10 Healthcare Conferences to Put on Your CHC Calendar for 2027
On the Agenda:
Discover 2027 CHC conferences to keep on your radar, including important dates, locations, and why they matter
Explore topics ranging from rural healthcare and community-based care to advocacy and leadership.
Community Health Centers (CHCs) play a critical role in providing accessible, high-quality care across the country, serving nearly 52 million patients — approximately 1 in 7 Americans and 1 in 3 people living in rural areas.
With more than 1,500 CHCs operating over 17,000 service delivery sites and supported by a workforce of more than 330,000 professionals, these organizations have substantial reach and impact.
With such a large and diverse network and evolving medical policies and needs, opportunities to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another are more important than ever.
Conferences provide a valuable space for healthcare professionals and leaders to share experiences, learn new strategies and solutions, and build relationships along the way.
To help community health center leaders and professionals make the most of these opportunities, we’ve rounded up ten conferences worth considering in 2027.
The Top 10 Community Health Center Conferences for CHC Leaders
1.
Date: 2027 dates TBD
Location: TBD
Every year, the Thrive Summit gives the athenahealth community an opportunity to come together, exchange insights, and learn from each other. Thrive by athenahealth combines healthcare professionals, partners, and industry leaders to explore ways to simplify healthcare practices.
Athena Thrive is set for November 2-4 in 2026 (and we'll be there!). And if you're already looking ahead, stay tuned as the 2027 dates will be announced soon.
“Being able to meet with the athenahealth product teams was by far the most beneficial thing about attending Thrive.” - Alice Ann Roberston, Thrive Summit Attendee
2.
Date: Jan 31 - Feb 3
Location: Orlando, FL (Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek)
For over 40 years, the American Hospital Association (AHA) Rural Healthcare Leadership Conference has brought together leaders from around the nation to shape what comes next for rural healthcare.
From connecting with executives and experts to share strategies and solutions to engaging in thought-provoking discussions and building meaningful peer connections, this conference offers valuable information for all community health center professionals.
3.
Date: Feb 8 - 11
Location: Washington, DC (Gaylord National Harbor)
The Policy and Issues Forum is fueling a movement to forge a healthier future for all. Join the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) for four days filled with learning, growing, and prime opportunities for health center leaders to come together for one movement and one vision: healthcare for all.
4.
Date: Feb 9-11
Location: Washington, DC
Join the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and hundreds of rural healthcare advocates, professionals, and leaders to connect, learn, and share ideas. This conference will allow you and fellow peers to hear rural health priorities from elected officials, understand how to engage in NRHA’s advocacy, and learn how to put rural policy into practice.
"It’s crucial to tell your story to Congress in this challenging political climate and show them why action is needed on rural issues." - NRHA chief policy officer Carrie Cochran-McClain
5.
Date: Feb 10-12
Location: Savannah, GA (JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District)
Leading a nonprofit health organization requires understanding changing policies, environments, technology, and the barriers that make care less accessible to the patients who need it most.
This three-day leadership conference brings together CEOs, board leaders, directors, and executives to strengthen their organizations and better serve the patients they serve. Attendees will gain practical insight into leadership and policy, organizational strategies to meet changing patient needs, and new relationships with peers who share a mission-driven approach to healthcare.
"A major value of this meeting is the chance to learn from diverse organizations and hear approaches from multiple perspectives. - 2026 Health Leadership Conference Attendee
6.
Date: March 8-10
Location: Washington, DC
Medicare, Medicaid, Dual Eligibles, and Commercial Markets Forum, hosted by the national trade association representing the health insurance industry (AHIP), is a premier event focused on the evolving landscape of health coverage, payment, policy, and innovation. As an attendee, you will gain timely insights into federal and state policies, connect with health plan leaders, and explore innovations transforming coverage and care.
7.
Date: April 12-15
Location: Phoenix, AZ
This April, join the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and more than 5,000 nurse leaders to learn, connect, and shape the future of leadership. This conference will offer practical strategies to improve leadership, hear from industry leaders, and useful lessons to return with actionable ideas.
"This conference gave me practical leadership tools I implemented immediately. Worth every single minute!" - Chief Nursing Officer in attendance to AONL 2026 Conference
8.
Date: May 18-21
Location: New Orleans, LA
Marking 50 years of advancing rural healthcare, the NRHA Annual Rural Health Conference brings together rural healthcare professionals, leaders, and advocates from across the country. This conference will feature over 80 innovative, practical sessions to explore the latest trends and challenges in rural healthcare, connect with peers, and strengthen care in rural communities.
9.
Date: July 25-28
Location: Washington, DC
The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) 2027 Conference will bring together clinicians, administrators, advocates, and public health leaders with a singular focus: expanding access to quality healthcare for underserved populations. With a mission that closely aligns with the work of Community Health Centers, the conference offers an opportunity to learn from others who are working toward similar goals.
“The healthcare workforce is everyone in every corner of the organization . . . and that’s what we represent” - Amanda Pears Kelly, ACU Chief Executive Officer
10.
Date: August 29-31 Location: Nashville, TN (Gaylord Opryland)
This August, the NACHC is hosting CHI27 to bring together healthcare professionals and leaders focused on the people and communities at the center of this work.
The conference addresses the critical challenges facing health centers as demand for affordable care continues to rise. Participants will learn from industry leaders to strengthen financial stability and exchange ideas in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
FrontRunnerHC has an NACHC corporate membership. We'll be there, so stop by and say hello. Here's a pic from our booth in 2026!
Before You Go… Save the Dates and Make the Connections
With 2027 just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning for the year ahead.
For Community Health Centers, attending conferences can be a valuable investment in both professional development and the future of community-based care. Whether your focus is rural healthcare, leadership, advocacy, or patient care, the conferences featured in this post offer opportunities to gain new perspectives and create meaningful connections, all while keeping the CHC mission at the forefront: providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to all communities.
As you plan out your 2027 calendar, save the dates for the events that align with your goals and create a year of learning, connection, and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should Community Health Center professionals attend conferences?
Conferences provide a valuable space for healthcare professionals and leaders to share experiences, learn new strategies and solutions, and build relationships.
What types of topics are covered at these conferences?
Topics vary, but include rural healthcare, leadership, innovation, advocacy, healthcare policy, access to care, and the future of community-based healthcare.
How can I register for CHC conferences?
Registration is handled individually through each conference’s official website. Click the links above to check registration details, information, and pricing.
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