Transforming Healthcare: How Innovation is Driving Better Patient Outcomes | A HIMSS 2025 Conversation with Albe Zakes | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli

In this episode of the On Location series recorded for HIMSS 2025 in Las Vegas, hosts Marco Ciappelli and Sean Martin sit down with Albe Zakes, Director of Strategic Communications at HIMSS, to discuss the transformative impact of technology on healthcare and the upcoming conference’s role in driving innovation. HIMSS, a global society of health and technology professionals, brings together leaders, clinicians, practitioners, and innovators to harness the power of information and technology for improved patient outcomes and expanded access to healthcare.

A Focus on Collaboration Over Expertise

Zakes emphasizes a significant shift in how the HIMSS conference operates. While traditional conferences often rely on a top-down approach with speakers sharing insights, HIMSS is increasingly prioritizing collaboration. The 2025 event will feature expanded networking opportunities and dedicated breaks to foster real-time partnerships and relationships that can extend beyond the conference. The approach underscores the organization’s belief in the “symbiotic triangle” of people, technology, and process—highlighting that technology alone is not enough without empowering the people who use it.

Exploring Key Topics: AI, Cybersecurity, and Health Equity

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to take center stage at HIMSS 2025, reflecting its transition from a speculative technology to a practical tool reshaping healthcare. With dozens of educational sessions dedicated to AI, the conference will explore how clean data and strong governance are critical to unlocking AI’s potential in improving healthcare delivery.

Cybersecurity is another major focus, with a dedicated Healthcare Cybersecurity Forum and a Cybersecurity Command Center on the exhibit floor. Notably, former U.S. Cyber Command and NSA Director General Paul Nakasone will deliver a keynote on maintaining security in an AI-driven world. The emphasis on cybersecurity aligns with the critical need to protect patient data and maintain trust within the healthcare ecosystem.

Zakes also highlights the Health Equity Forum, which aligns with HIMSS’s mission to ensure that technology advancements translate into equitable healthcare access. The forum will gather leaders from governments and nonprofits worldwide to discuss strategies to improve health equity globally.

Innovation and Emerging Technologies

The conference aims to showcase not only established tech giants like Oracle and AWS but also emerging companies and startups. The “First-Time Exhibitors Pavilion” and the “Emerge Innovation Experience” will offer opportunities for attendees to engage with new technologies and ideas. The Emerge Innovation Experience will feature a pitch contest and networking events for entrepreneurs and investors, driving forward-thinking solutions in healthcare technology.

The Power of People, Technology, and Process

This episode offers a glimpse into the critical themes that will dominate HIMSS 2025, providing valuable insights into how technology, collaboration, and innovation are reshaping healthcare. With thought-provoking discussions on AI, cybersecurity, and health equity, listeners are invited to explore how these advancements impact not only healthcare systems but also society at large. Tune in to hear more about the initiatives and opportunities at HIMSS 2025, and how you can be part of the conversation shaping the future of healthcare.

Guest: Albe Zakes, Director of Strategic Communications at HIMSS | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albezakes/

Hosts:

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber] | On ITSPmagazine:  https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast | On ITSPmagazine: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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This Episode’s Sponsors

HITRUST: https://itspm.ag/itsphitweb

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Resources

Learn more and catch more stories from HIMSS 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/himss-2025-health-technology-and-cybersecurity-event-coverage-las-vegas

HIMSS 2024 Cybersecurity Report: https://www.himss.org/resources/himss-healthcare-cybersecurity-survey/

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To see and hear more Redefining CyberSecurity content on ITSPmagazine, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

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