Informa Connect Limited

https://informaconnect.com/

Informa Connect is a division of Informa PLC, a global B2B information services group. Its core business revolves around delivering content-led live and on-demand events, training, and specialist digital content to professionals across various industries. The company's mission is to connect its customers with information and people, enabling them to gain knowledge, foster relationships, and achieve commercial advantage. Informa Connect's registered office is located in London, UK, as part of its parent company's headquarters.

The company offers a diverse portfolio of products and services, including international events, digital platforms, accredited training courses, expert research articles, and digital demand and lead-generation solutions. Informa Connect serves a wide array of market segments, such as Finance, Life Sciences, Foodservice, Technology, Aesthetics & Anti-Ageing, Pop Culture, Healthcare & Pharma, Education, and Real Estate. It also provides digital partnering platforms, like partneringONE, to facilitate connections and collaborations within specialist communities.

Andrew Mullins serves as the CEO of Informa Connect. In recent news, Informa Connect announced the formation of a new Food Services group in October 2023, integrating Winsight LLC, to strengthen its position in the restaurant, foodservice, convenience, catering, and food retail sectors. The company also launched Informa Connect Academy in 2023 to consolidate its training expertise. Informa Connect consistently hosts and celebrates successful industry events, such as HIMSS25, and plans for future editions. Informa Connect operates as a division of Informa PLC, which is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker LSE: INF and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Latest updates

Restaurant Innovation Awards Signal Shifting Consumer, Operational Priorities

Event summary

  • The National Restaurant Association Show awarded 28 food and beverage products with its 2026 FABI Awards, with 10 designated as 'FABI Favorites'.
  • The awards, celebrating 15 years, recognize products addressing operator needs and evolving consumer tastes, including allergen-free options and simplified preparation formats.
  • An independent panel, including representatives from Wendy's, Aramark, and California Pizza Kitchen, judged submissions based on taste, menu relevance, operational practicality, and profitability.
  • The FABI Favorites selections highlight a focus on flavor, versatility, and operational efficiency, indicating a shift towards solutions that streamline kitchen processes.

The big picture

The FABI Awards provide a snapshot of the evolving priorities within the foodservice industry. Beyond flavor trends, the awards highlight a growing need for operational efficiency and catering to specific dietary needs, reflecting broader consumer trends and rising labor costs. The selection process, involving major restaurant chains, underscores the importance of these innovations for maintaining competitiveness in a highly fragmented market.

What we're watching

Consumer Preferences
The prominence of allergen-free and organic options suggests continued consumer demand for healthier and more ethically sourced food choices, potentially impacting ingredient costs and supplier relationships.
Operational Focus
The emphasis on operational practicality and back-of-house efficiencies indicates that restaurant operators are prioritizing solutions that reduce labor costs and improve throughput in a challenging economic environment.
Supplier Differentiation
The FABI Awards will likely intensify competition among food and beverage suppliers, pushing them to innovate further and demonstrate clear value propositions beyond just taste and flavor profiles.

HIMSS26 Signals Accelerated AI Integration in Healthcare

Event summary

  • HIMSS26, held March 9-12, 2026, in Las Vegas, drew 24,000 attendees.
  • Keynote speakers included Jon McNeill (Tesla), Dr. John D. Halamka (Mayo Clinic Platforms), Dr. Sumbul Ahmad Desai (Apple Health), and Dr. Mehmet Oz (CMS).
  • The conference highlighted AI integration, cybersecurity, and digital tools for patient access and outcomes.
  • A new 'Park' area fostered collaboration among emerging companies and healthcare leaders.
  • HIMSS27 is scheduled for April 5-8, 2027, in Chicago.

The big picture

The HIMSS26 conference underscores the accelerating convergence of technology and healthcare, driven by the promise of improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The prominence of AI and cybersecurity reflects the growing complexity and risk profile of digital health solutions. The presence of CMS leadership signals a heightened focus on regulatory alignment and value-based care models, which will shape the future of healthcare technology adoption.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The emphasis on expansive governance frameworks suggests increasing regulatory scrutiny and potential compliance costs for digital health vendors, which will likely impact profitability margins.
AI Adoption
The rapid integration of AI, as demonstrated by Mayo Clinic's initiatives, will require substantial investment in data infrastructure and talent, potentially creating a barrier to entry for smaller players.
Consumer Tech
Apple’s focus on blending AI and machine learning into consumer wearables indicates a shift towards patient-driven healthcare, which may necessitate adjustments to existing reimbursement models and data privacy protocols.

CMS Chief Oz Signals Policy Shift at HIMSS26

Event summary

  • HIMSS26 will take place March 9-12 in Las Vegas.
  • CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz will keynote, accompanied by senior CMS officials Amy Gleason and Kimberly Brandt.
  • Mayo Clinic Platform President Dr. John D. Halamka will present on platform innovation alongside DVx Ventures CEO Jon McNeill.
  • The keynote lineup also includes Sumbul Ahmad Desai (Apple), Daymond John, and Jeremy Renner.

