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AOTA INSPIRE 2025 Annual Conference & Expo
Philadelphia, Pa. | April 3-5-, 2025

Exciting news—AOTA INSPIRE | 2025 Conference & Expo is coming to Philadelphia! This fall, you’ll have the chance to register for the world’s largest gathering of occupational therapy practitioners and students. And it all begins THIS November, when both registration and housing open!

Inspire Your Practice. Connect with the Community.

Join us in Philadelphia, April 3-5, 2025, and experience a transformative event that will empower you to:

  • Be inspired by diverse sessions on the latest practice trends, research, and best practices.
  • Connect and inspire each other through exclusive networking opportunities with thousands of practitioners, educators, and thought leaders.
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant OT community and enjoy Philadelphia as the perfect backdrop for this must-attend event.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring event! Visit the AOTA INSPIRE 2025 website to sign up for updates and be the first to know when registration and housing open in November.

We can’t wait to see you in Philadelphia!

Contact Lawrence Liff, development@aotf.org for AOTF sponsorship opportunities. 



AOTA INSPIRE 2024 Annual Conference & Expo, Orlando, Florida 
March 21-23, 2024

 

Foundation Friday, March 22, 2024:

 

Breakfast with a Scholar (CE)

Friday, March 22, 2024, 7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. ET
Rosen Centre, Orlando, Florida

The Caregiver Trifecta: Empowering Family Caregivers and Clinicians to Plan for Personhood, Dignity and Connection at Every Stage of Care

Katie Brandt, MM, Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations, Massachusetts General Hospital Frontotemporal Disorders Unit

Katie Brandt

Katie Brandt is a powerful public speaker, educator and advocate in the national healthcare and research space. She is on a mission to enhance clinical care, advance research and impact public policy for serious health conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, young-onset dementias and rare disorders. 

In her keynote presentation, Katie will introduce the Caregiver Trifecta, an innovative person-centered care planning approach that incorporates the person with the diagnosis and their care partners as the anchor for each element of care. This interdisciplinary model of care creates space where occupational therapists can play a pivotal role while empowering family caregivers as architects of their loved one’s care plan. Katie will provide strategies to build connections with family caregivers that promote partnerships for personhood and dignity at every stage of care.  

This lived experience presentation will share Katie’s personal journey as a young-onset dementia caregiver to both her husband and father. Her experiences of love and loss have been the catalyst for her professional passion as the Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations for the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Frontotemporal Disorders Unit. In this role she is also deeply dedicated to promoting clinically meaningful outcomes for families participating in research. Weaving together personal experiences and professional knowledge, Katie illuminates the power of the authentic voice to build connections that help joy endure even as memories fade. 

Speaker Bio: Katie Brandt is a powerful public speaker, educator and advocate in the healthcare and research space. Earning her Master of Non-Profit Management from the Heller School for Social Policy at Brandeis University equipped her with the skills she utilizes today as a national leader for Alzheimer’s and related dementia public policy, research and clinical care. In her professional capacity, Katie serves as the Director of Caregiver Support Services and Public Relations for the Massachusetts General Hospital Frontotemporal Disorders Unit. Her passion for this role was inspired by her experience as a young-onset family caregiver to both her husband and father. Katie’s experiences of love and loss embolden her to illuminate the power of the authentic voice, determined that the cure of tomorrow is not so far from the care of today.   

In-person: $75- Add to your full conference registration | View Program

 

State of the Science (CE)

Friday, March 22, 2024, 3:00 pm–5:30 pm, ET

Progress in OT Assessment: How are we measuring up?
 

State of the Science Speakers

Assessment tools play a key role in building research that advances our understanding of human occupation and health and that provides an evidentiary base that informs occupational therapy practice. Occupational therapy researchers have contributed to key advances by using innovative measurement models, defining and measuring new concepts, and demonstrating treatment effectiveness. Yet, we also stand at a crossroads: challenges include the departure of established researchers (and assessments), limited workforce development opportunities, and obstacles to integrating assessments into clinical and research workflows, and while we also have exciting new opportunities including advances in assessment accessibility, inclusiveness of stakeholders throughout the measurement process, and implementation science to design measures that meet the needs of research and inform daily practice. This session will reflect on past achievements, current cutting-edge approaches, and how we will continue to lead and innovate measurement in the future.

