2026 Annual Celebration

May 21st, 2026 

Orchestra Hall , Minneapolis, MN

With Keynote Speaker David McLain

Annual Celebration, brought to you by Fairview Heath Services

In 2026, Medical Alley is doubling down on transformation. As the unprecedented global network for health and life sciences, comprising 800+ partners and over 2,000 startups, we recognize that true innovation is measured not just by its technical sophistication, but by its reach. To celebrate this momentum, we’re breaking the mold. This year’s partners-only event moves away from the traditional "sit-down" gala in favor of an "un-dinner" experience at the iconic Orchestra Hall, shifting the focus from the podium to the very core of our mission: health equity and human impact.


*This is a member only event. If you are not a member, please reach out to our team via email at info@medicalalley.org

Keynote Speaker: David McLain

National Geographic Photographer, Filmmaker & Sony Artisan of Imagery

We are honored to feature acclaimed National Geographic photographer and filmmaker David McLain, whose career, spanning seven National Geographic features and the #1 New York Times bestseller Blue Zones Kitchen, centers on the power of human connection and empathy. David does more than capture images; he documents the fundamental soul of the human experience. As a founding Sony Artisan of Imagery, he has spent decades on the front lines of global storytelling, from uncovering the secrets of longevity to exposing the stark realities of health equity in America.

"Many Americans struggle to live healthy lives due to their race, income, gender identity, or zip code. I set out to capture the human stories, putting faces to the inequalities impacting our communities in an effort to raise awareness and inspire solutions."

Through his profound series on health equity, McLain provides the crucial perspective our network requires: the human story behind the clinical data. His work serves as a masterclass in "deep time," the disciplined practice of cultivating trust and authenticity through genuine empathy. By bringing his lens to the systemic barriers, McLain helps Medical Alley bridge the gap between world-class R&D and the fundamental right to access safe and dignified care. Grounded by a sense of curiosity and optimism, David invites us to see the world—and our mission—through a more human, equitable lens.

What to Expect:

  • High-Impact Engagement: Fostering deeper connections among the leaders, innovators, and caregivers who make up the world’s most influential health and life sciences cluster.
  • Storytelling Over Ceremony: An intimate evening moving beyond the podium to share the human impact of the work we do every day. 
  • A New Standard: Pushing the boundaries of how we gather to inspire the next wave of healthcare leadership.

Join us as we celebrate the vibrancy of our community and explore what it takes to lead true change.

Event Details

Venue

Orchestra Hall
1111 Nicollet Mall

Minneapolis, MN 55403


Partner with us

800 companies. 1,000 healthcare professionals.
Partner with us to put your company in front of them all. 

2025 Annual Dinner recap

In 2025, we gathered at the International Market Square to celebrate the healthcare industry. The program focused on focus on transformation, driving new ideas and accelerating innovation in healthcare with Kevin O'Leary as the keynote speaker.

2024 Annual Dinner Recap

In 2024, we gathered at U.S. Bank Stadium to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. The program focused on mental health with Brooke Shields as the keynote speaker.

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