The President’s Message is published in the MHA Weekly News Report, a member-only publication of the Montana Hospital Association. To subscribe, click here.

Last time I checked in here we were putting the final touches on preparations for the 2026 Montana Healthcare Conference. This week, we’re reflecting on the mighty and inspiring force represented by the healthcare community that gathered with us in Billings last week.

This year’s conference theme was Leading the Future of Healthcare. During conference, I asked three things of attendees: bring your view, borrow someone else’s, and build something together.

We had more than 500 attendees at conference this year. Montana healthcare leaders and caregivers (you) came off the front lines for a few days and didn’t waste any time digging in.

For my part, I felt the energy. I saw the ideas being exchanged, the heads coming together and partnerships beginning to form—thousands of little connections being made each day. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve already begun to put these pieces into practice for your patients and communities back at home. That’s what leading the future of healthcare looks like. Thank you, for being there and for all you do to lead the drive for meaningful change.

I also want to share a heartful thank you to our conference partners at the Montana Primary Care Association (MPCA). MPCA CEO Olivia Riutta noted during conference the critical importance of working together. When it comes to delivering care to our communities, none of us can do it alone. The same holds true for Conference, too.

Finally, thanks to each staff member at MPCA and MHA for their parts in making this year’s conference a success. We were lucky to have Natascha Robinson join us as this year’s event director. Although it is a temporary role, Natascha led this event with precision, humor, and grace, on a timeline that would have rattled most people.

Inara Naranjo, interim events coordinator, didn’t miss a beat running the sold-out Exhibitor Trade Show, receptions, and hosting our generous sponsors throughout the conference. Grace Jones managed the dozens of speakers who shared their expertise during more than 40 breakout sessions. Thanks also to Bridgett Tielking, Casey Driscoll, Lindsay Konen, Clint Taranik, Katy Mack, Jenna Cederberg, Duncan Cordell, and Nicole Taule. Your hard work paid off in so many ways.

Don’t forget to save the date for next year. The 2027 Montana Healthcare Conference is set for Oct. 4-7, in Billings.