Nuka Conference

ABOUT THE NUKA CONFERENCE 

Southcentral Foundation’s Nuka Conference will inspire you with real-life lessons from SCF’s whole system transformation journey. SCF's Nuka System of Care is recognized as one of the world’s leading models of health care redesign.

Please join us for the Nuka Conference (June 24-28)

June 24-26, 2024 Pre-Conference Core Concepts Workshop

June 27-28, 2024 General Conference in Anchorage Alaska

Check out photos from the 2023 Nuka Conference by clicking here!

Pre-Conference Core Concepts Workshop 
Monday-Wednesday, June 24-26, 2024

Southcentral Foundation’s Core Concepts is a three-day, intensive communication and relationship-building workshop. The lessons in Core Concepts are derived from Alaska Native values of sharing story and listening to others share theirs, and have helped bring SCF’s system of relationship-based care to national and international recognition for high quality health care. 

In this workshop, you will recognize the importance of relationships and personal connection within SCF’s Nuka System of Care, demonstrate how to share and respond to story, and create an environment for improved communication and relationships through shared vision. The pre-conference welcomes you into a small learning circle as an interactive participant for SCF’s three-day Core Concepts Workshop, where communication techniques and tools are taught as a foundation for building and maintaining effective relationships.

Previous Core Concepts Workshops have garnered up to 19 continued medical education (CME) hours. Most Nuka Conference attendees participate in the pre-conference. Here are some of the things you won’t want to miss:

• Experience the same workshop provided for SCF employees, led by President/CEO April Kyle and SCF leadership
• Discover how SCF’s Core Concepts has created common language and tools for employees to work effectively with each other
• Learn the tools and communication methods SCF utilizes as a foundation for building and maintaining relationships with customer-owners

Core Concepts participants are organized in small groups (called Learning Circles) where communication tools are practiced and built upon over the course of the training. These tools provide a safe and supportive environment for participants to share their stories. Participants contribute to the learning environment by being on time for the full course without disruptions to their attendance. We understand that most conferences or courses allow for you to drop in and out of the experience. This learning experience is different, and we have some guidelines that we ask participants to commit to for the 3 days.

We ask that you commit to being fully present and without distractions such as cell phones, meetings, or other commitments. It is important that you arrive on time and plan to participate for the entire 3 days. Arriving late, missing day 1, leaving early, and dropping in and out of the course is disruptive to the safe environment being built throughout the experience. If you are unable to meet these commitments, you may not be allowed to enter or return to the course or could be asked to reschedule for a future Core Concepts when you are able to be fully present.

General Conference 
Thursday-Friday, June 27-28, 2024

The Nuka Conference presents SCF’s developed and proven best practices and lessons learned on organizational strategies and processes; integrated primary care, behavioral, and traditional practices; and supporting infrastructure. Discover new insights, learn from relevant experiences, and obtain guidance from SCF’s award-winning health care system.

Select from more than 15 sessions in the following focus areas:

• Integrated primary care
• Improvement and innovation
• Data and information management
• Behavioral health
• Workforce development
• and more

For more than a decade, Southcentral Foundation's Nuka Conference has brought hundreds of health care executives, directors, direct-care providers, and more together for a week of learning, connection, and Alaska fun. 

SCF will be applying for continued medical education (CMEs) hours for the General Conference.

FEES & REGISTRATION

Registration includes breakfast and lunch. Registration in the General Nuka Conference includes the Networking & Cultural Reception on Thursday, June 27.

Pre-Registration 

• Pre-Conference: $2,125
• General Conference: $1,275
• Pre-Conference and General Conference: $3,400

Regular Registration (after May 24)

• Pre-Conference: $2,500
• General Conference: $1,500
• Pre-Conference and General Conference: $3,800

FOR GROUPS 10+ OR MORE, CONTACT US SCFNukaEvent@scf.cc.  
FOR A SPECIAL GROUP RATE *only applicable for regular registration

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation must be emailed to SCFNukaEvent@scf.cc. Cancellations are accepted through June 17. After June 17, the registration may be transferred to another person by requesting the change and emailing the replacement attendee’s name and contact information to SCFNukaEvent@scf.cc.

Registration closes June 17, 2024

NETWORKING & CULTURAL RECEPTION

Registration includes a unique Networking & Cultural Reception on the evening of June 27. Southcentral Foundation is partnering with the Alaska Native Heritage Center to offer an opportunity to network with other health care professionals and to experience an introduction to many Alaska Native cultures and traditions in a business-free environment. The event is free for conference attendees and will take place at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, located at 8800 Heritage Center Drive in Anchorage. Heavy appetizers will be provided. There will also be an opportunity to purchase authentic Alaska Native art at the Heritage Center’s gift shop, with the proceeds benefiting this nonprofit educational and cultural institution.

