NOTICE: WEM20 has now moved over to the online arena becoming #VirtualWEM20 – a virtual conference to be held on Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th October 2020. A WEM online environment where you can be inspired from the comfort of your sofa (or, frankly, from wherever in the world you can get online).
Here is everything you need to know to help you prepare for this year’s World Extreme Medicine Conference – the world’s largest gathering of extreme medics!
General questions…
What is the World Extreme Medicine Conference?
Founded 9 years ago by Mark Hannaford, (Founder and CEO of World Extreme Medicine) the World Extreme Medicine Conference is an exciting platform for medical minds to share experiences, innovations, best practise, promote cross-disciplinary working and generate new research. Over the three days, the World Extreme Medicine Conference attracts over 900 professionals, bringing together the world’s most respected names in extreme medicine alongside delegates from over 30 countries. It challenges thinking, builds bridges and introduces new ideas about medicine at its most remote and austere.
When is the World Extreme Medicine Conference 2020?
The conference takes place from 17th-19th October 2019 (Saturday – Monday). Registration opens at 8:15am on Saturday 17th, and the conference closes at 6pm on Monday 19th.
Where is the World Extreme Medicine Conference 2019?
We’re heading back once again to Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road in Edinburgh.
Full details about the venue can be found here
What is the key theme for #WEM20?
Over the 3 days, there are a range of topics based around our overarching theme of ‘Inspiration Beyond The Ordinary’; a theme we are confident will resonate with anyone practising medicine in extreme conditions.
Find out all the details here including our new categories, designed to make your planning easier.
What is the cancellation/refund policy on tickets?
Conference cancellations made before 3rd August 2020 will incur a £150 administration fee. Cancellations made after 3rd August 2020 will not be refunded, however, name changes are welcome. The conference content, timings and speakers are as advertised, but cannot be guaranteed due to unforeseen emergencies, illness and circumstances. Requests to change ticket type are subject to cancellation terms as listed.
Planning your trip…
How do I get to the conference venue Dynamic Earth?
By Foot: Located at the bottom of Holyrood Road, neighbouring the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyrood House, Dynamic Earth is an approximate 15 minute walk from the city centre (Princes Street).
Dynamic Earth is additionally close to the National Cycle Network. To find the nearest cycling and walking routes click here: www.sustrans.co.uk
By Car: Find us using a GPS: Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS.
The Dynamic Earth 24 hour car park is located underneath the building, for which charges do apply.
By Bus: Within Edinburgh, take the local Lothian Buses No. 35 & 6 or hop aboard any Edinburgh City sightseeing bus tour. Further information can be found here > www.lothianbuses.com
From the Airport: Dynamic Earth is 8 miles from Edinburgh Airport. Follow the A8 into the city centre and follow signs for Dynamic Earth.
Can you recommend any hotels in Edinburgh?
Yes! We’ve partnered with Convention Edinburgh to offer a number of hotels at preferential rates. Choose from the hotels listed HERE, or contact the friendly team at Convention Edinburgh for additional help and advice on the best hotel for your specific needs.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +44 (0)131 473 3874
Office hours: Monday – Friday 09:00am – 05:00pm (GMT)
What should I wear?
There is no specific dress code for this conference, and it is typically non-uniform. For some workshops you will be outside or very hands-on, so bear this in mind when packing and bring warm clothes and also clothes you don’t mind getting a little grubby.
Planning your day(s)…
Where can I find the conference schedule?
You can find the schedule for each of the 3 days on our website here and choose the day(s) you are attending. Alternatively, you can download the NEW #WEM20 App (when it launches later this year, where you can search by theme, guest speaker or by the days you’re attending.
Are there any paper copies of the schedule available at the conference?
As part of our effort to minimise waste at the conference, we encourage delegates to use the schedule available on our website or via the #WEM20 app once live. The app has live updates and changes, so you’ll never miss a thing. There will be a few paper copies dotted around the venue for those without smartphones.
How do I book a workshop?
Workshop will be available to book from 19th September, meaning you will have more time to research and plan your visit via the #WEM20 app (when it launches) and the website.
Workshops are booked via the website – so make sure you’ve double (and triple!) checked that your login details work so you don’t miss out due to technology! If you have any issues accessing your account, send us an email > [email protected], and we’ll lend a hand.
You can find out more information in our ‘#WEM19: Everything you need to know about booking a workshop’ blog.
Are workshops included in my conference ticket?
The majority of the workshops are free and included in the cost of your conference ticket. There are a few workshops with costs associated:
Day 1: TBC
Day 2: TBC
Day 3: TBC
These workshops will cost an additional £40 to attend, which covers the cost of materials and additional kit.
Do I need to book multiple workshops with the same name?
No, there are a few workshops that are repeated across the conference to allow as many people as possible to book onto the session. Each session is exactly the same content, so you don’t need to attend more than once.
The workshops that are repeated are:
- Wound Dressing Workshop – Day 1 and 2
- USS Workshop – Day 1, 2 and 3
- Expedition Dentistry Workshop – Day 1 and 2
What is the Ceilidh and how do I buy a ticket?
Our infamous WEM Ceilidh is back for another year of fun. Pull on your dancing shoes (and kilts) and join us at ‘The Caves’, just up the road from Dynamic Earth.
For those of you that have been before, you know exactly what to expect…. for those that haven’t, don’t miss out!! It is guaranteed to be an EXTREME night in an EXTREME venue! Think good food, good dancing and generally some good fun with your fellow delegates and speakers.
Tickets are £25 – this includes a welcome drink, food and a fantastic band. They will be available to purchase on our website later on this year, or you can buy them at the conference from the WEM stand in the exhibitor village.
Post conference…
Do I get a certificate for attending?
Yes! You’ll get your own personalised certificate. These are available for collection at the end of each day near the registrations desk. Make sure to pick yours up before you leave – there will be a postage fee for any that need to be sent after the conference.
Is the World Extreme Medicine Conference accredited?
Yes, the conference is accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh for 6 CPD per day.
