Student Conclave 2024

2024 ILOTA Student Conclave

Saturday, February 10, 2024

In-Person, One-Day Event at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois

Join us for an in-person special event featuring student-driven programming, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning!

7th Annual ILOTA Student Conclave

Schedule

Saturday, February 10th

7:30 am - 8:00 am

Registration - Continental Breakfast Available

8:00 am - 9:00 am

"NBCOT® National Certification Exam: Information You Need to Know"

Presenters: Catherine Killian, OTD, MEd, OTR/L, NBCOT Ambassador for Illinois; and, a Panel of New Practitioners

Description: Join us for an exclusive opportunity to engage with a panel of recent exam takers who have conquered the path you're going to embark on. Gain invaluable insights into the best approaches for achieving your certification goal in Occupational Therapy.

Unlock a wealth of knowledge as we delve into specific topics, including insider details about the exam, essential study tool resources, and crucial test day information. This presentation is your gateway to being well-informed about every facet of the national certification exam.

Don't miss out on this unique chance to connect, learn, and elevate your preparation to new heights. Your certification success story begins here.

9:10 am - 10:25 am

Keynote Presentation: "The CASE for Context"

Presenter: Toni Solaru, MS, OTD, OTR/L, QMHP

Description: This presentation is designed to challenge our preconceived notions of people we encounter including the individuals, populations, and communities that we serve, specifically to understand that there are several contexts or environments that we have to understand in order to wholly understand people. One of those contexts we often overlook as occupational therapists is the political context. This talk will be framed by the Ecology of Human Performance Theory and influenced by my community-based research.

10:35 am - 11:20 am

"How to Market your Experience on the Job Hunt"

Presenter: Ryan Cleaveland, CEO, Spotter Staffing

Description: Join us for an engaging workshop where the CEO of Spotter Staffing will unveil the secrets to effectively market yourself as a fresh OT/OTA graduate. Learn how to showcase your unique experiences and strengths, empowering you to stand out and thrive in the competitive job search landscape.

11:20 am - 11:40 pm

"Does Frank Get the Job?"

Presenters: Interviewee: Frank Czuba, DrOT, OTR/L; Interviewer: Ryan Cleaveland, CEO, Spotter Staffing

Description: Step into the world of occupational therapy success with our exclusive session, where two seasoned experts will conduct a compelling mock interview tailored specifically for aspiring OT and OTA professionals. This immersive experience is designed to provide students with invaluable insights into the art of interviewing for coveted occupational therapy positions. Join us for a session that offers practical skills that will empower you to shine in any interview scenario.

11:40 am - 12:00 pm
Optional Sessions

Yoga teacher Jamie Norris will facilitate two short sessions, 10 to 15 minutes before and after lunch (11:45 am - 12:00 pm and 12:35 pm - 12:50 pm)
Visit sponsors, network with presenters and other attendees

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

Optional Breakout Sessions:

"Supporting our Clients with Disabilities While Challenging Ableism": Join us for a breakout session where a lineup of disability advocates share how occupational therapy practitioners can best treat our clients with disabilities. This panel will allow students to learn the difference between the medical and social models of disabilities and the dangers of ableist ideologies in the medical field. Students will also gain an insight into the Disability Pride movement and explore ways that we can advocate for our clients with disabilities to create a more tolerant and accepting world.
"Fieldwork Mastery: Insights and Advice from OT Practitioners and Students": Join us for a breakout session where a stellar lineup of occupational therapy practitioners and students spill the beans on the transformative fieldwork experience. Discover student expectations, untapped opportunities for personal and professional growth, and receive golden nuggets of advice to conquer your fieldwork rotation triumphantly. Don't miss this chance to unlock the keys to a thriving journey in occupational therapy!
"Unleashing the Power of Advocacy in Occupational Therapy": Kaitlin Peters, OTR/L, Treasurer for the Illinois Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee (ILOTPAC), will highlight the critical role of policy advocacy in our profession. What are the current issues for which we need to advocate? How can we lobby and support our profession? How importance is it for students to advocate?

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

Optional Breakout Sessions (repeated):

"Supporting our Clients with Disabilities While Challenging Ableism"
"Fieldwork Mastery: Insights and Advice from OT Practitioners and Students"
"Unleashing the Power of Advocacy in Occupational Therapy"

3:00 pm

Closing Remarks

All student registrants who attend the Closing Remarks will be included in a drawing for THREE free ILOTA memberships!

Additional Activities and Services

Resume Reviews: The deadline to sign up was February 4th, so that option is now closed. We will have multiple industry recruiters, hiring managers, and experienced practitioners available to provide you with feedback and advice on your resume. Resume reviews are available between 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, by appointment only, and will run concurrently with other scheduled events. If you signed up for this option during the online registration process prior to the February 4th deadline, we will assign everyone a specific time slot and notify you beginning on Monday, February 5th.

Professional Headshot Photos: We will have a photographer available from 10:30 am until 1:00 pm during the Student Conclave to take professional headshot photos of student registrants. This opportunity is free, included in your registration fee, and a photo will be available to the student soon after the event to download and use for job applications and interviews, etc.