June 4, 2026
More than 1,300 OCHIN members, partners and staff gathered in New Orleans in May for the 2026 Learning Forum, an annual event designed to meet members where they are in their journey to connect and transform care. Record attendance — including nearly 300 speakers representing more than 200 member organizations — highlighted the increasing need for collaboration and innovation as community-based providers navigate a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
“This year, the goal of Learning Forum was to bring the full strength of our network together — to align leaders, share knowledge and help them navigate change and uncertainty as one network,” said Erica Neher, OCHIN’s vice president of strategy. “We worked really hard to unite member voices, bringing the power of many so that we can ignite change in a complex world … we are better together, and this event really helps us to lead through that uncertainty.”
From actionable strategies to inspiring peer connections, here are five highlights from this year’s event.
1. Engaging in shared learning
Attendees participated in nearly 200 sessions tailored to OCHIN members, gaining practical strategies to strengthen financial and operational performance, enhance whole-person care, and boost clinician efficiency and satisfaction.
“These learning sessions really do feel like the beating heart of Learning Forum,” said Angelea Brown, training and design at OCHIN, who both presented at and attended learning sessions. “There’s so much mutual generosity in the knowledge sharing.”
The event also introduced spotlight sessions focused on AI, automation and emerging best-practice technologies, along with a new executive track that drew more than 114 member leaders. Through prioritization exercises and peer dialogue, participants explored shared strategic challenges and exchanged ideas.
“There were a lot of ‘aha’ moments and a lot of unity throughout that day,” Neher said.
That shared learning quickly translated into actionable takeaways.
2. Gaining real-world strategies that build resilience
Attendees said the Learning Forum delivered lasting value, offering fresh perspectives to improve processes, strengthen care teams and build resilience in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
That value came into sharp focus during ask-an-expert sessions, 20-minute, one-on-one conversations with subject matter experts. Zaven Papakhian, help desk manager at OCHIN, said members were eager to leave with insights they could take back to their leadership.
One member focused on increasing MyChart adoption “was just beaming by the time he left,” Papakhian said. “He told me, ‘I’ve been chasing this info for months, and I got it all right here.’”
3. Connecting with peers and industry leaders
The Learning Forum offered expanded opportunities for connection through interactive sessions designed to foster meaningful relationships and peer collaboration. These 45-minute, discussion-based gatherings created space for open dialogue around opportunities for collective growth, proven approaches and real-world experiences.
“The connection sessions were a place for members to have peer-to-peer dialogue and share challenges and best practices,” said Bianca Holcomb, program specialist at OCHIN. “They were very outspoken, constructive and brought really great energy.”
4. Sparking inspiration and optimism
OCHIN President and CEO Abby Sears set an inspiring tone, urging the network to embrace collective resilience, shared purpose and partnership amid ongoing uncertainty. In a fireside chat with Community Care Cooperative CEO Christina Severin, she highlighted OCHIN’s new value-based care partnership with C3 and how collaboration will strengthen care quality, continuity and financial sustainability.
“I truly believe that if we work together and share our resources, we can transform the ecosystem of care to ensure there is enough for everyone,” Sears said.
The message of perseverance continued with guest keynote speaker Allison Massari, who shared powerful lessons from her journey overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, along with practical ways to navigate adversity with courage and purpose.
Throughout the four-day event, members also found inspiration through informal conversations with peers and leaders, reinforcing what’s possible when they learn and lead together.
5. Celebrating shared success
During the OCHIN Impact Awards, four members were recognized for demonstrating what’s possible when mission-driven organizations collaborate across the OCHIN network.
OCHIN’s member network and impact were also celebrated through exclusive appreciation events, including a reception where Learning Forum attendees followed the Kinfolk Brass Band to the House of Blues for an evening of music, connection and celebration. Guests also enjoyed a special appearance by The Blues Brothers while mingling and unwinding together.
Thanks to all who joined us at this year’s event! We hope to see you at the 2027 Learning Forum May 10-13 in Chicago!
Learn more
The OCHIN Learning Forum is an annual enrichment event designed for OCHIN members and supported by sponsors. This year, the Platinum and Diamond Sponsors included Epic, Imprivata, Abridge, Assort Health and WebMD Ignite.
To learn more about becoming an OCHIN member or sponsoring the OCHIN Impact Awards or other activities, contact us.
