McGuireWoods’ 2026 Healthcare Private Equity and Finance Conference brought together private equity (PE) investors, lenders, healthcare executives, investment bankers and legal advisors to examine strategies for deploying capital and creating long-term value in a market shaped by selectivity and uncertainty. Held April 29-30, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, the event served as a key forum for examining the evolving investment landscape in 2026.
Panels throughout the conference highlighted the growing selectivity and discipline required in today’s healthcare deal environment. Economic uncertainty persists alongside strong, long-term demand for quality healthcare services. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including PE strategy in a disciplined market, AI-enabled care delivery models, private credit trends, healthcare banking dynamics, digital health ROI, life sciences funding pathways and regulatory considerations.
The program also featured a dedicated Women in Private Equity event with AI and technology leader Abigail Wen. Drawing from her experience across law, venture capital and AI, she offered actionable advice for women navigating careers in PE. Wen encouraged women to speak up for opportunities, maintain confidence in leadership roles rather than diminishing their accomplishments, seek strong mentorship and networks and strategically use AI tools to accelerate their work while retaining creative control.
Additional sessions on post-acquisition operational excellence, technology integration and sophisticated capital structuring equipped participants with practical tools. These tools support executing deals and building sustainable portfolio performance in an increasingly competitive environment.
Networking was also a highlight of the conference. Receptions and informal conversations gave investors, lenders, operators and advisors the chance to connect, compare notes and discuss real-world approaches to the strategic and operational challenges raised during the panels.
The LevinPro HC team was live on the ground in Chicago, conducting podcast-style interviews and roundtable discussions with leading experts from PE, finance and healthcare operations. Conversations focused on the competitive landscape among lenders in healthcare M&A, the sectors attracting the most investor attention and build-versus-buy strategies for providers.
A consistent takeaway was that healthcare remains a highly attractive asset class for private capital. While deal activity has become more selective, market participants are adapting with greater discipline, deeper sector expertise and a sharper focus on operational execution and technology-enabled differentiation.
Stay tuned for additional coverage from the conference, including deeper dives into key takeaways and perspectives from industry leaders, on the LevinPro HC platform.
