A healthy workforce is the backbone of Galveston’s economic vitality. To help local employers learn more about current healthcare challenges and hear expert advice on top health issues, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce will expand its third annual healthcare event into a half-day State of Healthcare Summit & Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 23, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall Blvd. Research shows businesses gain more than $3 for every dollar invested in preventative employee wellness.
This year’s event expands from a traditional luncheon into a comprehensive summit featuring a breakfast keynote, six targeted breakout sessions, and a vendor expo leading directly into a flagship healthcare panel discussion during lunch.
“As business leaders across Galveston, our responsibility extends beyond managing daily operations; it includes fostering a culture of health,” said Gina Spagnola, president and CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Expanding our focus to broader healthcare initiatives directly strengthens our region’s productivity and economic vitality.”
The summit opens at 7:30 a.m. with a vendor expo, followed by a 9 a.m. breakfast presentation by Craig Kovacevich, committee chairman of the Blue Zones Project Galveston.
Breakout sessions at 9:45 and 10:45 a.m. will address critical community and workplace health topics:
- Health care access and choice: Hospitality Health ER and Elitecare
- Heart health: HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland, Memorial Hermann and UTMB Health
- Health care through the decades and healthy aging: HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland, Memorial Hermann and UTMB Health
- Pediatric health: Shriners Children’s Texas, Memorial Hermann and UTMB Health
- Holistic health: HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland, Memorial Hermann and UTMB Health
- Cancer care: HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland, Memorial Hermann and UTMB Health
The morning concludes with a keynote luncheon panel at noon featuring regional healthcare executives, including Dr. Theodoros Voloyiannis of HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland; Byron Auzenne, vice president of operations and chief operating officer of Memorial Hermann; Kyle Stanzel, senior vice president and chief executive officer of Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital; Dr. William Phillips of Shriners Children’s Texas; and Justin J. Gallo, chief supply chain officer and vice president of hospital operations of the University of Texas Medical Branch.
The State of Healthcare Summit & Luncheon is presented by Shriners Children’s Texas, UTMB Health, and the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Registration and Event Details:
- Date and Time: Friday, Oct. 23 | 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Location: Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall Blvd.
- Tickets: $75 for Chamber members | $85 for nonmembers
- Vendor Opportunities: $150 (includes lunch)
- Registration: Sponsorships, vendor booths, and individual tickets are available at GalvestonChamber.com.
About the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1845, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is the oldest chamber of commerce in Texas and proudly holds a Five-Star Accreditation. The Chamber is dedicated to promoting business and community development, strengthening the local economy, and fostering leadership to ensure a vibrant and thriving Galveston.
For more information, visit GalvestonChamber.com or call (409) 763-5326.
