Simulation Canada’s SimExpo is on November 25 & 26, 2024 at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, Canada. The theme for the conference this year is “Simulation and Advocacy”. Attendance is recommended to: network and collaborate, be informed and learn insights into new healthcare simulation developments, practices, advancement and research. SIM EXPO offers an interprofessional approach to various disciplines and a diverse range of perspectives. The incorporation of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles into clinical simulation programs is also a topic at the conference. This article by Erin Carn-Bennett, MSN, RN will explore why attendance to SIM EXPO 2024 is well worth the effort.
The 2023 Simulation Canada SIM EXPO sold out and delegates were present from 114 University or College faculties, hospitals, emergency services and other care agencies. The SIM EXPO is the largest interprofessional healthcare simulation conference in Canada. Join healthcare leaders in university, college and hospital sectors, composed of administrators, educators, clinicians, SIM center managers/ directors, and researchers from all health professions to network and connect through healthcare simulation.
The SIM EXPO prides in a strong culture of network opportunities, building relationships, and to unite the clinical simulation community. The SIM EXPO will feature 86 presentations from 118 leading clinical simulation researchers and educators. This includes 25 presentations on new research initiatives, 20 interactive workshops, 32 posters and 8 innovation demonstrations. SIM EXPO has 19 leading clinical simulation companies confirmed as exhibitors.
Dr Rebecca Szabo Sets to Deliver an Impressive Keynote Address
Dr Rebecca Szabo (she/her) is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Medical Educator with several leadership roles in simulation and education and is confirmed as the SIM EXPO keynote speaker. Her keynote address is titled: “Advocacy in Action: Strategies to Embed, Integrate and Sustain Simulation in Healthcare”. From the foundations of her PhD research in the use of implementation science and her lived experience to commence a clinical simulation service in a teaching hospital, Rebecca Szabo will challenge SIM EXPO attendees to realize this call for action. Rebecca will raise pertinent questions for consideration together, and offer practical strategy to be embedded to sustain healthcare simulation.
Rebecca is Lead of the Gandel Simulation Service in Partnership with University of Melbourne which was established in early 2020. Rebecca is a senior lecturer with The University of Melbourne Department of Medical Education where she is the lead of simulation. Rebecca is also an honorary Senior Lecturer with the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health and a Department of Critical Care. Rebecca is Lead of The Gandel Simulation Service in Partnership with University of Melbourne which was established in early 2020 after she secured $2.4 million initial funding from Gandel Foundation, The University of Melbourne and the Women’s based on her research work.
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Rebecca has been an invited speaker on simulation as a tool for quality improvement and implementation of simulation in Australia, Spain, France, Norway and Portugal. She is academic Lead of Women’s Health Education at The Royal Women’s Hospital. She is the Chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Simulation Training and Advisory Group (STAG). Rebecca has been a member of the Simulation Australasia Women in Simulation Committee and the immediate past Chair of the Board of AMaRE Advanced Maternal and Reproductive Education Australia (ALSO Asia-Pacific) 2020-2023, a director of the board 2017-2023 and an instructor since 2010.
SIM EXPO sets to Impress at the Fairmont Banff Springs Castle
The SIM EXPO conference is located at Fairmont Banff Springs is a 739-room castle with world-class amenities and scenic Rocky Mountain views. The luxurious castle is located in the center of Banff National Park. Cozy guest rooms through to spacious suites are available for a wonderful Banff getaway while in attendance at the Simulation Canada SIM EXPO. Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banff National Park is also home to incredible nature, amazing art, culture, and history.
No matter what time of year visited, there are activities for every season in Banff National Park. Banff National Park is famous for its beautiful lakes, incredible mountains and easy access to outdoor adventures. The park spans 6,641 square kilometers (2,564 square miles) of mountainous terrain in the Canadian Rockies. The Banff townsite and village of Lake Louise are uniquely located in the national park. There’s no shortage of unforgettable ways to immerse in the Banff National Park including 3 world-class ski resorts, 2,468 campsites and in excess of 1,000 glaciers.
There are limited rooms that remain available at the SIM EXPO conference rate (additional rooms will not be released). If unable to book, please try by selection of peak nights (24/25/26). Contact the hotel directly to stay longer and request the conference rate to be applied where possible. This offer is subject to availability. Alternatively, the Rimrock Resort Hotel is within 10 mins of the Fairmont and offers a complimentary loop shuttle between hotels for guests. However currently SIM EXPO does not have special rates at Rimrock Hotel.
Simulation Canada has secured a special room rate at the Fairmont Banff Springs for the duration of the conference starting at $329 CAD/night + $16/pp surcharge and applicable taxes/fees (based on double occupancy). This special rate is only available from Saturday, November 23 to Wednesday November 27 inclusive and must be reserved before October 23.
Timothy Willett, MD MMEd, President & CEO, Simulation Canada states “I am truly looking forward to this year’s Expo, as it highlights such an important theme. Simulation is now a well-established and evidenced part of the solution to major challenges in healthcare, including health workforce shortages and challenges moving the needle on patient safety and quality improvement. Simulationists have a critical role to play as advocates for what we can do with simulation, and how it is a powerful and essential tool in the greater healthcare ecosystem.”
The SIM EXPO theme this year is “Simulation and Advocacy”. The importance of healthcare simulation continues to grow for workforce development, quality improvement and patient safety. This year, SIM EXPO focuses on how to better advocate for the above with the use of healthcare simulation. Join Simulation Canada at SIM EXPO as they explore the many perspectives on this unique and powerful intersection. This conference promises to deliver amazing content and connections for all involved in clinical simulation based education!
