With just about a month to go it already appears that this year’s HIMSS conference will be overflowing with innovations, early-stage companies, accelerators, venture capitalists – all with the promise to spark the practical imagination of healthcare CIOs and IT shops alike. 

Indeed, HIMSS15 in Chicago promises to feature numerous new and innovative events, landmarks and technologies designed to help attendees navigate the unprecedented changes impacting both health IT and the broader healthcare industry itself. 

For the first time HX360 – which was co-developed by HIMSS and AVIA to advance the use of next-generation technologies by providers – will spotlight innovation and investment at the McCormick Place event in a pavilion 40,000 square feet strong.

“The HX360 Innovation Pavilion and special sessions will bring together entrepreneurs from early- and mid-stage companies, as well as investors, accelerators and VCs,” said Rich Scarfo, vice president of the Personal Connected Health Alliance. “These events will provide practical advice to investors, providers and entrepreneurs in the health tech space, including how-to guidance on establishing collaborations, structuring deals and identifying market opportunities.”

The massive exhibit space will include a Startup Showcase with 200 new companies, a Marketplace highlighting 40 mid-stage enterprises, Accelerator Hubs, and a Provider Challenges Resolution area.

There also will be a chance for attendees to have a little fun in the Games for Health area of the Pavilion as well as the HX360 Innovation Challenge. The Challenge will be held Tuesday, April 14, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. (Room E353, Lakeside Center McCormick Place) and will pit competitors from early-stage companies with products and innovations aimed at improving the patient experience.

Investors and entrepreneurs can get a head-start on healthcare opportunities on Sunday, April 12, at the Venture+ Forum from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Prairie Room, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place). This pre-conference event ($325 fee) will feature presentations by entrepreneurs and leading investors in health technology, as well as provide lunch and a chance to network with other attendees.

The Venture+ Forum also will cosponsor (with StartUp Health) another new event, the Startup Boot Camp, on Monday, April 13 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (Prairie Room, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place). Run by Unity Stoakes from StartUp Health, this session ($150 fee) is designed to teach attendees how to develop an effective 59-second pitch to developers and whoever else can help their start-up.

Scarfo said that HIMSS15 promises to be “the most comprehensive gathering ever of healthcare providers, business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.” And it will showcase the technologies healthcare providers and patients will be using in the near future.

“We’ll be looking beyond electronic medical records to next-generation technologies – such as mobile health, wearables, sensors and remote monitoring devices – that are enabling greater, more timely communication between providers and patients, streamlining care coordination and workflow, and enhancing the patient experience, quality care delivery and clinical outcomes,” Scarfo said.  

The HX360 Innovation Pavilion will be in Booth 8191 in the North Building.