We had the opportunity to attend the 8th Annual Virtual Reality and Healthcare Global Symposium in Sarasota/Tampa, Florida February 29-March 3. Unlike many other conferences that tend to rehash familiar topics, this event prioritized offering a diverse range of perspectives and fresh insights. The inclusion of emerging voices from various sectors, such as care, technology, research, and policy, was particularly refreshing, injecting new energy and ideas into the discussions. This emphasis on diversity enriched the conversations and underscored the importance of fostering inclusivity and mentorship within the healthcare community.

Moreover, the conference provided an invaluable platform for networking and forging partnerships. Through interactive workshops and networking sessions, we had the opportunity to connect with healthcare leaders from different backgrounds and explore potential synergies. The Symposium also offered hands-on exposure to Virtual Reality practices, especially offering the ability to demo the newly released Apple Vision Pros. The focus on enabling the creation of larger data sets was especially noteworthy, highlighting the collective responsibility we have to leverage data to advance healthcare outcomes. This event was interdisciplinary, featuring multiple speakers across differing fields; there was something for everyone to learn.