Business Advancement Center for Health Signature Events

Convene Conference

Held annually each April, the Carlson School's Convene Conference is a thought-leadership conference focused on the intersection of healthcare, technology, and data analytics as major solutions to healthcare issues.

The conference brings together leaders from the provider, payer, technology and regulatory sectors who address how innovations can transform access, quality, and health equity. Convene offers opportunities for attendees to engage with keynote speakers, participate in engaging panels, and have one-on-one conversations with nationally recognized industry leaders, all while encouraging cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration.

Since January 2022 the conference has been hosted by the Business Advancement Center for Health (BACH); prior to that, the Medical Industry Leadership Institute was the host (September 2017-December 2021).

Health Sector Leaders Consortium

Held annually in the fall, four to five health leaders from various sectors are invited to share their perspectives about the challenges, the innovations, and the opportunities they see when it comes to achieving equity in the healthcare sector.

The Consortium is tailored to encourage collaboration through an engaging networking session which takes place following the presentations. BACH aims to bring together diverse stakeholders from academia, industry, and the community, all of whom share a passion for advancing accessible healthcare.

The Health Sector Leaders Consortium is not just an event; it's a call to action. Together, we can leverage the strength of Minnesota's healthcare community, lead in addressing complex healthcare problems, foster collaboration, and drive health equity. 

UMN Interdisciplinary Health Data Competition

Launched in 2020 and held annually in the spring, the University of Minnesota Interdisciplinary Health Data Competition marked a significant stride towards fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling contemporary healthcare challenges.

Participants in this data competition engage in a thorough exploratory analysis of designated datasets, leveraging data science tools and methodologies to offer inventive solutions and insights.

This event serves as a platform for graduate students from diverse disciplines at the University of Minnesota to actively apply, refine, and exhibit their comprehension of real-world healthcare issues, showcasing their adeptness in addressing these challenges through innovative applications of data science and presenting their findings directly to sponsors and judges.


