general information - hesca 2002

The Conference will focus on current technology trends in Videoconferencing and Telemedicine, as well as the use of the Internet in delivering healthcare communication. Both of these major tracks will contain programming that will tackle production issues as well as general issues such as ethics, etc.

There has been phenomenal response to hosting HeSCA 2002 in Winnipeg - with many HeSCA members, local and international sponsors offering their support. Additionally, the Winnipeg meeting will showcase some interesting changes in format and many intriguing new program features. Check it out...

Tuesday, June 18th - The City of Winnipeg welcomes visitors from around the world to "Canada's Hometown".

Our conference venue, the historic Fort Garry Hotel, (www.fortgarryhotel.com) will be memorable to say the least. It features beautifully restored guestrooms, elegant bars and restaurants, spectacular ballrooms and even a few ghosts. The Fort Garry is located in the heart of downtown within walking distance of restaurants, nightclubs, and entertainment venues.

Special conference rates at the hotel are in effect, so come a day early, settle in and enjoy friendly Manitoba hospitality!

Wednesday, June 19th - There will be a full slate of half and full day workshops oriented to an "advanced level" - from Flash, Acrobat, Streaming Media, and Photoshop, to name a few. Additionally, a

full-day, "once-in-a-lifetime" workshop unique to this conference, "Culture and Communication" - participants will take part in an aboriginal Sweetgrass/Sweat Lodge ceremony in a remote community north of Winnipeg.

Thursday, June 20th - "Telehealth Day". Keynote presentations, live demonstrations, and discussion of the challenges of implementing state/province wide systems will rule the day. Led by internationally recognized practitioners from the United States and Canada. In the evening, a riverboat cruise with fine dining, dance and entertainment on Winnipeg's own River Rouge.

Keynote presentations, website demonstrations, and presentations on topics ranging from hardware/software to legal issues, ethics. Followed by a free evening for the Winnipeg Jazz Festival, Northern League Baseball, CFL Football, Horse Racing at Assiniboia Downs, or relaxing in "Little Italy"...

Saturday, June 22nd - A full day potpourri of concurrent sessions in the "hot topics" of Healthcare Communication; a half day excursion into the Canadian historic site of Lower Fort Garry, and of course

throughout this and all days - networking opportunities! Of course all HeSCA conferences wouldn't be complete without the HeSCA Media Festival Awards Dinner and Dance, but we've added 2 "twists" for your enjoyment...

The first is a Winnipeg specialty - international entertainment

featuring the Walking Wolf Dancers (aboriginal hoop dancing), the Rusalka Ukranian Dance Ensemble, and the Latin moves and rhythms of the Hispanic Dance Theatre - an exciting multicultural program provided by the Folk Arts Council of Winnipeg (Check out www.folklorama.ca). The second comes after the Awards Ceremony. Dance the night away to the Ron

Paley orchestra - a collection of Winnipeg's most outstanding

musicians/singers take the stage while you take the floor...

And the third twist? Well, you'll have to register to find out!

Sunday, June 23rd to Tuesday, June 25th - We're not done yet! There has also been tremendous interest in a post-meeting excursion organized by our friends at Wildlife Adventures to Churchill, Manitoba - the Polar Bear Capital of the World. It may be a little too early in the season for polar bears, but it is an ideal time to check out the Beluga Whale migration, ice bergs, and taste a little Arctic Char... Check out

wildlifeadventures.com/Frontiers/HeSCA2002.htm

If you are able to help with planning or if you’d just like to give us your ideas, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at tspencer@hesca.org or bpeters@hesca.org.