Being in the company of other OTs is invigorating. Whether you’re just starting your career as an occupational therapist or have years of experience, it’s definitely worth checking out the American Occupational Therapy Association’s INSPIRE conference—but it can be especially beneficial to new clinicians.

This year’s conference will be held in San Antonio, TX from March 31 to April 2. In the past, the annual conference was just too expensive for many OTs. Buying a plane ticket, booking a hotel, eating out — it can add up quickly and be difficult to budget for.

But AOTA is now offering both in-person and virtual attendance. You can register for a one-day or full conference in-person pass, or you can choose to attend the entire conference virtually. Plus, there are discounts for AOTA members and students. You won’t miss out on any key features if you opt to participate virtually, and you’ll save a lot of money on registration costs.

So whether you go one day or all four, in-person or virtually, discover how the conference provides opportunities to learn, network, and envision the future of your new profession.

1. Expand Your Clinical Knowledge

Occupational therapy is a diverse profession. OTs provide therapy to everyone from premature babies in the NICU to older adults in memory care. Since OTs work with patients with various conditions in pretty much every stage of life, there’s always more to learn.

AOTA INSPIRE offers educational programming on an incredible range of OT practice topics — and over 200 sessions are available on demand. This year’s program sessions include especially timely ones, including:

Diversity, equity, and inclusion through an ethical lens
COVID-19 lessons learned on the OT frontline
Smartphone technologies for those with disabilities
Professional well-being, which covers OT resilience, stress, self-care, and quality of life
The power of empathy for OTs working in assisted living and memory care

You can dive into your specific interests, including the newest research, technologies, and interventions. But you also might want to consider choosing a session outside your own speciality area and personal interests. It can be valuable to learn about your field from a different point of view. You might even find tips and techniques you can integrate into your practice.

2. Network With Fellow OTs Virtually or In Person

When you attend the INSPIRE conference in person, you’ll have many opportunities to make professional connections. You can mingle before and after educational sessions or turn to the person who’s sitting next to you and strike up a conversation. Breaks and meals give you time to swap stories, trade contact information, and connect on social media.

AOTA has made sure that virtual attendees also have plenty of ways to connect with the experiences and with each other via:

Live streaming of the Presidential address and farewell, the keynote speech, discussions, lectures, and the awards ceremony
On-demand courses, panels, student sessions, and a few special events
Attendee chat. Yes, you can “talk” during the events!

Virtual attendees can even “visit” sponsor and exhibitor booths. If you’re looking for the right place to start your OT practice, you can do some research about the participants before you visit their booths. Arrive prepared with good questions and genuine interest, just like you might for a job fair or interview.

3. Envision the Future of OT

If you can only attend one day of the conference, make it Friday, when both the outgoing and incoming AOTA presidents will give an address. Veteran and new clinicians alike should tune in as the two women assess the present and envision the future of OT.

In the Farewell Address, President Wendy Hildenbrand will be urging OTs against complacency and status quo — and encouraging inclusivity and meaningful service. President-elect Dr. Alyson will be sharing her personal vision for the post-pandemic OT world in her Inaugural Address.

To help propel the conference into the future, AOTA INSPIRE’s website looks different from years prior. It’s more interactive and more sophisticated. The website’s evolution includes more offerings in professional development, specialty certifications, technology, and pandemic responses. There’s no doubt that the new design signals a new era of the OT profession.

When thousands of OTs from various practice settings get together in one room, the energy and optimism are incredible. It’s practically a guarantee: you’ll take the AOTA INSPIRE enthusiasm, education, and vision back with you to your patients and coworkers. And that’s a powerful way to start your career!