On September 25, healthcare educators, simulation professionals, clinicians, and leaders gathered at the Utah Simulation Coalition Fall Conference under the theme, "It Is Possible! Taking on the Challenges and Opportunities in Simulation."

Hosted for the second consecutive year at the HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement in Draper, the conference featured presentations on improving moderate sedation competency through simulation, building healthcare stress capacity, integrating virtual reality into learning environments, navigating the accreditation journey, and using in situ simulation to strengthen patient safety. Across sessions, speakers shared practical approaches to building competence, confidence, and meaningful learning experiences.

The day brought together professionals from academic and practice settings to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and advance simulation-based education.

Learning From One Another

One of the simulation community's greatest strengths is its willingness to share experiences, challenges, and successes. Throughout the conference, attendees exchanged practical ideas and strategies applicable across academic and healthcare settings.

A highlight of the day was Accreditation is Possible: A 2026 Roadmap, presented by Teresa Roumonada ( St. Luke's Health System ) and Tracee Chapman, DNP, RN, CEN, SANE-A, CHSE ( Boise State University ). We extend special appreciation to Teresa and Tracee for traveling from Boise, Idaho, to share their accreditation journey, lessons learned, and expertise. Their presentation provided valuable insights and encouragement for organizations pursuing excellence in simulation programs.

Looking Ahead

Participant feedback reflected strong engagement with the day's content and a desire for future sessions focused on AI and virtual reality, simulation design and evaluation, competency-based education, and advanced debriefing techniques.

A Community Effort

The success of this conference was made possible through the collaboration and generosity of many individuals and organizations.

Thank you to all presenters who generously shared their expertise, experiences, and practical approaches to advancing simulation-based education.

The Utah Simulation Coalition extends sincere appreciation to Accredited Provider University of Utah Health for providing Nursing Continuing Professional Development (NCPD) contact hours for conference participants. Through their support as an accredited provider, 30 attendees received NCPD certificates that contribute to ongoing professional development and certification goals.

Special thanks to HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement for graciously hosting the conference for the second consecutive year and for their continued commitment to supporting healthcare education, simulation, and professional development.

We are also grateful to our industry partners whose participation allowed attendees to explore emerging technologies and innovative educational solutions. A special thank you to Education Management Solutions (EMS) for sponsoring breakfast and Laerdal Medical for sponsoring lunch, helping create opportunities for networking and collaboration throughout the day. Additional thanks to OrchestrateXR, SentinelU, AccessVR, and Elevate Healthcare for their continued support of the simulation community and engagement with conference attendees.

Most importantly, thank you to the attendees whose participation, thoughtful questions, and commitment to advancing simulation continue to strengthen healthcare education across Utah and beyond.

As reflected in this year's theme, It Is Possible, the future of simulation is being shaped through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to improving patient care through exceptional learning experiences.

Read about the conference on LinkedIn.

Accreditation Is Possible presentation slides

Accreditation Starter Workbook

Building Competence and Confidence presentation slides

Empowering the Next Generation of Nurses to Speak Up presentation slides

Improving Moderate Sedation Competency Through Simulation-Based Education presentation slides

The Fall Conference is held yearly to provide a wonderful learning opportunity provided by simulation experts in the community. The Fall Conference is open to all simulationists, including simulation facilitators and educators, simulation operations specialists, and staff. Topics are centered around Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice.

The theme for this year’s conference is United Through Simulation: Building our Utah Community.

Our keynote speaker will be Dominic Slauson.

Dominic is a Generative AI Specialist at the University of California Irvine. Dominic has extensive experience in the educational field, having held roles in faculty development, instructional design, and educational technology. From 2019 to 2024, Dominic served as Instructional Technologist for the OpenRN Project - a $2.5 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education to develop OER nursing textbooks and virtual simulations. Through this work, Dominic leveraged generative artificial intelligence to create rich and engaging simulations that allow learners to apply clinical judgement in exciting new ways. In 2022, Dominic founded Codaptive Labs, a company dedicated to providing training and resources to ensure the responsible and innovative implementation of generative artificial intelligence in education settings. In his work, Dominic places emphasis on thoughtfully integrating AI technologies to enhance teaching and learning while prioritizing ethical considerations and access for all learners.

The conference will also include local presenters, simulation-based vendors, contact hours, raffles, and prizes. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

See full agenda here.

Find presentation slides here.

Registration is now closed.