Michelle L. Woodbury, PhD, OTR/L, Professor, College of Health Professions, Health Sciences & Research Department, Medical University of South Carolina
Jennifer Weaver, PhD, MA, OTR/L, BS, CBIS, 
Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University
Jessica M. Kramer, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida
Trudy Mallinson, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FACRM, Associate Dean for Health Sciences Research, Associate Professor of Clinical Research & Leadership, Associate Professor of Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences (Secondary), The George Washington University, The School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Simone V. Gill, PhD, OT, OTR/L, FAOTAAssociate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University

In-person: $50- Add to your full conference registration | View Program

 

Research Excellence Symposium (CE)

Friday, March 22, 2024, 12:30-2:30 pm, ET

AOTF promotes and celebrates research excellence at various career stages with the vision of having a vibrant science that builds knowledge to support effective, evidence-based occupational therapy.  This year, hear from our newly inducted Academy of Research members along with our Early and Mid-Career Research Excellence Awardees on their career journey and latest research. 

Established in 1983, the AOTF Academy of Research in Occupational Therapy recognizes individuals who have made exemplary, distinguished, and sustained contributions toward the science of occupational therapy. Additionally, AOTF Early and Mid-Career Awards recognize and support investigators who are contributing and have promise to advance knowledge in the field of occupational therapy. 
Included with your AOTA Inspire main registration.

AOTF Academy of Research (AoR) Inductees:
Ganesh M. Babulal, PhD, OTD, MSCI, MOT, OTR/L
Lindy Clemson, PhD, MAppSc (Research), BAppSc (OT), Dip OT, FOTARA
Roberta G. Pineda, PhD, OTR/L, CNT

Mid-Career Research Excellence Awardee:
Sook-Lei Liew, PhD, OTR/L

Early Career Research Excellence Awardee:
Adam R. Kinney, PhD, OTR/L

Plus don't miss...

  • STRIDE OT Research Fund Posters, Thursday, Mar 21 3:00 pm

  • Awards & Recognitions Ceremony, Saturday, March 22, 2024, 5:15 pm.-6:30 pm. ET (Reception 6:30 pm-7:30 pm)

  • Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture: Bubble wrap is for Packages, Not for People: Balancing Dignity of Risk with Duty of Care, Anita Bundy, ScD, OT/L, FAOTA, FOTARA, AOTF Academy of Research Member, Saturday, March 23, 11:15 am–12:30 pm

Visit our AOTF Booth, Orange County Convention Center, OCCC West Lobby

  • Student Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Fox Rehabilitation.
  • Meet with our AOTF Chief Scientific Officer and Scientific & Research Programs Coordinator about upcoming funding and resources
  • View display of 2024 Grant and Scholarship recipients, St. Catherine Challenge Results and Award recipients
  • Relax in our Donor Lounge 
  • Pick up a free AOTF zipper pull and/or goniometer
  • And more!

Thank You Sponsors!

AOTF Sponsors 2024

Cancellation Policy- requests should be submitted in writing and sent to AOTA by email at conference@aota.org, or faxed to +1 770-238-0414. A 15% processing fee will be applied to all cancellation requests made through February 28, 2024. Refunds will not be issued after February 28, 2024. Substitutions are accepted with written notice.


Conference Archives:

2023

Breakfast with a Scholar (CE)
Friday, April 21, 2023, 7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. CT

Fearlessly Different
Mickey Rowe, Founding Artistic Director of the National Disability Theatre

Mickey Rowe

Sometimes just one small action can change a life. For Mickey Rowe, Founding Artistic Director of the National Disability Theatre, it began when he was introduced to Seattle Children’s Theatre by his grandmother. Rowe, who is autistic and legally blind, was told that he could never enter the mainstream world. Acting changed all of that. In this keynote, Rowe shares his deeply personal and inspiring story of growing up autistic and pushing beyond the restrictions of a special education classroom to shine on Broadway. The talk is based on his new memoir: Fearlessly Different: An Autistic Actor’s Journey to Broadway’s Biggest Stage. He shows all of us that whether disable or not, the things that make us different are often our biggest strengths. (Note: Additional registration required to attend this program.)*

  • In Person- $ 70 (add to your INSPIRE package, includes on demand access also, BONUS: book available for purchase and signing at end of program)
  • On Demand Only- OTs/OTAs - $ 40/Students- $ 20 (not eligible for CE's)
  • Book only - $25 (includes shipping in US)

State of the Science Symposium (CE)
Friday, April 21, 3:00 pm–5:30 pm CT

Shifting the Culture of Occupational Therapy Scholarship Through Community-Engaged Research

4 panelists for State of the Science

Teal W. Benevides, PhD, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University
​​Janet L. Poole, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, University of New Mexico
​​Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar, PhD, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois Chicago
​​Karla Ausderau, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, Department of Kinesiology, Occupational Therapy Program, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison
MC – Mary Jane ‘MJ’ Mulcahey, PhD, OTR/L, CLCP, FASIA, Chair of the AOTF Board of Trustees, Thomas Jefferson University

