This year’s IHA Annual Meeting has been designed to help hospital leaders prepare for the complexities of the post-reform marketplace. It will also feature several speakers designed to challenge thinking, inspire creativity, and leave hospital managers feeling refreshed to face future challenges. It is set for Oct. 25–27 at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis.

The three-day conference will feature a cadre of powerful speakers including one of the nation’s leading health policy experts Len Nichols of the Center for Health Policy Research and Ethics at George Mason University. Nichols plans to provide a roadmap for implementing health reform.

The meeting will kick off with an entire day dedicated to showcasing successful and innovative Indiana hospital programs. It will also feature a presentation by pilot and author Steve Harden who will discuss the patient safety lessons learned from the ditching of U.S. Airways Flight 1549. A presentation by nurse and psychologist Sally Karioth is intended to provide skills and inspiration for the overwhelmed hospital manager.

Day two will begin with a breakfast hosted by the Indiana regent of the American College of Healthcare Executives, followed by the Hahn Keynote Address featuring Len
Nichols. The TeKolste Luncheon will be an informal Q&A with Rich Umbdenstock led by Gregory Lintjer, President of Elkhart General Healthcare System.

Following the luncheon, Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, CEO and chairman of the board of Gundersen Lutheran Health System, La Crosse, Wis., will explain how his organization’s efforts to develop a fully integrated system with engaged physicians has resulted in strong quality and financial performance. Another thought-provoking and inspirational speaker that day will be Dr. Steve Robbins. Robbins will provide insights into human behavior and how it impacts organizational culture. He will provide a framework for influencing creativity, innovation, employee engagement, and continued learning within our organizations.

That night a cocktail reception will begin at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis. The Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony will follow immediately and will feature the presentation of IHA’s Distinguished Service Award and the Award of Merit. The Indiana regent of the American College of Healthcare Executives will also make award presentations.

View photos from the 2009 IHA Annual Meeting.