2026 MHSCN Fall Conference
Forecasting the Future: Navigating Healthcare
Communications in a Changing Climate
Monday, November 9, 2026 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Join the Minnesota Health Strategy and Communications Network (MHSCN) for a full day of learning, conversation and connection focused on the future of healthcare communications.
The healthcare climate is changing fast. New technologies, shifting consumer expectations, evolving communication channels and continued changes across the healthcare industry are reshaping how we reach and engage the people and communities we serve.
Forecasting the Future will bring healthcare marketing, communications and strategy professionals together to explore the forces shaping our field and, more importantly, what we can do about them.
Throughout the day, you'll gain practical strategies you can bring back to your organization and connect with colleagues facing many of the same challenges and opportunities. Featured speakers include:
Belinda Jensen is a Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Famer who recently retired as Chief Meteorologist at KARE 11 News after 35 years of forecasting, a passion she has had since elementary school. She now co-hosts Weathering Life with Bel and Lee, a weekly podcast with fellow Hall of Famer Lee Valsvik, which helps people navigate life's stormiest transitions. With wit, wisdom, and no script, Belinda joins us as this year’s conference keynote, talking career pivots, reinvention, unexpected detours, and the sunny stretches in between.
Chris Boyer is a digital strategist and consultant who helps health systems, health services organizations and digital health companies improve the patient experience. Through his consultancy, Chris Boyer LLC, he advises leaders on digital transformation, marketing technology and enterprise governance. He is a nationally recognized speaker and author, and co-host of the Touch Point podcast, a weekly show on digital experience, transformation and innovation in healthcare that has run for nine years and 500 episodes
Howie Chan is the founder and chief strategist at The Behavioring Company, where he applies behavioral science and influence psychology to change human behavior for good. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Howie has worked with Fortune 100 companies, startups, and industry leaders, including helping lead the brand strategy of an $8.5 billion spinout from Merck. He was named the #1 LinkedIn creator worldwide in branding by Favikon in 2024 and hosts the top podcast in applied influence psychology called Influence Anyone.
Agenda
9:00–9:30 a.m. Registration, Breakfast & Networking
9:30–9:45 a.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:45–10:30 a.m. Opening Keynote: Weathering What Comes Next — Belinda Jensen
10:30–10:45 a.m. Break
10:45–11:30 a.m. The Forecast Is Changing. Human Nature Isn’t. — Howie Chan
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Panel: Local Forecast — Issues Facing Rural Healthcare — Moderator: Cory Docken; Panelists: Katie Johnson, Lake Region Healthcare, and Wes Duellman, CCM Health
12:15–1:15 p.m. Lunch, Networking & MHSCN Awards
1:15–2:00 p.m. Panel: Calm Before, During, and After the Storm — Messaging Through Major Disruptions — Moderator: Chris Wendt
2:00–2:30 p.m. Break & Sponsor Networking
2:30–3:30 p.m. Closing Keynote: The Best View Is From the Edge of the Cliff — Forecasting AI in Healthcare Marketing and Communications — Chris Boyer
3:30–3:45 p.m. Closing Remarks & Thank You
