2024 Spring Conference

2024 Spring Conference

Immunization Intersections:

Bridging Gaps, Building Trust, and Boosting Health

March 21 – March 22, 2024

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2024 Spring Conference

About – Get More Out of 2024

New & Engaging Activities that Foster Innovation at the Glacier Canyon Lodge located on the Wilderness Resort Property

This conference is dedicated to enhancing the uptake of vaccinations, bolstering confidence in vaccines, and effectively combating the spread of misinformation related to vaccines for preventable diseases. At the core of the conference is the ambition to establish a dynamic, cooperative environment. It is here that attendees from varied cultural and professional backgrounds can come together to exchange views, partake in progressive dialogues, share pioneering strategies, and unite in their efforts to advance public health through heightened immunization awareness and practice.

Collective Learning
Panel Discussions with State and Community Experts

Panels will include a diverse group of esteemed professionals and community leaders who will delve into critical topics, share their expertise, and engage in thought-provoking discussions.

Interactive Sessions & Role-Play Focused Sessions

These sessions are designed to be immersive and engaging, providing participants with hands-on experiences and the opportunity to engage in scenarios that mimic real-world challenges and solutions in the realm of immunization.

Presentation-Based Sessions

These sessions will feature informative presentations from experts in the field, delivering the latest insights, research findings, and best practices in vaccine distribution and public health strategies.

Awards Ceremony

To acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations in the field of immunization, the conference will culminate in an awards ceremony, shining a spotlight on those who have made significant strides in promoting public health through vaccination efforts.

Venue – Conference Venue & Hotel Rooms

Connect with Our Immunization Community in the Wisconsin Dells
Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center

IMWICON2024 Location

IMWICON2024 is taking place at the Glacier Canyon Conference Center located on the Wilderness Resort property. The conference center and lodging for Glacier Canyon are intentionally separate from the Wilderness Resort to limit disruption to our activities.

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Parking Information

Parking Information

The Wilderness is providing complimentary self-parking at their Conference Center during our event. In addition, and as a guest of the Wilderness, there is no additional fee for parking. Overnight guest will receive a parking pass at the time of check-in. The team at the Wilderness asks that you park in the lot of the resort/lodge in which you’re are staying. The closest resort/lodge to the conference venue is Glacier Canyon Lodge.

Shuttle Bus service is also available to get you around all three Wilderness Resort properties.

 

2024 Spring Conference

This year’s conference will be hosted by the Wilderness Lodge Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. The Dells is renowned for its striking glacially formed sandstone formations along the banks of the Wisconsin River. These formations, some of which are over 500 million years old, have been a central part of the area’s allure for centuries. Before European settlers, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) tribe. The region’s name, “Dalles” or “Dells,” comes from a French term describing the narrow, rocky river gorges in the late 19th century, Wisconsin Dells began to gain popularity as a tourist destination, thanks in part to the stunning photographs of H.H. Bennett, which showcased the area’s natural beauty. His work played a significant role in attracting visitors and promoting the region. Over the years, Wisconsin Dells has transformed into a bustling tourist hub, known for its waterparks, amusement parks, and entertainment options. It’s often called the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” boasting an impressive array of both indoor and outdoor waterparks. To learn more about the WI Dells visit: https://www.wisdells.com

Engaging Sessions, Talks, and Activities

Throughout our two-day conference at the Glacier Canyon Lodge, a portion of the Wilderness Resort territory, we’ll come together as a group to hear from our expert guest speakers on a wide range of topics affecting the immunization landscape in Wisconsin and beyond. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful talks and activities including:

Special Guest
Giovannie Gone, LMAC, MPH Executive
Director, Immunize Kansas
Read Bio
General Session #1:
The Current Landscape of Immunizations in Wisconsin: Challenges, Achievements, and the Path Forward”  Lead by Stephanie Schauer, Ph.D Microbiology/Immunology

This general session provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of immunizations in Wisconsin. It will delve into the various aspects that shape the immunization landscape in the state, from public health policies and community outreach efforts to the challenges posed by disparities in immunization access and uptake.

Kristin Weber
General Session #2:
All Things WIR: An Overview of the Wisconsin Immunization Registry” – Kristin Weber, BSN, RN, Wisconsin DHS

Discover the untapped potential of the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) at our upcoming conference general session! While many utilize WIR for daily immunization tasks, we’re diving deeper to explore its broader applications. Join us to uncover how WIR can revolutionize quality improvement projects, enhance data quality, and streamline Vaccine for Children (VFC) activities. This session will equip you with real-world examples and actionable strategies to not only optimize your immunization processes but also explore innovative ways to use WIR. Ideal for healthcare professionals, immunization coordinators, and public health workers, this session promises to expand your understanding and application of WIR, paving the way for improved community health outcomes.

