2026 CHA Annual Meeting
As hospitals and the health care industry navigate unprecedented change, collaboration across our field is more critical than ever. Join hospital and health system leaders from across Colorado to celebrate hard-won victories and chart a shared path forward.
Three days of learning
Earn ACHE hours
Statewide networking
Ideas for what’s next
Built for the people leading Colorado health care
Bring your leadership team, connect across disciplines and leave with ideas your organization can put to work.
Big ideas. Practical insight. Memorable experiences.
Greg Offner
Alan Roach
The Gardiner Brothers
John Riggi
Explore the agenda
Select a day and open any session for details.
*Agenda is subject to change.
Opening day
7 a.m.–6 p.m.Registration Desk Open+
Pick up materials and conference credentials.
1–2:30 p.m.Pre-Conference: On the Record — Media Essentials for Hospital Leaders+
Whether you're fielding a call from a reporter or preparing for a televised interview, knowing how to communicate effectively with the media is a critical leadership skill.
This interactive 90-minute workshop covers the essentials: understanding today's media environment, deciding when and how to respond, choosing your spokesperson wisely, and staying on message when the stakes are high. Guided by CHA communications staff and hospital public information officers, participants will move from education to practice—working in small groups to shape real messaging and try their hand at mock interviews.
Speakers: Cara Welch, senior director, communications, CHA; Julie Denning, manager, marketing and communications, CHA; and Dan Mager, senior marketing and communications specialist, CHA.
2:30–3 p.m.Networking Refreshment Break+
Connect with colleagues before the opening program.
3–3:15 p.m.Welcome and Introductions+
Jeff Tieman, president and CEO, CHA.
3:15–4:15 p.m.Opening Keynote: The Tip Jar Culture: Leading with Purpose, Compassion, and Courage in Health Care+
These days, it seems like employee entitlement is at an all-time high, while engagement is at an all-time low. But what most leaders see as problems with workforce culture are actually just symptoms of the real problem.
In this unforgettable keynote, former dueling pianist and award-winning speaker Gregory Offner will demonstrate three principles of engagement—found in a piano bar—then discuss the strategies and stories of organizations that have applied these principles to business with phenomenal results.
Attendees will leave inspired, entertained and equipped to put these principles into action and create a Tip Jar Culture™ of their own.
Speaker: Greg Offner, founding partner, Global Performance Institute.
4:15–4:30 p.m.Networking Break+
Refresh and reconnect.
4:30–5:15 p.m.Session Topic and Speaker to Be Announced+
5:15–5:30 p.m.Donor Alliance Awards+
5:30–7 p.m.Networking Reception+
Welcome reception for attendees.
Education and connection
6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.Registration Desk Open+
Registration materials and assistance.
7:15–8:45 a.m.ACHE of the Rockies Breakfast+
7:30–8:30 a.m.Networking Breakfast+
Networking breakfast.
8:45–9 a.m.Day Two Welcome and John Gardner Award+
Margo Karsten, Banner Health and CHA board chair.
9–9:50 a.m.Walking Breakouts+
The Importance and Positive Impact of a Successful CCM/APCM Program
ChartSpan, the country's largest third-party provider of Chronic Care Management and Advanced Primary Care Management programs, will discuss the importance of a CCM/APCM program, the return on investment of an in-house versus third-party program, the positive impact on patient health outcomes, what makes a program successful, and the revenue and ancillary fiscal benefits of implementation.
Speaker: Cassidy Fischell, regional vice president, sales, ChartSpan.
Evolv Technology Session
Speaker: Jason Grellner, vice president, health care, Evolv Technology.
10–10:45 a.m.Concurrent Sessions+
RuralMirror, Map, Move: The Board Improvement Cycle
Strong boards are built through honest reflection, meaningful accountability and intentional action. This session explores stewardship as the foundation of effective governance and introduces the Mirror. Map. Move. framework to help boards assess performance, confront difficult truths and develop actionable improvement plans. Participants will learn practical strategies to strengthen board accountability, improve organizational culture and performance, and drive better quality outcomes.
Speaker: Jessie Neitzer, executive strategic advisor, Ovation Healthcare.
AdvocacyRegulations with the Stars: The Dance of Regulatory Compliance
An interactive game show session designed to test and reinforce knowledge of key regulatory and policy topics, encouraging audience engagement and real-time learning. No actual dance skills required.
