Brilliant ideas need the right ecosystem to grow. For health economists, that ecosystem is ASHEcon. From June 7–10, Minneapolis will become the epicenter of our field’s sharpest thinking, and the HEAL Network is thrilled to be part of the conversation. We want to hear what you are working on, share what we’ve been building, and discover where our paths cross. Here is your quick guide to 5 ways you can engage with us at the conference.
- Visit Our Exhibit Booth
Look for the HEAL Network booth on the exhibit floor. Our team will be on hand throughout the conference to talk research priorities, policy engagement, and everything the network has been working on. Stop by to:- Connect with the team: Meet the HEAL Network staff in person to discuss our mission, explore our resources, and learn how we can support your work.
- Elevate your research: Discover new avenues to share your work not just with academic colleagues, but with key decision-makers across federal agencies, the administration, and the halls of Congress.
- Grab exclusive gear: Stop by to chat and pick up some custom HEAL swag to take home with you.
- Connect with the HEAL Network
ASHEcon is only four days, but the HEAL Network community is active year-round. Here are four easy ways to stay plugged in to our research, resources, and policy network after you head home:- Expand your network on LinkedIn: Join our professional LinkedIn community to stay in touch, share your latest work, and collaborate with peers across the country.
- Get real-time updates on X: Follow us @HEALntwk for the latest news, event announcements, and live commentary on breaking health policy trends.
- Get insights, funding, and speaking opportunities delivered to your inbox: Subscribe to our newsletter by filling out this quick form to receive curated research updates, funding alerts, and network news.
- Tune in to On Background: Listen to our podcast for deep-dive, behind-the-scenes conversations with leading health economists, researchers, and policy thinkers.
- Take Our 5-Minute Community Survey. $5 Starbucks reward for your insights.
We are gathering feedback from health economists and academic leaders to better understand what our community needs most—from data access and funding opportunities to collaboration tools and policy engagement. Your insights will directly shape how the HEAL Network prioritizes its initiatives and resources in the year ahead.- The survey takes about five minutes
- Topics include research data needs, funding priorities, and how we can better support your work
- Complete the survey at our booth and receive a $5 Starbucks gift card as a small thank you for your time
Every completed response helps build a clearer picture of what our field needs to thrive. Your time and expertise matter, and we want to make sure it is recognized.
- Join Us at the HEAL Network’s Lakeside Social (June 7, 7:30 – 9:30pm CT)
We are keeping the momentum going from last year with another casual gathering. Join us for a relaxed, informal evening to make new connections and catch up with colleagues over a drink to celebrate the start of ASHEcon 2026! Please find additional information and RSVP details below.Event: HEAL Network Lakeside Social
When: Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 7:30-9:30pm CT
Where: Location shared upon RSVP.
Featuring: Catered bites, refreshing drinks, and the kind of social capital that doesn’t depreciate.
Travel: Two buses will be departing from the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis to the lake house at 7:00pm CT and 7:30pm CT. Both buses will make a final return departure from the lake house at 9:30pm CT.
RSVP: pat@thehealnetwork.org - Mark Your Calendar: Washington Health Economics Symposium (WHES)
Here at ASHEcon, the HEAL Network is proud to announce that applications and the call for papers are officially open for the 3rd Annual Washington Health Economics Symposium (WHES), taking place October 4–6, 2026 in Washington, DC.If you are looking for your next major opportunity to present your work to academic colleagues and healthcare policy leaders in the nation’s capital—and secure funding to present your next great idea—this is it.
- Generous Travel Support: Authors of the selected papers will each receive a $4,000 honorarium to fully cover travel, lodging, and expenses in Washington, DC.
- High-Impact Visibility: Present your findings in a 15-minute brief to a diverse audience of congressional staff, federal agency leaders, and academic economists. An expert committee will select seven papers that demonstrate how research can be applied directly to legislative or executive action.
- Core Research Themes: We are seeking policy-relevant abstracts focused on Insurance Markets (PBMs, vertical integration), Hospitals & Health Systems (340B pricing, consolidation), and Pharmaceuticals (the IRA, R&D incentives, and IP frameworks).
Visit thehealnetwork.org/annual-conferences to view the full submission guidelines and submit your abstract before the August 1, 2026 deadline.
ASHEcon brings together some of the most influential voices in health economics, and the HEAL Network is thrilled to be right here in the mix with you. We are looking forward to hearing your insights this week—whether we’re chatting at our booth, catching up at the happy hour, or reviewing your feedback from our community survey.
If you want to connect one-on-one or have any questions during the conference, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@thehealnetwork.org.
Enjoy the conference, and we look forward to connecting this week!