What is the value of attending SLS? Why should others come?
This conference is unlike any other. By attending the Summit Leadership Summit, you'll be among the pinnacle of health care architects. The opportunity to be at forefront of how our profession is developing and how the most prevalent challenges in our industry are being solved is invaluable to thought leaders of all experience levels—both early and established.
If you've attended in the past—other than being a NextGen scholarship recipient!—what was different or surprising about last year?
Last year was my first attendance to the Summer Leadership Summit, so I’m unfortunately unable to compare it to previous years. However, one thing I very much appreciated that is exceptional at this conference was the selection of speakers. I’ve been to other local and national conferences well-attended by architects but nowhere else do the speakers have such diversity in their backgrounds, experiences, and disciplines.
How does SLS facilitate opportunities for collaboration amongst other architects (and across the health care design industry) on site? Afterwards?
The SLS built to inspire discourse, networking, and collaboration between attendees. Subtle things like tabled seating arrangements, added time between sessions, and colocation of amenities go a long way to spark moments of conversation at the conference. Even after the conference, there are moments for connection at the various happy hours and gatherings in and around the city.
What resources does SLS tailor for newly licensed, mid-career, and veteran architects? How does it promote mentorship?
In addition to building your network, architects of all experience levels will benefit from general sessions, such as the yearly FGI Update and ACHA Certification Prep. Participation and questions are strongly encouraged while those leaders inform attendees of both incoming updates and gather opinions about future inclusions in health care design code or the ACHA certification process. The open forum of the Summit and intermingling of experience levels allow attendees to engage in mentorship, along with the commendable efforts spent to empower the next generation of leaders in health care architecture.
How do NextGen scholars influence SLS planning and enhance future attendee experiences?
NextGen Scholars have several direct impacts in the planning of the SLS. As a NextGen, you will have a voice in various discussions such as the conference theme, speaker selection process, sponsor outreach, attendee takeaways, or others. Scholars from the current year are also guaranteed a speaking session at the following Summit, helping to skyrocket their professional development and connections to experts of health care architecture.