Join Us for the 1st Annual Simulation-based Education Assessment and Evaluation Summit
Innovating Models, Methodologies, Practices, and Research
Join us for UTMB’s inaugural half-day online summit, a focused virtual gathering dedicated to exploring critical aspects of assessment and evaluation within simulation-based education. This summit is designed to bring together healthcare educators, simulation specialists, researchers, and administrators to share cutting-edge models and methodologies, discuss best practices, and foster collaborative approaches to measuring the impact and effectiveness of simulation programs and centers. We will delve into both individual learner assessment and the crucial event, program and center-level evaluation, recognizing that comprehensive evaluation needs can extend beyond event-level outcomes to encompass the entire educational ecosystem.
This year’s theme, "Innovating Models, Methodologies, Practices, and Research," encourages a forward-thinking approach to how we assess and evaluate simulation-based learning.
Over the course of a half-day, participants will hear from insightful keynote speaker, Kim Leighton, PhD, RN, FAAN and participate in Meet the Pros discussions where experts will showcase innovative models, methodologies and skills to improve assessment and evaluation. The summit will conclude with a virtual poster presentation showcasing innovative research in assessment and evaluation. We aim to create a vibrant online environment where ideas are exchanged, connections are made, and the standards for simulation education assessment are elevated.
Conference Highlights:
- Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kim Leighton, PhD, RN, FAAN
- Meet the Pros Sessions: Interactive breakout rooms with leaders in simulation-based education assessment and evaluation.
- Virtual Poster Session
Event Details:
- Date: July 29th, 2026
- Time: 8:00am - Noon CST
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Fee: $50.00
- Register HERE to Attend
Who Should Attend?
- Simulation Educators and Directors
- Faculty and Healthcare Professionals involved in Training and Education
- Researchers in Simulation-based education
- Program Evaluators and Accreditation Specialists
- Hospital Administrators overseeing Education Programs
- Students and Trainees interested in Simulation Methodology

Keynote Speaker: Kim Leighton, PhD, RN, FAAN
Call for Meet the Pros Presentations and Virtual Poster Abstracts
Presentation Proposals and Abstract Submission Deadline: June 8th, 2026 at midnight CST
Notification of Acceptance: June 29th, 2026
We invite you to contribute to UTMB’s inaugural half-day online summit by submitting proposals for Meet the Pros presentations and abstracts for virtual poster presentations. This is an excellent opportunity to share your research, innovative projects, case studies, and best practices in simulation-based education assessment and evaluation with a dedicated audience of peers and experts.
Submission Categories:
1. Meet the Pros Presentation Proposals (5-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A): This dynamic session format allows experts to share a specific skill, practical tip, or innovative approach in a concise 5-minute presentation. Following this, participants will have 10 minutes for direct questions and discussion. Attendees will rotate through different virtual breakout rooms, engaging with various "Pros" and their specialized topics.
Examples of potential topics for "Meet the Pros" sessions:
- "Quick Tips for Designing a Simulation Checklist"
- "Debriefing for Assessment Data Collection"
- "Simple Analytics to Track Simulation Center Utilization"
- "Implementing a Low-Cost Program Evaluation Strategy"
Submit a Meet the Pros Presentation Proposal Here
2. Virtual Poster Presentations: Showcase your research or project in a visually engaging digital poster format, with opportunities for a live virtual Q&A session. We are particularly interested in poster submissions that align with the summit's theme of "Innovating Models, Methodologies, Research, and Practice in Simulation-Based Education Assessment and Evaluation".
Submit an Abstract for a Virtual Poster Presentation Here
Submission Guidelines:
- Abstract Content: Abstracts should be no more than 300 words and clearly outline the background, methods, results (or expected outcomes), and conclusions/implications of your work related to simulation assessment or evaluation, emphasizing innovation in models, methodologies, research, or practice.
- Keywords: Please provide 3-5 keywords relevant to your submission (e.g., "simulation assessment," "program evaluation," "innovation," "research methods," "practice improvement").
- Author Information: Include names, affiliations, and contact information for all authors.
For more information or questions, please contact Dr. Kelly Grace, krgrace@UTMB.EDU