Most Recent Event


7th Annual Convene Conference: April 9, 2025

Preview Convene25 Welcome Pinar Karaca-Mandic at podium
Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic shares welcome remarks at the start of the Convene Conference
Preview Convene25 Myles Shaver and David Rhew talk with the audience behind them
Associate Dean Myles Shaver talks with Dr. David Rhew, keynote, prior to the start of Convene
Preview Convene25 Guests checking in at registration table
Attendees checking in for Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Dr. Archelle Georgiou, smiling while greeting the audience from stage
Dr. Archelle Georgiou, emcee and moderator for Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 David Rhew presenting with upside down triangle graphic on screen
Dr. David Rhew, Microsoft, delivers the keynote address at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Man in audience listens intently with his laptop open on his lap.
Engaged audience members during Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 David Rhew on Stage Presenting
Dr. David Rhew during his keynote address
Preview Convene25 Lou DiLorenzo and Archelle Georgiou talking, seated on stage
Lou DiLorenzo, Deloitte, during a fireside chat with Dr. Archelle Georgiou
Preview Convene25 A male audience member holding a microphone to ask a question.
Audience members during session Q&A's take time to pose questions at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Lou DiLorenzo, seated, smiling to the audience
Lou DiLorenzo sharing about scalability of AI during his fireside chat at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Two gentleman seated in the auditorium smile at the camera
Alumni Quincy Smith and Judd Larson during a break at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 A female audience member with microphone asks a question.
Attendee Habiba Ikoghode, M Health Fairview, poses a question during the Convene Conference
Preview Convene25 David Rhew with Students
Dr. David Rhew networking with Convene conference attendees
Preview Convene25 Two standing women talking during a break.
Grace Bizal, UHG during the networking break at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Rodolphe Katra speaking on stage
Rodolphe Katra, Chief Global AI Officer at Medtronic and Carlson School Alum presents during his panel at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Speaker Sarah Harper at podium looking out to the audience
Sarah Harper, Mayo Clinic Health Systems, during her panel presentation at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Audience members engaged in listening.
Convene Conference 2025 audience members listen during presentations
Preview Convene25 Speaker Sarah Harper speaks while gesturing to the screen
Sarah Harper sharing about real-world use cases of AI implementation (or not!) at Mayo Clinic Health Systems
Preview Convene25 Panel Discussion 1 virtual 3 seated on stage
Panel Balancing Regulatory Guardrails & Innovation in AI with Dr. Genevieve Melton Meaux, Marielle Lejcher, Haider Warraich (virtually) and moderator Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Pinar seated on stage moderating a panel
Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic moderating during Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Dr. Genevieve Melton Meaux seated on stage during panel.
Dr. Genevieve Melton Meux, M Health Fairview during her panel at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Marielle Lejcher seated on stage talks to the audience
Marielle Lejcher, President, ZoaDx, during her panel presentation at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Panel Discussion 1 virtual 3 seated on stage
Moderator Pinar Karaca-Mandic poses a question to Haider Warraich, ARPA-H during Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Lou DiLorenzo speaking with a guest during networking break.
Lou DiLorenzo talking with an attendee at Convene during a networking break
Preview Convene25 Two gentleman standing and talking during the networking break.
Attendees enjoy networking opportunities at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Speaker Rodolphe Katra stands with 3 attendees smiling at the camera
Speaker Rodolphe Katra (second from right) with Convene Conference attendees
Preview Convene25 4 female speakers standing on stage, arm in arm.
Dr. Genevieve Melton Meux, Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic, Dr. Archelle Georgiou and Marielle Lejcher enjoy a moment together, following the Convene Conference
Preview Convene25 David Rhew networks with 2 attendees
Dr. David Rhew (right) engaged with attendees following the Convene Conference
Preview Convene25 6 attendees seated at a round table during lunch.
Convene Conference attendees skillfully networking during breakfast
Preview Convene25 View of networking lunch attendees from above.
Convene Conference reception from above in the Mondale Commons at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Preview Convene25 Pinar stands with 4 graduate student volunteers
BACH Founding Director, Pinar Karaca-Mandic and BACH Graduate Assistant Ana Xifaj (right) with graduate student volunteers at Convene
Preview Convene25 Name tags ready for check in at the registration table
Convene 2025 check in table ready to welcome our conference attendees
Preview Convene25 Maroon and gold balloon next to a large conference poster
All about that Maroon and Gold, with balloons and the conference poster for Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 The 4 members of the conference planning team standing arm in arm.
The Convene Conference 2025 Steering Committee: Dr. Archelle Georgiou, Ana Xifaj (BACH Grad Assistant), Becky Strelow (BACH Program Manager) and Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic
Preview Convene25 Welcome Pinar Karaca-Mandic at podium
Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic shares welcome remarks at the start of the Convene Conference
Preview Convene25 Myles Shaver and David Rhew talk with the audience behind them
Associate Dean Myles Shaver talks with Dr. David Rhew, keynote, prior to the start of Convene
Preview Convene25 Guests checking in at registration table
Attendees checking in for Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Dr. Archelle Georgiou, smiling while greeting the audience from stage
Dr. Archelle Georgiou, emcee and moderator for Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 David Rhew presenting with upside down triangle graphic on screen
Dr. David Rhew, Microsoft, delivers the keynote address at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Man in audience listens intently with his laptop open on his lap.
Engaged audience members during Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 David Rhew on Stage Presenting
Dr. David Rhew during his keynote address
Preview Convene25 Lou DiLorenzo and Archelle Georgiou talking, seated on stage
Lou DiLorenzo, Deloitte, during a fireside chat with Dr. Archelle Georgiou
Preview Convene25 A male audience member holding a microphone to ask a question.
Audience members during session Q&A's take time to pose questions at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Lou DiLorenzo, seated, smiling to the audience
Lou DiLorenzo sharing about scalability of AI during his fireside chat at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Two gentleman seated in the auditorium smile at the camera
Alumni Quincy Smith and Judd Larson during a break at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 A female audience member with microphone asks a question.
Attendee Habiba Ikoghode, M Health Fairview, poses a question during the Convene Conference
Preview Convene25 David Rhew with Students
Dr. David Rhew networking with Convene conference attendees
Preview Convene25 Two standing women talking during a break.
Grace Bizal, UHG during the networking break at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Rodolphe Katra speaking on stage
Rodolphe Katra, Chief Global AI Officer at Medtronic and Carlson School Alum presents during his panel at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Speaker Sarah Harper at podium looking out to the audience
Sarah Harper, Mayo Clinic Health Systems, during her panel presentation at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Audience members engaged in listening.
Convene Conference 2025 audience members listen during presentations
Preview Convene25 Speaker Sarah Harper speaks while gesturing to the screen
Sarah Harper sharing about real-world use cases of AI implementation (or not!) at Mayo Clinic Health Systems
Preview Convene25 Panel Discussion 1 virtual 3 seated on stage
Panel Balancing Regulatory Guardrails & Innovation in AI with Dr. Genevieve Melton Meaux, Marielle Lejcher, Haider Warraich (virtually) and moderator Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Pinar seated on stage moderating a panel
Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic moderating during Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Dr. Genevieve Melton Meaux seated on stage during panel.
Dr. Genevieve Melton Meux, M Health Fairview during her panel at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Marielle Lejcher seated on stage talks to the audience
Marielle Lejcher, President, ZoaDx, during her panel presentation at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Panel Discussion 1 virtual 3 seated on stage
Moderator Pinar Karaca-Mandic poses a question to Haider Warraich, ARPA-H during Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Lou DiLorenzo speaking with a guest during networking break.
Lou DiLorenzo talking with an attendee at Convene during a networking break
Preview Convene25 Two gentleman standing and talking during the networking break.
Attendees enjoy networking opportunities at Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 Speaker Rodolphe Katra stands with 3 attendees smiling at the camera
Speaker Rodolphe Katra (second from right) with Convene Conference attendees
Preview Convene25 4 female speakers standing on stage, arm in arm.
Dr. Genevieve Melton Meux, Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic, Dr. Archelle Georgiou and Marielle Lejcher enjoy a moment together, following the Convene Conference
Preview Convene25 David Rhew networks with 2 attendees
Dr. David Rhew (right) engaged with attendees following the Convene Conference
Preview Convene25 6 attendees seated at a round table during lunch.
Convene Conference attendees skillfully networking during breakfast
Preview Convene25 View of networking lunch attendees from above.
Convene Conference reception from above in the Mondale Commons at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Preview Convene25 Pinar stands with 4 graduate student volunteers
BACH Founding Director, Pinar Karaca-Mandic and BACH Graduate Assistant Ana Xifaj (right) with graduate student volunteers at Convene
Preview Convene25 Name tags ready for check in at the registration table
Convene 2025 check in table ready to welcome our conference attendees
Preview Convene25 Maroon and gold balloon next to a large conference poster
All about that Maroon and Gold, with balloons and the conference poster for Convene 2025
Preview Convene25 The 4 members of the conference planning team standing arm in arm.
The Convene Conference 2025 Steering Committee: Dr. Archelle Georgiou, Ana Xifaj (BACH Grad Assistant), Becky Strelow (BACH Program Manager) and Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic

