Conferences

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Annual Spring Conference

Make plans to attend STFM's Annual Spring Conference from April 24-28, 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia

Conference Theme: “LEAD the Way: Leadership, Education, and Advocacy Development to Create a Patient-centered Medical Home”

The Annual Spring Conference offers more than 400 peer-developed and peer-reviewed sessions on the issues facing medical educators today. Interactive and thought-provoking, these oral and poster presentations focus on best practices, new teaching technologies, emerging research, and public policy issues.

This meeting is the most powerful networking forum for family medicine educators, with attendance of more than 1,000. The educational offerings are great but the space between the sessions is just as great.  Exchange ideas and discuss issues that you - and your colleagues - are wrestling with in your professional and personal roles. You will take away valuable solutions you can implement immediately at your institution/program.

Please note, the conference dates of April 24-28, 2010 are a Saturday-Wednesday meeting pattern.  Please plan your travel schedule accordingly.

Registration Information

Register today using our easy online conference registration. If you'd rather not register online, download a PDF of the registration form and fax or mail it to STFM.

Hotel Information

The conference hotel is the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, 1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Guest room rates are $185 (US dollars; single/double occupancy.) 

Make hotel reservations online or by calling 800-663-9255.
Be sure to request the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine room block when making your reservations by phone.

The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre puts you in the heart of Vancouver surrounded by the boutiques of trendy Robson Street and Yaletown, outdoor markets, clubs, art galleries, and theaters, along with a wide variety of local and international dining choices. Step outside the Sheraton's doors and into the celebrated sites of the city. Take a Sea Wall Walking Tour with family and friends and create memories at Stanley Park and the Vancouver Art Gallery, just around the block.

Room Sharing:  If you are interested in sharing a hotel room with a colleague to help accommodate your travel budget, please contact Dianna Azbill at 800-274-7928, ext. 5415 or dazbill@stfm.org for a contact list of other attendees interested in sharing a room at the conference. STFM is not responsible for contacting or scheduling attendees for room-sharing.  

Host City Highlights

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Vancouver's unparalleled beauty is matched only by her vast cosmopolitan services and attractions. Vancouver has an endless supply of things to see and do. It doesn't matter what time of day or what time of year - whether you want to be indoors or out, active or a spectator, spend a lot of money or none at all - Vancouver has it all! Take time to explore the local sights.  

The International Olympic Committee selected Vancouver as the Host City for the XXI Winter Games. Athletes and spectators from around the world will gather in Vancouver and the alpine resort of Whistler in 2010 to celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Selected for its beauty, accessibility, unlimited services and activities, Vancouver looks forward to hosting the world!

For the fifth consecutive year, Vancouver was named the “Top Destination in Canada” in Travel Weekly’s Readers Choice Awards. Voted on by accredited travel agents, the awards are presented annually to the industry’s suppliers who lead the way in product and service. Vancouver has won the top spot every year that the awards have been given. Vancouver was recently named one of the world’s most creative cities by Fast Company.

For more information about Vancouver, British Columbia - host of the 2010 Winter Olympics - visit www.tourismvancouver.com

Session Specifics

The Annual Spring Conference has more than 400 peer-developed and peer-reviewed sessions on the issues facing medical educators today. Interactive and thought-provoking, these oral and poster presentations focus on best practices, new teaching technologies, emerging research, and public policy issues.
Search Education Sessions Now.

Travel Information

Airline Reservations
For assistance in making your airline reservations for the conference, please call Reward House, Inc, at. You can also e-mail your questions or travel preferences to jhilburn@rewardhouseinc.com or ktimmerberg@rewardhouseinc.com for online assistance. Office hours are 8:30 am–5 pm (central time) Monday through Friday.  877-353-6690 or 816-295-3131

Rental Car Discount
Budget Rent A Car System, Inc, has been selected as the official rental car agency for this year’s conference.Rates begin at $49 per day or $209 per week, with a special weekend rate beginning at $24 plus taxes (Canadian dollars).Should a lower qualifying rate become available at the time of booking, Budget is pleased to offer a 5% discount off the lower qualifying rate or the meeting rate, whichever is lowest.For reservations, call Budget at 800-527-0700, or you can make your reservations on-line at www.budget.com. Be sure to request the user/convention discount code: U063655. Car rental rates include unlimited mileage and may be valid for up to 1 week before/after the conference, depending on available fleet.

Ground/Shuttle Transportation:
Vancouver does not have shuttle services available between the airport and downtown hotels.

Taxi service is available for approximately $25.00 CAD. The hotel is 20-25 minutes from the airport.

Train/Subway Schedule: www.translink.ca/en/Rider-Info/Canada-Line/Map-and-Travel-Times.aspx
See the time-table for “WATERFRONT-YVR” (STFM conference attendees will use the trains going the opposite direction). The train stops a few blocks from the hotel. The commute is 25-30 minutes, and is a 'two zone' fare. Train/Subway costs are available at: www.translink.ca/en/Fares-and-Passes/Single-Fares.aspx

Passport Information

For US citizens planning to attend the 2010 Annual Spring Conference in Vancouver, you will need a passport to re-enter the United States. Since January 23, 2007, all persons traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other document approved by the Department of Homeland Security (www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html). It currently takes about 4 to 6 weeks for issuance of a new passport and about 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service.

Helpful Links
How to get a passport quickly: www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_831.html
Where to apply in the US: www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_832.html
How to apply in person: www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html
How to renew a passport: www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/renew/renew_833.html
Guidelines for applications and forms: www.travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html

Cell Phone Coverage and Rates In Canada
For international guests traveling to Canada, please be sure to check with your cell phone provider before leaving your country, to confirm rates and coverage during your time in Canada. Your calling service may be interrupted, additional fees, and roaming charges may apply.

Conference Partner/Advertising Opportunities

Interested in being a conference partner?
STFM's Annual Spring Conference is an affordable way to personally meet nearly 1,000 family medicine educators.  As a Partner at our conference, you'll enjoy exposure and relationship building like no other medical meeting.

• You won't be lost in a crowd - there are only ten partner opportunities.
  

• You'll be right in the main foyer, and in the midst of traffic, all day long.

• You'll truly be a partner and not a commercial outsider -- you'll get a badge and enjoy meals and social events with attendees.

Do you have an Open Position To Fill?
Consider placing an ad in the STFM Positions and Opportunities Booklet distributed to all STFM Annual Spring Conference Attendees. Click Here for details.

Call For Papers

The Call for Papers for the 2010 meeting is now closed.