ABOUT SIMTECHSYM
More Than a Conference
Built by simulation professionals. Shaped by community. Designed for the future.
Building a Conference for Simulation Technicians
We're not a board. We're not a hierarchy. We're a group of simulation professionals working together to build something for the community.
SimTechSym was created by simulation professionals who share a passion for developing, connecting and celebrating the simulation technician community.
What began as a regional conference idea has evolved into an international event, bringing together technicians, educators, industry partners and healthcare professionals to share knowledge, recognise achievement and strengthen the profession.
The committee combines experience from conference development, simulation operations, technical delivery, professional advocacy and community engagement. While each member brings different skills and perspectives, SimTechSym exists because of a shared belief that simulation technicians deserve an event designed specifically for them.
Our Shared Purpose
While recognising that each committee member has unique skills and experiences, we share a common goal: creating a conference that supports, connects and celebrates simulation technicians.
Together, we are working to build an event that promotes learning, encourages collaboration, recognises achievement and helps strengthen the simulation technician profession for years to come.
Russell Sinclair
Russell is the founder of SimTech South, the regional conference that provided the inspiration and foundation for what would later become SimTechSym.
Long before SimTechSym existed, Russ recognised the value of creating dedicated spaces where simulation technicians could come together to learn, network and share experiences. Through SimTech South, he demonstrated that technician-focused events could provide meaningful opportunities for professional development, collaboration and community building, whilst addressing challenges unique to the profession.
The success of that original vision helped spark wider conversations about what a larger, technician-led event could become. As SimTechSym evolved from concept to reality, Russ brought not only experience from previous events, but also the strong relationships he has built across the simulation industry. His longstanding connections with suppliers, vendors and members of the wider simulation community have played a significant role in supporting the development of the conference and helping position SimTechSym within the wider simulation sector.
Beyond inspiring the event itself, Russ continues to provide guidance, challenge ideas and create opportunities that help move the conference forward. His ability to connect people, build relationships and foster collaboration remains one of SimTechSym's greatest strengths, helping bring together organisations and individuals who share a passion for supporting the simulation technician profession.
The Original Vision
Hannah May
Hannah May has been a key contributor to SimTechSym from its earliest beginnings.
Before SimTechSym had a name, a committee or a defined structure, Hannah was already exploring the possibility of creating an event that would bring simulation technicians together. Her encouragement and belief in the concept helped provide the momentum needed to transform an idea into something tangible.
Drawing on her extensive experience in simulation operations and technical delivery, Hannah has played a significant role in shaping both the event and the experience it aims to provide. From helping refine ideas to providing practical guidance on what is required to deliver a successful conference, her contribution has been instrumental throughout the development of SimTechSym.
As Technical Specialist for the host venue, Hannah plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between conference planning and conference delivery. Acting as the link between the committee, the venue and the events team, she helps translate ideas into practical solutions and ensures that plans can be effectively implemented. Her unique position allows her to combine an understanding of the conference vision with the realities of delivering a successful event, helping turn discussions into actions and concepts into experiences for delegates.
Throughout the conference's development, Hannah has consistently helped bring together ideas and implementation. Her willingness to challenge assumptions, identify practical solutions and keep the delegate experience at the centre of decision-making has helped shape not only how SimTechSym is delivered, but what it aspires to be. Her contribution has influenced many decisions behind the scenes and continues to play an important role in the conference's evolution.
Quite simply, SimTechSym would not be where it is today without Hannah's support, guidance and commitment. Her contribution continues to play a vital role in turning vision into reality. As SimTechSym grows, her practical insight, attention to detail and focus on delivering a high-quality delegate experience will remain central to ensuring the conference develops in a way that is both ambitious and achievable.
From Vision To Reality
Matthew Clark
Matthew Clark is a Simulation Technician Apprentice at East Cheshire NHS Trust and an active advocate for the simulation technician profession.
Having experienced first-hand the value of professional networks, peer support and shared learning, Matthew has become passionate about creating opportunities for simulation technicians to connect, collaborate and develop together. That passion has led to his involvement in national initiatives, including his role as an ASPiH Regional Technician Champion and the development of Behind the Glass, an initiative exploring how simulation technicians can strengthen connections and contribute to the continued growth of the profession.
As SimTechSym has developed, Matthew has played a key role in helping build the foundations that support the conference's long-term future. From developing governance structures and exploring sustainable models for future events, to building the conference website and helping establish the event's identity, his focus has been on creating strong foundations that allow SimTechSym to grow beyond a single conference.
A strong believer in community-led development, Matthew has worked to ensure SimTechSym remains focused on the needs of simulation technicians while creating opportunities for collaboration, recognition and shared learning. His work on sustainability and succession planning has helped shape a conference model designed to retain knowledge, support future hosts and strengthen the event year after year.
For Matthew, SimTechSym is more than a conference. It is an opportunity to strengthen professional identity, create meaningful connections and leave a lasting legacy for future generations of simulation technicians. Through collaboration, shared learning and community-driven development, he hopes SimTechSym will continue to grow as a platform that supports, recognises and celebrates the profession.
Community & Conference Development
Built For The Future
Unlike many events that rely on a single organiser or committee, SimTechSym has been designed with sustainability in mind.
A key part of the SimTechSym model is the belief that knowledge and experience should never be lost. Rather than handing the conference over completely, each year's host simulation technician remains involved as part of the organising committee, supporting future hosts and helping guide the development of subsequent events.
This approach creates a cycle of shared learning, where each conference builds upon the lessons, successes and experiences of the year before. Rather than starting each year again, SimTechSym grows through continuity, collaboration and collective ownership.
By embedding succession and mentorship into the structure of the event, SimTechSym aims to create a sustainable conference that can continue to evolve while remaining firmly rooted within the simulation technician community.
"We believe every event should leave more than memories.
It should leave experience, relationships and knowledge that strengthen the next event and the one after that."
SimTechSym is built on collaboration.
While the committee provides the structure behind the event, SimTechSym would not be possible without the support of speakers, delegates, sponsors, professional organisations and the wider simulation community.
Every conversation, contribution and shared experience helps shape the event and strengthen the profession it exists to support.
From those delivering sessions and sharing expertise, to those attending, volunteering and supporting behind the scenes, SimTechSym is the result of people coming together with a shared purpose.
Together, we are creating a conference that celebrates the people behind simulation and supports the future of the simulation technician profession.
A Collaborative Effort