Conferences and Events¶
Quick Summary: DPC Summit (hosted by DPC Alliance) is the premier annual event for comprehensive education and networking. Regional events and virtual webinars offer lower-cost alternatives. Budget $1,000-2,500 per major conference including travel.
Table of Contents¶
- Major DPC Conferences
- Types of Events
- Getting Value from Conferences
- Event Calendar Planning
- For Those Exploring DPC
- For New DPC Practices
- For Established Practices
- Virtual Learning Resources
- Checklist
Overview¶
DPC conferences and events provide concentrated learning, networking, and inspiration. Whether you're exploring DPC, just starting, or years into practice, events connect you with the broader DPC community and accelerate your growth.
Major DPC Conferences¶
DPC Summit¶
Hosted by: DPC Alliance
Frequency: Annual (typically summer)
Location: Varies (national locations)
Audience: DPC physicians at all stages, staff, industry
Content: - Keynotes from DPC leaders - Breakout sessions on operations, marketing, clinical topics - Vendor exhibits - Networking events - Pre-conference workshops
Best for: Comprehensive DPC education, networking
Cost: Typically $300-600 (member discounts available)
Website: dpcare.org - Check for current event information
Hint Health Summit¶
Hosted by: Hint Health
Frequency: Annual
Audience: DPC and direct care practices, especially Hint customers
Content: - DPC practice development - Direct care innovation - Employer health benefits - Technology in direct care
Best for: Practice growth, employer market, Hint users
Cost: Varies
Website: hint.com
AAFP FMX (Family Medicine Experience)¶
Hosted by: American Academy of Family Physicians
Frequency: Annual (typically fall)
Location: Varies (major cities)
Audience: All family physicians
DPC content: Sessions on practice models including DPC
Best for: CME plus DPC education, broad family medicine networking
Cost: $500-800+ (member pricing)
Note: Not DPC-specific, but has DPC tracks and sessions
State and Regional Events¶
Many states host DPC-focused events:
Examples: - Texas DPC Summit - California DPC events - Midwest DPC gatherings - Various state medical association DPC sessions
Best for: Local networking, state-specific issues, lower travel costs
How to find: Check state DPC groups, DPC Frontier, state medical associations
Types of Events¶
Multi-Day Conferences¶
What to expect: - Full educational program - Multiple session tracks - Vendor exhibits - Social/networking events - Optional pre/post workshops
Investment: $500-1,500+ (registration + travel)
Value: Deep immersion, extensive networking
Single-Day Summits¶
What to expect: - Focused agenda - Key topics covered efficiently - Some networking - Local or regional
Investment: $100-300 (minimal travel if local)
Value: Efficient learning, less time away
Webinars and Virtual Events¶
What to expect: - Online presentations - Q&A sessions - On-demand access often available
Investment: Free to ~$100
Value: No travel, specific topic focus, accessible
Sources: - DPC Alliance - Hint Health - DPC Frontier (informal) - Vendor webinars
Local Meetups¶
What to expect: - Informal gatherings - Dinner or lunch meetings - Peer discussion - Local focus
Investment: Cost of meal
Value: Local relationships, practical support
How to find/start: DPC Frontier, direct outreach to local DPC docs
Getting Value from Conferences¶
Before the Event¶
Preparation: - Review speaker list and sessions - Identify key sessions for your needs - Research attendees (who do you want to meet?) - Prepare questions - Bring business cards - Plan your schedule
Mindset: - Come ready to learn - Open to networking - Specific goals in mind
During the Event¶
Sessions: - Attend relevant sessions - Take notes - Ask questions - Engage actively
Networking: - Introduce yourself to others - Ask about their practice - Exchange contact information - Attend social events - Don't just stick with people you know
Vendors: - Visit exhibit hall - Learn about new solutions - Compare options - Get contact information for follow-up
After the Event¶
Follow-up: - Send connection emails within a week - Connect on LinkedIn - Review notes - Implement what you learned - Schedule follow-up calls with key contacts
Action: - Identify 2-3 things to implement - Create action items - Share learning with colleagues/staff - Plan for next event
Event Calendar Planning¶
Annual Events¶
Plan around major conferences:
| Event | Typical Timing | Location |
|---|---|---|
| DPC Summit | Summer | Varies |
| Hint Summit | Varies | Varies |
| AAFP FMX | Fall | Major cities |
| State events | Various | In-state |
Budget Considerations¶
Costs to plan for: - Registration fee - Travel (flight, car) - Hotel (2-4 nights typically) - Meals - Miscellaneous
Typical total: $1,000-2,500 per major conference
Budget-friendly options: - Local/regional events - Virtual events - Early bird registration - Membership discounts - Sharing hotel rooms
For Those Exploring DPC¶
Best First Events¶
If you're considering DPC:
- DPC Summit - Comprehensive overview
- Virtual webinars - Low commitment introduction
- Local DPC meetup - Personal conversations
- DPC tracks at AAFP FMX - If attending anyway
What to Learn¶
- Real physician experiences
- Practical startup guidance
- Challenges and solutions
- Financial realities
- Different models and approaches
Questions to Ask Practicing DPC Physicians¶
- What do you wish you knew before starting?
- What were your biggest challenges?
- How long to reach sustainability?
- What would you do differently?
- Any regrets?
For New DPC Practices¶
Prioritize Events About¶
- Practice startup
- Marketing and patient acquisition
- Operations and workflows
- Technology selection
- Early-stage challenges
Networking Focus¶
- Connect with physicians 1-2 years ahead of you
- Learn from their recent experience
- Build relationships for ongoing support
- Find potential mentors
For Established Practices¶
Prioritize Events About¶
- Growth and scaling
- Staff management
- Advanced topics
- Employer/B2B opportunities
- Thought leadership
Contribution¶
- Consider speaking
- Share your experience
- Mentor newer physicians
- Contribute to advocacy
Virtual Learning Resources¶
Regular Webinars¶
DPC Alliance: - Member webinars - Topic-specific sessions - Advocacy updates
Hint Health: - Practice development webinars - Employer market education - Customer success stories
Vendor webinars: - EMR features - Technology tools - Best practices
On-Demand Content¶
Available from: - Past conference recordings (some) - DPC Alliance member resources - Podcast archives (see Podcasts and Media) - YouTube DPC content
Checklist: Event Participation¶
Before Event¶
- Register early for best pricing
- Book travel and hotel
- Review agenda and plan schedule
- Identify networking targets
- Prepare questions
- Pack business cards
During Event¶
- Attend key sessions
- Take notes
- Meet new people
- Visit vendor exhibits
- Exchange contact information
- Attend social events
After Event¶
- Send follow-up emails (within a week)
- Connect on LinkedIn
- Review and organize notes
- Identify action items
- Implement learnings
- Plan next event
Resources¶
- DPC Organizations - Conference hosts
- DPC Communities - Online community to complement events
- Podcasts and Media - Ongoing learning between events
Next Steps¶
After attending events: - Implement what you learned - Maintain connections made - Plan for future events - Podcasts and Media - Continue learning