Networking
As soon as you walk in the door of the San Diego Convention Center you will be surrounded by thousands of professionals who share your zeal for occupational therapy!
Take advantage of these many chances to bond with colleagues and build your network, support others and mentor students, connect with exhibitors and potential employers, talk with OT leaders and experts, and enjoy great times with friends.
Expo Grand Opening and Reception
Thursday, 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Immediately after the Welcome Ceremony, join us in the Expo Hall for a fantastic reception that abounds with socializing with colleagues, enjoying delicious hors d'oeuvres, meeting AOTA leaders and staff in Marketplace and the Member Resource Center, and exploring hundreds of valuable exhibits.
"Conversations That Matter" Lounge
Take a break and connect with like-minded colleagues in our new special lounge space that will be located on the second floor of the convention center. There will be a schedule posted outside the lounge and in the Registration Area for you to check topics that might be of special interest to you, and times available to show up for conversations. Bonus—the beautiful views of the bay will be your backdrop!
Students Un-Conferenced
Thursday, 8:30 pm–10:30 pm
Get together with fellow students for a fun meet-and-greet. Remember, networking is one of those all-important professional skills that doesn't appear anywhere on your transcript. Start honing those skills at Students Un-Conferenced as you meet your student colleagues from around the country and have a great time. Entertainment will be provided!
Special Interest Section (SIS) Roundtable Discussions (tickets required)
Each of the 11 SISs, the Hand and Private Practice Subsections, and Driving and Home Modification Networks, will hold small group discussions. When you participate, you will be engaged in specialty areas of your practice with opportunities to ask questions and share your experiences. Tickets are free and included with Conference registration, but they must be obtained in advance at the Information Booth for the session that you wish to attend.
SIS Buzz Sessions
Saturday, 8:30 am–9:30 am; 10:00 am–11:00 am
Special Interest Sections have selected topics of current interest in their practice areas for a brief presentation and facilitated discussion. The focus of these sessions is to provide you with lots of chances for active participation with questions, answers, and discussions that promote interactive learning among colleagues.
Join the Conversation!
Tweet Seats are new this year! If you are live tweeting from Conference, look for the Tweet Seats sign—these specially marked Tweet Seats will be in each session and are reserved just for you! We encourage you to Tweet at Conference—use the free Wi-Fi in the convention center and in the public areas on the ground floor. Remember to use the Conference & Expo hashtag #AOTA13.
SIS Fitness Event—Bodybalance
Friday, 6:45 am–7:30 am
Enjoy this special time with others to enhance your length, strength, balance, and coordination at the Bodybalance class with principles from Tai Chi, Yoga, and Pilates. A perfect start to the day!
SIS Fun Run & Walk
Saturday, 6:45 am–7:30 am
Take an invigorating 5K run or walk with friends and colleagues along the gorgeous waterfront in San Diego with free t-shirts for 300 participants. What a way to start the day!
Here's why your colleagues recommend that you take full advantage of networking—it is wonderful to "be surrounded by thousands who love the profession," "meet awesome vendors in the Expo," and "come together to rejuvenate the spirit." "Learning should be fun, said an attendee, "and this is one way to do it!"
Experience great networking at the 2013 AOTA Annual Conference & Expo!
