HRS Takes the Global Stage: Driving Engagement for 13,000 Cardiac Leaders

Once recognized as a premier national conference, the Heart Rhythm Society’s (HRS) Annual Scientific Sessions needed to evolve into a truly global gathering—uniting more than 13,000 cardiac leaders. To achieve this, I led an integrated marketing and media strategy. From managing the on-site media room to driving international storytelling and global advertising, the campaign positioned HRS as a unifying force in cardiovascular science. This connected professionals across 40 countries through one shared pulse of innovation.

CHALLENGE:

Following years of national success, HRS faced an inflection point. The Society needed to redefine its brand presence from a respected U.S. medical association to a global authority in cardiac rhythm management. With increasing competition from international medical societies, it was critical to expand reach, modernize messaging, and elevate engagement.

STRATEGY AND APPROACH:

I directed a comprehensive, multi-phase marketing and communications plan designed to build anticipation leading up to the conference, maximize impact onsite, and sustain engagement long after.

• Pre-Event: Deployed targeted digital advertising, email automation, and earned media campaigns to drive global awareness. Leveraged partnerships for media exposure and researcher content for thought leadership.

• During Event: Managed the on-site media room and trade floor presence—transforming it into a dynamic hub of community, networking, and collaboration among cardiology professionals. Oversaw live press coverage and real-time storytelling across social and digital channels.

• Post-Event: Led recap content, thought leadership articles, webinars, and performance analytics to sustain engagement and showcase impact.

RESULTS

The campaign solidified HRS’s global brand footprint and unified its international audience of cardiac specialists. Advertising and digital outreach reached professionals in more than 40 countries, achieving record-level engagement and sponsorship visibility. The initiative not only defined HRS’s global presence but also strengthened its role as a trusted convener of science, innovation, and community.

OUTCOME

Through a mix of brand strategy and storytelling, HRS’s annual meeting transformed into a global stage for cardiac science and innovation. What began as a national event became a sustained movement—uniting leaders, advancing discovery, and reaffirming the Society’s role at the heart of the global cardiovascular community.