Vancouver has always been a favorite destination, and having visited twice before, I thought I knew what to expect. But this time was different. No site visits, no venue inspections, no tours of hotel ballrooms. Instead, I was there for something far more immersive—the 2025 Invictus Games, the first to feature a winter adaptive sports program alongside the traditional indoor events. It was a refreshing change, one that allowed me to see the city through a different lens: not just as a world-class conference destination, but as a place where resilience, inclusivity and innovation in the neuroscience and rehabilition field come together in a truly meaningful way.
Vancouver’s Neuroscience Landscape
Vancouver has long been recognised as a global leader in the field of neuroscience, with institutions like the University of British Columbia (UBC) leading the charge in both research and application. The city is home to numerous medical organisations and cutting-edge healthcare initiatives focusing on advancing brain health research and treatment.
During our famil, I had the privilege of exploring the Djavad Mowafaghian Brain Health Centre, where groundbreaking research is being conducted on brain health, cognitive decline, and rehabilitation techniques—critical areas that align perfectly with the spirit of the Games.
As a neuroscientist and physical therapist, Dr Lara Boyd directs the Brain Behaviour Laboratory, where her research focuses on understanding how behavior influences neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganise itself. Utilising advanced imaging techniques and non-invasive brain stimulation, she aims to develop effective rehabilitation interventions, particularly for stroke patients.
Meanwhile, Dr. Christopher Honey, Professor at UBC’s Division of Neurosurgery, shared insights on the latest advancements in neurosurgery, including the integration of innovative technologies for better recovery outcomes. “What we are doing here is bridging the gap between research and practical application, much like the Invictus Games bridge the gap between recovery and competition,” he noted.
We were also taken to the Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory (AMPEL), a leading research centre in materials science and engineering which brings together experts from various disciplines to develop quantum materials, advanced composites, and nanotechnology with applications in electronics, energy, and medicine. With state-of-the-art facilities like the Quantum Materials and Devices Foundry, AMPEL fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, driving technological breakthroughs in next-generation materials and sustainable engineering solutions.
These innovations in neuroscience and rehabilitation are directly relevant to the participants of the Invictus Games, who embody resilience through their journey of recovery. Vancouver’s strong focus on those fields positions the city as a perfect fit for hosting events that cater to medical professionals and associations looking to make a global impact in the field.
A Celebration of Strength, Recovery & Innovation
The Invictus Games have grown from a single event in London to a global movement, traveling to cities like Toronto, Sydney, and now Vancouver. With over 500 athletes from 23 nations, the 2025 Vancouver Invictus Games not only highlighted the inspiring stories of veterans but also demonstrate Vancouver’s commitment to adaptive sports, innovation, and accessibility. The Games featured a variety of sports, from wheelchair basketball and indoor rowing to new winter sports, showcasing athletes’ resilience and perseverance.
What makes these Games particularly significant is their ability to merge the world of sport with medical rehabilitation. Prince Harry envisioned the Games as a platform to show the world that adaptive sports are not just about physical competition, but about the broader story of recovery, community, and overcoming adversity. As he stated, “Invictus means ‘unconquered,’ and that spirit of determination resonates with everyone involved.”
For Vancouver, hosting the Games provided the opportunity to demonstrate its expertise in accessibility and adaptive technologies—elements that are crucial to attracting medical associations interested in understanding how sports and medicine intersect in the realm of rehabilitation. Putting theory into practice, we experienced an adaptive ski demonstration and lesson at the stunning Grouse Mountain, just 20 minutes from Vancouver’s conference district.
An Unmatched Conference Experience
Beyond its sporting events, Vancouver’s capabilities as a conference destination are well known. The Vancouver Convention Centre, with its LEED® Platinum certification and flexible spaces, hosts major international medical and scientific conferences year after year. The venue, of course, served as the heart of the Games’ activities, from the Invictus Games Village to various sporting events and conferences.
The Brain Health Fair, organised by the American Academy of Neurology in 2016, exemplifies Vancouver’s ability to integrate educational experiences with its event offerings. The city’s commitment to making conferences not only educational but also inclusive and interactive makes it a desirable location for international associations wishing to make an impact.
Vancouver’s whole-city approach to conferences—where stakeholders across sectors collaborate to align with an association’s mission and vision— also creates abundant opportunities for networking and innovation.
Case in point: the upcoming Web Summit 2025, expected to draw 35,000 delegates from around the world, with other medical events such as the International Conference on Machine Learning and the World Congress of Biomechanics slated for the city in the coming years as well. These conferences will see significant participation from thought leaders in fields such as digital health, AI-driven healthcare solutions, and biomedicine—further solidifying Vancouver’s status as a hub for groundbreaking scientific discussions.
This spirit of collaboration and connection is what makes Vancouver stand out. Michael Drake, Vice President of Meetings, Conventions and Events at Destination Vancouver, captured this sentiment perfectly: “When one of our conference ambassadors recognised our Paralympic athlete as his past patient at the opening of Invictus—it completed the circle of scientific knowledge, community, and international conferences… and events!”
Accessibility & Sustainability
Above all else, Vancouver is a city dedicated to accessibility and sustainability. As a top-tier destination for those with disabilities, the Canadian destination boasts a comprehensive network of accessible transport, accommodations, and recreational spaces. The city’s dedication to inclusivity ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy its stunning natural environment—from accessible hiking trails and beaches to adaptive sports facilities.
Sustainability is another core value embedded in Vancouver’s identity. From the six-acre living roof at the Vancouver Convention Centre to its seawater heating and cooling system and zero-waste program, all the way to the city’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, Vancouver has proven itself to be a leader in environmentally responsible event hosting. The municipality has also pioneered initiatives such as the Greenest City Action Plan, which focuses on reducing carbon emissions, increasing urban green spaces, and promoting sustainable transportation.
Vancouver’s business events sector has embraced sustainability through initiatives like the Sustainable Event Guidelines, which provide planners with practical tools to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. Many hotels and event venues, for instance, hold Green Key certifications, ensuring environmentally friendly operations. Additionally, event organisers are encouraged to use carbon offset programs to neutralise their environmental footprint.
Let’s conclude with the words of Josh Dueck, Paralympic athlete and keynote speaker at the Games: “Vancouver is a city where resilience is not just a value—it’s a way of life.” Forassociations, this resilience is reflected not only in the athletes but in the very fabric of the city itself. Vancouver is where innovation meets accessibility—an ideal location for conferences that aim to make a global impact.
To learn more about Vancouver as a conference destination, visit this website.