Speakers: Megan Axelrod, vice president, regulatory and federal affairs, CHA; Matt Buecher, manager, regulatory and federal affairs, CHA; and Phoebe Blessing, manager, public policy, CHA.
Hot TopicMaternal Health: SB24-175 Year One Outcomes & What’s Next
Join the Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative for a comprehensive look at the first year of SB24-175 implementation across Colorado birthing hospitals, the measurable return on investment of its flagship initiatives, and a preview of emerging work shaping the next chapter of perinatal quality improvement statewide.
Speakers: Rebecca Alderfer, CEO, CPCQC; and Amber Johnson, director, quality improvement, CPCQC.
10:45–11:15 a.m.Networking Break+
Refreshment and networking break.
11:15 a.m.–12 p.m.Concurrent Sessions+
RuralThe New Future of Rural Health Care: Strategies for Success
As the health care industry transforms, rural hospitals face the challenge of preparing for success and sustainability in an environment that rewards value instead of volume. This journey becomes even more perilous as hospitals struggle to transition their delivery and payment systems simultaneously and make strategic decisions about the future of their organizations.
This presentation will examine the industry as a whole, the uncertainties intensified by recent regulation and legislation, and the struggles faced by rural and community hospitals. It will outline strategies for these facilities to not only survive but thrive in the fast-approaching era of population health and guide leaders from traditional reimbursement toward models based on value and quality.
Speaker: Eric Shell, chairman, Stroudwater.
Hot Topic Emergency Support Function #8 (ESF8) - Public Health Medical System Response Structures
This session provides an overview of the national emergency response framework and Colorado's unique medical response structure. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of strain at the facility level, appropriately escalate issues through established response channels, and identify the regional, state, and federal resources available to support ESF-8 Medical Operations during emergencies.
Speaker: Eileen Brown, medical operations and hospital preparedness program manager, Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
12–1:30 p.m.Networking Lunch+
Lunch and networking.
1:30–2:15 p.m.Concurrent Sessions+
RuralFrom Data to Impact: Analytics in Rural Health Care
Rural communities face unique health care challenges—but also opportunities to use data to drive better outcomes. This session will explore how data and analytics can be leveraged to better understand rural health trends, identify opportunities for improvement, and inform strategy at both the hospital and system levels. Attendees will hear practical examples of how data can uncover insights related to access, utilization and community needs—and how those insights can translate into meaningful action.
Speaker: Essey Yirdaw, vice president, data analytics and health equality, CHA.
AdvocacyThe Great Coalition Baking Show: Winning by Reaching Outside Your Comfort Zone
Discover the power of collaboration in this engaging panel discussion on how coalition partnerships can strengthen advocacy efforts under the dome. Experienced leaders and advocates will share insights, strategies and real-world examples of successful coalition-building, highlighting how diverse organizations can work together to advance shared policy goals. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A and practical takeaways for building and sustaining effective advocacy partnerships.
Moderator: Tyler Chafee, senior vice president, government relations, CHA.
Financial/Data or Hot Topic Session
2:30–3:15 p.m.Alan Roach: Global Sports Announcer+
From Olympic Games to Super Bowls, FIFA World Cup soccer to Major League Baseball, Alan Roach has been the voice of some of the world’s biggest sporting events across four decades. Roach will share the story behind those opportunities, the preparation and pressure that come with them, and memorable experiences from venues around the globe. Come ready to ask a question.
Speaker: Alan Roach, official public address announcer for the Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Rapids.
3:15–3:45 p.m.Networking Break+
Refreshment and networking break.
3:45–4:45 p.m.Navigating a Changing Labor Environment: Legal Updates and Strategic Solutions+
Health care employers are navigating a rapidly changing labor environment shaped by evolving federal, state and local requirements. This session will highlight recent legal and local labor relations updates impacting health care organizations, including key regulatory developments, workforce trends and practical considerations for employers.
Participants will gain actionable strategies for managing labor challenges, maintaining compliance and strengthening employee relationships while adapting to changes at the local level.
Speakers: Steven Gutierrez, partner, Holland & Hart; and Gabby Shores, president, The Alignment Group.
