will be in-person only, we will make recordings of most presentations available to registrants after the meeting.

 Who Should Attend? 

GST offers value for new and seasoned professionals throughout the healthcare convention ecosystem:

• Corporate marketing and medical leads from pharma, biotech, device, diagnostics, and allied firms
• Association-based show managers and show management companies
• Convention and visitor bureaus
• General contractors, transportation, labor, technology, and other industry suppliers
• Exhibit, event, and experiential designers and fabricators, agencies, independent meeting planners, consultants
• Non-profit groups who advocate in the meetings and events industries

 Why Should I Attend?

 To Get Inspired and Learn from Industry Experts

For all attendees, GST24 will offer a focused education program, content available only at HCEA. Our program is still under development, but will include a variety of presentations and roundtable discussions on topics that continue to shape our industry. Speakers and panelists will include all three constituencies of our members, plus notable industry experts and healthcare professionals. We tackle relevant, aspirational topics and real-world practical solutions.

• new data and insights into the state of healthcare conventions
• new insights and multiple perspectives on sustainability, diversity, equity, and other big issues
• using AI and other technology to drive HCP engagement at congresses and streamline the mechanics of planning them
• novel ways to Crete HCP engagement and measure return
• best practices in exhibit staffing
• how to derive more value from medical exhibits
• new options in hospitality and catering
• innovating in an era of low budgets and heavy-handed compliance

 To Gain Firsthand Insight from Healthcare Professionals

 As in the past, our program will include a firsthand opportunity to engage with healthcare professionals, to gain insight into what they look for, what they avoid, and other surprising insights.

To Engage with Industry Suppliers and Leading Advocacy Groups

HCEA offers limited exhibit spaces for industry suppliers and advocacy groups. Details to follow soon.

To Work Together to Find Solutions

For corporate and association members, GST24’s segregated corporate, association, and industry roundtables represent an opportunity to share experiences, exchange best practices, and find common ground - in a focused, safe, environment.

To Build Relationships for the Future

New to the healthcare conventions? Looking to build credibility? From our 15-minute spotlight sessions to our social events, GST24 represents a rare opportunity to establish credibility and build relationships with potential customers, while learning from fellow suppliers. Beyond attending the sessions, suppliers should take advantage of the annual sponsorship opportunities (link), GST24 sponsorship opportunities (coming soon), and the opportunity to host a free social event on Thursday evening.

To Have Fun

While we pack an enormous amount of education and networking into our three-day program, GST24 will offer ample opportunities to relax, unwind, and have fun on Southwest Florida's waterways and golf courses.

Preliminary Program

Join us for three days of education sessions, networking opportunities, and social events, steps from Tampa's waterfront.

All daytime sessions take place at the Hotel Flor. Program subject to change. Speakers will be finalized in coming weeks.

 What are the Sponsorship Opportunities?

HCEA offers a variety of annual sponsorship opportunities (link) and several GST-specific sponsorship opportunities (coming soon). Some sponsorship tiers offer a valuable 15-minute spotlight session and exhibit space in our supplier expo. A meeting prospectus will be available soon.

What Does it Cost to Attend?

HCEA offers discounted registration rates for each of type of member organization. Click below for pricing.

Accommodations

HCEA has reserved a limited number of discounted rooms at the meeting location, Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Be sure to book your room no later than Monday, July 22, 2024. We will provide a booking link in your registration confirmation.