The Ins and Outs of the AOTA Conference

Attending conferences is a great way to learn new things and connect with people within the occupational therapy community. And one of the biggest events each year within the United States is the American Occupational Therapy Association conference. This episode details specifics about what the AOTA conference looks like, how to prepare, and tips on how to make for successful conference experience.
What it looks like?

Four days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday are full days, Sunday is a half day)
Pre-Conference institutes on Wednesday
Workshops, Short Courses, Research presentations, Conversations that Matter, Posters, Expo Hall, Alumni receptions
Presidential Address, Eleanor Clark Slagle Lecture, First Timer’s orientation, Fitness Events
Blood Drive and Book Drive this year

Benefits of going as a practitioner:

Continuing education units (up to 24)
Exposure to new research/ practice areas
Networking/ meeting like minded people
Inspiration and motivation

Attending as a student:

Some schools offer a conference scholarship
Student specific courses and presentations
Networking with other students and practitioners
Winning a free NBCOT exam

My favorite parts:

International Breakfast
Opening Ceremony
Keynote address
Grand Opening of the Expo Hall
Tweet Up
Meeting new friends and reconnecting with old friends

Tips to Prepare:

Business cards
Notebook and pen or notepad on phone to write down notes/ contact info for people you meet
Water bottle
Extra battery & charging cords for phones/ computers
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring a sweater or coat
If going with a group, split up for courses and then share notes
Connect with people online beforehand
Be prepared that you can’t do it all

Other Resources:

AOTA 2019
Taelor-Made OT
I Love OT Podcast
AOTA Top 10 Reasons to attend AOTA
Miss Jaime OT
Mama OT

If you have questions or comments, hit me up on social media:

Instagram: @ot.4.lyfe
Twitter: @ot4lyfe
Facebook: ot4lyfe