The APTA NEXT Conference and Exposition has a reputation for on-point educational sessions and inspiring lectures, and this year's event, taking place in Chicago June 12-15, is no exception.
But as anyone who attended a NEXT conference can tell you, there's more to it than that: NEXT offers hands-on experiences, interactive learning opportunities, and plenty of ways to network and have a great time—this year, in 1 of the most vibrant cities in the country.
If you've already registered for NEXT, think of the items below as possibilities for your conference "must do" list. And if you haven't registered, take a look at what you could be missing (besides all the sessions and lectures, of course).
Celebrate!
NEXT is all about connecting (and reconnecting) with others who share your passion for the profession—and those connections don't just happen around sessions. Plan on joining fellow attendees for the conference opening reception in the exhibit hall on Wednesday, June 12, and get things started right.
Join the conversation.
What would you do? The NEXT Experience Zone is the place for interactive learning, including a June 13 session on shoulder and knee issues, with speakers presenting cases and then involving the audience in discussion and, ultimately, a vote on the best course of treatment.
Take a deep dive with a small group.
The NEXT Inspiration Hub offers a series of discussions in a small group setting that allows for a more intimate look at topics including rural health, community collaboration, and the integration of education, practice, and research. There's even a session on how APTA can be your not-so-secret weapon in enriching your career.
Get hands-on with GoBabyGo!
The popular GoBabyGo! program returns to NEXT, with an opportunity for you to see firsthand how commercially available children's ride-on toys can be retrofitted to become effective assistive devices for children with mobility limitations. You'll come away inspired.
Feel the blues.
Join PT-PAC supporters for an evening of top-notch blues at Buddy Guy's Legends, which calls itself "the premiere blues club in the world," on Wednesday, June 12. A $50 ticket, purchased when registering for NEXT at the PT-PAC booth in the exhibit hall or outside the House of Delegates, buys you appetizers, drinks, and a night of live entertainment you won't soon forget.
Make a kid's day.
Again this year, APTA is working with Shoes4Kids to provide underprivileged children with new athletic shoes and socks. This service opportunity will benefit Chicago's Woodlawn Community Elementary School, which is part of the Small Schools Coalition offering students an African culture-centered curriculum in reading, language arts, math, science, cultural arts, and social science. Shoes4Kids collection bins will be located outside of the House of Delegates beginning Monday, June 10, and at NEXT through Wednesday, June 12.
Party with the Foundation.
The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research has funded groundbreaking research and researchers for 40 years. This year’s PT Party, on Thursday, June 13, will be a celebration of this special anniversary and the research that keeps making our profession stronger. Join colleagues, friends, and Foundation family in celebration. PT Pintcast's Jimmy McKay will liven up the evening as emcee. And don't forget to wear your dancing shoes.
