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Panel HLTH Europe event RAI Amsterdam
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Bring yourself

Driving Healthcare Innovation Across Europe

Bringing together the brightest companies on digital health

The iconic RAI Amsterdam recently hosted a groundbreaking event aimed at transforming healthcare innovation in Europe: HLTH Europe. The inaugural HLTH Europe event marked a significant milestone for the organization as it fosters global connections and brings together the brightest companies focused on digital health.

Bring your­self, Rich will do the same

Rich Scarfo in front of the stage
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Meet Rich Scarfo, president of HLTH. HLTH Europe is more than just an event. It is a dynamic community of healthcare, business, innovation, science and public service leaders all working together to improve and transform healthcare for the better.

An inau­gural event goes above & beyond

Rich Scarfo, President of HLTH, underscored Amsterdam's appeal for hosting such an important event. The city's accessibility, green initiatives, unique convention centre and vibrant cultural scene were key factors in the decision to hold the event there. "It's a city that people very much enjoy visiting," Rich noted, emphasizing Amsterdam's reputation as an attractive destination for global gatherings.

The inaugural HLTH Europe drew over 3,500 attendees from 67 countries, including a substantial representation from top-level executives and leaders across the healthcare ecosystem. In its first year, the event’s success positioned HLTH Europe as the largest innovation event in Europe, solidifying Amsterdam's role as a prominent hub for international healthcare dialogue.

Rich articulated HLTH’s vision for their events goes beyond the traditional conference format and that was certainly evident throughout the inaugural HLTH Europe. "We aimed to deliver not just an outstanding business model and industry platform, but also an event that was experiential, fun, and unique," he explained. This approach was noticeable in the event's design, which integrated creative and colourful touches, innovative business opportunities with experiential stages and other elements throughout.

Women's Health Hub
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“We wanted to create an environment where attendees felt comfortable and relaxed.”
Rich Scarfo

Comfor­table and relaxed

Rich Scarfo in the HLTH Vinyl Lounge
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Attendees were treated to morning runs and yoga sessions, access to bicycles to easily navigate the city, and evening events at iconic locations like Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum and the lively Westerpark. "We wanted to create an environment where attendees felt comfortable and relaxed," Rich noted, underscoring the importance of fostering meaningful interactions beyond the typical work-related conversation.

The partnership with RAI Amsterdam proved instrumental in realizing this vision. Rich praised the venue's state-of-the-art facilities and the exceptional support provided by the local team. Amsterdam's efficient transportation infrastructure and strong focus on sustainability further enhanced the event's operational success and aligned seamlessly with HLTH’s values. Among the standout features of the RAI Amsterdam, a personal highlight for Rich was Strandzuid, an urban beach, which provided a serene backdrop for events throughout the week and was universally enjoyed by the attendees.

Setting the stage for future growth

Looking forward, HLTH has committed to Amsterdam for a total of five years, signalling a long-term partnership aimed at fostering continued growth and innovation. Rich expressed confidence in Amsterdam's ability to evolve alongside HLTH's vision. "The RAI and Amsterdam delivered on every aspect of what we were expecting," he remarked, highlighting the venue’s pivotal role in the event's rapid success.

Reflecting on HLTH Europe's inaugural year, Rich expressed pride in achieving significant milestones in such a short span. "It was nice to leave Amsterdam knowing that the team created, in just one year, the largest and most important health innovation event in Europe," he shared. This achievement not only underscored the event's immediate impact but also set a promising trajectory for future editions.

As HLTH continues to expand its global footprint, Amsterdam provides a dynamic setting that amplifies the impact of HLTH’s initiatives. Rich is optimistic about the future, including plans to further enhance the attendee experience and continuously adapt to evolving industry needs.

Booth Woman's Health Hub Amsterdam RAI
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Logo HLTH
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