Back to Basics
It’s been more than two years since we met in person… How many cultural norms have we forgotten? How many skills have become dusty and rusty? SWCC 2023 is about getting on a plane or train again, catching up with old friends, and remembering what it's like to be a part of events in person. The 2023 SWCC Conference will cover all your basics: journalism, communications, science, socializing, fun, and more! Join us in Ottawa!The 2023 SWCC Annual Conference will take place on 4-6 June, 2023 at Canada's National Science and Technology Museum. The regular conference will be followed by optional tours of cool local science around the National Capital Region. Stay tuned for more details on the programme! Early Bird Registration closes May 8! Conference Accommodations
Joining us from out of town and need a central place to stay? SWCC has negotiated a group rate for our out-of-town guests at Les Suites hotel, located at 130 Besserrer Street. SWCC's preferred rates are as follows:
Calling all students: submit a poster in our competition
Our call for student posters is now closed. The student poster competition will take place at the Canadian Museum of Science and Technology on 6 June from 12:00 - 3:00pm. The winners will be announced at 3:15pm ET on 6 June, at the Conference. SWCC gratefully acknowledges the support of our sponsors.Gold levelSilver level
Bronze levelExhibitor level Tour level Supporter level |
"The conference was my first exposure to SWCC. What a breath of fresh air. As a mid-to-later stage professional, I don't often get the opportunity to interact with other communicators and writers. I came back with information and contacts that are beneficial for me and my organization. I feel reinvigorated in my practice. Follow up and responsiveness on the part of the organizers after-the-fact has also been excellent." |
"My second week into my Masters of Science Communication program I was lucky enough to attend the 2017 SWCC Conference. It was a great experience to get a broad view of science writing and communicating in Canada as well as having a chance to listen to and meet some amazing presenters. When thinking about future career opportunities the SWCC Conference really got my wheels turning about where I can go and the different kinds of things I can do. Highly recommended!" | ![]() |
"I look forward to this conference every year and there's nothing like it. SWCC keeps a community connected across Canada and these few days energize us for the rest of the year. The people you meet and the insights you gain are so important for all science writers and communicators' work." |
"The SWCC conference 2017 offered me a perfect way to not only learn some good 'best practice' tips in science communications but more importantly offered me an opportunity to meet, network and benefit from learning from an incredibly friendly, smart and experienced group of science communicators. I have already recommended the conference to a number of my colleagues back in the UK." |
"The SWCC conference is a chance to get out of your science silo and pick up new approaches to communicate science, learn about other exciting scientific fields and share ideas with your science writer colleagues from across Canada." |
"The annual conference is a great place to meet your peers, strike up friendships, and to maintain relationships over the years -- important in such a lonely profession. As a writer, I've found stories and more than paid for the cost of a trip. As an editor, I've had the chance to get to know writers who have ended up freelancing for me, or have been offered jobs working with me." |
2023 - Ottawa, ON
2022 - No conference
2021 - Virtual Conference
2020 - Virtual Conference
2019 - Winnipeg, MB
2018 - Vancouver, BC
2017 - Ottawa, ON
2016 - Guelph, ON
2015 - Saskatoon, SK
2014 - Toronto, ON
2013 - Montreal, QB
2012 - Windsor, ON