HIMSS 2025 Conference Kicks Off with AI, Cybersecurity, & Workforce Development in Focus

With nearly 1,000 companies exhibiting, the conference will focus on digital transformation, AI, cybersecurity, and workforce development in the healthcare sector.

The HIMSS 2025 Global Health Conference & Exhibition has begun in Las Vegas, bringing together more than 30,000 healthcare professionals, technology leaders, and policymakers.

With nearly 1,000 companies exhibiting, the conference will focus on digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and workforce development in the healthcare sector.

Hal Wolf, president and CEO of HIMSS, emphasized AI’s role in reshaping healthcare operations. “AI is huge.

We're seeing a big increase in the number of applications being brought forward for operational purposes,” he said. The conference introduces a new AI Pavilion, highlighting the latest tech solutions for real-world applications.

The opening keynote features Dr Seung-woo Park, president of Samsung Medical Center, who will discuss AI’s impact on clinical operations.

“We’ll be talking about how they utilize information and artificial intelligence to have accelerated and improved their care, all the way across their very large and incredibly forward-thinking hospital in Seoul,” Wolf stated.

Cybersecurity & Health Data Protection Remain Priorities

With cyberattacks on healthcare organizations rising, cybersecurity is another key focus at HIMSS 2025. Gen Paul M. Nakasone, former head of the US Cyber Command, will address the growing threats to health data security.

Healthcare organizations worldwide have faced significant data breaches, affecting millions of patients.

“Cybersecurity is front and center as well,” Wolf stated, highlighting the urgency for stronger digital defenses in healthcare.

Workforce Development & Health Equity on the Agenda

This year’s conference also emphasizes workforce development, offering more than 300 educational sessions, over 150 of which provide continuing education accreditation. Mid-day breaks are scheduled for attendees to engage in discussions and vendor meetings to facilitate networking.

Wolf also underscored the importance of addressing health equity. “One of the most important components for HIMSS is also our support of health equity on a global basis. That’s never going to go out of fashion,” he noted.

The conference will conclude with a keynote address by Simone Biles, Olympic gymnast and mental health advocate, reinforcing the growing focus on mental well-being in healthcare.