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 theme-led group networking with curated exchanges, roundtables, hosted receptions and sponsor-led side events that create the context for the right convesations 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
Connect with the healthcare leaders who matter to your business. Engage with clinicians, buyers and policymakers in one place.
Partners and Investors
Access curated exchanges with innovators, providers and government stakeholders shaping the next cycle of healthcare.
A day in the Connections Lounge
Five moments a day, designed to create business outcomes
- 01
Morning - Welcome Coffee
An inviting description mentioning access, and intended core audience
- 02
Midday - Connections Session (Sponsor-led)
An inviting description mentioning access, and intended core audience
- 03
Afternoon - Curated Exchange
An inviting description mentioning access, and intended core audience
- 04
Close - Power Hour
An inviting description mentioning access, and intended core audience
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
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.
Join WHX 2027
Bring your team into the conversations shaping healthcare
Register your interest to be notified when Connections Programme sessions open, or explore how to bring your brand into the experience.