Agility Philadelphia: Can AI Learn Empathy in a Human-First Future?

PHILADELPHIA, PA – July 28, 2026 – As the healthcare industry barrels toward an AI-driven future, with market projections soaring to over $500 billion by 2033, a critical question is emerging from the noise of innovation: can technology be programmed for empathy? This September, a highly curated event in Philadelphia aims to tackle that question head-on, challenging the sector to ensure its technological leaps forward don't leave humanity behind.

Hosted by healthcare media and technology leaders CMI Media Group and Compas, the fourth annual 'Agility Philadelphia' is built around a disarmingly simple, yet profound theme: “Seen. Heard. Human.” The invitation-only gathering is strategically positioned at the nexus of technology and patient experience, assembling a unique trio of speakers who embody the tension and promise of this new era: a humanitarian technologist, a rock star turned patient advocate, and one of the world's top AI architects.

A Convergence of Mavericks

The speaker lineup for Agility 2026 deliberately eschews a conventional corporate roster, instead opting for voices that bring lived experience and radical vision to the forefront. Headlining the event is Mick Ebeling, the legendary founder of Not Impossible Labs and a returning Agility speaker. Ebeling is renowned for his philosophy of “technology for the sake of humanity,” most famously demonstrated in “Project Daniel,” which provided 3D-printed prosthetic arms to war amputees. His work, which has earned him a place among Fortune's "World's 50 Greatest Leaders," now extends to clinical trials for tech designed to mitigate symptoms of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Ebeling’s role at the event is clear: to serve as the conscience of innovation, pushing attendees to measure progress not in processing power, but in human impact.

Joining him is Andrew McMahon, a singer-songwriter known for his work with Jack’s Mannequin and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. McMahon’s journey into advocacy was forged in a deeply personal battle. On the same day he finished recording his debut album for Jack’s Mannequin, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His fight for survival, chronicled in the documentary “Dear Jack,” transformed his life and career. Now a survivor, he founded the Dear Jack Foundation to provide critical support for adolescents and young adults battling cancer—a demographic often overlooked in oncology. His presence at a healthcare marketing event is a powerful reminder of the person at the end of every data point, bringing an intimate perspective on what it truly means to be “seen and heard” by the healthcare system.

Rounding out the trio is Daniel Hulme, WPP’s Global Chief AI Officer. As the CEO of the WPP-acquired AI firm Satalia, Hulme represents the engine of the technological revolution. WPP, the parent company of CMI Media Group, is betting big on artificial intelligence, leveraging its “Open” platform to deliver AI-powered workflows across its agencies. Hulme’s mission is to integrate AI in a way that creates new opportunities and societal value. He is tasked with demonstrating how the immense power of AI—a force driving a market expected to grow at a staggering 38.9% CAGR—can be harnessed responsibly and effectively within the heavily regulated, high-stakes world of healthcare.

The Human-Centered Mandate in an AI-Driven World

The juxtaposition of these speakers is a deliberate strategy by the event's organizers to frame the industry's most pressing conversation. "At its heart, healthcare is about humanity," said Dr. Susan Dorfman, President & CEO of CMI Media Group. "While AI and technology are deeply interwoven into our work, they are ultimately tools wielded by people to serve a higher purpose: supporting the person at the core of the story."

This mandate comes at a pivotal moment. The market for AI in patient engagement alone is projected to hit $24.74 billion by 2030. Already, nearly 70% of healthcare organizations are using AI, with many reporting increased efficiency and revenue. AI-powered chatbots are becoming adept at administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, but a gap remains. While patient satisfaction is high for logistical support, adoption for receiving actual health information lags, revealing a trust deficit that technology alone cannot solve.

"To do that, we must leverage the power of media and technology to deliver trusted information with the accuracy, authenticity, and frequency that drives positive health outcomes," explained Jim Woodland, CEO of Compas. The event’s theme, he noted, is a direct challenge to the industry “to keep the human experience at the absolute center of our innovation.” This reflects a broader industry recognition that the next phase of AI is not just about automation, but about augmentation—creating digital agents that can evolve from service providers into trusted, empathetic resources.

Redefining the Pharma Playbook

By convening these figures, CMI Media Group and Compas are signaling a significant shift for healthcare marketing. The hosts themselves are undergoing a transformation, recently announcing a major expansion driven by the convergence of big data and AI. With new consultancy and data technology units, they are moving beyond their traditional media focus, investing in platforms like their “Empower OS” to build AI-enhanced omnichannel strategies for clients. The Agility event serves as the philosophical mission statement for this new operational reality.

The event’s timing and location are no coincidence. It is set to take place on September 14th at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, strategically aligning with the start of Fierce Pharma Week at the neighboring Pennsylvania Convention Center. This co-location effectively turns Agility into a high-impact incubator for ideas, drawing from the 3,000+ pharmaceutical leaders, commercial strategists, and researchers gathered next door. While Fierce Pharma Week sessions tackle the mechanics of AI in commercialization and medical affairs, Agility aims to define the ethos that should guide them.

For the pharmaceutical marketers and agency professionals who will secure an invitation, the message is clear: the future of patient engagement requires a new playbook. It demands a move away from broad messaging and toward personalized, AI-driven experiences that build trust and demonstrate genuine empathy. The discussions in Philadelphia will explore how to navigate this behavioral shift responsibly, creating a healthcare ecosystem where technology doesn't just process patients, but helps them feel profoundly understood.