Cleft 2022

Hosted every four years, Cleft 2022 will be a hybrid (in-person and online) event in Edinburgh, United Kingdom (UK) between 11–15 July 2022. Cleft 2022 bridges cultures and generations, providing opportunities for 218 in-person cleft leaders and experts from 46 countries to:

• build capacities and meaningful connections
• exchange knowledge and research in multidisciplinary areas of cleft care from surgery to technological advances
• strengthen cleft care at global, regional, and national levels

Throughout the week-long event, Smile Train and our partners will host an array of cleft experts to present research and best practices around comprehensive cleft care.

We are honoured to partner with Cleft 2022, an event that will take us closer to a world where every person has access to high-quality comprehensive cleft care and is able to live a full and healthy life.

The Cleft 2022 Conference Schedule Can be Found Here

Smile Train Information & Events

Smile Train partners should

• Stop by Smile Train's booth on Monday to pick up a swag bag, pin, and ribbon
• Visit the booth each day for information on diverse programmes ranging from speech therapy to nutrition (schedule posted at booth)
• Visit the Simulare Medical booth to learn about hosting a workshop in your country
• Visit the Biodigital booth to check out the improvements in the Virtual Surgery Simulator (VSS) technology and the new oculi

Smile Train Event Highlights List

The detailed Cleft Congress 2022 programme can be found here

Monday 11 July

1–1:45 p.m. Smile Train Lunch Symposium: Cleft Training: From Gutenberg to the Metaverse (featuring: Smile Train CEO Susannah Schaefer, Dr. Court Cutting, Dr. Roberto Flores, and Aaron Oliker)

7–10:00 p.m. Welcome Reception for registered partners and staff on the Exhibit Floor. Tickets for non-registered guests may be available on site

Tuesday 12 July

8-9 a.m. Smile Train Breakfast Symposium: Leveraging Partnerships to Build Safe Operating Room Environments in LMICs: A Panel Discussion (includes panelists from Lifebox, KidsOR, Smile Train CPO Erin Steiber, and Smile Train partners)

4-5 p.m. Cleft 2022 x Devex World Forum livestreamed panel discussion

Wednesday 13 July

7:30–10:30 a.m. Simulare Medical Hands-On Unilateral Workshop, by invitation only

7–9:00 p.m. Smile Train Partner Cocktail (private event) for Smile Train partners, donors, and staff! Pick up your ticket with venue information and swag bag on Monday or Tuesday at the Smile Train booth.

Thursday 14 July

7:30 – 10:30 a.m. Simulare Medical Hands-On Bilateral Lip Workshop, by invitation only

FAQs

Weather

• BBC weather forecast for Edinburgh

Registration

• Smile Train partners can register for Cleft 2022 through their regional directors (RDs) and country regional managers (CRMs)
• Smile Train can adjust attendance from in-person to virtual attendance, if needed

Hotel Accommodation

• Smile Train covers hotel accommodations for the nights of 10 July through 14 July for a duration of up to 5 nights, with checkout date of 15 July
• Smile Train will book rooms and will notify partners of accommodation information through RDs and CRMs
• The attendee covers the cost of the duration if the stay exceeds 5 nights and will make accommodation updates and payments separately

Visas

• Partners are responsible for obtaining their own visas. Visa costs will be reimbursed alongside travel and accommodation claims. Partners should apply for a reimbursement grant after they've paid for visa and accommodation fees
• Smile Train provides documentation to support visas, including a letter of support. Reach out to your E&T team, if needed
• Smile Train does not have authority to contact embassies to expedite visas

Conference Dress Code

• Conference/Daytime: Business casual
• Social events: Business casual or casual
  • Wear comfortable shoes to the Ceilidh (Dance) party on Tuesday evening
  • Wear comfortable shoes on Wednesday evening as you’ll be walking to the venue

COVID-19 Provisions

• The latest international guidelines for traveling to Scotland, UK can be found here
• Please check the latest COVID-19 travel rules pertaining to your home country for return travel
  • Smile Train will provide PCR (Covid) testing to those who need these for entry into their home country
  • Smile Train Partner Covid tests in Scotland are covered by Smile Train and will take place at the Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket, 1 Morrison Link, Edinburgh EH3 8DN, a 5-minute walk west of the EICC. Partners will receive information on-site, through email, and by WhatsApp. Covid testing will be available to partners on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday morning
• As well as Scotland’s travel rules, you must also check the latest COVID-19 travel rules for any other country that you plan to travel to
• If you do not live in the UK, you should check your own government’s rules about travelling abroad and returning home before booking travel

Virtual attendances

• Access codes will be sent directly to virtual attendees.