Interactive Activity:
Sensory Friendly Immunization Training – Rechelle Chaffee, Marin McClowry, Megan Hufton of the Autism Society

This session highlights collaboration with the Autism Society, focusing on equipping vaccinators with the knowledge and skills necessary to offer a welcoming and accommodating experience for individuals with Autism and other sensory needs. This presentation, we’ll introduce the sensory-friendly vaccine model, designed with a universal approach to benefit not only those with specific sensory sensitivities but also individuals experiencing needle anxiety or apprehension towards medical procedures. This conference session is an invitation to join a movement towards more empathetic and accessible healthcare. It’s a unique opportunity for healthcare providers, educators, and community members to engage, learn, and contribute to making healthcare environments more inclusive and supportive for individuals with diverse needs.

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Interactive Breakout Sessions

This year, conference attendees will have an opportunity to participate in engaging breakout sessions covering a wide range of immunization topics spanning our three key themes:

Bridging Gaps
Bridging Gaps
Build Trust
Building Trust
Boosting Health
Boosting Health

Bridging Gaps Breakout Sessions Include:

Addressing Disparities in Vaccine Access among those who are Uninsured and Underinsured

This session focus will be on identifying and addressing the challenges in vaccine access among uninsured and underinsured populations. It will cover effective strategies and best practices to reach out to underprivileged communities, including those in rural and underserved urban areas. The talk will include case studies and statistical analyses to understand the scope of these disparities.

Sheng & Mariana
Community Health Workers in a Time of Crisis: Partnering with Health Institutions to Augment Vaccination Access and Uptake in Central Wisconsin

The presentation focuses on immunization work done by the Hmong and Hispanic Communication Network (H2N) during the COVID-19 pandemic and work carried over post-pandemic. The acute crisis response galvanized the ongoing need for CHWs, not only because they are trusted health messengers, but because they are also able to advocate for their communities to address disparities that impact health.  Highlights of this presentation include Hmong and Hispanic-specific challenges and barriers; CHW roles in vaccination outreach and access; pandemic response efforts that were interconnected with social determinants of health; opportunities for new approaches; and how CHWs influenced eventual state-level responses. We will discuss the recent evolution of the H2N project and how with sustainable funding, CHWs can continue to play an important role in vaccination outreach and uptake and advancing health equity in their communities and beyond.

Building Trust Breakout Sessions Include:

Strategies for Rebuilding Community Trust in a Post COVID-19 in Wisconsin

In this presentation, we will explore effective strategies for enhancing vaccine access in diverse communities, focusing on overcoming current immunization challenges. Participants will learn from state and local case studies and gain insights into successful community engagement techniques. The session will also offer practical policy recommendations and steps for developing actionable immunization plans. It is tailored for healthcare professionals, public health policymakers, and community leaders.

Karen
Cultivating Confidence through Connectivity, Communication, and Community

This session focuses on harnessing the power of social media as a key instrument in bridging informational gaps and enhancing vaccine confidence. We will explore the effective use of digital platforms for disseminating accurate and reliable vaccine information to a broad audience. The session will delve into strategies for engaging diverse communities via social media, fostering an environment of trust and informed decision-making regarding immunization. Participants will learn about the best practices for creating impactful social media content, addressing misinformation, and leveraging online platforms to support public health objectives.

Boosting Health Breakout Sessions Include:

Integrating Immunization with Broader Health Initiatives

A presentation on integrating immunization efforts with broader health initiatives. The session will explore innovative ways to combine immunization with other health promotion activities like nutrition, mental health, and chronic disease management. It will also discuss the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare and how immunization can be a part of it.

Exploring the Role of Health Insurance in Vaccine Accessibility & Coverage

This session aims to examine the crucial role that health insurers play in the areas of vaccine financing and distribution. We are eager to gain insights into how health insurance policies can be optimized to improve vaccine accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the session will explore the challenges and opportunities in insurance coverage for vaccines, focusing on navigating policy constraints and leveraging insurance networks for broader vaccine outreach.

