Explore Pre-conference Trainings and Workshops

Make the most of your time in Costa Rica — register for a pre-conference training or workshop before the 70th Annual Scientific Conference programming kicks off. Learn more about the pre-conference offerings below.

October 17-19 | 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

October 20 | 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Cost: $95 USD (includes transportation and lunch)

Course Description: This course trains students to become trusted safety advocates for the proper use of child car seats and seat belts, influencing policy, educating communities, and saving lives. Lower- and middle-income countries are working to develop and enforce strong child passenger safety (CPS) laws, standards, and practices. A trained CPS workforce can support these initiatives, provide expertise to communities from within, and advocate effectively to enhance CPS.

Facilitators: 

Heidi Heflin, RN, MN, CPSTI 

Jchanet Tan

Location: Baby and Up (local baby store)

Heredia De La Casona del Cerdo
200 metros oeste
Ofibodegas Santiago 525 local 8
San Joaquin de Flores Heredia 40801

Requirements:

  • Must be proficient in English. 
  • Must be from a lower- or middle-income country (LMIC). 
  • FULL attendance required for all 3.5 days. 
  • Pass written quizzes and demonstrate hands-on skills. 
  • Participate in the car seat check-up event scheduled on the last day of class.

Registration Deadline: October 5, 2026 (Spots are limited, 10 spaces available register soon!)

Contact: WhatsApp +1 (310)941-2322 or email carseatRN@gmail.com (lead instructor) to begin the registration process or to ask questions.

October 18-19 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Cost: $450 USD (includes breakfast and lunch)

Registration link: https://www.pathlms.com/aaam/courses/193929

Course Description: AIS15 Onsite Course provides instruction on the history, structure, rules and uses of the AIS2015 Dictionary via the use of recorded presentations, dictionary exercises, chart reviews for identification and proper AIS coding of verifiable injuries.

Facilitators:

Kathy Cookman, BS, CSTR, CAISS, EMT-P, FMNP

Donna Nayduch, MSN, RN, ACNP, TCRN, CAISS

Location:

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

700 Meters West From Bridgestone/Firestone

Heredia, 40703, Costa Rica | +506 2298 0000

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum of 6 months (1 year or more suggested) experience working with AIS either in a trauma registry or coding of injury cases
  • Basic anatomy course or equivalent
  • Basic medical terminology course or equivalent

Materials: All materials are available within the learning platform. The student has the choice of obtaining a copy of the digital AIS2015 Dictionary or a hardcopy.

Equipment Needs: Laptop to access online materials. Participants must be onsite at the AAAM Annual Conference and engage in active participation in discussion. 

October 20 | 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Workshop Description: This interactive workshop is ideal for professionals who use or want to better understand the AIS and ISS in clinical research, trauma registries, injury prevention, and policy-making.

Cost: Included with conference registration. Pre-registration for the event is required. Event can only be attended if registered for the conference.

Online registration opens Friday, May 8, 2026. Online registration ends Monday, October 5, 2026.