American Academy of Physician Assistants Holds First International Conference at Metro Toronto Convention Centre
June 24, 2012
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) 40th Annual Conference, known as IMPACT 2012, held their first international event May 26-31 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The event attracted an estimated 4,000 physician assistants from the U.S., as well as their Canadian counterparts.
"We believe it is a good thing for U.S. and Canadian physician assistants to share ideas and look at healthcare challenges from different perspectives," said Robert Wooten, AAPA president.
He added, "Physician assistants increase access to quality healthcare that benefits patients and is cost-effective for the healthcare system. Hosting IMPACT 2012 in Toronto provides an opportunity for Canadian physician assistants to meet and share ideas with their American counterparts."
IMPACT 2012 is the world's largest physician assistant conference of its kind at which attendees develop and enhance their knowledge and skills to improve patient care.
A physician assistant is a medical professional, educated alongside physicians, who works as part of a team with a doctor.
Physician assistants perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret lab tests, perform procedures, assist in surgery, provide patient education and counseling and make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes.
They practice in nearly every medical specialty and setting and play a key role in coordinating patient care.
Though the physician assistant profession has existed in the U.S. for more than 40 years, its influence is spreading to other countries, including Canada, where the profession is gaining traction.
"The AAPA has selected a world-class city with Toronto and the MTCC as their first-ever international venue for IMPACT," said Barry Smith, president and CEO of the MTCC.
He added, "Attendees will have access to the amazing amenities our diverse city has to offer, and their participation in IMPACT 2012 will benefit our local economy with $10 million in visitor spending."
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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