As a special part of the evening’s entertainment, all guests are invited to participate in a Cultural Expression time as an opportunity to share a piece of their culture with attendees. In the past, we have had guests drum, sing and play instruments from their culture.

For more information on the Alaska Native Heritage Center, please visit www.alaskanative.net

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Southcentral Foundation’s Nuka Conferences are ideal for anyone interested in learning best practices from a health care system that has reduced cost, improved health outcomes, and increased customer and employee satisfaction.

Participants have included:

• Executive leadership
• Director
• Manager
• Direct Client / Patient Services
• Specialist
• Board Member / Owner
• Coordinator
• Consultant
• Analyst / Associate
• Administrative Support
• Intern / Fellow
• Instructor / Educator

You should consider attending if you:

• Are seeking proven solutions, best practices and tools to address challenging organizational issues in this rapidly changing industry.
• Would like to see a vision for the future of health care.
• Are interested in learning new skills.
• Would like to network other health care organizations.

HOTEL & TRAVEL

The Nuka Conference is hosted on the Alaska Native Health Campus in our Nuka Learning & Wellness Center (4085 Tudor Centre Drive Anchorage, Alaska). For hotel options as well as more information about the conference venue, restaurant recommendations, and more, please see our Visitor's Guide.

FLATTOP MOUNTAIN HIKE / SCENIC DRIVE

*Hike and Scenic Drive may start early depending on the last session and could depart as early as 4:30PM. Please check front desk for more information.

Whether you’re in town early or participating in the Pre-Conference, you’re welcome to join us for one of these great opportunities to see beautiful Alaska on Wednesday, June 26 at 6 p.m.

Hike up Flattop Mountain in Chugach State Park. Southcentral Foundation’s Physical Therapy & Exercise team will lead several hiking / walking options for various levels of ability and interest. Shuttles will be provided.

OR sign up for the shuttle headed along Turnagain Arm, a National Forest Scenic Byway, for dramatic views of the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet.

BIKE RIDE OPPORTUNITY

During lunch on Tuesday and Thursday, SCF will offer a limited number of bicycle tours starting at SCF's campus and looping through trails in Anchorage's Campbell Creek and University Lake areas.

FAQs 

Where should I stay / book a hotel?
For information regarding your visit, including hotel, restaurant, and activities recommendations, please view our Visitor’s Guide available here: Visitor's Guide

What is included with registration? Will meals be provided?
Registration includes breakfast and lunch on all days of the conference (June 24-26, 2024). If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them in registration or email us at SCFNukaEvent@scf.cc.

What is the refund policy for conference registration cancellations?
Cancellation must be emailed to SCFNukaEvent@scf.cc. Cancellations are accepted through June 7. After June 7, the registration may be transferred to another person by requesting the change and emailing the replacement attendee’s name and contact information to SCFNukaEvent@scf.cc.

Will I have access to presentation PowerPoints / materials?
Your registration also includes the presentation slides and materials. You will receive an email that directs you to a site to download the materials.

I need a Visa to travel. Can you provide a letter of invitation?
Once your registration is paid, please contact us at SCFNukaEvent@scf.cc or at (907) 729-6852 to request an invitation letter.

When should I arrive at the conference?
For the pre-conference, registration and networking breakfast is 7-8 a.m. If you do not plan to attend breakfast, please complete registration by 7:30 a.m.

For the general conference, registration and networking breakfast is 7:30-8:30 a.m. If you do not plan to attend breakfast, please complete registration by 8:15 a.m.

What is the recommended attire for the conference?
Attire is casual. Temperatures in the meeting rooms may be cool.

Will wireless Internet available at the conference?
Yes. Wireless is available at the conference location.

What are the parking options at the conference?
Parking is available at the conference location, including a nearby garage. All parking is free.

Commitment to Health & Safety

• The keynote room, breakout rooms and other spaces will be set up to allow plenty of space between tables and chairs.
  
  
• Masks, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer will be available in gathering areas.
  
  
• Hand-sanitizer stations will be plentiful throughout the common areas.
  
  
• Doors, tables, chairs, and other touch points will be cleaned and sanitized before guests arrive and throughout the conference. Disinfecting wipes will also be placed throughout the meeting space.