Optimizely
SHSMD26 Connections
September 27-29, 2026 | Baltimore, MD
Simplify the patient journey with smarter website search! Meet the SearchStax team at the Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD) Connections conference to discover how AI-powered search connects patients to providers, services and answers to give your digital marketers insight into search behavior and content gaps.
Speaking Sessions
Losing Patients at the Moment of Intent: What Happens After You Earn the Click
Presenters: Chris Pace of SearchStax
When: Tuesday, September 29th, 9:30 - 9:50 am
Location: Presentation Theater
Every search on your health system’s website signals patient intent. But when patients can’t find a provider, service or next step, 65% call instead, and nearly one in four give up.
Learn how overlooked search data can expose the friction costing your organization patient trust, staff time and appointments. We’ll share practical strategies healthcare marketers can use to improve discovery, strengthen digital self-service and turn patient intent into action.
Meet our Team
Chris Pace
VP Digital Experience Strategy
Brandon Hough
Sr. Account Manager
David Pilgrim
Senior Director, Strategic Alliances
Shamaila Shah
Events & Programs Manager
Additional Resources
Patients judge your health system before the first appointment
See what 1,000 patients said about the website friction that weakens trust, shapes care decisions and influences whether they choose or leave a health system.
Healthcare’s Search Results Page is the New Homepage
Read about why treating onsite search like a product helps healthcare organizations unify the patient journey and build trust.
About SHSMD Connections
SHSMD Connections is the premier annual conference hosted by the Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development (an American Hospital Association professional community). It gathers health care marketing, strategic planning, communications, and business development leaders for professional development and peer networking.