OOTA Winterfest 2026: A Virtual Conference Success Worth Repeating

Nathan Grizenko, OTD, OTR/L

If you’ve ever felt the pressure of an approaching license renewal deadline while still short on continuing education credits, OOTA Winterfest 2026 was designed with you in mind.
Held virtually on March 3 and 4, this year’s Winterfest proved to be a valuable and timely opportunity for occupational therapy practitioners across Ohio to efficiently meet licensure requirements while gaining meaningful, practice-enhancing knowledge along the way.

 

A Strategic Approach to Continuing Education

Winterfest was intentionally scheduled ahead of Ohio’s license renewal deadline, offering practitioners the chance to get ahead rather than scramble at the last minute. In just two evenings, attendees had the opportunity to earn 12–14 continuing education credits through a combination of live sessions and forthcoming recordings, offering both flexibility and peace of mind.

But Winterfest was more than just a solution for meeting CE requirements.

Each session was thoughtfully curated to support clinical growth, introduce emerging and evidence-based practices, and deepen participants’ understanding of the evolving landscape of occupational therapy. Attendees left not only with credits but also practical knowledge they can immediately integrate into their work.

 

Engagement, Connection, and Community

This year’s event welcomed approximately 60 attendees and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both participants and presenters. Engagement remained high throughout the conference, with active participation in discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities.

The relationships built were authentic and transcended the virtual format of the event, reinforcing the strength of Ohio’s occupational therapy community.

 

Looking Ahead

Attendees are now able to access recordings of sessions, extending the value of the conference and adding approximately 15 on-demand courses to OOTA’s learning management system.

Given the success of Winterfest 2026, OOTA is hopeful to continue growing this event as an annual offering. Its timing, accessibility, and emphasis on both education and connection make it a unique and valuable resource for practitioners statewide.

As we begin planning for future conferences, Winterfest will remain top of mind—including during this year’s call for conference proposals.

Winterfest isn’t just about checking a box for licensure. It’s about investing in your practice, your network, and your future!