RED Labor Summit
2026
Leading in the Midst of Change
Building Trust. Inspiring Change.
September 30 – October 2, 2026 | The Broadmoor, Colorado
About the RED Labor Summit
Shaping the Future Through Collaboration
September 30–October 2, 2026 | The Broadmoor, Colorado
RED is an intimate, all-inclusive executive forum bringing together senior healthcare leaders to address today’s workforce challenges. Through industry insights and private peer exchange, attendees gain practical strategies and meaningful connections.
All applications are reviewed to maintain a highly curated executive audience.
Why should I join?
Reflect. Exchange. Define.
Designed exclusively for senior healthcare leaders, RED empowers you with actionable workforce insight and meaningful executive dialogue. Through time to reflect, space to exchange candidly, and collaboration to define what’s next, leaders leave with clarity and direction.
Learn From Experts
Gain insights from leading workforce researchers and healthcare executives.
Private Executive Networking
Connect with senior leaders in a candid, closed-door environment.
Gain New Insights
Learn from real-world case studies and shared executive experiences.
Discover New Strategies
Explore innovative solutions and forward-looking workforce approaches.
Speakers & Cohosts
Meet the Voices of RED
Our keynote speakers and executive cohosts leading meaningful dialogue on workforce strategy.
Stefanie Beavers, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer
RED Cohost
Jeremy Falke, MBA
Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
RED Cohost
David Auerbach, Ph.D.
Senior Director for Research and Cost Trends
Keynote Speaker
Leaders Who’ve Joined Us
Trina Allen
VP Human Resources
Monument Health
Rock Anderson, Jr.
Chief People Officer
Emory Healthcare
Sharla Baenen
Chief Operating Officer
Bellin Region, Emplify Health
Tiffany Bass, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN
VP, Chief Nursing Officer
Baptist Medical Center South
Carol Biggs, MBA-HA, DHSc, RN
Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Executive
Jackson Health System
Paola Buitrago, PhD, RN
VP Workforce Optimization and Strategy
Emory Healthcare
Danyl Butler
Senior Director, Talent Acquisition
Optum
Katie Burnett, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP
Vice President, Human Resources
Deaconess Health System
Kelly Edmondson, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
SVP, Nursing & Patient Care Corporate Nursing Administration
Orlando Health
Patrick D. Ebri, PhD, FACHE
Vice President, Chief Engagement Officer
UNC Health Southeastern
Brian Floyd, RN, MBA
Chief Operating Officer
ECU Health
Shanon Fucik, MBA, RN, CPN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive
MU Health Care
Kathy Healy-Collier, DHA, MHA, CSSBB
Professor Texas Tech, President & CEO
Mercy Health Anderson
Melanie Heuston DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Executive
WVU Health System
Daniel Hudson, MSN, RN, CENP
Senior Vice President Nursing Operations, CNO Ambulatory
Jefferson Health
Donna Isgett, RN, MSN, MBA
President and Chief Executive Officer
McLeod Health
Ericka V. Jacobs, MSN, RN
Director, Emergency & Women’s Services
Parrish Medical Center
Holly Johnson, MBA
Vice President, Human Resources
Arkansas Children’s
Kelly M Johnson, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
SVP Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
LaDonna Johnston
President and Chief Executive Officer
Unity Health
Amber King
Executive Director, Human Resources
Southeast Georgia Health System
Crystal Kohanke, MS, SHRM-CP
Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer
Arkansas Children’s
Cynthia Latney, DHA(c), MSN, RN, NE-BC
Chief Nursing Executive
OhioHealth
Daniel Listi
President
Baptist Health, Princeton Hospital
Reneé McCuller
Senior Vice President
Willis Knighton Health System
Blake Miller
Director, Talent Acquisition
Atlantic Health
Cathy M. Moore, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer
Advocate Health
Christy Nation, DNP, MSHA, BSN, RN
Chief Nursing Officer
UAB St. Vincent’s | Birmingham
Jennifer Nitschmann, MSN, RN
Vice President, NE Florida Regional Chief Nursing Officer
UF Health Jacksonville
Sharon Pappas, RN, Ph.D., NEA-BC, FAAN
Chief Nurse Executive
Emory Healthcare
Austin B. Potter
Executive Director, Office of Strategy Management
Yale New Haven Health
Karla Ramberger, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
System Chief Nursing Officer
Baylor Scott & White Health
Jo Ellen Sellers, MHA, BSN, RN
Assistant Director of Centralized Staffing
Willis Knighton Health System
Mamoon Syed
SVP and Chief People Officer
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Michele Szkolnicki, M.Ed., BSN, RN, FACHE, FACMPE
Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer
Penn State Health | Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Hussein M. Tahan, PhD, RN, FAAN, FCM
