Professional development is often the first reason to attend ACHE’s Congress on Healthcare Leadership—the sessions, speakers and education credit. While learning is important, it’s often not the reason Congress has the most lasting impact for attendees.
The real professional advantage of attending is the people you meet.
Congress offers a unique environment where you can build visibility, expand your network, explore career paths and gain perspective on where healthcare is headed. The challenge is that many attendees don’t fully take advantage of those opportunities because networking can feel awkward, intimidating or overwhelming, especially in a setting with more than 6,000 attendees.
You don’t need dozens of conversations to have a successful Congress. One or two meaningful interactions per day—where you listen, ask thoughtful questions and exchange perspectives—often deliver far more value than collecting a stack of business cards.
The good news is that effective networking doesn’t require being an extrovert or “working the room.” It requires intention, preparation and follow through. Here’s how to approach Congress networking in ways that feel natural and move your career forward.
Prepare to Network
Many professionals only focus on networking once they realize they need a new job. At that point, the effort shifts heavily toward applications, resume updates and interview preparation—the bottom of the job-search funnel—where competition is highest and opportunities are most limited.
The real leverage, however, is created at the top of the funnel: conversations, relationships and visibility. Every meaningful interaction expands your professional presence. Visibility leads to referrals. Referrals lead to interviews. Interviews lead to offers. Congress is one of the best places to build that top of the funnel.
Step 1: Decide Who You Want to Meet Before You Arrive. Effective networking starts before Congress begins. Rather than trying to meet everyone, it helps to think in categories of people you’d like to connect with. Useful categories include:
- People from your same geographic region, since those relationships are easiest to maintain after the conference
- Peers in similar roles at other organizations, who understand your challenges and can become long-term thought partners
- People who are one or two steps ahead of you professionally, especially roles you may aspire to in the coming years
- People from organizations you admire or might want to work for in the future
- Speakers or panelists outside of keynote sessions, who are often more accessible and open to conversation
You don’t need a long list. Identifying five to 10 people (or types of people) adds focus and reduces the pressure to network with everyone.
Step 2: Do Just Enough Homework to Be Thoughtful. Preparation doesn’t mean memorizing resumes or rehearsing scripts. It simply means having enough context to start better conversations. Before you go, spend a few minutes reviewing:
- The agenda and breakout sessions
- Speakers or panelists you’re interested in
- Attendees or organizations you’d like to learn more about
- Shared challenges, interests or connections
This allows you to move beyond generic openers and ask more thoughtful questions. Instead of asking “What do you do?” you can ask, “I saw you work in [area]. How are you approaching [challenge] right now?” That small difference makes conversations feel more engaging and memorable.
Step 3: Implement Your Plan (Without Forcing It). Once Congress begins, execution is about creating small, intentional moments for connection, not forcing conversations. Start with where you already are. Some of the best networking opportunities happen while sitting next to someone before sessions start, right after sessions end, and during breaks or luncheons.
A simple comment like “What are you hoping to learn in this session?” or “Is this your first time attending?” is often enough to open the door. Use your networking plan as a guide, not a checklist. You’re not hunting people down—you’re recognizing opportunities when they show up.
If you miss someone you hoped to meet, that’s OK. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Navigate Cross-Professional Conversations
Congress brings together leaders from various professional backgrounds and different career levels. If you find these conversations intimidating, remember that diversity is the point, not the barrier.
You don’t need the same credentials to have a meaningful exchange. Focus on shared goals such as patient experience, quality outcomes, operational challenges or workforce sustainability. Ask thoughtful questions, listen actively and avoid apologizing for your background. Mutual respect goes a long way.
Capture the Connection
Before moving on from a conversation, make it easy to follow up later. Exchange contact information when it feels natural, connect on LinkedIn and jot down a quick note (who the person is, what you discussed and why you want to stay in touch). This small step makes post-conference follow-up far more meaningful.
Keep the Networking Going
When Congress ends, the relationship-building shouldn’t. Follow up within a few days while the conversation is still fresh. Your message doesn’t need to be long, but it does need to be personal. Reference something specific you discussed, thank them for the conversation and, when possible, add a small piece of value, such as sharing a resource or making an introduction.
When you prepare intentionally, engage thoughtfully during the event and follow up consistently afterward, networking stops feeling awkward and starts becoming one of the most powerful tools for career
You don’t need to meet everyone at Congress. You just need to stay connected with the right people.
Andy Hillig, FACHE, PCC, is managing director, Coaching and Leadership, LAK Group.
Register today for the 2026 Congress on Healthcare Leadership, March 2–4, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.