Where MedTech leaders drop the filter: The CEO-Only Forum at MedTech World North America 2026

Before the main program begins, before the exhibition floor fills and the panels take shape, a smaller, quieter room comes to life.

On May 11, 2026, Day 0 of MedTech World North America | West Palm Beach 2026, taking place from May 11 to 13, a select group leaders will gather for the CEO-Only Forum—a closed-door session designed specifically for those building and leading medical device companies.

Held at the Capony by Hilton, West Palm Beach, this forum is intentionally limited in size and scope. There are no open registrations or walk-ins. Participation is strictly by application only and reserved for current Chief Executive Officers of active medical device startups.

Apply for MedTech World CEO-Only Forum here.

A different kind of conversation

Most conferences are built around visibility—panels, presentations, and networking at scale. The CEO-Only Forum takes a different approach.

Here, the emphasis is on privacy, honesty, and depth.

No distractions.

No external pressure to pitch or perform.

No need to filter conversations.

Instead, the setting allows CEOs to speak candidly about the realities of building in MedTech, what’s working, what isn’t, and what lies ahead.

Neal Piper, Founder and CEO, Luminoah, reflected on this difference:

“Many conferences feel transactional and disconnected. With MedTech World, it’s the opposite. They offer a vibrant and beautiful setting that naturally brings people together. The curated events are designed for genuine connection, not surface level exchange. I left with lasting relationships and a deeper sense of belonging to a global community committed to advancing healthcare.”

Why closed-door forums matter

Leadership at the CEO level often comes with a degree of isolation. Decisions carry weight, but opportunities to openly exchange experiences with peers are rare.

Closed-door forums like this create space for:

• Unfiltered peer-to-peer learning
• Honest discussions on challenges and failures
• Strategic insights from those a few steps ahead
• Meaningful connections that extend beyond the event

These are not surface-level exchanges. They are conversations that can shape decisions, partnerships, and direction.

Allison Post, CEO, Rhythio Medical, shared her perspective:

“I had the chance to build entirely new connections, strengthen relationships I truly value, and engage with a diverse global network. The energy and collaboration here were inspiring, and I’m excited about the opportunities that will grow from it. I genuinely can’t wait for next year.”

Built for those in the arena

The value of the forum lies not only in the format, but in the people in the room.

Participants are carefully vetted by the MedTech World team. Every application is reviewed to ensure that the room remains relevant, focused, and aligned. The result is a group of individuals who understand the same pressures, timelines, and expectations. Among the leaders helping guide the conversation will be Arman Nadershahi, CEO, Endiatx, who will be among the point guards shaping the direction of this closed-door forum and helping facilitate meaningful peer-to-peer dialogue.

Valeria McFarren, Founder and CEO, Chaski Global, described the broader experience:

“A thoughtfully curated gathering that connects and energizes the people driving healthcare forward through MedTech. It’s the place to meet global leaders united by a commitment to better care for all.”

Extending beyond the room

While the forum itself is closed, its impact carries into the rest of the event.

Connections formed in this setting often continue into:

• Private meetings
• Evening receptions
• Investor discussions
• Strategic collaborations

It creates a foundation for more purposeful engagement across the three days.

As Shaherah Yancy, CEO, Research Lifecycle Solutions, noted about MedTech World:

“The conference was perfectly right-sized, large enough to bring together every key player across the MedTech ecosystem, yet intimate enough to foster genuine, meaningful connections. The energy was focused, the conversations were purposeful, and the attendees were there to do real business and create real momentum.”

How to attend

Participation in the CEO-Only Forum is:

• By application only
• Limited to current CEOs of active medical device startups
• Subject to approval by the MedTech World team
• Available only to holders of a valid conference pass

For those leading from the front, the CEO-Only Forum offers something increasingly rare:

a space to step away from the noise, engage with peers on equal footing, and have the conversations that don’t happen anywhere else.

And it all begins before the first keynote even starts. Apply now to secure your spot.