Case Study: The Shane Group’s Support for the 2023 Global Digital Health Forum

Overview

The 2023 Global Digital Health Forum (GDHF), held from December 4-6, brought together digital health practitioners from around the world in a hybrid format, with in-person sessions in Washington, D.C., and virtual participation. The event aimed to drive effective and equitable digital health innovation. The Shane Group played a crucial role in supporting the in-person event logistics, focusing on venue management and audio-visual coordination.

Goals and Objectives

The primary goals of the 2023 GDHF were:

• Facilitate Networking: Connect government stakeholders, digital health developers, researchers, donors, implementers, and field experts in public health and technology.

• Explore Innovation: Discuss how digital health technologies can expand service reach, address healthcare needs in real-time, and improve quality without excluding any populations.

• Hybrid Inclusion: Ensure the hybrid format included voices from low- and middle-income countries, enhancing global participation despite travel and cost limitations.

The Shane Group's Role

Elevate Attendee Experience:

• Strategic Agenda Creation: The Shane Group designed the in-person agenda to maximize networking opportunities by creating time and spaces for collaboration and conversations.

• Effective Coordination: By working closely with TechChange, The Shane Group managed transportation and accommodations efficiently, allowing participants to focus on the event.

Event Organization and Strategic Planning:

• Venue Selection and Layout Optimization: The North Bethesda Marriott Hotel & Convention Center was selected for its capacity to host a large-scale hybrid event. The Shane Group optimized the venue layout to ensure natural and effective attendee flow, enhancing networking opportunities.

• Efficient Logistics: Coordinated transportation, accommodations, and on-site services to ensure a hassle-free experience for all participants.

Audio-Visual Coordination:

• State-of-the-Art AV Setup: The Shane Group worked with TechChange and the Global Digital Health Network to manage all technical aspects, ensuring high-quality audio and visual systems for keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and live-streaming to virtual participants.

Venue Management:

• On-Site Coordination: Managed all aspects of the venue, including room setups, signage, attendee flow, and food and beverage services, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment for the 700+ in-person attendees.

• Health and Safety Protocols: Implemented stringent health and safety measures to protect all attendees and staff, adhering to local guidelines and best practices.

Support and Communication:

• Pre-Event Communications: Provided extensive email support and detailed documents through FAQs on the GDHF website, assisting attendees with travel visas and hotel accommodations.

• On-Site Registration Process: Sourced and contracted an innovative registration and badging process that received positive feedback from attendees.

Impact

The 2023 GDHF achieved the highest and most diverse attendance in its 13-year history, with over 700 in-person attendees and nearly 2000 virtual participants. Engaging local gatherings in five cities worldwide further expanded the event’s reach and impact.

Testimonials:

• Olivia Velez, IntraHealth: "This event was INCREDIBLE! You all did an AMAZING job and this event was truly ELEVATED this year. We are so grateful to the TechChange team!"

• Adele Waugaman, USAID: "TechChange put on a fantastic conference! We really see the difference this year with a professional team running the show. THANK YOU!"

• Simon Adebola, WHO: "Global Digital Health is life-changing business! The organizers deserve thumbs up for their innovativeness."

Conclusion

The Shane Group’s support was instrumental in the success of the 2023 Global Digital Health Forum. By managing the venue, coordinating audio-visual systems, and ensuring seamless event logistics, we created an environment where attendees could focus on driving effective and equitable digital health innovation conversations. The positive feedback and record-breaking attendance are testaments to the event’s success and our commitment to excellence.