If you're headed to Boston for APTA Combined Sections Meeting Feb. 15-17, you've probably started narrowing down the sessions and poster presentations you want to attend, which is no easy task by itself, given the hundreds of choices available. But your options don’t end there. APTA CSM also features multiple special events and other opportunities to network, be inspired, get energized, and just plain party.
Here's a quick roundup of just some of what's up.
What: The 55th Mary McMillan Lecture and APTA Specialty and Proficiency Ceremony
When: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 7:30-9 p.m.
Where: Boston Convention Center Ballroom East/West
How to attend: No ticket required
The Mary McMillan Lecture is an important opportunity to hear a leading light of the profession deliver perspectives that often become touchstones in APTA history. This year's lecturer is no exception: Judith E. Deutsch, PT, PhD, FAPTA, is professor and director of the Research in Virtual Environments and Rehabilitation Sciences (Rivers) Lab in the Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy in the School of Health Professions at Rutgers University. Deutsch's lecture, titled "Arriba y Adelante: Looking Onward and Moving Ahead," will explore opportunities for APTA and the U.S. physical therapy community to more fully engage with the global rehabilitation community, including strategies to connect, collaborate, and contribute. The lecture will be followed by a ceremony to honor PTs who have achieved initial specialist board certification or were recertified in 2023, as well as PTAs who have completed APTA's Advanced Proficiency Pathways program since last year's ceremony.
What: PT Fund Celebration of Diversity
When: Thursday, Feb. 15, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Boston Museum of Science
How to attend: Tickets will be available for purchase at the APTA CSM registration desk and the PT Fund booth in the exhibit hall (online registration has closed)
The PT Fund Celebration of Diversity has developed a reputation as one of the true can't-miss good times events of the entire APTA CSM. Last year's celebration in San Diego, held on board the U.S.S. Midway aircraft carrier, was sold out. This year's event is nearing capacity as well, and features an equally cool venue: The Boston Museum of Science, one of the world's largest science centers and Boston's most attended cultural institution. Partygoers can explore the museum — that is, when they're not dancing and enjoying food and drinks. Formal wear isn't required, and a shuttle service from the convention center will be available. Make getting your ticket to the celebration one of the first things you do when you get to APTA CSM. All ticket sales support the PT Fund, contributing to the Minority Scholarship Fund.
What: Student Networking Breakfast
When: Thursday, Feb. 15, 6-8 a.m.
Where: Westin Boston Harbor Ballroom
How to attend: No ticket required
Physical therapy students: Find your people and share your story — all while fueling up for the first day of APTA CSM (while supplies last; capacity is limited). Meet fellow students from across the country, gain valuable insights, and make connections that last throughout your career.
What: Ready, Set, Move, With Kelly Starrett, PT, DPT
When: Thursday, Feb. 15, 1:15-3 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 16, 1:15-3 p.m.
Where: APTA Pavilion, APTA CSM Exhibit Hall
How to attend: No ticket required
Kelly Starrett, PT, DPT, has made a name for himself as the co-author of the New York Times bestsellers "Becoming a Supple Leopard," "Ready to Run," and "Built to Move," and the Wall Street Journal bestseller "Deskbound," as well as through his consulting work with players and coaches from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and the U.S. Olympic Team. APTA CSM attendees will have two opportunities to hear from Starrett in person: On Feb. 15, he will demonstrate his techniques and sign a limited number copies of "Built to Move"; on Feb. 16, Starrett will be joined by Danielle Anderson, PT, DPT, DSc; Frank Benedetto, PT, DPT; and Megan Brown, PT, DPT, for a panel discussion on the value of physical therapy, with a book-signing afterwards. The events are part of the APTA Fit for Practice initiative.
What: PTA Town Hall
When: Thursday, Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Boston Convention Center meeting room 209
How to attend: No ticket required
The PTA Town Hall event is an annual opportunity for PTAs and their supporters to network, ask questions of PTA leaders, make connections, and get involved in APTA.
What: PTPAC Party
When: Friday, Feb. 16, 7-9 p.m.
Where: SPIN Boston
How to attend: Tickets can be purchased at the PTPAC booth in the exhibit hall (#10043)
Another party you won't want to miss at a location you won't soon forget: Join in a celebration of PTPAC and its advocacy efforts while getting your pong on. We're talking craft cocktails. We're talking delicious food. And we're talking ping-pong, because the party is being held at SPIN, the table tennis-centric Boston bar and café. Crank up the volley-ume.
But that's not all being offered by PTPAC during APTA CSM. Be sure to check out what's happening at the PTPAC booth in the APTA CSM exhibit hall (#10043).
Thursday, Feb. 15, 1-3 p.m.: Enjoy dessert with PTPAC and become an advocate for the profession.
Friday, Feb. 16, 1-3 p.m.: The PTPAC "Duck Extravaganza." What is the Duck Extravaganza, you ask? We're not telling. Visit the PTPAC booth to find out, take part in "duck activities," and help make the profession's voice heard in Congress.