Seven reasons you can't afford to miss Annual Conference
College of Occupational Therapists 35th Annual Conferences and Exhibition
Plus Three Annual Conferences:
HIV/AIDS, Oncology, Palliative Care
Neurological Practice
Forensic Forum (Mental Health)
28 June-1 July 2011, Brighton Centre, Brighton, Sussex
Register for Annual Conference
http://www.eventznet.com/abs/acs/cot35/default.aspx
In cash-straightened times it can be difficult to fit conference in, but as the following seven reasons show, the knowledge, skills and professional networking on offer are more valuable than ever.
This summer’s COT annual conference brings together talks from the leading lights of the profession, discussions on the latest research in OT, practical support in exhibitor workshops, and a chance to network with professionals who are tackling the biggest challenges in occupational therapy in both the UK and beyond.
This year’s conference has 160 sessions that include contributions from Mary Law, the lead author on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Annie Turner, the professor of occupational therapy at the University of Northampton. Also running and included in the entrance fee are the annual conferences for three specialist sections: HIV/Aids, Oncology, Palliative Care; Neurological Practice; and the Forensic Forum sub-group of Mental Health.
1. There isn’t enough sessions in my area of practice that makes coming to conference worthwhile
Conference is an excellent opportunity to broaden your experience of the profession and you can also find about the political and social policies that will affect the future of occupational therapy. With the three specialist sections annual conferences running alongside the main conference programme, you can hear how other services have addressed issues you are currently facing in the workplace, so you will definitely find sessions that are relevant to your practice.
2. I am too busy at work to take the time off for conference
Attending conference is a great way to gather useful information and evidence to support your practice and enable you to work smarter and not harder. It is an investment in time and you can be assured you will see the benefits of attending conference as soon as you return to work.
3. In the current economic climate I am certain I won’t get funding
If you don’t ask; you don’t get. Conference is a highly cost effective way to support your CPD and help you improve your practice. Most organisations require a business case or supporting statements that states how the organisation will benefit from conference attendance. You will find on the annual conference websites some useful business plan and letter templates that you can use when asking your employer for funding. You will also find on the college’s website information on organisations that offer funding for conference attendance. These organisations include charities that offer bursaries as well as Unison and specialist sections, so do explore these options if you are not able to secure funding from your employer.
4. There is nothing new at conference
There are over 160 sessions at conference including an extensive scientific programme, exhibitor workshops and one of the world’s leading occupational therapists presenting at this year’s conference. Sessions cover a range of subjects including innovation in clinical practice, social media and HPC audit, of particular importance as occupational therapy will be audited by HPC this year. The exhibitor workshops gives you unique access on how products and services are designed and developed for service users which means you will be better informed when identifying the best and cost effective solutions within your practice.
5. My department is under threat of closure, I can’t possibly spend three days away from work
Have a look at the annual conference website and see all the sessions that will help you justify the role of occupational therapy in your organisation. Mary Law is an invited speaker at conference this year and is a world renowned expert in measuring outcomes. She is the lead author of COPM. There are also many other sessions on collecting and using evidence on the effectiveness of occupational therapy. You can hear commissioners of services explaining what they need from occupational therapy and there is also a session on how to give occupational therapy the competitive advantage as well as how to promote occupational therapy to politicians and other key influencers.
6. I won’t know anybody there
There are many events at conference which are organised to help delegates get to know each other. There is an informal drinks reception on Tuesday night and a fun gala dinner on Thursday night. There are also many networking opportunities, such as the fringe meetings and we have also organised alumni reunions so you can meet up with old friends that you studied with. I am sure you will be surprised by how many people you really know from the occupational therapy community.
7. I am an OT manager and not practising; why should I attend Conference?
Not all the sessions at conference are clinically based; there are also sessions that address management and leadership issues facing the profession. There are also sessions on how to influence stakeholders and promote the service you run. Conference also offers you the opportunity to update your knowledge and hear about the latest thinking in occupational therapy. Also, if you are still registered with HPC, conference will provide useful and relevant CPD evidence for your portfolio.
The conference runs from 28 June to 1 July. Find out more about Annual Conference.
