Comparing US Simulation Conferences

Comparing Leading Medical Simulation Conferences in the United States: Insights and Impacts

By Deb Tauber RN, MSN, CHSE, CEN

Are you interested in attending a simulation conference in the United States? There are so many things to consider. Are you trying to decide which conference is best for you? Factors may include the size of the conference, the date, the location, and the intended audience. We have compiled a partial list here to help you along. Some other conferences not included in the list include The Simulation Sumit, ASPiH, the SESAM Annual Meeting, SUN conferences, and many regional user groups. Check the list of conferences below to see which gathering may be best for you.

International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH)

???????????????????????????????? Early to mid-JANUARY

Pros:

• Large Scale: One of the largest healthcare simulation conferences globally, attracting diverse professionals.
• Networking: Excellent networking opportunities with professionals from various fields.
• Comprehensive Program: Offers various sessions, workshops, and keynote speakers.
• Exhibition Hall: Large exhibit space with the latest simulation technologies and products.

Cons:

• Cost: Registration and associated travel expenses can be high.
• Overwhelming: Due to its size, it can be overwhelming for first-time attendees.

Pricing:

• It varies each year, but registration can range from $600 to $1,000, depending on membership status and early-bird https://www.ssih.org/Portals/48/Events/IMSH%202025/IMSH%202025%20justification%20toolkit.pdf?ver=YrPhUOq45LjjaglL-JnOVw%3D%3D

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International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) ??????????????Mid-JUNE

Pros:

• Nursing Focus: Explicitly tailored for nursing professionals, making it highly relevant for this audience.
• Educational Sessions: Strong emphasis on educational sessions and evidence-based practice.
• Community: Strong community among attendees, fostering collaboration and support.

Cons:

• Specialized: Less relevant for professionals outside of nursing.
• Size: Smaller scale than IMSH, which may limit networking opportunities.

Pricing:

• Typically ranges from $500 to $800, with discounts for INACSL members and early registration.

SimOps ???????????????Late-JULY

Pros:

• Operational Focus: Targets simulation operations specialists, making it highly specialized.
• Hands-On Workshops: Emphasizes practical, hands-on workshops and training.
• Peer Learning: Opportunities for peer learning and sharing best practices.

Cons:

• Niche Audience: Limited to simulation operations specialists, which may not be relevant for all simulation professionals.
• Smaller Scale: Smaller conference size may limit networking and exhibition opportunities.

Pricing:

• Generally, it is around $400 to $700, with various discounts available.

SimGHOSTS ?????Early-AUGUST

Pros:

• Technical Focus: Geared towards simulation technology specialists, focusing on the technical aspects of simulation.
• Skill Development: Emphasizes skill development in simulation technology and operations.
• Interactive Sessions: Highly interactive sessions and workshops.

Cons:

• Technical Emphasis: Less focus on clinical and educational aspects of simulation.
• Audience: Primarily attracts technology specialists, which may not be as relevant for other simulation professionals.

Pricing:

• Typically ranges from $400 to $700, with discounts for members and early-bird registration.

Summary

IMSH

Large scale, networking, comprehensive program, exhibition hall

High cost, overwhelming

$600 - $1,000

INACSL

Nursing focus, educational sessions, community

Specialized, smaller size

$500 - $800

SimOps

Operational focus, hands-on workshops, peer learning

Niche audience, smaller scale

$400 - $700

SimGHOSTS

Technical focus, skill development, interactive sessions

Technical emphasis, specific audience

$400 - $700

Each conference has unique strengths and potential drawbacks, depending on your specific professional focus and needs. IMSH is in January yearly, INACSL occurs in June, SimOps in July, and SimGHOSTS in August. Locations vary each year. Because of the group size, IMSH can only be held in huge conference centers.

In conclusion, several conferences are hosted each year. You'll want to consider all the different factors, including what you are interested in. If you are looking for funding, this handy list can provide some high-level discussion points to have with your leadership team. ?

For more information, please feel free to reach out to me at deb@innovativesimsolutons.com