Press Release

The European Health Management Association (EHMA), La Unió – Catalan Hospital, Health and Social Services Association, and IESE Business School are pleased to announce the 31st edition of the European Health Management Conference (EHMC), to be held on 10–12 June 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. This annual event will bring together over 400 health professionals, policymakers, managers, and researchers from across Europe and beyond to explore how strategic visions can be transformed into practical actions for sustainable, equitable, and resilient health systems.

As the co-host institution, La Unió – Catalan Hospital, Health and Social Services Association views this conference as a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration across Europe and to showcase innovation and excellence in health management and care delivery. 

“This event represents much more than an annual gathering: it is a platform for collective transformation, where strategic ideas are turned into real actions to tackle the major challenges of our time. It is also an opportunity to showcase our healthcare model to the world and learn from the best,” explains Joan Maria Adserà, president of La Unió.

The 2026 Conference will take place under the theme ‘Future-proofing health systems for a changing world: from strategy to action,’ which highlights the urgent need for Europe’s health systems to adapt to demographic change, technological innovation, workforce pressures, environmental challenges, and evolving societal expectations. The conference will explore how to bridge the gap between long-term strategies and day-to-day implementation, ensuring that planning and policy are translated into tangible, lasting improvements in health outcomes.

Participants will engage in a dynamic programme of keynotes, scientific sessions, and interactive discussions organised around five central tracks: governance, leadership and social responsibility; management, operations and practice; human capital, professionalism and people management; finance and economics; and policy and regulation. Cross-cutting topics will include people-centred systems, digital transformation, workforce of the future, sustainable and resilient health systems, and healthcare access and outcomes.

“The 2026 European Health Management Conference will be a platform to turn strategy into action,” said Antoni Peris-Grao, MD, President of the European Health Management Association. “This year, we invite Europe’s health leaders to move from vision to action — to turn strategy into tangible progress. Together, we will explore how foresight, collaboration, and innovation can future-proof our health systems and build a healthier, more resilient Europe’’

For more information on the 31st European Health Management Conference and to register, please visit www.ehmaconference.org

For press – related enquiries please contact: Olga Polyaeva | EHMA Conference Communications Manager (Olga.Polyaeva@ehma.org)