TL;DR — Key takeaways for the JPM Healthcare 2026 conference
- The 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference (JPM 2026) will take place January 12–15, 2026 at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA.
- Expected attendance: 8,000+ global participants, including executives, investors, policymakers, analysts, and media.
- Known as the largest and most influential healthcare investment symposium in the world.
- Key themes for 2026: multi-billion-dollar M&A deals, oncology, neuropsychology, hematology breakthroughs, and AI in drug discovery, diagnostics, and virtual care.
- Attendance is by invitation only for JPMorgan clients, with no public registration.
- Dozens of satellite events, receptions, and investor meetings across San Francisco provide additional networking opportunities.
- ⚠️ Still to come: pricing details, sponsorship opportunities, and the full agenda have not yet been released.
What is the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference 2026?
The JPM 2026 Healthcare Conference is widely recognized as the largest and most influential healthcare investment symposium in the world. Often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Healthcare,” it brings together global leaders in biotech, pharma, medtech, digital health, and healthcare services alongside investors, bankers, and policymakers.
Now in its 44th year, JPM 2026 serves as the stage where industry-shaping announcements are made, including:
- Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) worth billions of dollars.
- Pipeline and product updates from leading biotech and pharma companies.
- Strategic partnerships and licensing deals that drive the next wave of healthcare innovation.
The event is also known for influencing global investor sentiment, with announcements that can shift stock valuations and set the tone for healthcare investment strategies throughout the year.
When and where is JPM 2026?
The 44th Annual JPMorgan Healthcare Conference will take place from January 12 to January 15, 2026. The main venue is the historic Westin St. Francis Hotel in Union Square, San Francisco.
For four days, San Francisco becomes the center of global healthcare finance and innovation. More than 8,000 participants are expected to attend, including executives, investors, and policymakers from across biotech, pharma, medtech, digital health, and healthcare services.
Beyond its role as a meeting ground for the industry, JPM 2026 also delivers a significant boost to the local economy. The conference is projected to generate approximately $92 million in revenue for San Francisco hotels, restaurants, and businesses during the week.
Who attends JPM 2026?
The JPMorgan Healthcare Conference draws more than 8,000 participants from around the world, making it the largest healthcare investment gathering of its kind.
What types of executives attend JPM 2026?
The event is known for its concentration of C-suite leaders, including CEOs, CFOs, and heads of R&D and business development from biotech, pharmaceutical, medtech, and healthcare services companies.
Do investors attend JPM 2026?
Yes. Venture capital firms, private equity groups, hedge funds, and institutional investors attend to meet with companies, hear pipeline updates, and evaluate new investment opportunities.
Are policymakers and advisors part of the audience?
Policymakers, analysts, bankers, and consultants also take part, offering insights on regulation, reimbursement, and strategic deal-making in healthcare.
What about media and press coverage?
Global media outlets cover the conference extensively, with reporting focused on M&A deals, drug pipeline updates, and the overall tone of healthcare investment heading into the year.
Do startups and smaller companies participate?
While official presentations are limited to invited companies, the week of JPM has become a hub for the entire healthcare ecosystem. Startups, growth-stage companies, and service providers take part in satellite events, investor meetings, and networking receptions across San Francisco, particularly around Union Square, Nob Hill, and the Financial District.
What are the key themes and announcements for 2026?
Each year, the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference is the stage for industry-shaping announcements and forward-looking discussions. In 2026, the focus spans major mergers and acquisitions, advances in oncology and mental health, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
What major M&A deals were announced at JPM 2026?
- Johnson & Johnson announced a $14.6 billion acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies, expanding its portfolio in neuropsychiatric treatments.
- Eli Lilly entered into a $2.5 billion deal with Scorpion Therapeutics to acquire an experimental cancer therapy.
- GSK acquired Boston-based IDRx for up to $1.15 billion, strengthening its oncology pipeline.
- AbbVie secured a licensing deal with Simcere Pharmaceutical worth up to $1.06 billion for a blood cancer drug outside of China.
What innovation areas are in the spotlight?
Oncology, neuropsychology, and hematology are leading therapeutic areas. Companies are highlighting novel therapies for complex cancers and mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
How is AI being showcased at JPM 2026?
AI is a defining theme, with applications in:
- Drug discovery and personalized medicine (Insilico Medicine, Exscientia)
- Diagnostics and imaging (PathAI, Tempus)
- Operational efficiency in hospitals and supply chains
- Telemedicine, wearables, and remote monitoring solutions
What is the overall sentiment of the industry?
Executives expressed cautious optimism. While innovation is strong, market underperformance compared to the broader S&P 500 and policy uncertainty under the Trump administration, including the controversial appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., remain key concerns.
Are ethical and regulatory issues part of the discussion?
Yes. Panels are addressing ethical use of AI in healthcare, algorithmic bias, patient data privacy, and compliance with global regulatory standards.
Why does JPM 2026 matter?
The JPM Healthcare Conference is considered the most influential healthcare investment gathering in the world. Beyond being a venue for presentations, it is a catalyst for deal-making, investment shifts, and strategic direction-setting across the global healthcare ecosystem.
How does JPM 2026 influence the healthcare market?
Announcements made during the conference often drive immediate changes in biotech and pharma stock valuations. Analysts and investors use JPM 2026 as a barometer for industry sentiment at the start of the year.
Why is JPM 2026 a hub for mergers and acquisitions?
The conference provides companies with a global stage to announce multi-billion-dollar deals, partnerships, and licensing agreements. These transactions set the tone for M&A activity in healthcare for the year ahead.
