Tech to Know: The Short List for HIMSS 2026
By Mitchell Fong, CEO, Innovise Consulting
Mitchell Fong
From March 9th to March 12th, the global healthcare ecosystem descends upon Las Vegas. For the unfamiliar, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Global Health Conference is the industry’s “Super Bowl.” It is a massive, high-stakes gathering that historically draws over 40,000 professionals—from world-class clinicians and CEOs to disruptive tech founders and government policymakers.
While the scale of 1,000+ exhibitors is impressive, the “HIMSS Fog” is a significant risk for any executive. If you try to see everything, you will see nothing well. To find the signals in the noise, you need an experienced lens and a narrow scope.
The Strategy: The “Narrow Scope” Model
Success at HIMSS 2026 requires moving away from the “marathon” approach. Instead of a unintentional itinerary, pick just a few technology-centric themes—such as Ambient Clinical Intelligence, AI-Driven Revenue Cycle (RCM) Automation, or Remote Care—and let those guide your path.
While the HIMSS mobile app is essential for scheduling key meetings and ensuring you hit your “must-see” vendors, don’t over-engineer your day. Some of the most transformative partnerships I’ve experienced weren’t born in a ballroom; they were the result of a incidental booth discovery or a random conversation in a coffee line. Networking is the true currency of HIMSS. Leave space for the serendipitous introductions that may lead to long-term collaboration.
A Tactical Note: The distance between the session rooms and the far ends of the exhibit hall is massive. Give yourself ample travel time between meetings and, most importantly, wear your most comfortable professional shoes. Your step count will likely hit five figures before lunch.
Here are some companies I am excited to see at HIMSS 2026:
- The Titans: Indicators of Industry Direction
These are the massive anchors that signal where healthcare is headed as dominant market forces in the industry.
- Microsoft: A mandatory stop to see how their Nuance/DAX ecosystems are evolving. Microsoft is increasingly the foundation upon which almost everyone else is building their AI.
- Epic: Their booth is always a city unto itself. I’m looking for their latest features—specifically how they are integrating AI directly into the workflow to mitigate the administrative burden and streamline processes.
- Abridge: Now a dominant force in the ambient clinical documentation space. I’m looking for how they are differentiating their product to handle high-acuity, multi-specialty workflows.
- Stryker (with care.ai): Following their acquisition of care.ai, I’m curious to see how they’ve integrated “Smart Room” technology into their broader inpatient ecosystem.
- Masimo: Always a leader in sensor technology. I’ll be watching for their latest clinical-grade wearable telemetry and how their recent corporate shifts are impacting their innovation roadmap.
- The Niche Leaders: Operational Excellence
These vendors solve specific, high-stakes problems with surgical precision and proven ROI.
- CodaMetrix: As we focus on financial sustainability, CodaMetrix is trending for their autonomous AI-coding platform, moving the needle on revenue cycle efficiency by reducing human error in complex medical coding.
- Biobeat: A leader in non-invasive monitoring. Their ability to track 13+ vital signs with a single patch is a critical component for the “Home as the Hub” transition.
- VSee: They continue to redefine virtual care with “no-code” capabilities, allowing systems to customize telehealth without a massive IT overhead.
- AvaSure & Equum: With a partnership to focus on rural health through virtual inpatient services such as Virtual sitting and tele-ICU, I am interested to see how the these services can be implemented at small facilities.
- The Innovators & The Startup Park
The HIMSS Startup Park is where you find the “Tech for Good” that will define 2030. It’s a mix of raw vision and emerging maturity.
- MiloX Robotics: Exploring the intersection of robotics and patient engagement. From pediatric distraction to elderly companionship, the principle of “physical robotic empathy” through their CareMate product is a trend to watch.
- CarePath: An intriguing player focusing on the “last mile” of care coordination. They are using AI to streamline patient transitions from acute care to post-acute settings, specifically targeting the communication gaps that often lead to readmissions.
- BoostHealth AI: They are gaining traction for their focus on “Administrative Intelligence.” By automating the complex, repetitive tasks within the front office, they are helping clinics stabilize their local workforce through tech-enabled efficiency.
The Bonus “Must-See”: The Puppy Park
HIMSS is an intellectual and physical marathon. When you need a mental reset, head to the Puppy Park. It is consistently the most popular spot on the floor for a reason. A few minutes with a therapy dog provides the perspective shift needed to remember that behind every data point is a human being.
The Challenge: Impact Over Innovation
As I walk the floor this year, I am personally looking past the “shiny object” and asking one question: Does this technology liberate the human element of care, or does it add another layer of friction?
The ultimate victory of innovation isn’t in the code we write, but in the time we give back to the clinicians and patients who need it most. I look forward to seeing many of you there and hearing what “value” looks like through your lens. Let’s make HIMSS 2026 about Value-Driven Impact, not just digital noise
