Share Your Voice at the OOTA 2026 Annual Conference!
Conference Theme: Pivot Points: Amplify, Adapt, Advance!
Dates: October 16-17, 2026
Location: Hilton Columbus at Easton, Columbus, OH
Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026
Thank you for your interest in presenting at the OOTA 2026 Annual Conference.
Please carefully review the following information and instructions before completing your submission.
💡 Finding Your Pivot Point: Guidance for Your Proposal
The theme Pivot Points: Amplify, Adapt, Advance is an invitation to reflect on the moments of change that shape us. We’re looking for presentations that explore those turning points, big or small, that alter a trajectory.
This could be a shift in your professional practice, a change in a long-held habit, or a moment when your understanding of something deepened in an unexpected way. Often, a single, seemingly small “pivot” can have ripple effects, creating impact far greater than initially imagined.
We invite you to share your own pivot points. Your presentation could focus on:
- A clinical insight that changed your professional approach
- A new habit in your personal or professional life that amplified your effectiveness or well-being
- How you adapted a traditional intervention for an emerging practice area
- Recent research is changing/challenging our profession’s understanding of an issue
- Advocacy efforts that started as small conversations and grew into policy change
We are seeking a diverse range of topics and skill levels.
Whether your pivot point sparked a personal revelation or a system-wide change, your story can inspire others to find their own.
Proposal Requirements
Please prepare the following items before filling out the online form:
Presenter Information:
- Primary Presenter: Full Name, Credentials (e.g., OTR/L, OTA, PhD, MOT/s), Email, Mobile Phone, Employer/Affiliation.
- Co-Presenter(s): For each co-presenter, provide Full Name, Credentials, Email, and Employer/Affiliation.
- Attachments:
- CV/Resume of the primary presenter (upload as PDF).
- Headshot(s): A photo for each presenter. Please name each image file with the presenter’s full name (e.g., janedoe.jpg).
Presentation Details:
- Presentation Title: (15 words or less)
- Preferred Format: (Select one)
- Educational Session (50 minutes)
- Poster Presentation (In Person)
- Poster Presentation (Virtual)
- Hot Topic (15-minute presentation, 10-minute Q&A)
- Panel Discussion (50 minutes)
- Other:
Learning Objectives:
- List a minimum of three (3) measurable learning objectives. These should describe what the participant will be able to do as a result of attending your session. (Example: “Participants will be able to identify three evidence-based interventions for fall prevention in community-dwelling older adults.”)
Abstract:
- Provide a concise summary of your presentation (maximum 250 words). This will be used for conference materials if your proposal is accepted.
References/Citations:
- List 3-5 references that support your presentation’s content. All citations must be from peer-reviewed journals or other scholarly sources and published within the last 5 years. This is not a request for letters of recommendation. Please format your citations in a consistent style (e.g., APA 7th Edition).
Content Level:
Check all levels that apply to your presentation:
- Introductory: Assumes the audience has little or no prior knowledge of the content area. Focus is on foundational concepts.
- Intermediate: Assumes general familiarity with the literature and practice. Focus is on increased understanding and practical application.
- Advanced: Focuses on recent advances, future directions, and the practical application of research for a highly knowledgeable audience.
Practice Area:
Check all that apply to your presentation:
- Aging in Place/Geriatrics
- Children and Youth
- Community-based Practice
- Emerging Practice Area
- Fieldwork and Academics/Education
- Health and Wellness
- Home Health/Telehealth
- Mental Health
- Professional Issues
- Rehabilitation
- Other: _____________
Special Accommodations:
Do you or any of your co-presenters require any special accommodations to present at the conference (e.g., microphone, podium height, specific room setup)? If so, please describe.
Ready to Submit?
The online submission form will prompt you for all the information listed above. We highly recommend using the OOTA “Cheat Sheet” for tips on crafting a standout proposal.
For questions, please contact: OOTA Staff at ootastaff@gpsforgrowth.com
We look forward to hearing how you are amplifying, adapting, and advancing the field of occupational therapy!