Industry
Aug 4, 2025

What to Expect at the 2025 Healthcare Design Expo in Kansas City: Top Trends Shaping the Future of Healthcare Design

What to Expect at the 2025 Healthcare Design Expo in Kansas City: Top Trends Shaping the Future of Healthcare Design
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What to Expect at the 2025 Healthcare Design Expo in Kansas City: Top Trends Shaping the Future of Healthcare Design

The 2025 Healthcare Design Expo & Conference, taking place this October in Kansas City, promises to be a dynamic gathering of designers, healthcare professionals, architects, and innovators all focused on creating environments that support better health outcomes. As we look ahead to the event, several key trends are expected to take center stage, offering a glimpse into the future of healthcare design. From behavioral health to artificial intelligence to smart hospital innovation, here’s what we’re watching closely.

1. Behavioral Health Remains a Top Design Priority

Designing for behavioral health continues to be one of the most urgent and evolving challenges in healthcare environments. We're anticipating meaningful discussions around how the built environment can promote dignity, safety, and healing for patients navigating mental health issues. One session we're particularly excited for is “Reimagining the Future of Behavioral Healthcare”, moderated by Basil Sherman II of Pulse Design. Expect to hear about innovative strategies—from patient-centered layouts to material choices—that de-stigmatize care and create supportive spaces for both patients and providers.

2. AI and the Human-Centered Patient Experience

Artificial intelligence is making waves across healthcare, and with it comes a growing need to consider how design and operations must evolve. The integration of AI is transforming diagnostics, patient monitoring, and even administrative workflows, but how does this technology impact the patient experience? The session “More Human Healthcare: AI and the Patient Experience”, led by Gretchen Brown of Stanford Health, will explore how to balance technological advancement with empathetic, human-centered design. We're looking forward to insights on how environments can adapt to maintain trust and personal connection even as AI becomes more integrated in care delivery.

3. Smart Hospitals and Data-Driven Design

Beyond AI, smart technology and data are increasingly shaping how we design healthcare facilities—improving efficiency, safety, and responsiveness. We’re especially excited for “From Rural to Revolutionary: The Journey to a Smart Hospital”, a session moderated by Gary Buss of Hoefer Welker, which promises to explore how digital infrastructure, real-time data, and IoT systems are transforming even the most remote hospitals into high-functioning, tech-enabled care centers. This is a must-see session for anyone interested in how design supports operational agility and clinical excellence.

Reconnecting in Kansas City

In addition to the incredible learning opportunities, the Healthcare Design Expo is also about connection. We’re looking forward to reuniting with colleagues, meeting new collaborators, and experiencing the culture, food, and energy of Kansas City—a city known for its innovation, hospitality, and rich design community.

Whether you're attending for CEUs, inspiration, or to scout out the latest products and solutions in the expo hall, there’s no doubt the2025 Healthcare Design Expo will offer valuable insights into where our industry is headed.