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World Health Expo · 25–28 January 2027

Where healthcare
connections become
business outcomes

1
Week
of healthcare networking
2
Lounges
dedicated to Connections
20+
Sessions
curated across the week
Opportunities
to meet and do business

What it is

Curated group networking, built around the conversations that move healthcare forward

The WHX Connections Programme is a week-long, facilitated networking experience hosted across two dedicated Connections Lounges on the World Health Expo show floor. It brings relevant healthcare communities together around shared themes, roles, markets and commercial priorities.

This is a theme-led group networking with curated exchanges, roundtables, hosted receptions and sponsor-led side events that create the context for the right conversations to happen. 

How it differs from 1:1 matchmaking

Traditional 1:1 matchmaking

✖  One-to-one scheduled meetings
✖  Algorithm-led matches
✖  Fixed 20–30 minute slots
✖  Individual conversations
✖  Data-only curation

WHX Connections Programme 2027

✔  Curated group networking
✔  Facilitated, theme-led sessions
✔  Immersive lounge experiences
✔  Communities aligned by role and market
✔  Human curation + sponsor-hosted formats
✔  Connect with the right people first - then continue with 1:1 meetings

Who it's for

Built for the people driving healthcare business

Attendees

Meet people who share your priorities, challenges and areas of interest. Connect with the right communities faster.

Exhibitors

Bring buyers, partners and distributors into your ecosystem through facilitated introductions in a focused setting.

Sponsors

Build brand visibility and connect directly with qualified buyers and healthcare decision makers through curated networking opportunities.

Partners and Investors

Discover high-potential partnerships, connect with innovators, and explore investment opportunities shaping the future of healthcare.

A day in the Connections Lounge

  • 10:30 - 11:30 Welcome & networking coffee

    An inviting description mentioning access, and intended core audience 

  • 12:00 - 13:00 Side event

    Sponsor lead roundtable or product showcase

  • 14:00 - 15:30 Curated session

    Targeted audience communities and key themes

  • 16:00 - 17:00 Power Hour

    Fast-paced, curated introductions around key themes

  • 17:00 - 18:00 Evening reception

    Networking reception

Every connection starts with curation

Every session is thoughtfully curated around role, theme, and market across Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), ensuring every conversation is relevant, every connection is meaningful, and every interaction delivers greater value.
(The full agenda will be announced closer to WHX 2027).

DEC lounge

Executive

Curated exchange

CEO leadership circle

Hospital CEOs, government leaders and strategic partners align on the priorities shaping healthcare delivery.

Government

Curated exchange

Government & hospital directors leadership exchange (GCC)

Health authorities and hospital directors across the GCC connect with providers and procurement leaders.

Orthopaedics

Curated exchange

Orthopaedics, rehabilitation & sports medicine exchange

Surgeons, rehabilitation leaders and device companies advancing mobility and performance focused healthcare.

Payers

Curated exchange

Insurance x healthcare innovation & payer exchange

Insurers, TPAs and providers explore value based care, digital health and market access strategies.

Digital health

Curated exchange

Digital health & AI hospital transformation exchange

Hospital CIOs and CTOs meet digital health vendors and investors driving AI enabled transformation.

DWTC lounge

Laboratory

Curated exchange

Laboratory CEO leadership circle

Lab CEOs and diagnostics leaders connect with hospital lab heads and investors shaping laboratory medicine.

Biotech

Curated exchange

Biotech innovation & translation exchange

Biotech founders and pharma BD teams meet investors and clinical partners advancing research into practice.

Diagnostics

Curated exchange

Lab automation, AI & digital diagnostics exchange

Lab directors and automation vendors explore AI diagnostics and digital transformation in the modern laboratory.

Wellness

Curated exchange

Preventive health, wellness & longevity diagnostics circle

Longevity clinics, wellness providers and insurers explore biomarker testing and preventive diagnostics.

Sponsorship opportunities

Position your brand where healthcare decisions are made 

Exclusive Connections Lounge Sponsor

Core inclusions

  • Exclusive naming rights to one lounge
  • Premium branding throughout
  • Digital branding across schedules and signage
  • Branded video content
  • Recognition across WHX campaigns
  • 20 VIP invitations
  • Lead retrieval from registered participants
  • Option to host a private invitation only reception
  • Post event impact report inclusion

Indicative investment
$ 50,000 per lounge

Curated Session Sponsor

Core inclusions

  • Naming rights on one curated session
  • Opening remarks
  • Branding across the session collateral
  • Facilitated networking involvement
  • Post session attendee insights
  • Recognition on the Connections Programme website

Indicative investment
$ 25,000 per session

Side Event / Roundtable Sponsor

Opportunity

  • Sponsor led roundtable or product showcase within a Connections Lounge
  • Branding at the event
  • Delegate list of participants (subject to privacy)
  • Recognition across programme materials

Indicative investment
$ 10,000 per event

Networking Reception Sponsor

Core inclusions

  • Co hosting rights for an evening networking reception
  • Branded food and beverage moments
  • Welcome remarks
  • On site and digital branding
  • Post event summary

Indicative investment
$ 20,000 per reception

FAQ

Everything you need to know before you join

Open to all registered WHX 2027 attendees, exhibitors, speakers and VIPs. Some sessions are invitation only or curated by role, theme or market.

Curated group networking, not 1:1 matchmaking. Sessions bring professionals together by role, theme, market or priority, through formats like curated exchanges, power hours and facilitated circles.

Open networking is informal and open to all. Curated exchanges group specific roles around a theme. Power Hours are fast, focused sessions for manufacturers, distributors and buyers. Facilitated circles are small guided discussions for senior peers. Roundtables and forums explore a shared challenge. Receptions are hosted evening networking.

Register as a WHX 2027 attendee first, then express interest in sessions as they open.

Included with WHX attendee registration. A small number of invitation only sessions and receptions may be curated by sponsors.

Yes. Selected sessions and lounges offer naming rights, opening remarks, branding, facilitated networking and post-session insights.

Announced closer to WHX 2027. Themes are in development and may evolve as the programme is finalised.

Two on-floor lounges hosting the Connections Programme all week, designed for facilitated introductions, curated sessions, side events and receptions.

Most Connections Programme sessions are curated to ensure meaningful and relevant interactions.

Power Hours and the Welcome Coffee are open to all registered attendees simply attend with your event badge.

For Curated Exchanges and Sponsor-led Connections Sessions, complete the Connections Programme enquiry form. Tell us about your role, organisation, and who you'd like to meet, and our team will review your enquiry and match you with the most relevant sessions based on your profile and availability.

Join WHX 2027

Bring your team into the conversations shaping healthcare

To learn more about the WHX Connections Programme or discuss how your organisation can get involved, contact us at whxconnections@informa.com