Welcome to the official speaker resource center for the AscendX Super User Conference, taking place September 22–25, 2025 in Chicago, IL.
This page contains everything you need to prepare for your presentation — deadlines, submission requirements, and your session details. Please read carefully to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
Important Deadlines
September 1, 2025
Session Outlines Due to Michael Driese (michael@ascendcohealth.com)
Speaker Acceptance Form must be completed and submitted.
September 12, 2025
September 18, 2025
Presentation Q&A Preparation Call with the Ascendco events team.
Introductions: Your session will begin with a brief introduction by Hannah Moore and David Jagrosse, followed immediately by your presentation.
Timing: Each general session is allotted 45 minutes for presentation, followed by 10 minutes for audience Q&A, and 5 minutes of transition for the emcees to set up the next session. Please plan your content accordingly to stay within the time limit.
Partner presentations will be 30 minutes for Tier 1 sponsors and 15 minutes for Tier 2 sponsors.
Please ensure content is educational, solution-focused, and data-backed.
Your session should fit the allotted time and include 10 minutes for Q&A unless otherwise specified.
All final slides will be reviewed to ensure brand consistency and alignment with conference objectives.
4:30 PM – Opening Keynote
Redefining Risk: Make It Visible, Make It Actionable
Speaker: Dr. Peter Nichol, Pediatric Surgeon & Medical Director of Surgical Services
8:30 AM – Keynote Session
Human + Machine: Redesigning the Operating System of Surgery
Speaker: Brian Reed, Co-Founder & CEO, Ascendco Health
9:15 AM – Session 2
Cut the Anchor: Let Go of What’s Holding SPD Back (Panel)
Moderator: Stephen Wanecke
Panelists: [TBD]
10:15 AM – Session 3
From Insight to Impact: The Power of Progress-Driven Data (Panel)
Moderator: Greer Brackett
Panelists: [Sara Vinson + TBD]
12:30 PM – Client Innovation Showcase
Featuring Ascendco Clients
Presenters: [Brandon Job, Vanessa Frank]
2:00 PM – Session 5
More Than You Think: Expanding the Framework of Digital Solutions to Drive Value at All Levels of the Hospital
Speaker: William Estes
2:30 PM – Breakout Sessions
Foundational Track – [Brian North, Cassidy Roth, Lauren Hawley]
Strategic Track – [Welsh Harris, William Estes, Andy Fairlamb, Ryan Crosser]
9:30 AM – Session 7
Reactive to Real Time: Live Analytics and AI in SPD
Speakers: Alex Brown & Shyam Pathak
10:30 AM – Partner Success Showcase
Featuring Industry Partners
Presenters: [TBD]
11:30 AM – Session 9
Becoming Proactive: Changing the Current Leadership Culture
Speakers: Molly Lavin & Brian Reed
1:30 PM – Session 10
Now Live: Recently Deployed Product Innovations
Speakers: Kohlsen Burton & Welsh Harris
2:30 PM – Breakout Sessions
Foundational Track – [Brian North, Cassidy Roth, Lauren Hawley]
Strategic Track – [Welsh Harris, William Estes, Andy Fairlamb, Ryan Crosser]
3:30 PM – SPD Trivia Challenge
Hosts: Mike & Dave
4:00 PM – Session 13
Super User Bootcamp: Hands-On Tools for SPD Leaders
Speaker: Carson Beineman
8:00 AM – Ask the Ascenders Breakfast
Facilitators: Ascendco Team
9:00 AM – Session 15
Thriving Under Pressure – Strategies for Balance, Energy, and Longevity in SPD
Speaker: [TBD]
9:45 AM – Instrumental Innovations Awards
Presenters: Greer Brackett
10:00 AM – Closing Remarks
Future Forward: Modernizing and Breaking Through Barriers
Speakers: Brian Reed & Welsh Harris
11:00 AM – Peer-to-Peer Mentorship: The Power of the Ascender Network
Facilitators: Ascendco Experts & Super Users