HEAL conference returns to Louisville with hands-on wound care education

HEAL 2026 will bring wound care clinicians, researchers and industry leaders to Louisville Sept. 14–16 for two and a half days of practical education, workshops and networking. The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy says the conference builds on a sold-out first year and is designed to improve real-world patient care.

Why it matters: - HEAL 2026 is aimed at clinicians who want education they can use immediately in practice. - The conference is positioned as a way to improve wound care outcomes through hands-on training, peer collaboration and exposure to new technology. - NAWCO is using the event to expand access to continuing education, with up to 20 CE hours and 16 CME credits available.

What happened: - The HEAL Conference will return for its second year in Louisville, Kentucky, from Sept. 14–16, 2026. - The event will take place at The Galt House Hotel. - The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy is presenting the conference. - NAWCO says the first HEAL conference drew more than 630 attendees and sold out the exhibit hall.

The details: - HEAL stands for Hands-On • Education • Advancement • Leadership. - The 2026 conference will run for two and a half days. - Programming will include nationally recognized faculty and thought leaders. - Attendees will take part in hands-on workshops and interactive educational sessions. - The agenda also includes the latest products and healthcare technology. - Networking will be available with clinicians and industry experts from across the country. - The exhibit hall will feature leading healthcare companies and is designed to encourage engagement and collaboration. - Cindy Broadus, executive director, said HEAL was created to be more than an information session and to give healthcare professionals practical tools, collaboration and inspiration. - Registration, exhibitor opportunities and conference information are available at More information.

Between the lines: - The conference is being framed as a response to demand for more practical, interactive professional education in wound care. - A strong first-year turnout suggests NAWCO has found an audience for a smaller, application-focused event instead of a traditional lecture-heavy conference. - The emphasis on exhibit hall engagement signals a mix of education and industry access, which may appeal to both clinicians and vendors.

What's next: - Registration and exhibitor sign-ups are open ahead of the September event. - HEAL 2026 will continue to position itself as a recurring annual meeting focused on applied education and patient-care improvement. - NAWCO will likely use this year's turnout to gauge whether the conference can grow beyond its inaugural success.

The bottom line: - HEAL 2026 is betting that wound care professionals want more than lectures: they want hands-on training, continuing education and direct access to the tools shaping care.