2026 Educational Proposal Submissions

2026 Annual Conference Educational Proposal Submissions

Due Date: May 15, 2026 midnight

Even though this is on the APTA MA website, this application is for APTA CT, MA, ME, NH and VT.

Dates for these conferences:

APTA CT: October 24

APTA VT: October 24

APTA ME: October 25

APTA MA: November 7

APTA NH: November 14

You will be able to indicate which one you are applying for in the proposal form.

> This is for 30, 60 or 90 minute educational sessions.

> Incomplete applications may not be accepted. Submissions must be within the Physical Therapy scope of practice.

> The submission site does not accept proposals for sponsored sessions. Submissions received from companies for the purpose of self promotion will not be considered. For sponsorship or exhibit opportunities, please contact Tamara

> All submissions are peer reviewed by the Annual Conference committees ensuring fairness and alignment with the conference’s educational goals and PT Scope of Practice.

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance to PT practice

• Evidence-based content

• Clarity of objectives

• Practical application

• Innovation

Recommendations for completing an evidence based educational submission

1. How to write objectives: https://www.apa.org/ed/sponsor/resources/objectives.pdf
2. Samples of well written proposals from past conferences:
  - - Sample 1
  - - Sample 2
  - - Sample 3

Guidelines for 30, 60, 90 minute presentations

90-Minute Sessions

Format: Up to 4 speakers

Purpose: Comprehensive, interactive, or skills-based sessions

Appropriate for:

Complex or multidisciplinary topics
Skill-building or applied learning sessions
Case-based, lab, or interactive formats
Topics requiring deeper discussion or audience participation

Expectations:

Well-integrated and cohesive session design
Active learning components (e.g., cases, polling, discussion)
Clear coordination and transitions among speakers
Substantial time for interaction

60-Minute Sessions

Format: Up to 3 speakers

Purpose: In-depth exploration with multiple perspectives

Appropriate for:

Broader topics requiring additional context or discussion
Integration of evidence with clinical application
Multiple case examples or settings
Panel or structured discussion formats

Expectations:

Clearly coordinated content across speakers
Balanced time allocation per speaker
Synthesis of perspectives and practical application
Dedicated time for audience engagement and questions

30-Minute Sessions

Format: 1–2 speakers

Purpose: Focused, high-impact presentations

Appropriate for:

A single, well-defined topic or concept
Targeted clinical updates or emerging evidence
Brief case examples or practice pearls
Introduction to a novel method, tool, or framework

Expectations:

Clearly defined, narrow learning objectives (typically 2–3)
Concise presentation with limited background
Emphasis on key take-home messages
Time for brief audience questions

Proposal Application

Please complete all sections
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2026 Annual Conference Request for Educational Programming

Title of Presentation(Required)

Please keep this short and concise

Lead Presenter:

For accepted 90 and 60 minute proposals, 2 presenters will receive complimentary registration for the conference(s). The Lead Presenter will be the primary contact for the presentation.

First Name(Required)

Last Name(Required)

Credentials

Email(Required)

APTA Membership Number

Presenter 2:

First Name (2)

Last Name (2)

Credentials (2)

Presenter 2 Email

I have more presenters to add

Yes

No

Other presenters

Presenter 3: First Name

Last Name

Credentials

Presenter 3 Email

Presenter 4: First Name

Last Name

Credentials

Presenter 4 Email

I (we) would like to present at the following conference(s):

Please choose any conference(s) that you would like to be considered for and agree to present at, if chosen. You can choose to present at your local conference or for 2, 3 other conferences based in the New England area. Your proposal will be peer reviewed by each conference committee reviewers. Acceptances will be determined by mid July. Please choose if you plan to commit if accepted.

(click all options that you would like to be considered for)

APTA CT: October 24, Quinnipiac, North Haven

APTA VT: October 24, Burlington, VT

APTA ME: October 25, UNE Portland, ME

APTA MA: November 7, Norwood Four Points, Norwood, MA

APTA NH: November 14, Manchester, NH

Please check the appropriate time for your presentation

There are limited 90 minute sessions in the conference schedules.

30 minutes: Focused, high-impact presentations

60 minutes: In-depth exploration with multiple perspectives

90 minutes: Comprehensive, interactive, or skills-based sessions

Presenter Experience: Please select all that apply:

We strongly encourage submissions from first-time presenters and early-career clinicians. Selected first-time presenters may receive mentorship support prior to the conference.

First-time presenter at APTA MA

First-time conference presenter (any conference)

Returning APTA MA presenter

Experienced national presenter

Flexible Scheduling: By selecting yes, you acknowledge that the Conference Committee may adjust your requested presentation length to better align with track themes, session flow, and overall conference design. This flexibility helps us create the strongest possible program for attendees.

Yes

No

Instructional Level

Basic

Intermediate

Advanced

Multiple

Equipment needs or special requests

This presentation falls into the following category:

May choose more than one

Cardiovascular Pulmonary

Communication, Professionalism, Self Care

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Geriatrics

Innovative Technologies

Interprofessional Focus

Neurology

Orthopedic, Manual Therapy, Sports Medicine

Pain Management

Pediatrics

Pelvic Health

Private Practice: business strategies, marketing, cash based practice

Public Policy: Advocacy, Payors

Other

Course Description(Required)

4000 characters maximum

Learning Objectives(Required)

2 - 4 objectives required. 1000 character maximum

Key References: Minimum of 5 current references(Required)

Current, evidence-based literature. References must include peer-reviewed literature within the past 5 years unless foundational. The proposal won't be accepted if at least 5 key literature references aren't included

Clinical Takeaways

1000 Characters. List 2 - 4 clinical takeaways attendees can implement immediately

Speaker 1 brief bio:(Required)

2500 Character maximum

Speaker 2 brief bio:

2500 Character maximum

Speaker 3 brief bio:

2500 Character maximum

Speaker 4: brief bio:

2500 Character maximum

Presenter headshots for marketing

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, phg, Max. file size: 300 MB, Max. files: 4.

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