The University of Illinois System campuses (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Springfield and University of Illinois Chicago) are partnering for an upcoming simulation symposium, set to take place at the University of Illinois Springfield campus on October 29, 2026 from 8:00am to 5:00pm. The University of Illinois Simulation Symposium invites practitioners, educators, researchers, and innovators from across the nation to explore the expanding role of simulation in transforming teaching, training, and practice. Designed to cast a wide and inclusive net, this symposium highlights cutting-edge work across disciplines, showcasing how simulation can deepen learning, strengthen professional competency, and elevate real-world impact.
When:
October 29, 2026
8:00am-5:00pm CST
Where:
University of Illinois at Springfield Student Union
2251 Richard Wright Dr, Springfield, IL 62703
Fee:
$75 for full day attendance with CEUs (for LCSW/LSW, LCPC/LPC, and nursing licenses in the state of Illinois)
$50 for full day attendance with no CEUs
Symposium Agenda:
8:00 am: Registration & Breakfast Buffet
9:00 – 9:10 am: Opening Remarks (UIS Chancellor)
9:10 – 10:15 am: Opening Keynote & Panel
10:15 – 10:30 am: Break
10:30 – 11:45 am
Breakout Session 1a:
- From Awareness to impact: Confront Bias to Advance Equity in Child Welfare
- Quiet Storm™: Simulating Clinical Perception and Implicit Bias Under Pressure
Breakout Session 1b:
- Utilizing Simulation in Early Education and Social Service Education Programs: Two Case Exemplars
- From Orientation to Expertise: Using Simulation, Deliberate Practice, and Virtual Tools to Build Workforce Competence
Breakout Session 1c:
- Lumbar Puncture Virtual Trainer: An AI-Enhanced Mixed Reality Simulation for Medical Training
- Early Lessons from XR Versus Manikin-Based ARDS Simulation in a Preclinical Respiratory Course
11:45 – 12:00 pm Break
12:00 – 1:45 pm Lunch and Concurrent Panel Discussion
1:45 – 2:00 pm Break
2:00 – 3:45 pm
Breakout Session 2a:
- AI as the Simulator & Facilitator
- Vet simulation training methods for the emergency management of seizures
Breakout Session 2b:
- Multimodal Learning-Analytics for AI-Driven XR Simulation Environments
- AI-Powered Stakeholder Simulations for Business Students
Breakout Session 2c:
- Suicide Risk Assessment and Safety Planning Education: Using Simulation-Based Education to Strengthen Provider Skills
- From Iteration to Impact: A multi-year case study in simulation development, evaluation, and validation at the Jump Simulation Center
3:45 – 4:00 pm Break
4:00 – 4:45 pm Closing Keynote: The Promise of Simulations, Engagement, and the Future of Learning
LODGING:
To reserve a hotel room, please use our hotel block booking link
Group Code: S9Z