At the conclusion of this symposium, attendees will…

  • Discuss the culture of community-engaged research: what is it, and what it is not, and how does it align with occupational therapy principles
  • Identify approaches for engaging the community as co-research partners
  • Illustrate benefits, barriers, and strategies that contribute to the science of community-engaged research

View Attendee Program

In Person- $ 40 (add to your INSPIRE package, includes on demand access also) 
On Demand Only- OTs/OTAs - $ 25

Research Excellence Symposium
Friday, April 21, 12:30 pm-2:30 pm CT


4 speaker photos

AOTF promotes and celebrates research excellence at various career stages with the vision of having a vibrant science that builds knowledge to support effective, evidence-based occupational therapy.  This year, hear from our newly inducted Academy of Research members along with our Early and Mid-Career Research Excellence Awardees on their career journey and latest research. 

Established in 1983, the AOTF Academy of Research in Occupational Therapy recognizes individuals who have made exemplary, distinguished, and sustained contributions toward the science of occupational therapy. Additionally, AOTF Early and Mid-Career Awards recognize and support investigators who are contributing and have promise to advance knowledge in the field of occupational therapy. 
Included with your AOTA Inspire main registration

Academy of Research Inductees:
Carolyn Unsworth, PhD, BAppSci (OT), GCTE, OTR, MRCOT, FOTARA, Professor, Discipline Lead Occupational Therapy Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Australia,
Sook-Lei Liew, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor; Director, Neural Plasticity and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory; Chair, ENIGMA Stroke Recovery Working Group; Co-Director, USC SMART-VR Center; Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurology USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
Early Career Awardee:
Lisa Juckett, PhD, OTR/L, CHT, Assistant Professor, Division of Occupational Therapy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio ​​
Mid-Career Awardee:
Elizabeth Pyatak, PhD, OTR/L, CDCES, FAOTA, Director of the Lifestyle Redesign® Knowledge Mobilization Initiative, and Associate Professor, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California


Awards & Recognitions Ceremony
Saturday, April 22, 4:30 am – 6:00 pm CT (w/reception 6
:00 pm–7:30 pm)

Each year, AOTF and AOTA recognize and honor our colleagues who have made significant contributions to enrich the profession of occupational therapy. Feel the excitement and be inspired during this year’s engaging ceremony, as we publicly unveil the winners of AOTF’s and AOTA’s most prestigious awards.

Plus, don't miss...

International Breakfast: Inspired to BE: Promoting Belonging and Equity for an Evolved Profession

Saturday April 22, 9:00 am–10:30 am

Douglene Jackson, PhD, OTR/L, LMT, ATP, FAOTA, AOTF Board Secretary
 

Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture: The Mattering of “Little Things”

Saturday April 22, 11:15 am–12:30 pm

Mary Lawlor, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Past AOTF Board Chair

 *AOTA Event Cancellation Policy: Please notify AOTA by email at conference@aota.org, or fax 770-238-0414. A 15% processing fee will be applied to all cancellation requests made through March 29, 2023. Refunds will not be issued after March 29, 2023.

Thank You 2023 Sponsors! 

Contact Lawrence Liff, development@aotf.org for sponsorship opportunities. 


Conference Archives:

2022

Breakfast with a Scholar (CE)

An Unquiet Mind: Professional and Personal Insights About Living with Depression and Bipolar Illness
Kay Redfield Jamison, M.A., Ph.D.

Redfield A Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Kay Redfield Jamison is an international authority and researcher on mood disorders. Named a “Hero of Medicine" by TIME, she has unique insight into the world of mental illness. Dr. Jamison went public with her own struggle with manic depression in a 1995 Washington Post article and subsequent New York Times bestseller, An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness, which according to Oliver Sacks, M.D, “stands alone in the literature of manic depression for its bravery, brilliance, and beauty.” Since its release, she has become a trusted advocate for the millions who suffer from mental illness.

Dr. Jamison will share her deeply personal experience with mania and depression and the impact on her intersecting worlds of researcher, clinician, teacher and patient.

With her professional and personal insights about living with depression and bipolar illness, Dr. Jamison’s lectures have been described by audiences as profoundly enlightening experiences. Through her candor and simplicity, Jamison addresses the clinical and personal realities of mental illness in a manner that encourages dialogue, empathy and hope.

