BOMA International’s 2023 MOB Conference Packed and Productive

April 28, 2023 • Alex Miller

With a record high of over 1,600 attendees, the 2023 Medical Office Buildings + Healthcare Real Estate Conference in Chicago was a great success. Three days of speakers, networking, and education sessions provided attendees with the chance to learn from each other and from industry leaders. In a rapidly changing healthcare real estate field, these discussions continue to be extremely valuable. 

This year’s educational track was focused on a range of pertinent topics; operations, leasing, design, regulatory issues and structuring deals. All of this education enabled attendees to better understand how they grow and evolve their services.

In terms of conference growth, BOMA leadership is impressed. “Our MOB conference continues to grow year over year, and I’m proud that it has become the gold standard for the industry” said BOMA International Chair Randal Froebelius, “Not only does the conference facilitate important discussions that steer the future of healthcare real estate, but it also provides an important opportunity for our community to build its network and enhance relationships.”  

One of the clear advantages of participating in the MOB conference is that it allows attendees to network, but also to land and close new business deals.
 
Incoming BOMA International Chair and BOMA/Chicago Member, Bob Six said “Chicago has been and continues to be at the forefront of medical innovation and I’m proud to see the record-breaking turnout for BOMA’s MOB Conference in Chicago. The discussions these past two days point to a brilliant future for medical office buildings and healthcare real estate.” According to research from 42floors, Chicago ranks 4th in the US for medical office square footage.

The conference's keynote speakers were all full of powerful insights. On Wednesday, attendees heard from Vanderbilt Professor Larry Van Horn, an expert in business, health policy, and academia. His insight on the shifts of healthcare and insurance operations was exactly the kind of knowledge that helps MOB attendees adapt to a changing industry. 

One of Thursday’s Keynote speakers, Alice Zhang of Verge Genomics, spoke about the impact of technology, especially AI, on the field. Her company foregoes the traditional route of animal testing and utilizes technology to safely and accurately get data from humans. Zhang dove into how AI and machine learning are being leveraged to innovate and create safer drugs. The future of medical innovation requires humans and AI working in sync to best care for patients and their needs. Finally, the luncheon keynote from CBS News’ Scott Pelley offered a unique perspective on current events. Pelley’s speech recalled his experiences in Syria, Ukraine, and during 9/11. The main theme being the importance of clear and concise communication during times of crisis and even war.

 



The 2023 MOB Conference continued to show growth and productive discussions, and the team at BOMA International hopes to see you next year in Orlando!