The big picture

The HIMSS26 keynote lineup underscores the ongoing convergence of healthcare and technology, driven by a need to address systemic inefficiencies and improve patient outcomes. Oz’s involvement signals a heightened focus on CMS priorities, particularly around data transparency and digital health adoption. The inclusion of figures from Tesla and Lyft suggests an interest in applying agile, scalable models from other industries to the traditionally slow-moving healthcare sector.

What we're watching

Policy Direction
Oz’s presence and the focus on data access and pricing transparency suggest a potential shift in CMS policy towards greater patient and provider empowerment, which could impact healthcare technology vendors and payers.
Platform Adoption
The emphasis on platform innovation and ecosystem collaboration indicates that interoperability and data sharing will be critical for healthcare organizations seeking to leverage AI and advanced analytics.
Regulatory Scrutiny
With Oz leading CMS, expect increased scrutiny of healthcare data practices and potential regulations around AI implementation to ensure fairness, accuracy, and patient safety.

Healthcare Tech Giants Double Down on HIMSS as Digital Transformation Accelerates

Event summary

  • HIMSS26 will be held March 9-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • Anchor Exhibitors include Carahsoft, eClinicalWorks, Epic, InterSystems, Microsoft, and Oracle Health & Life Sciences.
  • Premier Supporters include AWS, athenahealth, and a broad range of healthcare technology providers.
  • The event aims to facilitate collaboration between technology providers, healthcare organizations, and industry thought leaders.

The big picture

The significant investment from major healthcare technology players underscores the ongoing and accelerating digital transformation within the sector. HIMSS26 serves as a crucial platform for these companies to showcase their solutions and influence the direction of healthcare delivery, particularly as regulatory pressures and patient expectations for digital services intensify. The sheer number of sponsors indicates a competitive landscape where vendors are vying for market share in a multi-billion dollar market.

What we're watching

Vendor Consolidation
The breadth of sponsors suggests a continued fragmentation of the healthcare tech landscape, but increased investment signals potential for future consolidation as vendors seek scale.
Data Security
With cybersecurity listed as a key focus, the ability of these vendors to demonstrate robust data protection measures will be critical in maintaining trust and regulatory compliance.
Interoperability
The emphasis on interoperability suggests ongoing challenges in data exchange; the pace at which these vendors can deliver truly seamless integration will impact adoption rates and patient outcomes.

Apple Health Executive to Address HIMSS26, Signaling Expanded Digital Health Focus

Event summary

  • Sumbul Ahmad Desai, VP of Health and Fitness at Apple, will keynote HIMSS26 in Las Vegas, March 9-12, 2026.
  • Desai’s keynote, “Scientific Excellence Meets Digital Innovation: Human-Centered Healthcare,” will focus on the intersection of technology and clinical practice.
  • HIMSS26 will also feature keynotes from Jeremy Renner, Jon McNeill (DVx Ventures), and Daymond John.
  • The conference aims to bring together healthcare decision-makers and innovators for insights, connections, and technology showcases.

The big picture

Apple’s participation at HIMSS, particularly with a keynote from a senior executive, signals a deepening commitment to the digital health space. This move underscores the growing convergence of consumer technology and healthcare, where wearable devices and data-driven insights are increasingly influencing clinical decision-making and patient care. The conference itself, drawing a global community of healthcare leaders, represents a significant platform for Apple to shape the future direction of the industry.

What we're watching

Product Strategy
Apple’s increased visibility at HIMSS suggests a more aggressive strategy to integrate health data and services into its ecosystem, potentially impacting partnerships with existing healthcare providers and device manufacturers.
Data Privacy
The emphasis on ‘real-world data’ and consumer empowerment will likely intensify scrutiny of Apple’s data privacy practices and compliance with evolving healthcare regulations.
Clinical Adoption
The success of Apple’s health initiatives hinges on the willingness of clinicians to adopt and integrate its technologies into existing workflows, a challenge that requires demonstrating clear clinical utility and ROI.

Restaurant Tech Investment Signals Shift to Operational Efficiency

Event summary

  • The National Restaurant Association Show recognized 20 kitchen technology solutions with its 2026 Kitchen Innovations Awards.
  • Awards highlight equipment and systems focused on automation, sustainability, and operational resilience.
  • The selection reflects a shift towards practical, day-to-day technology adoption within the restaurant industry.
  • The awards are evaluated by a panel of industry experts, including Christine Guyott, FCSI, RDN of Rippe Associates.

The big picture

The 2026 Kitchen Innovations Awards underscore a fundamental shift in the restaurant industry's technology priorities. Faced with persistent labor shortages and margin pressures, operators are moving beyond experimental technology and embracing solutions that deliver immediate, tangible operational benefits. This signals a potential increase in capital expenditure on automation and efficiency-enhancing equipment, potentially benefiting equipment manufacturers but also increasing financial risk for restaurants.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The pace at which these innovations are adopted across different restaurant segments will indicate the true extent of the industry's willingness to invest in operational improvements.
ROI Measurement
Whether operators can demonstrably link these technology investments to improved margins and reduced labor costs will be crucial for sustained adoption.
Vendor Consolidation
The competitive landscape among kitchen equipment vendors will likely intensify as automation and data-driven solutions become more prevalent.

