EVENT RECAP: Annual Hospitality Healthcare Conference 

After a long four-year hiatus, Nonprofit Resources, LLC worked with the Healthcare Hospitality Network’s (HHN) volunteer leadership to bring HHN members back together for its first in-person conference since 2018.  Held over three days in St. Louis, MO, the conference brought together members from across the country for critical education in a range of timely topics covering facilities management, board management, innovations in healthcare, fundraising, and guest relations. 

Planning 

Understanding the need for a diverse program to appeal to a broad cross-section of members, Nonprofit Resources staff – led by recently appointed Executive Director, Hanif Smith – worked closely with committee volunteers to select topics of relevance to houses of different sizes and at different stages of their development journey. Of particular interest for houses considering scaling up their operations was the Expansion 101 session which walked members through the process of planning for and executing the expansion of their facility through acquisition, renovation, or building.  

Execution 

The committee recognized the unique circumstances which had kept members apart for the past several years. With that in mind, they were very deliberate in selecting Becky Sansbury to deliver the conference keynote — Fresh Air for a Fresh Start. Becky’s message inspired members to take a breath, regroup, and renew themselves for the work ahead. The meeting agenda also included a vital plenary session presented by Jenny Owens, Executive Director of Hosts for Humanity, on the importance of evidence to promote awareness of and investment in the healthcare hospitality imperative. She also led an important discussion on the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, particularly in healthcare where DEI can have a profound impact on patient outcomes. 

Just as important as the valuable information shared during sessions, was the knowledge gained and connections made in the spaces in-between sessions. It was exciting to see attendees using the conference app to share information and arrange in-person informal meetings. The meeting also included opportunities for attendees to visit and conduct tours of three St. Louis houses — The Fisher House, American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, the Ronald McDonald House Charities.  

The meeting execution was led by HHN’s Executive Director, Hanif Smith, who took the opportunity to address attendees on plans for HHN’s future and engage and interact with members from across the country.  Along with Administrative Coordinator, Sahian Jiminez, Hanif worked to ensure a positive meeting experience for all participants. 

Conclusion 
The HHN membership spent three days celebrating the power of connection, collaboration, and shared learning. Members left St. Louis renewed, revived, and inspired with practical knowledge to be applied in continued service to the patients and families who rely on them for critical support in accessing the care they need. 

Another successful event in the books for Nonprofit Resources! From full-service association management to dynamic departmental support, Nonprofit Resources has all the staff and tools that an association needs to succeed. Our clients say it best! Contact us at info@nonprofitresources.us to discuss how we can help you and your association thrive.