$18 - Unquiet Mind Book only (includes shipping)

State of the Science Symposium (CE)

Healing from Trauma: The Value of Occupation and Therapeutic Alliance 

Christine Helfrich, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Professor & Post-Professional OTD Capstone Coordinator, Division of Occupational Therapy, American International College
Heather Javeherian, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Associate Professor, Dept. of Occupational Therapy, Loma Linda University
Amy Lynch, PhD, OTR/L, TBRI® Educator, SCFES, Associate Professor, Dept. of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University

Emily F. Rothman, ScD, MS, Professor and Chair, Dept. of Occupational Therapy, Boston University
Duana C. Russell-Thomas, OTD, OTR/L, Clinical Specialist in Occupational Therapy, Washington University in St. Louis

Occupational therapy practitioners encounter individuals who have experienced trauma, as part of their past or present story. These individuals may be clients, coworkers, trainees, or others. Some occupational therapy practitioners are themselves trauma survivors, and others must learn to safeguard against secondary trauma when working with clients who have experienced trauma. Whether the trauma experienced is acute, chronic, or developmental in nature—it can negatively influence habits, roles, routines and contribute to a lower sense of competency, self-worth, and belonging. Trauma disrupts participation and satisfaction in occupation. Occupational therapists can acquire the skills to respond to the needs of individuals, families, and communities that have experienced trauma, but the research supporting our involvement is limited. 

Join our panelists who will:

  • Provide an overview of trauma & principles of trauma-informed care (TIC)
  • Discuss the existing content of occupational therapy driven TIC research
  • Reveal gaps in research for OT role in TIC
  • Identify supports and barriers to conducting this research
  • Provide ways in which front line clinicians can contribute evidence about the positive impact of OT in TIC delivery
  • Explore ways to address needs of clients to improve delivery of care without risk of causing new trauma or triggering prior trauma

Eleanor Slagle Lecture, Friday, April 1, 2022, 5:15 p.m.–6:30 p.m. CT

Finding Our Strengths: Recognizing Professional Bias and Interrogating Systems with AOTF Board Vice Chair, Kristie Patten, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA

Additional AOTF Sessions and Events:

  • Future Scientists Institute, Saturday, April 2, 8 am. CT

  • AOTF/AOTA Awards & Recognitions Ceremony, Saturday, April 2, 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. CT

    View acceptance speeches from a few of the awardees. See full 2022 list.

  • Research Excellence Symposium OnDemand

    Presentations from Early Career and Mid-Career Awardees, and newly inducted members to the Academy of Research. 

2021 

  • AOTA-AOTF Award Ceremony, April 26 - View on Youtube

  • Research Excellence Symposium, April 14

    Presentations from Early Career and Mid-Career Awardees, and newly inducted members to the Academy of Research.
    ACADEMY OF RESEARCH INDUCTEES
    Kathleen Doyle Lyons, ScD, OTR/L, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
    Shawn C. Roll, PhD, OTR/L, RMSKS, FAOTA, FAIUM, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

    AOTF EARLY CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARDEE
    Chih-Ying "Cynthia" Li, PhD, OTR/L, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
    AOTF MID-CAREER RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARDEE
    Jessica Kramer, PhD, OTR/L, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
    View Recording

  • AOTF Scavenger Hunt

    OT Students: Chance to win 1 of 5 $50 Amazon gift cards. Complete the scavenger hunt by Apr. 29, 2021.
    Sponsored by EBS Healthcare  
  • PTE Events conducted separately from AOTA conference this year.

Long-running AOTF Events at the AOTA Annual Conference

Breakfast with a Scholar

1995-present

AOTF's signature event, Breakfast with a Scholar provides a forum for sharing the ideas of preeminent scholars (usually from other disciplines) that resonate with occupational therapy.

State of the Science Symposium

2015-present

Each year, AOTF selects a topic to explore and invites respected researchers to summarize scientifically validated evidence that guides best practice and identify gaps in the evidence and research priorities that must be addressed to support future practice. This integrated review of the state of the science includes a discussion of the implications for practice, education, research, and policy.

Research Colloquium

1982-2014

An AOTF tradition from 1982 to 2014, the Research Colloquium provided a forum where scientists engaged in the important process of constructive critique and dialogue.

Qualitative Research Exchange

1997-2008

The Qualitative Research Exchange provided a forum for sharing new ideas related to current and emerging theoretical and practical issues in qualitative research.

AOTF Gala

2015 Gala - Champagne and Chocolate. Celebrating AOTF's 50th Anniversary. 
2014 Gala -- Express Yourself! AOTF and friends celebrated creativity at this American Visionary Art Museum. 
2013 Gala -- AOTF saluted the military at the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
2012 Gala -- Dancing with the Stars (Indy-Style). 

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