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Top healthcare and business events in Australia and overseas 2026

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Key takeaways

  • Attending conferences and industry events helps healthcare leaders stay ahead of innovation, regulation and technology trends.
  • Events are opportunities to connect with potential collaborators, investors and mentors.
  • Strategic attendance can position your clinic, startup or organisation as a thought leader in healthcare innovation.

This list is updated yearly with the top healthcare and business events to watch in Australia and overseas.

From digital health and medtech to practice management and leadership, these events bring together the clinicians, entrepreneurs and innovators shaping the future of care.

Major Australian healthcare and business events 2026

FEBRUARY

Digital Health Week 2026

Sydney, Queensland and Melbourne | 3–5 February 2026

Digital Health Week brings together researchers, clinicians and innovators who are redefining how care is delivered. With events across three states, it’s a unique chance to hear new perspectives, build partnerships and be part of the nationwide conversation driving digital health forward.

MARCH

Australian Healthcare Week 2026
Sydney | 11–12 March 2026
Australia’s largest healthcare event returns, packed with ideas shaping the next generation of patient care. Expect lively discussions on hospital design, aged care reform, workforce wellbeing and technology that supports smarter, more sustainable systems. The exhibition floor is a must-see for anyone exploring – or promoting – new solutions.

Healthcare 2040 Expo 2026

Sydney | 11–12 March 2026

Co-located with Australian Healthcare Week, Healthcare 2040 Expo explores the future of care – from digital health and AI to smart hospitals and new funding models. Expect more than 5,000 attendees, 500 senior executives, live technology demonstrations and startup showcases. It’s the event for healthcare leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators preparing for the next era of care delivery.

Connect Virtual Care 2026
Sydney | 31 March to 1 April 2026
As telehealth and digital delivery become part of everyday care, Connect Virtual Care dives into what’s next. The program explores how technology can improve accessibility and patient experience, making it an essential event for anyone leading change in virtual health.

MAY

AusMedtech 2026
Perth | 19-21 May 2026
Bringing together leaders from research, investment and industry, AusMedtech is where ideas in medical technology come to life. It’s a collaborative environment to exchange insights, spark partnerships and explore the trends influencing the next generation of medtech.

Digital Health Festival 2026
Melbourne | 20-21 May 2026
A highlight on the global digital health calendar, Digital Health Festival brings together innovators, investors and clinicians from around the world. The atmosphere is collaborative and forward-thinking, with sessions exploring everything from AI ethics to technology that improves equity in care.

RACGP Practice Owners Conference 2026
Sydney | 23–24 May 2026
For practice owners, this event offers a rare opportunity to step back from daily operations and focus on long-term growth. Learn from peers and experts about digital transformation, sustainable business models and how to balance care delivery with commercial success.

MULTIPLE DATES

GCPE | General Practice Conference & Exhibition

Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane | May – September 2026

A cornerstone of the general practice calendar, GPCE offers accredited CPD education, inspiring keynote sessions and a showcase of the latest medical innovations. It’s an engaging space for GPs, nurses and allied health professionals to learn, share experiences and strengthen professional networks. 

Leading international events for 2026

This list is updated yearly with the top healthcare and business awards to watch in Australia. 

World Health Expo (Formerly Arab Health) 2026
Dubai, UAE | 9-12 February 2026
The Middle East’s largest healthcare conference and expo, showcasing cutting-edge medical technology and global partnerships across the public and private sectors.

ViVE 2026
Los Angeles, USA | 22–25 February 2026
A global digital health summit merging CHIME and HLTH leadership. ViVE focuses on the business of healthcare transformation, covering AI, interoperability, value-based care and startup investment. It’s the meeting place for health system leaders, innovators and investors shaping the future of connected care.

HIMSS Global Health Conference 2026
Las Vegas, USA | 9–12 March 2026
A cornerstone for digital health leaders worldwide. Expect deep dives into interoperability, cybersecurity, AI and virtual care transformation.

