Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo, one of the country’s largest shows dedicated to healthcare design and facilities, returns for its 37th annual event to the Austin Convention Center, September 24-26, 2024. This must-attend event for architects, designers, engineers, contractors and healthcare providers features an expansive Exhibit Hall with 100+ Exhibitors including furnishings, lighting, flooring, wall coverings, solution providers, technology, and so much more. 

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so too does the design of medical facilities. The latest trends in healthcare design are revolutionizing patient care by prioritizing both functionality and the patient experience. These innovative approaches are reshaping the way hospitals and clinics operate and cater to their patients. Below are some of the latest trends shaping the healthcare design industry today and a selection of exhibitor highlights from HFSE 2024 exhibitors. 

For more information on the 2024 exhibitors, please visit www.hcarefacilities.com.

Integration of Technology

Technology is playing a crucial role in modern healthcare design. From electronic health records to telemedicine capabilities, facilities are integrating advanced technologies seamlessly into their design. This integration not only enhances operational efficiency, but also improves patient care by facilitating communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Skyline Glass, Booth 408

Skyline Glass provides glass solutions for healthcare environments. Their products offerings focus on privacy, cleanability, adaptability, beauty and longevity. Glass lets in natural light, can accommodate artwork Addressing the shortcomings of traditional smart glass technologies, SDX3 SmartView, Powered by CliCintroduces a film-free design utilizing liquid crystal technology—setting a new standard for clarity, efficiency, and design flexibility in healthcare spaces. Switchable glass technology has long promised the convenience of instantly transitioning windows from clear views to privacy with the flip of a switch. However, existing solutions have fallen short with issues such as haze, fogginess, and distortion compromising the clear mode. SDX3 SmartView employs liquid crystal technology applied directly to glass, offering a truly clear view in the transparent mode and maintaining privacy when activated. 

Mantis Innovation, Booth 237

As more businesses journey towards increased sustainability, they need experienced partners to transform today’s operations into tomorrow’s results. Mantis Innovation delivers smart, sustainable solutions to improve facility performance from any starting point along this journey. Mantis provides managed facility services and turnkey program management with technology-enabled solutions that target the entire building footprint from roofs, walls, and pavement, to HVAC, lighting and power.

Mesa Electronics, Inc., Booth 101

Mesa Electronics specializes in meeting the unique needs and requirements of healthcare environments with audio/visual technology solutions that enhance the healthcare experience for patients, visitors, and staff. With decades of experience working in the healthcare market, Mesa Electronics has a legacy of designing, integrating, supporting, and servicing complex audiovisual solutions for inside and outside of the patient room. 

Sustainability Initiatives

Environmental sustainability is becoming a significant consideration in healthcare design. Facilities are implementing energy-efficient systems, utilizing sustainable building materials, and incorporating features like green roofs. These initiatives not only reduce the environmental footprint, but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment for patients and staff.

CheckSammy Booth 527

CheckSammy is a national provider of same-day bulk waste removal and sustainability services. We find innovative ways to divert various waste streams from landfill and provide our customers with detailed data to fuel ESG improvements. Our other services include open-top containers, power washing, and commercial cleaning. At HFSE, they will be debuting the ESG reporting platform, Veridiant. Veridiant is the next-gen software platform to help track, analyze, and optimize material diversion from source to destination. Customers can view before/after pictures, track servicing updates in real-time, and download certificates of diversion/destruction all in one smart platform.

Lonseal® Flooring, Booth 426

Celebrating over 52 years of durability and performance in a variety of commercial industries, Lonseal offers a unique selection of resilient sheet vinyl in exterior and interior, embossed, smooth, sport and wood-grain surfaces. Lonseal’s commitment to the environment is as strong as their commitment to quality. With recycled content and an extended life cycle, the GreenVinyl Program offers a suite of resilient vinyl products that ensure a minimal environmental impact while handing the toughest traffic. Their low-emitting materials are FloorScore® certified, to help provide the purest in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Check out their LONWOVEN design that offers a timeless and elegant aesthetic that combines the natural texture of linen with the durability and convenience of sheet vinyl at HFSE!

