SSH President's and Executive Director's Message for August

Hello everyone,

As a professional society, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the global healthcare simulation community through shared learning, innovation, and collaboration. Our conferences are a cornerstone of this mission, providing opportunities for members from a wide range of professional disciplines, personal backgrounds, and geographic regions to come together, connect, and grow.

We also recognize that some meeting locations may present concerns for members who believe their personal safety, well-being, or sense of belonging may be affected by local and/or national laws or policies. We hear these concerns and take them seriously. 

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The decision to proceed with upcoming SSH meetings in their currently contracted locations was made with care and deliberation. Several important considerations guided our decisions:

• Opportunity for Presence and Engagement: By gathering, we maintain the opportunity to connect with and support our members who live and work in the host location. Our presence in these locations is one way that we can bring our values, education, and advocacy directly to the region.
• Contractual and Financial Stewardship: Large conferences are planned and booked many years in advance. Changing venue locations at this stage would result in substantial financial penalties and a significant loss of resources that directly support SSH’s ongoing programs and member services.
• Member Access and Participation: The selected cities offer accessible travel options and facilities that support participation across career stages and regions, including students, trainees, and international members. Unfortunately, we are somewhat limited to specific venues and cities due to the size and unique configuration of our meetings.
• Platform for Dialogue and Shared Values:  SSH conferences provide a vital space for constructive dialogue. We will continue to utilize these platforms to highlight our commitment to respectful and inclusive engagement, foster connections and collaboration across differences, elevate the professionalism of our field, and, above all, uphold the dignity of our members and those we serve. 

To help ensure that all participants feel welcomed and supported, SSH will:

• Create event environments that are welcoming, inclusive, and respectful to individuals of all backgrounds;
• Offer resources and guidance for safe and informed travel;
• Provide meaningful virtual and hybrid options throughout the year for those unable or unwilling to attend in person.

Looking Ahead

The SSH Board and Meetings Oversight Commission are actively refining the approach to selecting event locations. While cost and logistical feasibility remain important, we are expanding our criteria to include:

• The overall social and legal climate of prospective host locations;
• Access to services and accommodations that support personal safety and comfort;
• Community environments that promote respectful engagement and broad participation.

These changes reflect our commitment to aligning our events with the principles we uphold. 

We are also exploring additional ways to bring SSH content and community engagement to more members throughout the year, including regional events, global partnerships, and expanded virtual offerings. 

In addition, the SSH website and our conference-specific websites will include key information about our host cities, as well as essential details for members of our society, including accessibility and accommodation information, such as the location of single-occupant restrooms and lactation facilities.  

We understand that individual members must often make difficult decisions about participation based on their individual circumstances and values. SSH is committed to creating opportunities for all members to engage, contribute, and grow within our professional community, regardless of their ability to attend in-person events. 

Our decision to move forward with the current host cities reflects the practical constraints of large-scale event planning as well as our belief that our collective presence, guided by purpose, compassion, and shared values, can be a force for good.

Sincerely,