2026 Events

Our fifth annual conference brought together 500 policymakers, advocates, employers, unions, and other stakeholders under a shared commitment to lower unchecked hospital prices. From innovative direct contracting strategies to state policies that rein in excessive hospital prices, the day’s discussions highlighted proven solutions already making a difference. The energy and engagement throughout the conference underscored the growing momentum and the collective commitment to putting affordability into action.

Featured speakers included U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Ranking Member, House Energy and Commerce Committee; Julie Menin, Speaker, New York City Council; Liz Krueger, Chair, New York State Senate Finance Committee; Gustavo Rivera, Chair, New York State Senate Health Committee; Amy Paulin, Chair, New York State Assembly Health Committee; Lynn Schulman, Chair, New York City Council Health Committee; James Solomon, Mayor, Jersey City; Bryan Townsend, Majority Leader, Delaware State Senate; John D’Angelo, MD, President & CEO, Northwell Health; Nick Stefanizzi, CEO, Northwell Direct; Wendell Potter, President, Center for Health and Democracy; Marilyn Bartlett, Former Montana State Health Plan Administrator and Senior Policy Fellow, National Academy for State Health Policy; Amanda Lewis, Partner, Cuneo Gilbert Flannery & LaDuca LLP; Elizabeth Mitchell, President & CEO, Purchaser Business Group on Health; Zirui Song, MD, PhD, Professor of Health Care Policy and Medicine, Harvard Medical School.