Unicel Architectural, Booth 219

For 59 years, Unicel Architectural has built a reputation for the most advanced glass, timber and aluminum solutions. These solutions encompass louvered glazing, skylights, timber or aluminum curtain walls and more, to enhance major global construction initiatives with the utmost quality and reliability. Unicel Architectural’s proprietary technology transforms glass, timber or aluminum into one-of-a-kind, highly engineered structures, while Vision Control® delivers unprecedented comfort and control of vision, light, temperature and sound with a patented combination of integrated louvers between glass that are hermetically sealed and cordless. Unicel Architectural’s solutions are guaranteed for longevity, optimized for energy efficiency, and customizable to any design, environmental or cultural requirements.

Emphasis on Safety

In recent years, safety in hospitals has emerged as a pivotal trend, driven by a heightened awareness of patient well-being and regulatory standards. Hospitals are increasingly implementing comprehensive safety protocols to minimize medical errors, prevent infections, and enhance overall patient care outcomes. Key initiatives include the adoption of advanced technology for patient monitoring and safety, inspections, and improved communication among healthcare teams. 

RPS America, Inc, Booth 519

RPS America provides high quality Uninterruptible Power Systems to customers with critical power needs, like Data Centers, Healthcare Imaging Machines, Airport Security Scanners. The UPS provides clean power and in case of power failure it continues to provide clean power until the Generator starts or the utility returns via batteries. At HFSE, RPS will debut two of their UPS’s, one is a new product which is a modular UPS, and they will have one of their existing UPS’s that has been used by Healthcare, Data Center, and Airport Security customers for the last 10 years.  

Smith-Emery, Booth 208

On-site safety inspections are conducted during construction to establish that approved plans, specifications, and processes are being upheld and followed. Smith-Emery promotes peace of mind by observing and testing materials for conformance with the approved and permitted construction documents. We can provide a full-service team to undertake all facets of a site inspection, or a single individual for a one-day call-out inspection. Regardless, our experienced inspectors provide quality control assurance regarding the fabrication, installation, and placement structural components and construction materials like fireproofing, soils and foundations.

Accurate Lock and Hardware, Booth 326

Accurate’s team of experts are dedicated to developing innovative solutions for specific challenges including retrofit scenarios, custom openings and bringing doors to compliance. Designed with patient care and staff safety in mind, all Accurate products are made entirely in the USA, which allows the ability to quickly adjust, adapt and produce the best solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of the healthcare industry.

Oval Fire Products, Booth 432

The world needed a slimmer profile fire extinguisher without sacrificing an ounce of performance – so that’s what Oval did. Their engineers spent thousands of hours creating a fire extinguisher that is oval, not round and projects less than 4” from the wall, instantly achieving ADA compliance. Making things simpler and saving costs in the long run. They are on a mission to make facilities safer - one fire extinguisher at a time.

Patient-Centered Design

Modern healthcare facilities are continuing to adopt patient-centered design principles. This approach focuses on creating spaces that are comfortable, welcoming, and conducive to healing. Patient rooms are designed to maximize natural light, incorporate soothing colors, and provide ample space for families. Waiting areas are being transformed into calming environments with comfortable seating, artwork, and even amenities like refreshment stations.

Stance Healthcare, Booth 402

Founded in 2006, Stance Healthcare manufactures furniture for healing environments, with a particular focus on hospitals and Behavioral Health facilities. They have a reputation for providing high-quality products that meet ever-evolving demands in the areas of design, comfort, safety, durability, renewability, infection control and environmental sustainability. With a strong understanding of patient-centered design, we are committed to providing innovative furniture solutions that improve the healthcare experience for all.

Wieland Healthcare, Booth 305

Wieland builds patient room and lounge furniture designed to assist caregivers and families.  Industry-leading sleep sofas and patient recliners are available in a variety of styles. Wieland is committed to moving patient care forward. We look beyond the ordinary, seeking new solutions for patient spaces within various healthcare environments. At HFSE, Wieland will debut NEW options for infusion applications on our Accord Recliner; including heat + massage, charging port for devices, and removable fold-down table.

MDC Interior Solutions, Booth 304

MDC is transforming spaces with their bespoke interior finishes including custom wall graphics with personalized visual storytelling, tailored acoustical solutions to optimize sound dynamics, and an innovative art program that integrates distinctive art pieces enhancing both aesthetics and emotional resonance.

“These trends reflect a shift towards human-centered design principles in healthcare," said Jenabeth Ferguson, Vice President, Symposium Director. "By prioritizing patient comfort, operational efficiency, and sustainability, healthcare facilities are enhancing the overall healthcare experience."

For more information or to register, please visit www.hcarefacilities.com