Showcasing Vancouver's Legacy in Life Sciences Conferences: An Advanced Sector Familiarization Trip
From February 6–9, 2025, Destination Vancouver hosted a select group of medical professionals and conference organizers for a Familiarization (FAM) trip, offering a glimpse into the city’s reputation as a top destination for life sciences events. With the Invictus Games as a backdrop, attendees explored the intersection of cutting-edge research, innovation, and the lasting impact of medical and neuroscience conferences in Vancouver.
An Influential Group of Leaders
The FAM trip brought together key figures in the global medical and life sciences conference community, including local hosts of major events like the World Congress of the International Neuromodulation Society and the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM). Influential voices such as Dr. Chris Honey from UBC and media leaders Remi Deve and Jesus Parrado were also part of the group, reinforcing Vancouver’s role as a leading conference destination in the life sciences sector.
Exploring Vancouver's Excellence in Life Sciences
Attendees were immersed in Vancouver’s innovative medical research scene, starting with a visit to the Djavad Mowafaghian Brain Health Centre at UBC. Here, top neuroscientists like Dr. Lara Boyd shared insights on stroke recovery and brain plasticity. The group also engaged with experts in medical technology and rehabilitation, including Dr. Peyman Servati, whose work in stroke therapy highlighted Vancouver’s interdisciplinary approach to medical challenges.
Legacy Beyond the Event
A central theme of the trip was the lasting legacy created by hosting life sciences conferences in Vancouver. These events don't just showcase the latest research; they foster global collaborations that continue to inspire advancements in neuroscience and rehabilitation long after the conferences end.
A key highlight was the Invictus Games opening ceremony, where attendees experienced firsthand the impact of adaptive sports in physical rehabilitation. The ceremony emphasized Vancouver’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation, themes that are mirrored in the city’s medical conferences. Attendees also had the chance to witness adaptive ski demonstrations at Grouse Mountain, led by Paralympic champion Josh Dueck, and explore the work of Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports (VASS).
Cultural and Culinary Experiences
Vancouver’s exceptional hospitality also shone through during the trip, with curated dining experiences at venues like Boulevard Restaurant and Hydra Estiatorio. These moments of connection reinforced Vancouver’s ability to blend world-class business opportunities with memorable cultural experiences, ensuring that conference professionals leave not only with new knowledge but also lasting memories.
A Lasting Impact
The FAM trip concluded with a wheelchair basketball game at the Vancouver Convention Centre, underlining Vancouver’s dedication to accessibility and inclusivity. From groundbreaking research at UBC to the inspiring performances of the Invictus Games, Vancouver proved itself as more than just a conference location, it is a place where research, innovation, and human resilience come together to create meaningful, enduring change. Vancouver’s unique blend of natural beauty, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to legacy ensures that it will remain a top choice for life sciences conferences, leaving a lasting mark on the global community.
Local ambassadors have a unique opportunity to highlight Vancouver's ongoing influence in the global life sciences community and its pivotal role in driving long-term research advancements through conferences.