Chief Nursing Officer and System Vice President
MedStar Health
Amy Vanterpool, MSN, BSN, RN, CEN, CFRN
VP Chief Nursing Officer
Logan Health Medical Center and Logan Health Whitefish
Janice Walker DHA, MBA-HCM, NEA-BC, BSN, RN
System Chief Nursing Officer (Enterprise) Senior Vice President
University of Florida Health (UF Health)
Cathy Watson, RN
Corporate Director of Clinical Staffing
Willis Knighton Health System
Cathleen Wheatley
President
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist & Davie Medical Centers
Claire Zangerle
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Nursing Officer
AHA, AONL
What to Expect
The RED 2026 Agenda
Day 1 | September 30, 2026
RED2026 Attendee Reception and Dinner
Kick off RED2026 with an evening of connection and conversation in the Spanish Lounge. Join fellow attendees for dinner, networking, and a relaxed start to an energizing few days ahead.
- Pompeiian Room, Broadmoor Main
- 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Networking Breakfast
Kick off RED with breakfast and connection. Meet fellow attendees and start the day in great company.
- Dow Finsterwald Room
- 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Welcome/Introductions
Open RED with a brief welcome and introductions as we set the tone for the days ahead.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 8:00 a.m. – 8:20 a.m.
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Keynote Session
Adapting to Change: Nursing Workforce Trends Shaping Healthcare’s Future
Join nationally recognized health economist David Auerbach, Ph.D., as he explores the evolving nursing workforce and the trends shaping healthcare’s future. He will share data-driven insights on workforce supply, cost pressures, and care delivery, offering practical perspective for leaders navigating a changing healthcare landscape.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 8:20 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
David Auerbach, PhD
Senior Director for Research and Cost Trends at the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Break
Take a moment to refresh, grab a snack, and connect with peers before the next session.
- 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Ideas in Action
Building What’s Next: Modern Pipeline Strategies for Healthcare Leadership
Join experts as they discuss innovative approaches to developing the next generation of healthcare leaders. This session will highlight strategies for talent pipeline growth, succession planning, and preparing teams for the future of healthcare.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Ideas in Action
Stay Strategies: What Truly Drives Workforce Commitment
Hear from leaders as they explore the strategies that truly influence workforce commitment and long-term retention. This session will highlight real-world approaches that strengthen engagement, loyalty, and organizational stability.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Lunch
Enjoy a fully hosted lunch with time to recharge and connect. A relaxed opportunity to continue conversations and exchange insights with fellow attendees.
- Golf Club Porch
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Ideas in Action
Workforce Strategy: Caring for Your Workforce Beyond the Shift
Join industry leaders as they share practical strategies for supporting and engaging the workforce beyond the shift. This discussion will explore innovative approaches to well-being, retention, and building a culture that extends beyond day-to-day operations.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 12:40 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Featured Speaker
Behind the Curtain: Double Jeopardy in Healthcare Staffing
Join James Quick for an interactive Double Jeopardy-style session that brings healthcare workforce data to life. Through real stats and insights, this engaging presentation highlights the depth of the data and the value it delivers.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
James Quick
President of SimpliFi
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Ideas in Action
Where AI is Actually Generating ROI for Workforce
Hear from industry leaders as they explore how AI is delivering measurable ROI across the workforce. This discussion will highlight practical use cases, lessons learned, and where technology is truly driving impact.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Flexible Time for Attendees
Take advantage of flexible time to recharge and enjoy the resort. Whether connecting with peers or taking in the surroundings, this is your time to relax and reset.
- 2:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Reception
Join us for a reception designed for connection and conversation. Enjoy light bites and drinks while building relationships with fellow attendees.
