There are many academic reasons to attend CES Vancouver but the social activities will guarantee to be a highlight of your trip. Whether it is taking in the sights and sounds of beautiful Vancouver, chatting with a new acquaintance at morning exercises, or catching up with old colleagues at the evaluator dinners, this conference has something for everyone.

The flagship social event for the conference this year, Soirée in the Park, will be hosted in iconic Stanley Park. A short walk from The Westin Bayshore, this event will be sure to tempt the senses with wonderful cocktails, west coast inspired food, and lively entertainment.

Vancouver is known for its wonderful food and this conference will not disappoint. Evaluator hosted dinners will be taking place at some of Vancouver’s best restaurants, allowing you the opportunity to meet new friends and connect with old ones.  If you have some free time, try the Craft Brewery Tour of Vancouver.

Each morning, be sure to start your day by getting your body moving! Whether it be a walk or run around Stanley Park or a guided yoga class, these sessions will surely leave you energized for the day and ready to tackle all of the sessions the conference has to offer.

There will be other organized social events at the conference, including a hospitality suite, an opening night reception and silent auction, and the student case competition awards.

Finally, if you have some free time in Vancouver, check out the awe inspiring mountains of Vancouver by taking the shuttle to Grouse Mountain or the Capilano Suspension Bridge.  Vancouver’s mountains and ocean await to welcome you to the coast!

Bio: Danielle Simpson is a program evaluator located in Vancouver, BC, who works mainly in health care. She is thrilled to be a part of the social organizing committee of the conference.