NETWORKING AT AOTA INSPIRE

AOTA INSPIRE is where you meet the people who change your path.

From Wednesday to Saturday, you’ll find your community at these gatherings. We have open-door lounges, receptions for specific groups, ticketed breakfasts, and more. Find the opportunities that are right for you!

Network with your Special Interest Sections
Make friends and enjoy yourself at AOTA-hosted events
Find receptions and events from MDI groups, alumni groups, and more

SIS and Communities of Practice Networking Reception

Wednesday, April 7 | 7:30 pm-9:00 pm

Included with your INSPIRE registration

Kick off AOTA INSPIRE 2027 by meeting the people who share your practice area. Connect with members of AOTA’s Special Interest Sections and Communities of Practice, find your people, and start the conference with a familiar face or two. Each SIS and the CoPs it supports have a designated gathering area at the reception so you can easily find your SIS Standing Committee members.

SIS Community Lounge

Hours Coming Soon

Included with your INSPIRE registration

Throughout AOTA INSPIRE 2027, drop by the SIS Community Lounge to recharge, meet SIS leaders, and keep the conversations going between sessions. The SIS Lounge hosts informal programming, from casual meetups to structured chats with SIS leaders.

It’s also your go-to spot to meet up on your own terms. Planning to catch up with a colleague, connect with someone you met in a session, or gather a few people from your practice area? Pick a time and meet at the Lounge.

Find the Right Event For You

INSPIRE’s receptions and events are where colleagues become friends and new connections turn into lasting professional networks. Time and location details will be added as they become available.

The Morning Buzz

Join first-time attendees and INSPIRE veterans on Thursday morning for good coffee and and even better advice to make sure you have the best possible experience at AOTA INSPIRE 2027.

OTA Meet Up

Gather in person with other OTAs at this informal event at AOTA INSPIRE 2027.

WFOT International Breakfast

When you register for INSPIRE 2027, don’t forget to purchase your ticket to the International Breakfast! In honor of the 75th anniversary of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), this year’s breakfast features a World Tour, where you’ll move table-to-table, meet colleagues, and explore OT stories from around the world, plus a presentation from Ritchard Ledgerd, MSc, MScOT, FWFOT, Executive Director of WFOT, titled “Global Roots, Shared Future: Celebrating 75 Years of Occupational Therapy Worldwide”. Don’t miss out on this conversation-first experience!

AOTPAC Night

Join us for a fun and relaxing evening with your friends and colleagues while supporting AOTPAC and AOTA’s advocacy efforts! There will be music, dancing, a photo booth and celebration. It is the place to be Friday evening! Snacks and a cash bar will be available. Join us Friday night for an exciting evening to remember. Tickets: $50; $25 for students (personal funds only, please). The cost is a contribution to AOTPAC to support its political purposes.

Fun with AOTPAC: Game Night

Join us for a fun and relaxing early evening with “Fun with AOTPAC”! This hour-long event is all about trivia, laughter, and connection. Unwind after your day and enjoy a lighthearted time with friends and colleagues while supporting the important work of AOTPAC. Come ready for friendly competition, shared laughs, and a chance to connect with fellow occupational therapy professionals. It’s the perfect way to recharge, network, and have fun together! The cost to attend is a contribution to AOTPAC to support its political purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and refusal does not affect an AOTA member’s rights and not tax deductible for federal purposes. Tickets: $15 (personal funds only)

ASD Connection Gathering

Kickoff AOTA INSPIRE 2027 and join your peers for an evening gathering where we’ll celebrate our successes, share insights on SOTA initiatives, network for creative collaboration opportunities, and provide updates on our institutions. This event is hosted by the ASDSC. Participation in the gathering is free and limited to current Assembly of Student Delegates representatives and alternates. Pre-registration is required.

More events and scheduling details are on the way! Click here to be the first to learn more.

Alumni receptions, group meetups, and more

Universities, alumni associations, groups from the Multicultural, Diversity, and Inclusion Networks, and other organizations host their own receptions during INSPIRE. See the full, up-to-date list in the INSPIRE app, coming soon!

Multicultural, Diversity, and Inclusion (MDI) Network Meetings

MDI groups hold gatherings at INSPIRE each year. Find community and support in the groups that you belong to. Details to come.

Do you need space to host an event?

Bring your community together in an unforgettable way at AOTA INSPIRE 2027! Whether you’re reconnecting long-time colleagues, celebrating program milestones, or welcoming recent graduates into your network, hosting a reception is the perfect way to connect attendees at the largest OT gathering of the year.

Learn how to secure your event space today.