AI. Innovation. Impact. Watch Convene Again

Previous Events

(February 25, 2025)

Recording

Theme: "Healthcare Provider Deep Dive: Connecting Quality, Payment, and Social Context"

With this theme, the goal is to enable students to dive into a comprehensive data set, covering a variety of healthcare provider characteristics. Specifically, the data set will include information on providers’ participation in quality payment programs, such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), along with their associated scores, rewards or penalties, and relevant social context tied to the geographic areas in which they practice. The 2025 data set partner was mimilabs

This year, 62 students, forming 18 interdisciplinary teams, from across 13 different colleges or schools, joined forces to showcase their understanding of real-world healthcare problems and their abilities to solve them with innovative use of data science.

(October 15, 2024)

recordingS

The third annual Health Sector Leaders Consortium brought together over 90 healthcare leaders, professionals, and innovators. This year, the event featured four influential speakers who highlighted critical issues such as hybrid care models, the social impact of healthcare technology, hospital capacity management, and digital health solutions.

  • Sameer Gupta, MD, MBA
    Vice President of Medical Affairs - MHealth Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center
  • Mark Hansberry, MBA
    Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer - HealthPartners
  • Olivia Jefferson, MSW
    Vice President, Social Impact & Executive Director - Best Buy
  • Nancy Morden, MD, MPH, CMO
    Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer Clinical Policy, Clinical Program Evaluation, and Clinical Program Innovation - UnitedHealthcare

The Health Sector Leaders Consortium is a unique opportunity for leaders from various sectors to share their perspectives on the challenges, innovations, and opportunities they encounter in their efforts to advance value and equity in health. 

(April 25, 2024)

Recording

*SmartTech is broadly defined as "advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data science within the med tech space."

Healthcare industry leaders, experts, and innovators gathered to advance a vision of making the region a global hub for smart medical technologies, leveraging AI, machine learning, and advanced data analytics. Participants explored key partnerships, the integration of smart technologies with electronic health records, and strategies for market innovation, including funding considerations. 

(April 2, 2024)

Recording

Theme: A Comprehensive Look at MN and What We Can Learn Pre- and Post-Pandemic

This unique competition showcases innovative solutions to pressing healthcare challenges, directly from the talented students at the University of Minnesota. This year, 62 students across 10 different programs joined forces to showcase their understanding of real-world healthcare problems and their abilities to solve them with innovative use of data science.

(October 17, 2023)

recording

The Consortium is an opportunity to engage at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and community collaboration! This event brought together industry leaders who are change makers in the business of healthcare. Presenters shared important trends they saw impacting their business or organization, highlighted innovative projects or initiatives their organization is working on, and discussed challenges and opportunities within their sector. 

