Conference Information
Going Green & Conference Handouts
Thanks to feedback from past attendees, the 2012 Annual Conference & Expo continues its efforts to be greener! Having taken many initiatives in the past to create a healthier environment and reduce our carbon footprint, we will continue one of the most successful ones: handouts will be available online only.
Handouts for the 2012 Conference will be available to attendees on the AOTA Web site. Look for improvements to the system this year that will make it easier to locate the handouts! Make sure you take a few minutes to review the instructional videos. Also, as you build your itinerary online, you will be able to download all available handouts for the educational sessions that you have selected.
| PLEASE NOTE: While speakers are encouraged to provide handouts it is NOT a requirement. Not all sessions will have handouts as it is the speaker’s choice whether or not to provide them. |
Make sure you bring a pad of paper to take notes and AOTA will provide the pen! Not to worry if you missed any handouts; these will be available for 4 weeks after Conference on the AOTA Web site.
Enhanced Conference Connections via AOTA Friend Connect
Enhance your networking experience at Conference through AOTA Friend Connect in the “Conference Connections” public forum on OT Connections.
After you register for Conference, you will be invited to enter information such as your name, maiden name, state, school, and area of practice into this easy-to-use database. You may fill in as many or as few of the fields as you want. AOTA Friend Connect is searchable by any of the fields, allowing you to find old friends or make new contacts before arriving in Indianapolis.
If you need a roommate at Conference or someone to share a ride from the airport, post a message in the Conference Connections forum and get connected!
AOTA offers Friend Connect and Conference Connections as a convenience for attendees. AOTA assumes no responsibility for actions resulting from their use.
Receive Conference Updates on Your Phone!
Throughout Conference, AOTA staff will be sharing updates, news, and comments on Twitter. Last year, followers were the first to know about the flash mob dance outside the opening ceremony, events in the Member Resource Center, and more. Be sure you don’t miss anything — follow us on Twitter!
- If you are already on Twitter, add @AOTAEvents or send a text with the words “Follow AOTAEvents” to 40404 to follow us.
- If you do not have a Twitter account or want your cell phone added to your existing account, send a text to 40404 with the word “start” to get step-by-step instructions on signing up or adding your cell phone or smart phone to your account via text messaging. After this is done, follow step 1.
- Be sure to use the hashtag #AOTA12 when tweeting about Conference, or when looking for tweets about Conference.
| The Conference hashtag is #AOTA12 |
This is a free service. However, depending on your service provider and your text plan, you might see usage charges for text messages if you exceed your monthly allowance.
Fitness Sessions
Pack your work-out clothes because the SISs are sponsoring two fitness events at Conference. Events will include a fitness class on Friday and the annual SIS Fun Run/Walk on Saturday that will take participants through a park in Indianapolis. Both events will be held from 6:45 am–7:30 am. Come and enjoy exercise with your colleagues—it’s a great opportunity to connect in a different setting. More information will be posted once the details have been finalized.
Accessibility Services
Accommodations for individuals with accessibility needs will be available to enable access to all scheduled programming. Information regarding Conference accessibility and resources, including transportation, parking, and hotel information is available on the AOTA Web site.
Requests for accommodations must be made in writing and submitted with your Conference registration form by April 4, 2012. Simply check the box next to the universal access symbol in Section 1 of the Registration Form and attach a detailed description of needs. Please include the dates and times that services and/or accommodations will be required and what type of accommodations are requested. You will receive written confirmation of your request.
Scooters: AOTA will provide a vendor who will be able to rent scooters to attendees. Attendees are responsible for making their own arrangements for renting a scooter.
Sleeping Accommodations: Accessible sleeping accommodations are the responsibility of the individual hotel; requests for accessible hotel rooms should be directed to the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association/AOTA Housing. General information, online reservations and downloadable Hotel Reservation Forms are available here.
For more information, please contact AOTA by e-mail at accessibilityservices@aota.org or call 800-SAY-AOTA, ext. 2051 (members), 301-652-6611, ext. 2051 (local and nonmembers), 800-377-8555 (TDD). Fax to 301-652-1417, Attention: Conference Accessibility Services.
Your Conference Expenses May Be Tax-Deductible!
Registration Fees: If you are paying for the AOTA Annual Conference & Expo out of your own pocket, you may be able to deduct the expenses from your taxes. Registration fees for educational conferences may be 100% deductible if the education maintains or improves skills related to your trade or business.
Transportation: Additionally, your transportation expenses, including airfare, vehicle mileage, and taxi or shuttle fares from your regular place of business to Conference may be fully tax deductible. Meals may be 50% deductible. Remember to keep your receipts.
For details, please check with your tax professional.
Speaker Information
Speakers are reminded to check the Speakers Page for important reminders and updates. If your e-mail address changes, please send your new e-mail to conference@aota.org and include your session number(s).
Become a Conference Volunteer!
You can be a key part of the success of the AOTA Annual Conference & Expo when you volunteer for one of many opportunities. We welcome your help and appreciate your service! Contact the Indianapolis Local Conference Committee at AOTAvolunteer@gmail.com to learn how you can become involved as a conference volunteer.
