Image Description: 2022 ILOTA Annual Conference Committee members (from left to right: Veronica Fowler, Evguenia Popova, Linda Riccio, George Buckley, Beverly Menninger, Phyllis Hughes, and Rolando Jara. Also pictured are the two Platinum Sponsor logos, Midwestern University and Vivistim.

Fall is a season of change, learning, and reflection. In the occupational therapy community, the transition from summer to fall marks the start of the school year and the conference season. This year, the Conference Planning Committee has been tasked to envision a conference that would foster growth and community. Throughout the discussion, committee members reflected on the "art and science" of occupational therapy practice, the importance of celebrating and appreciating our achievements, and the opportunities ahead. The committee agreed that as we look into the future of occupational therapy, it is critical to move beyond resilience and consider how we can help one another thrive and evolve amidst uncertainty. The 2022 Illinois Occupational Therapy Association (ILOTA) Annual Conference theme emerged: "The Art of Reflecting, Thriving, and Evolving Together."

In reflecting upon "the art of reflecting, thriving, and evolving together," Linda Riccio (Conference Coordinator) shared, "what it means to me - is inspiration, re-invigorating ourselves at this point in the pandemic (and all that we have been through) with the help of our occupational therapy peers and colleagues." As a committee, we envisioned the 2022 ILOTA Annual Conference providing time and space for occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and students to reflect on their accomplishments and vision for the future. The conference team wanted to ensure that evolution began from within as they reconsidered the format for the conference. In reflecting on lessons learned, the committee aimed to maintain the best elements of past conferences. The discussion led to a decision to design a new hybrid conference that capitalizes upon the:

• Flexible and convenient format of self-paced posters and short-course sessions
• Collaborative and accessible nature of virtual Conversations That Matter, and
• Networking and community-building aspects of in-person events.

In addition to organizing an annual raffle to close the conference, the committee wanted to bring something new to the table. So this year, the in-person day will wrap up with a happy hour where attendees will be invited to enjoy food and drinks as they reflect on the conference and create new connections.

With over 30 continuing education hours and multiple learning tracks to choose from, the hybrid conference program was curated to support practitioners to reflect on evidence-based practice, education, and advocacy. From the opening plenary session by Dr. VanPuymbrouck ("Do Look Up: Considering Upstream OT to Address Function, Occupational Participation, and Health Disparities") to the keynote by Dr. Hildenbrand ("It's Our Time: Act with True Urgency"), and the final session by Sam Ramos ("The Art of Reflective Practice"), attendees will be invited to reflect on their role in promoting an equitable and just society.

Beyond the vast array of virtual offerings starting October 1st, the in-person conference day on November 18th will bring back space for us to reconnect as a community. As a Conference Planning Committee, we are thrilled to partner with Northern Illinois University (NIU) Conference Center at Naperville as we bring back our in-person event. In choosing the location, the committee prioritized finding a space where occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and students could come together to learn, discuss, and network. The NIU Conference Center at Naperville checked all the boxes with its sunlit conference rooms, technology-enhanced meeting spaces, and open halls for networking.

Every season brings with it change and new opportunities. We are thrilled to dive into the 2022 ILOTA Annual Conference and reflect together on the evolution and the "art and science" of occupational therapy practice. We are grateful for the team of staff, volunteers, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors, without whom this conference would not be possible. A special thank you goes out to our Platinum sponsors, Midwestern University and Vivistim. Their generosity made our vision come to life.

To ILOTA members, thank you for your ongoing support of our organization. We hope to see you all at our virtual and in-person events in the upcoming months. Make sure to register soon! The in-person event is limited to 300 attendees. For more information on our conference, check out the ILOTA website: https://www.ilota.org/conference. 

Image Description: Top Photo: 2022 ILOTA Annual Conference Committee members are visiting the Northern Illinois University (from left to right): Veronica Fowler, Linda Riccio, Beverly Menninger, Rolando Jara, and George Buckley. Bottom Left Photo: Conference room. Bottom Right Photo: Auditorium.

Written by Evguenia Popova, PhD, OTR/L & Veronica Fowler, MS, OTR/L

2022 ILOTA Annual Conference Committee Members:

• Veronica (Vero) Fowler, MS, OTR/L (Conference Coordinator)
• Linda Riccio, OTR/L (Conference Coordinator)
• George Buckley (Executive Director)
• Anne Kiraly-Alvarez. OTD, OTR/L
• Ariana Carrillo, OTS
• Beverly Menninger, MA, OTR/L
• Evguenia Popova, PhD, MS, OTR/L
• Kate Barrett, OTD, MPH, OTR/L
• Lisa Mahaffey, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
• Maria Coronelli, MS, OTR/L
• Marie-Claude Touchette, DHS, OTR/L
• Moira Bushell, OTRD, Med, OTR/L, BCP
• Patricia Raleigh, OTR/L
• Phyllis Hughes, OTR/L
• Rolando Jara, MS, OT