Bridging Gaps Breakout Sessions Include:

Speakers – Meet This Year’s Presenters

Sharing Knowledge and Expertise to Create Real Change

Rechelle Chaffee
Autism Society of Southeastern WI – Executive Director

Sensory Friendly Immunization Training


Karen Ernst
Director of Voices for Vaccines

Cultivating Confidence through Connectivity, Communication, and Community


Trisha Houghton
Director of Population Health & Quality Improvement

Integrating Immunization with Broader Health Initiatives


Megan Hufton
Autism Society of South Central WI – Education and Training Specialist

Sensory Friendly Immunization Training


Sheng Khang
H2N Hmong Team Coordinator for the Hmong and Hispanic Communication Network

Community Health Workers in a Time of Crisis: Partnering with Health Institutions to Augment Vaccination Access and Uptake in Central Wisconsin


Marin McClowry
Autism Society of Greater WI – Health Equity Project Coordinator

Sensory Friendly Immunization Training


Mariana Savela
BA, Program Manager,  Certified Health Navigator, Hmong and Hispanic Communication Network (H2N)

Community Health Workers in a Time of Crisis: Partnering with Health Institutions to Augment Vaccination Access and Uptake in Central Wisconsin


Stephanie Schauer
Ph.D Microbiology/Immunology

The Current Landscape of Immunizations in Wisconsin: Challenges, Achievements, and the Path Forward


Ericka Sinclair
MS, MPH

Strategies for Rebuilding Community Trust in a Post COVID-19 Wisconsin


Brian Stamm
Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic Health Policy

Exploring the Role of Health Insurance in Enhancing Vaccine Accessibility and Coverage


Ayanna Vasquez
MD, MS
American College Preventive Medicine Vaccine Confident Ambassador
University of Wisconsin-Madison Preventive Medicine

Addressing Disparities in Vaccine Access among those who are Uninsured and Underinsured


Kristen Weber
BSN, RN

All Things WIR: An Overview of the Wisconsin Immunization Registry

Agenda – A Two-Day Breakout of IMWICON2024

Explore the IMWICON2024 agenda to plan your trip! This agenda includes our scheduled times for:
Session Speakers
Session Speakers
Breakout Sessions
Breakout Sessions
Meals&Breaks
Meals & Breaks
Networking
Panel Discussions
Panel Discussions

EXPLORE AGENDA

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Additional details to help you plan for the spring conference

The purpose of our conference is to provide a statewide platform for engaging, training, and connecting immunizations stakeholders in Wisconsin to support intersectional strategic initiatives that improve uptake of all vaccines across the lifespan.

The conference will take place at the Glacier Canyon Conference Center in the Glacier Canyon Lodge on the grounds of The Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Glacier Canyon Lodge connects to Wilderness Hotel via an indoor skywalk.

The Wilderness Resort is known as America’s Largest Waterpark Resort, offering a unique mix of professional facilities and leisure activities along with variety of lodging options that are perfect for any size group or budget.

No, this year’s conference will be an exclusively in-person event. We encourage attendees to join us at the venue to experience the full range of interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and other activities planned.

Identification, registration confirmation, business cards, reusable water bottles, chargers for electronic device, face mask, open minds and lots of questions.

Suggested arrival is Wednesday March 20th, our agenda will begin promptly on the morning of March 21st.

After 2-28-24, there is a 72-hour cancellation policy per room. Reservations cancelled prior to the 72-hour mark will be charged a $30 fee. Cancellations within 72 hours pay for the entire room rate.

Immunization Coalition Members, Nurses, Physicians, Epidemiologist, Community Health Workers, Tribal Health Organizations, Students, Public Health leader, Pharmaceutical Representatives, Outreach Specialist, Health Policy Analysts, Health Educators, Healthcare Administrators, School Health Champions

Double Queen Couch Rooms: Standard rate of $169.00 per night. Limited Premium Rooms: Available at $309.00 per night. Rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes (currently 12.25%) in effect at the time of check in, and a taxable $29.95 nightly resort fee. Learn more about accommodations at the Wilderness Resort.

We offer various packages for exhibitors and sponsors, providing different levels of engagement and visibility. Interested parties should visit our conference landing page to access the exhibition request form.

Reservations should be made by Wednesday, February 28, 2024, to ensure availability.

Call 1-800-867-9453 and mention Leader #A48169 to receive the special conference rate.

Visit the Glacial Canyon Conference Center website for more details about the conference center venue or visit the Wilderness Resort website at wildernessresort.com for more details about the resort grounds and lodging options.

If you have specific dietary restrictions or needs, please inform us at the time of your registration.

No

Yes

To stay updated on speaker, general session topics, keynote speakers, and more, please visit our website immunizewi.org, and on our social media platforms.

Facebook: ImmunizeWI
LinkedIn: Immunize Wisconsin
X (Twitter): @ImmunizeWI
Instagram: @ImmunizeWI

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