- Donald Ross Room
- 6:30 p.m.– 7:00 p.m.
Day 2 | October 1, 2026
Dinner
Join us for a fully hosted dinner featuring great food and meaningful conversation. An opportunity to relax, connect, and continue the dialogue outside of sessions.
- Donald Ross Room
- 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Day 3 | October 2, 2026
Networking Breakfast
Close out RED with one final breakfast together. Connect with fellow attendees, reflect on key takeaways, and enjoy a final opportunity to strengthen the relationships and conversations.
- Dow Finsterwald Room
- 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Day 3 | October 2, 2026
Legacy of Leadership
Celebrate an inspiring leader as we present the Legacy of Leadership Award. This special moment recognizes an individual whose impact, mentorship, and commitment to advancing healthcare leadership have left a lasting mark on the industry.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Day 3 | October 2, 2026
Ideas in Action
Stacking the Bench: How Flexible Staffing Layers Strengthen Coverage
Hear from healthcare executives as they explore how flexible staffing layers can strengthen coverage and support a more resilient workforce. Panelists Daniel Hudson, Kelley Hamby, and Cathy Watson share practical strategies and real-world insights.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 8:30.A.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Day 3 | October 2, 2026
Break
Take a moment to refresh, grab a snack, and connect with peers before the next session.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Day 3 | October 2, 2026
Cross-Functional Executive Panel
Systemwide Workforce Strategy During Financial Transformation
Healthcare leaders come together to discuss how organizations align workforce strategy with financial transformation. Panelists Hussein Tahan, Sharla Baenen, LaDonna Johnston, and Sharon Pappas share perspectives on navigating systemwide change while supporting the workforce.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Day 3 | October 2, 2026
Closing Remarks
As RED comes to a close, join us for final reflections and key takeaways from the conversations, insights, and connections shared throughout the event.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Day 3 | October 2, 2026
Departure – Airport Shuttle
Airport shuttles will be available to assist with departures. Safe travels, and thank you for being part of RED.
- Robert Trent Jones Room
- 11:00 a.m.
A Rare, Multifunctional Perspective
"This is the only conference I am a part of where we truly work alongside chief nursing executives, HR professionals, and operational leaders—hearing how different organizations are addressing shared challenges through different lenses."
Inspiration for the Work That Matters
"Thank you to the SimpliFi team for creating a space for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. I’m leaving inspired and energized to bring these ideas back home and continue doing the work that matters!"
Building Executive Connections
"This was by far one of the best conferences I have attended. It is an incredible collaboration and connection opportunity for executives. I highly recommend it!"
Professional Growth and Insight
"Proud, grateful, and humbled to have the opportunity to be a part of this event and to learn from some of the greatest minds in our fields."
A Powerful Dialogue Among Healthcare Leaders
"It was a privilege to be part of such a thoughtful conversation and to learn alongside leaders who are all working to strengthen the healthcare workforce. I’m grateful to SimpliFi for the opportunity and the dialogue."
Engaging Leading Thinkers
“It’s been an incredible experience. RED has provided a unique opportunity to really form intimate professional collaboration with leading thinkers across our country.”
Captured Moments
Highlights from RED
Executive Invitation
Be Part of RED 2026!
Secure your place among senior healthcare leaders shaping the future of workforce strategy. Join a highly curated, executive-level experience designed for candid dialogue and meaningful collaboration.
RED Resources
RED 2025 Workforce Insights Report
Explore exclusive insights captured from RED 2025 attendee polling and executive discussions. Our white paper highlights emerging workforce trends, leadership priorities, and data-backed strategies shaping the future of healthcare staffing.
The Setting
The Broadmoor in Colorado
RED is hosted at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a world-class luxury resort. Refined accommodations, curated dining, and hosted experiences are fully covered so you can step away from the day-to-day and fully engage in the summit.
-
Luxury accommodations at The Broadmoor
-
All meals and hosted experiences included
-
Curated resort activities included in the agenda
A fully hosted executive experience at one of the nation’s most iconic resorts
Our Sponsors
Official Event Sponsors
Need More Information?
Commonly asked questions
Find answers to common questions about attendance, the application process, and what to expect at RED.