What role does JPM 2026 play for investors?
Investors gain early insights into company pipelines, clinical trial progress, and financial strategies. These presentations help shape portfolio allocation decisions for venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, and institutional players.
How does JPM 2026 impact healthcare innovation?
By spotlighting advances in oncology, mental health, hematology, and AI-driven technologies, the conference accelerates awareness and adoption of new treatments and digital solutions.
Why is JPM 2026 important for global visibility?
With more than 8,000 participants and extensive media coverage, companies gain visibility that can attract investors, partners, and future customers. Even firms not on the official agenda benefit from networking and satellite events across San Francisco.
Travel and hotels
The JPMorgan Healthcare Conference is centered at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco’s Union Square. Each January, the event draws thousands of executives, investors, and healthcare leaders, making hotel and travel planning essential for attendees.
Where is JPM 2026 being held?
The main venue is the Westin St. Francis Hotel, located at 335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. The historic hotel has hosted the event for decades and remains the central hub for official presentations and company meetings.
What hotel options are available near JPM 2026?
If you are not planning to stay at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, there are many popular hotel options in Union Square, Nob Hill, the Financial District and Fisherman's Wharf. Nearby options include Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Fairmont San Francisco, Clift Royal Sonesta, and boutique hotels. Rooms typically sell out months in advance, so early booking is strongly recommended.
How do attendees usually arrive at JPM 2026?
Most out-of-town attendees fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is about 30 minutes from Union Square by taxi or rideshare. Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) are also alternatives, though farther away. Local participants often use BART, Caltrain, or rideshares to reach the conference venue.
What are tips for getting around San Francisco during JPM 2026?
Union Square and the surrounding neighborhoods become extremely busy during the conference week. Rideshare wait times can be longer than usual, and traffic around Powell Street is often congested. If you are looking at rideshare, don't forget to check out Waymo as it's unique to be in a self-driving car. Many attendees choose to walk between hotels, restaurants, and meeting spaces in Union Square and the Financial District. For private meetings, it’s common to book smaller hotel suites, coworking spaces, or restaurants near the Westin to avoid delays.
FAQs
Is JPM 2026 open to the public?
No. Unlike most conferences, the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference is not open to general registration. Attendance is by invitation only, and invitations are extended primarily to JPMorgan clients, investors, and select healthcare companies. The official overview confirms this: “Registration of J.P.M Healthcare Conference is for clients of the firm, by invitation only. Please reach out to your J.P.M representative to inquire about an invitation.”
That means you can’t just pay for a ticket or register online.
However, during JPM week, hundreds of unofficial but related events happen in San Francisco — such as Biotech Showcase, investor meetings, receptions, and networking events — and many of those are open to broader participants (sometimes with paid registration).
How many people attend JPM 2026?
More than 8,000 participants are expected, including executives, investors, policymakers, and media from around the world.
Can I attend JPM 2026 virtually?
There is no official hybrid or virtual option. Some companies may webcast their individual presentations through their investor relations websites, but access depends on each company.
Will the agenda for JPM 2026 be published?
The agenda is only available to confirmed attendees. Companies often publish their own presentation schedules separately, but the full JPMorgan agenda is not public.
What is the dress code at JPM 2026?
Business formal or business professional attire is expected. Most attendees wear suits or equivalent professional business wear.
Are meals included at JPM 2026?
Meals are not usually provided as part of the conference. Attendees typically arrange their own dining, often through networking breakfasts, business lunches, or dinners at nearby restaurants.
When should I book travel and hotels for JPM 2026?
It’s recommended to book accommodations and meeting space as early as possible, ideally by September 2025, since Union Square hotels sell out months in advance.
What’s not yet announced for JPM 2026?
While the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference is confirmed for January 12–15, 2026 at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, several important details have not yet been released by the organizers.
Will pricing for JPM 2026 be published?
No pricing has been shared, since the event is invitation-only. Details may emerge for satellite events, but official JPM sessions do not have public ticketing.
Are sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities available for JPM 2026?
Sponsorship opportunities for the core conference have not been announced. Many third-party events during JPM week — such as receptions, panels, and showcases — will share sponsorship details later in 2025.
When will the full agenda for JPM 2026 be available?
The complete agenda is only provided to confirmed attendees. Public updates, if any, are likely to be released closer to the event through company investor relations pages.
Will an attendee list for JPM 2026 be shared?
No official attendee list is made public. Networking is typically arranged directly, and many companies and investors coordinate their own schedules around the conference.
Final takeaways
The JPMorgan Healthcare Conference 2026 is more than just a series of presentations — it is the global stage where healthcare’s future direction is revealed. Over four days, San Francisco becomes the epicenter of biotech, pharma, medtech, digital health, and investment activity, with more than 8,000 leaders setting the tone for the year ahead.
For companies, JPM 2026 offers unmatched visibility, whether announcing multi-billion-dollar M&A deals, unveiling breakthrough therapies, or showcasing advances in AI-driven healthcare. For investors, it provides early insight into the sectors and strategies that will define healthcare markets in 2026 and beyond. And for the broader ecosystem, it remains the ultimate networking week, with satellite events and meetings that extend far beyond the official agenda.
While key details such as sponsorships, pricing, and the official agenda are still forthcoming, the conference continues to stand as a must-attend event for those shaping the future of healthcare. The best way to prepare is to secure travel early, schedule meetings well in advance, and plan to engage both inside and outside the walls of the Westin St. Francis.
