(July 11, 2025) – I hope you will be able to join us for the Kansas Hospital Association Annual Convention and Trade Show on Sept. 4-5 at the Hyatt Regency Wichita and Century II Convention Center. With support from the KHA Convention Planning Committee, we have developed an agenda featuring outstanding educational sessions and valuable networking opportunities.
We are pleased to share that the full event schedule is now available. An update to this year's schedule includes a switch for all the Allied Organizations Luncheons, including the Hospital Volunteers of Kansas luncheon co-hosted by KHA. These events are now all on Thursday, Sept. 4. And you won't want to miss the KHA Awards Luncheon, now featured on Friday, Sept. 5.
Kicking off Thursday, Sept. 4, is the KHA political advocacy and grassroots breakfast. During breakfast, attendees will hear from Pete Davis with Purposeful Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing: How to Foster Real Civic Engagement for Stronger Communities and a Healthier Democracy.
I'm especially looking forward to our keynote speaker, Ryan Campbell, the youngest solo pilot to fly around the world, who shares his remarkable journey from record-breaking heights to surviving a devastating plane crash and paraplegic diagnosis. In What's Your Pink Cadillac?, he explores how joy, hobbies and simple pleasures can build resilience, boost mental health and enhance performance. Next, Janine Stange will present How You Made Them Feel: A Daughter’ Perspective, a moving reminder of the vital role health care professionals play. You also will not want to miss Kyle Scheele with Becoming an Idea Factory, as he debunks the myth that creativity is rare and inspires us to unlock innovation through practical, learnable strategies.
On Friday, Ryan Minton will share Thanks for Coming in Today! Creating a Culture Where Employees Thrive and Customer Service Is Alive, offering practical, people-first strategies for creating an exceptional workplace culture and customer service. We'll close the convention with Steve Bedwell, MD, who brings humor and insight to stress management and decision-making.
This is just a preview of what this year's convention has to offer. You can find the full schedule, speaker details, and additional event information online. Online registration is now open, and convention brochures were mailed earlier this week. We encourage you to register early, as supply chain challenges require us to submit meal counts sooner than usual; early registration ensures you'll receive meal tickets.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me or any member of the KHA team. We look forward to seeing you in Wichita this September.
--Chad Austin