Convene 2023 focused on the interconnectedness of the health sector and how data, analytics, and technology can drive solutions to advance value and health equity. In 2023, Convene was awarded a Bronze Stevie Award for Conferences & Meetings – Conferences, by the American Business Awards®. Based in the thriving Twin Cities healthcare ecosystem, the conference promotes cross- disciplinary learning with keynote speakers, engaging panels, and one-on-one conversations with nationally recognized, leading executives in the health sector.
 

View Recordings

 

Part 1                     Part 2

(November 8, 2022)

Recording

Healthcare data is abundant but accessing this information can be challenging for researchers. MN Community Measurement (MNCM) is a nonprofit organization that plays an important role in Minnesota as a trusted source of information on health care quality, cost, and equity. MNCM is working to make healthcare data more visible and accessible for payers, providers, researchers, and others to better understand gaps in care and to inform improvement efforts.  Learn about the data that MNCM collects and how MNCM works with researchers to utilize their data. Presentation materials.

(September 20, 2022)

Feature 

This inaugural event brought together industry leaders who are disrupting the status quo of business in healthcare. Watch the recordings to learn more about how industry trends, innovation, and cross-sector engagement are driving solutions to address value, access, and health equity. Presenters included Andy McMahon (Vice President, Community Investment & Innovation, UnitedHealthcare Community & State)Grady Davis (Vice President, Global Commercial Marketing Structural Heart, Medtronic)Sarah Taylor (Vice President & Chief Analytics Officer, Prime Therapeutics)Frank Jaskulke (Vice President of Intelligence, Medical Alley Association), Mark Steffen (Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota), Sami Yusuf (Vice Chair of Corporate Development, Mayo Clinic International), and was moderated by BACH Founding Director Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic

Health Sector Leaders Consortium Recording - Part 1 - featuring Andy McMahon, Grady Davis, and Sarah Taylor

Health Sector Leaders Consortium Recording - Part 2 - featuring Frank Jaskulke, Mark Steffen, and Sami Yusuf

Presentation Materials

(May 17, 2022)

Recording 

This discussion, led by BACH Founding Director Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic, reviewed recent legal and policy questions under discussion in the Courts and Congress and examined how stakeholders are responding to the ever-evolving 340B program landscape.  Presenters included Thomas Barker, JD (Foley Hoag, LLP); Sayah Nikpay, PhD (University of Minnesota School of Public Health); and Faraz Siddiqui, JD, MPH (Hyman, Phelps & McNamara). Read a Summary and view the Presentation Materials.

(April 26, 2022)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

CONVENE is a thought-leadership conference focused on the intersection of healthcare, technology, and data analytics as major solutions to healthcare issues.  The 4th annual Convene explored consumerism in healthcare and the evolution of digital health innovations to support personalized care. Leaders from the patient, provider, payer, medical device, and regulatory sectors addressed how their organizations are transforming the medical industry to increase access and improve the quality of care.

(April 5, 2022)

The University of Minnesota hosted the 3rd annual Health Data Competition promoting interdisciplinary collaboration using data to address current healthcare challenges. Student teams analyzed the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider & Systems (HCAHPS) survey to assess how patient experience in a hospital setting impacts other aspects of care. 

(March 2, 2022)

The University of Minnesota research team partnered with the Minnesota Hospital Association to introduce their new study "Social Bonds as a Pooled Financing Mechanism to Address Social Drivers of Health Equity." The study, led by BACH Founding Director Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic, investigates if a novel social bond can pool resources across multiple competing health plans to create stable, long-term financing for interventions addressing social determinants of health and promoting racial justice and health equity.  

(December 1, 2021) 

Recording 

MILI Academic Director, Prof. Pinar Karaca-Mandic and MILI Executive in Residence, Gopal Khanna talk with Dr. Meena Seshamani, the newly appointed Director for the Center for Medicare, on her vision for the future of Medicare, and the challenges and opportunities the industry faces in the post-pandemic era of health. 

(November 10, 2021)

Recording 

Lucas Nesse, (President & CEO, MCHP), Andrea Walsh (President & CEO, HealthPartners), and John Naylor (President & CEO, Medica) discussed the landscape of nonprofit health plans in Minnesota, the impact of nonprofit health plans, industry trends, and the employment outlook.  

(October 13, 2021)

Recording 

Biologics have revolutionized the treatment of care, but often at high prices. As the biosimilar market evolves with new biosimilars coming to market, it is essential to consider patient, provider, payer, manufacturer, and policy dynamics that influence uptake and affordability. This virtual panel discussion, led by BACH Founding Director and Prime Therapeutics leadership, introduces the biosimilars landscape and discusses coverage and pricing of biosimilars, provider-level factors influencing uptake, legislative challenges, and manufacturer perspectives. Presentation Materials.

Contact Business Advancement Center for Health