Daymond John to Keynote HIMSS Emerge, Signaling Healthcare Investment Focus

Event summary

  • The HIMSS26 Emerge Experience, focused on healthcare innovation, investment, and connections, will be opened by entrepreneur and investor Daymond John.
  • The event, now in its second year, gathers approximately 400 senior healthcare leaders, investors, and executives.
  • The agenda includes startup pitch competitions, one-on-one matchmaking sessions, and roundtables focused on funding readiness and commercialization.
  • Stephen Konya, Chief, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will also speak on bridging policy and practice.

The big picture

The HIMSS Emerge event signals a continued, albeit potentially more scrutinized, flow of capital into the healthcare technology sector. Daymond John’s presence underscores the growing recognition of the need for entrepreneurial acumen and investor discipline within the space. The emphasis on moving beyond pilot programs suggests a maturing market demanding demonstrable value and a shift away from purely experimental deployments.

What we're watching

Investment Focus
The prominence of investment-focused programming and Daymond John's involvement suggests a heightened emphasis on securing funding for healthcare startups, potentially signaling a tightening of capital markets.
Policy Alignment
Stephen Konya's participation highlights the ongoing effort to align healthcare technology innovation with federal policy and interoperability standards, which could influence the adoption of new solutions.
Pilot Progression
The focus on moving beyond pilot programs indicates a pressure to demonstrate tangible ROI and scalability for healthcare technology investments, potentially impacting the viability of early-stage ventures.

HIMSS Taps Renner for Keynote, Signaling Shift to Human-Centric Healthcare Narrative

Event summary

  • Jeremy Renner, actor and philanthropist, will deliver the closing keynote at the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition on March 12, 2026.
  • The conference takes place March 9-12 at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center in Las Vegas.
  • The keynote will focus on perseverance, purpose, and the healthcare professionals who support patients.
  • HIMSS26’s theme is “Expert insights, Exceptional impact,” emphasizing translating technology into measurable outcomes.

The big picture

HIMSS, backed by Informa Connect, is facing increasing pressure to demonstrate the tangible human impact of healthcare technology investments. The choice of Jeremy Renner as a keynote speaker signals a deliberate attempt to reposition the conference around patient-centricity and emotional resonance, potentially reflecting a broader industry trend towards prioritizing the human element in healthcare delivery. This move could be a response to growing scrutiny regarding the ethical implications of AI and automation in healthcare, and a desire to foster greater trust and adoption among patients and providers.

What we're watching

Narrative Shift
The selection of Renner, known for his personal health journey, suggests HIMSS is prioritizing a more emotionally resonant narrative to counter concerns about technology’s dehumanizing potential in healthcare.
Brand Alignment
How effectively Renner’s message aligns with HIMSS’s core mission of technology-driven healthcare improvements will determine if this is a genuine strategic pivot or a superficial marketing tactic.
Audience Engagement
Whether this unconventional keynote speaker choice will demonstrably increase attendance and engagement among HIMSS’s traditional audience of healthcare leaders and technology professionals remains to be seen.

HIMSS26 Lineup Signals Shift to Physician-Led AI Strategy in Healthcare

Event summary

  • HIMSS26 will be held March 9–12, 2026, in Las Vegas.
  • The conference features speakers including David Banks (AdventHealth), Tyler Gillum (Savannah Bananas), John Whyte (AMA), and David Langer (Lenox Hill Hospital).
  • A dedicated Executive Summit will focus on strategic discussions for healthcare C-suite leaders, excluding market suppliers.
  • Early registration ends December 19, 2025.
  • Sponsors include Amazon Web Services, Ascom, AvaSure, CliniComp, Meditech, Neurealm, Philips, and VMware by Broadcom.

The big picture

The HIMSS26 speaker lineup and Executive Summit underscore a strategic pivot in healthcare, moving beyond technology implementation to focus on leadership, physician engagement, and cultural transformation. This reflects the growing recognition that digital health initiatives require more than just technological solutions; they demand a fundamental shift in organizational culture and a commitment to value-based care. The summit’s exclusivity suggests a desire for more direct collaboration among healthcare leaders, potentially bypassing traditional vendor channels.

What we're watching

Physician Influence
The prominent role of the AMA’s John Whyte suggests a growing recognition of physician leadership in shaping AI strategy, potentially shifting power dynamics within healthcare organizations.
Culture Adoption
The inclusion of Tyler Gillum, known for unconventional team-building, highlights the increasing importance of cultural change management in adopting new technologies and operational models within healthcare.
Summit Exclusivity
The exclusion of market suppliers from the Executive Summit indicates a desire for candid, peer-to-peer discussions, which could lead to the development of strategies that bypass traditional vendor relationships.
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