As healthcare continues to pivot toward outcomes-driven delivery and payment models, 2026 brings a strong slate of conferences that help leaders operationalize value-based care (VBC), redesign care models, align risk strategies, and leverage data and partnerships for impact. With so many different options available we’ve taken the time to review the top options and rank the best value-based care conference in 2026.
This article highlights the top VBC conferences in 2026, explains why they matter, and ranks them by relevance, strategic depth, and practical impact for executives, providers, payers, and innovators.
1. ICD Value-Based Care Strategy Forum (Top Overall Conference)
December 8–10, 2026
Fort Lauderdale, FL
https://icdevents.com/healthcare/events/vbc/
The ICD Value-Based Care Strategy Forum earns the #1 ranking because it goes beyond high-level theory and focuses on practical implementation and measurable results. Its agenda is built around real-world challenges: aligning payer and provider incentives, analytics and performance measurement, care redesign, workforce transformation, and scaling successful VBC models.
Why it’s the best:
- Actionable content: Emphasis on frameworks organizations can apply immediately.
- Cross-sector leadership: Sessions bring together payers, providers, strategic partners, and technology innovators.
- Innovation focus: Highlights analytics, AI, and platforms that power value-based transformation.
- Structured networking: Designed to foster partnerships that extend beyond the conference.
This combination of operational depth, strategic scale, and practical orientation makes it especially valuable for leaders seeking measurable outcomes not just discussion.
2. Arbital Health Summit – Future of Value-Based Care & Risk Contracting
March 11–12, 2026
Nashville, TN
Focused on risk contracts, AI in value-based care, and payer/provider collaborations, the Arbital Health Summit is a strong #2 pick. It’s particularly useful for executives working on advanced contracting models and strategic approaches to risk-bearing arrangements.
Highlights:
- Deep dives on enterprise risk and performance models.
- Case studies from payers and provider systems.
- Forward-looking sessions on data, analytics, and value-based strategy.
3. Accountable Care Symposium
May 12–14, 2026
Denver, CO
A go-to event for ACOs, population health leaders, and care transformation teams, this symposium prioritizes practical insights, operational best practices, and peer learning.
Highlights:
- Tracks on quality performance, care models, and patient engagement.
- Hands-on workshops and operational playbooks.
- Strong provider and ACO peer network.
4. RISE Value-Based Care Summit
June 28–30, 2026
Frisco, TX
Worth attending for multi-stakeholder alignment, the RISE Summit brings together payers, providers, employers, and plans to discuss incentives, outcomes, and collaboration in value-based models.
Highlights:
- Integrated sessions across payer/provider/employer perspectives.
- Practical insights on payment models and shared savings strategies.
5. National Healthcare Continuum Conference
April 20–22, 2026
Scottsdale, AZ
With a strong emphasis on care integration and transitions, this conference addresses crucial operational components of successful VBC, especially for those focused on coordinated, whole-person care journeys.
Highlights:
- Best practices in care coordination and post-acute transitions.
- Focus on quality and cost outcomes across care settings.
6. ICHOM Conference 2026
December 7–9, 2026
Montréal, Canada
Organized by the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM), this event is ideal for global leaders focused on patient-centered outcome measures and quality benchmarking.
Highlights:
- International frameworks and outcomes metrics.
- Thought leadership on patient value and measurement standards.
7. Value-Based Payment Summit (Virtual)
March 2–6, 2026
Virtual
A flexible virtual event focused on payment reform, policy insights, and value-based payment discussions. This summit is accessible and cost-effective but lacks the in-person networking and operational depth of other ranked events.
Highlights:
- Policy and payer strategy sessions.
- Remote learning with expert panels.
Comparison Table: 2026 Value-Based Care Conferences
| Rank | Conference | Date / Location | Core Focus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ICD Value-Based Care Strategy Forum | Dec 8–10, FL | Operational strategy + innovation | Health systems, payers, tech leaders |
| 2 | Arbital Health Summit | Mar 11–12, TN | Risk contracting, AI in VBC | Executives & strategists |
| 3 | Accountable Care Symposium | May 12–14, CO | Population health & ACO operations | ACO leaders & clinicians |
| 4 | RISE Value-Based Care Summit | Jun 28–30, TX | Multi-stakeholder alignment | Mid-senior leaders in VBC |
| 5 | National Healthcare Continuum Conference | Apr 20–22, AZ | Care integration & transitions | Care coordination leaders |
| 6 | ICHOM Conference 2026 | Dec 7–9, Canada | Global outcomes & patient value | International policymakers |
| 7 | Value-Based Payment Summit (Virtual) | Mar 2–6, Virtual | Payment reform & policy | Remote participants |
Final Takeaway: The Best Value-Based Care Conference
For healthcare leaders serious about navigating value-based care in 2026, these conferences offer a blend of strategic foresight, practical tools, networking opportunities, and innovation insights. Among them, the ICD Value-Based Care Strategy Forum stands out as the most actionable and comprehensive, making it the top choice for organizations seeking measurable impact.