But wait. There's more.

That could be a pretty accurate tagline for the 2022 APTA Combined Sections Meeting, coming up Feb. 2-5 in San Antonio. With all of the association's sections and academies offering up hundreds of presentations, you're certain to find plenty of content to keep you engaged all day, every day of the event. And there's still time to get an advance discount if you register by Dec. 16.

But like we said: Wait; there's more.

The return of APTA CSM as an in-person event (with an on-demand option available March 1-31) means the return of opportunities to get together with friends for other fun events. Whether it's honoring the achievements of other PTs and PTAs or getting involved in service projects in the San Antonio community, there are some great ways to share good times and meet new people.

(Note: APTA is committed to hosting a safe APTA CSM event in San Antonio in February 2022 that is consistent with CDC guidelines, with proof of vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours of participation required, and masks required indoors unless speaking at a microphone.)

Here are four options to check out.

Get a double dose of inspiration.
For the first time ever, the APTA Specialty and Proficiency Ceremony will be combined with the association's prestigious Mary McMillan Lecture in a single event, on Feb. 2 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Help honor and celebrate your colleagues who achieved specialist PT certifications or PTA advanced proficiencies in 2020 and 2021, and take in APTA's premiere lecture, delivered by Laura Lee (Dolly) Swisher, PT, PhD, FAPTA, professor emeritus and former director of the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of South Florida.

Celebrate diversity.
APTA's efforts to shape a more diverse profession are ongoing, with lots of achievements to celebrate and plenty of work yet to be done. On Feb. 3 from 7 to 11 p.m., join us for the PT Fund Celebration of Diversity, where we honor the importance of diverse perspectives, cultures, and values in the physical therapy profession. And it also happens to be a lot of fun, with great food, music, and dancing. Purchase tickets when you register for APTA CSM — all proceeds go to the PT Fund, which includes the Minority Scholarship Fund.

Party with PTPAC.
You know you'll eventually want to check out San Antonio's renowned Riverwalk, so why not stroll over to Pat O'Brien's on Feb. 4 and help celebrate the work of PTPAC, APTA's sole political fundraising arm that supports physical therapy-friendly legislators? Tickets for the event, which includes drinks, appetizers, and music, can be purchased when you register for APTA CSM or by calling 800-809-9565. The party runs from 9 p.m. to midnight, and you must be at least 21 to attend.

Help the community.
Over the years, APTA has expanded opportunities for service through its national conferences and events, and this year’s event will feature more options than ever. APTA will continue its recent tradition of making a financial donation to the community, benefitting the Thrive Youth Center, which provides young LGBTQ+ adults who are homeless with a safe and supportive environment. APTA also is collaborating with the member-led, section-supported PT in the Community efforts, which include supporting the PT Moves Me campaign to educate K-8 students on the profession, the Street2Feet program that offers walking and running training to individuals experiencing homelessness, and a yoga event fundraiser with PT Proud — part of the APTA Health Policy & Administration Section’s Global Health Special Interest Group — to benefit Thrive.

Not able to participate? You can still do your part: Be on the lookout for a new APTA T-shirt that incorporates the traditional LGBTQ+ pride colors, with proceeds going to Thrive (you can check out the shirts at the APTA pavilion in the exhibit hall). Or pack some extra (new) athletic wear for the PT in the Community project that will donate the clothing to local people in need. APTA will provide collection areas at the conference. Read about other ways to make a positive impact at APTA CSM.