4:45–5:30 p.m.Beyond the Buzz: How AI Is Transforming Health Care Today+
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday health care, with hospitals and health systems increasingly leveraging AI to improve clinical decision-making, streamline operations, enhance patient experiences and reduce administrative burden. While AI continues to evolve, organizations across the country are already realizing its value through practical, real-world applications that deliver measurable results.
Hospital leaders and industry experts will discuss how AI is being used across health care today, sharing examples of successful implementation, lessons learned, and considerations for governance, workforce adoption and responsible use. Whether your organization is just beginning to explore AI or expanding its capabilities, this session will provide practical insight into how hospitals are moving beyond the buzz and putting AI to work.
Moderator: Joe Theine, CEO, Southwest Health System, Inc. Panelist: Michelle Gelroth, chief transformation officer, Aspen Valley Health.
5:30–7 p.m.Networking Reception+
Sponsored by:
Closing day
6:30 a.m.–12 p.m.Registration Desk Open+
Attendee assistance and registration materials.
7:15–8:15 a.m.Networking Breakfast and Rural Breakfast+
Morning networking and rural health conversation.
8:30–8:45 a.m.Day Three Welcome: A Dance Through Time+
Five-time world champions and social media sensations, The Gardiner Brothers will deliver a high-energy performance that blends world-class Irish dance with timeless music and modern precision. Be prepared to clap, laugh and sing along to timeless favorites while experiencing their electrifying rhythm and movement.
Performers: The Gardiner Brothers.
8:45–9:45 a.m.The Health Care Cyber Threat Landscape: Risk, Impact, and Preparedness+
Cyberattacks against hospitals and health systems have increased dramatically, with nation-state and criminal adversaries targeting health care organizations through data theft, ransomware and attacks that can shut down critical systems, disrupt care and create risks to patient safety.
American Hospital Association national cybersecurity advisor and former FBI cyber official John Riggi will provide national and international perspective on the latest threats, including those arising from geopolitical tensions, third-party providers and supply-chain disruptions. He will discuss how hospitals can prepare for, respond to and recover from disruptive cyberattacks, along with the latest cyber policy, legislative and artificial intelligence developments.
Speaker: John Riggi, national advisor for cybersecurity and risk, American Hospital Association.
10–10:45 a.m.CHASE and Hospital Finance Update+
Stay informed on the latest CHASE initiatives and the key financial issues affecting hospitals. This session will provide updates on State Directed Payment implementation, SAG strategic priorities and key deliverables, along with insight into the evolving financial landscape and its impact on health care organizations.
Speakers: Tom Rennell, senior vice president, financial policy and data analytics, CHA; and Ryan Westrom, vice president, finance, CHA.
10:45–11 a.m.Networking Break+
Final refreshment break.
11 a.m.–12 p.m.Closing Keynote: Advocacy+
12 p.m.Wrap-Up+
Jeff Tieman, president and CEO, CHA.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort
3225 Broadmoor Valley Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
719.538.4000
Discounted rate: $249 per night, plus fees and taxes.
Deadline: 5 p.m. MT on Sept. 1.
Up to 10.0 ACHE hours
Qualified Education Hours toward initial certification or recertification of the FACHE designation.
Mark your calendar
Friday, Aug. 28: Early-bird registration deadline.
Tuesday, Sept. 1: Hotel discount deadline (limited rooms, first-come, first-served).
Friday, Sept. 11: Registration deadline; higher fees apply after this date.
Wednesday, Sept. 16: Cancellation deadline and pre-registration deadline; after this date, registration must be handled on-site.
Onsite network access
Username: CHABroadband
Password: CHABS2026
Choose your registration type
Early-bird registration ends Friday, Aug. 28. The standard registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 11; higher fees apply after Sept. 11. Trustee registration is available at a significantly reduced member rate.
| Registration type | Early bird | Standard | Onsite |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHA member | $589 | $665 | $689 |
| Non-member | $3,500 | $3,575 | $3,600 |
| Non-exhibiting associate partner | $1,145 | $1,220 | $1,245 |
| Trustee from CHA member hospital or health system | $180 | ||
| Significant other, spouse or guest | $305 | ||
| Faculty | $589 | ||
| Student | $310 | ||
| ACHE of the Rockies Breakfast | $125 | ||
Cancellation deadline: Wednesday, Sept. 16. Cancellations received before Sept. 16 will be refunded less a $185 cancellation fee. After Sept. 16, no refunds will be processed.