HLTH Europe 2026
Amsterdam, Netherlands | 15–18 June 2026
Europe’s flagship healthcare innovation event brings together more than 5,000 leaders from healthcare, policy, research and investment. Expect global perspectives on digital disruption, data sharing and system reform, with strong opportunities for international partnership and collaboration.

VivaTech 2026
Paris, France | 11–14 June 2026
Europe’s biggest startup and technology event, featuring healthtech innovators, digital therapeutics and biotech breakthroughs.

Web Summit Vancouver (formerly Collision Conference) 2026
Vancouver, Canada | May 2026
Where technology, business and healthcare intersect. A global meeting point for entrepreneurs and investors across digital health and medtech.

HLTH 2026
Las Vegas, USA | 15-18 Nov 2026
One of the world’s most influential healthcare innovation events, HLTH brings together founders, investors, policy leaders and global executives. Themes include AI, longevity, consumer health and digital ecosystems.

Why events matter for healthcare leaders

For healthcare professionals, practice owners and entrepreneurs, attending industry events is more than networking, it’s strategy.

Events create the space to:

  • Spot opportunities early. Trends in technology, workforce and policy are often announced here first.
  • Build reputation. Speaking or attending signals leadership, curiosity and credibility in a competitive field.
  • Collaborate across sectors. Events bring together clinicians, business leaders, policymakers and investors – often in the same room.
  • Recharge your perspective. Stepping outside the clinic or boardroom helps leaders reconnect with purpose and innovation.

In short, showing up is an act of leadership.

How to get the most from industry events

  1. Go in with a game plan
    Decide what you’re there to achieve – investor exposure, partnership opportunities, or service ideas. Pick two measurable goals (e.g. “secure three collaboration meetings” or “find one software solution to streamline billing”) and plan your sessions around them.
  2. Build your visibility before you arrive
    Post that you’re attending. Tag the event and use the official hashtag. If you’re a founder or speaker, share what you’re looking forward to or open a conversation around your area of expertise. It helps people recognise your name before you meet.
  3. Don’t just attend, participate!
    Some of the best outcomes come from being on the program, not just in the room.
  • Exhibit if you have a product or service ready to showcase – it signals authority and opens doors with decision-makers.
  • Sponsor strategically – aligning your brand with a respected industry event builds trust and visibility fast.
  • Pitch to speak – thought leadership builds credibility with peers and media, and most events open speaker submissions months in advance. Even a small role such as moderating a panel or hosting a breakfast session, can elevate your brand far beyond a delegate badge.
  1. Treat your badge like a business tool
    Don’t just wander the exhibition floor. Start with exhibitors or speakers most relevant to your goals. Introduce yourself with purpose (e.g. “We’re exploring X for our clinic”) lands far better than a cold handshake.
  2. Capture and act on insights in real time
    Don’t trust your memory. Jot down 3–5 key ideas per session in your notes app (or notebook if you’re old school!). Flag any that could become action items — a technology to trial, a metric to track, or a best practice to test with your team next quarter.
  3. Follow up with precision, not volume
    Instead of sending generic “great to meet you” messages, reference what you discussed. For example: “Enjoyed your talk on AI in clinical workflows — we’re piloting a similar model in primary care and I’d love to compare notes.” Those small details turn one-off encounters into professional relationships.
  4. Turn attendance into marketing
    Use what you learn. Write a short LinkedIn post or team summary titled “3 insights from [Event Name] that could change healthcare in 2026.” It positions you as an informed leader and helps the investment of attending pay off beyond the ticket price.
  5. Calculate real return, not just contacts
    After the event, debrief: Which sessions sparked ideas you’ll actually use? Which contacts led to follow-ups? Track leads, partnerships, or media opportunities to determine your true ROI,and decide which events deserve a spot in next year’s budget.

Get involved

Don’t just watch the future of healthcare unfold – be part of it.

Whether you’re looking to grow your network, attract investors, or discover innovations that improve care, these events offer invaluable opportunities to connect, learn and lead.

Bookmark this list, plan ahead, and make 2026 the year you show up, not just as a participant, but as a contributor shaping the business of health.

View upcoming award deadlines and events in the Veri Health Events Calendar.

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