The OPTA Conference Committee is seeking presentation proposals for the 2019 Annual Conference. Bring your transformative knowledge and physical therapy expertise to TRANSFORM: OPTA’s 2019 Annual Conference in Columbus. TRANSFORM is about advancing the physical therapy practice by evaluating significant and evolving topics. Physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students will enhance their skills and join in constructive concept exchanges through innovative educational sessions. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to feature essential and progressive practices that will influence patient outcomes and the future of our profession.

Proposal topics of interest for the conference that link evidence and practice (LEAP) include, but are not limited to, the items listed below.  Topics will be grouped into tracks, including a track specifically for Early Professionals.  We’re looking for your best proposals on a wide range of important topics.

PRESENTATION FORMAT:

Education Sessions: 1.5-hour sessions designed to provide dynamic, participatory, and leading-edge learning. For more comprehensive subjects, double sessions may be submitted and linked by title (Title: Session 1, Title: Session 2) 
Transform Talk: 15-minute presentations designed to engage and inspire in a TED-Talk style session. These talks are evidence-based, concise, and transformative.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Education Session and Transform Talk proposal submissions must include the following:

• Presentation Title: Up to 100 characters, with spaces
• Presentation Type: Education Session
• Content Level:  Introductory, Intermediate, or Advanced
• Description of Topic: At least 500, but no more than 1000 characters, with spaces (approximately 75-150 words)
• Timed outline of content
• Learning Objectives: 2-4 objectives following the document "Writing Effective Learning Objectives for Your OPTA Conference Presentation"
• Biography of Presenter(s): Including academic credentials, knowledge, expertise, and past presentations on the proposal topic (At least 500, but no more than 1000 characters, with spaces, for each presenter; approximately 75-150 words)
• References: A minimum of five bibliographic references published within the past ten years (2009 and forward) that support the content of the proposal
• Statement of interest disclosure 
• Statement on why you are a subject matter expert on this topic and what new and innovative information you will provide to the attendees

Incomplete submissions will not be considered for review by the Conference Committee. Please gather all submission requirements prior to entering the submission portal below. 

Submissions will be accepted electronically by the OPTA office via our web-based portal. First consideration will be given to current APTA/OPTA members. Selection of proposals will be based on evidence basis, proposal clarity, probable interest to participants, and logistical feasibility.  Speaker biographies will appear in promotional materials as submitted to the web-based portal. Proposals should not include any promotional content. 

HOW TO SUBMIT + DEADLINE:

Submissions will be accepted online via the submission portal below (NOW CLOSED.) You will receive an email confirmation that your proposal has been received. Please note: You cannot save your work and return to the submission portal. Submissions are due by Monday, November 26, 2018.

TIMELINE FOR REVIEW:

Presentation proposals will be reviewed by the Conference Committee during the month of November. Letters of acceptance or denial will be sent via email. 

QUESTIONS?

Contact the Professional Development Manager, Patti Geary, at the OPTA office at (614) 855-4109 or by email at pgeary@ohiopt.org.

Want to submit a proposal but not sure if your topic is relevant? Please contact Conference Committee Chair, Michelle Losurdo, at thelosurdos@gmail.com.