ATRA San Antonio 2025 Presenter Guidance & FAQs

ATRA San Antonio is embracing a summit-style conference this year focused on the future of Recreational Therapy. If your topic relates to advancing, educating, researching, innovating, or advocating for the field, there is a place for it!

🔹 Future of the Profession – Leadership, mentorship, ethics, workforce development, growth or expanded services, innovations in community-based practices, and strategic growth of RT.
🔹 Future of Education – Innovations in higher education, student development, high school recruitment into the profession, accreditation, and workforce readiness.
🔹 Future of Research – Evidence-based practice, new studies, grant writing and funding, introductions to research methods or EBP, and emerging research that impact RT.
🔹 Future of Practice – Innovative interventions, service delivery models, private practice, and evolving settings in RT.
🔹 Future of Advocacy – Policy, licensure, legislation, credentialing, outreach and partnerships, and advancing the profession’s reach.

FAQs for Presenters

I don’t see my usual session topic in these categories. Can I still submit?
Yes! Many topics fit within these themes—sometimes it’s just about framing them differently. If your session helps shape where RT is going, it belongs here.

Can you tell me more about the changes to the format for this year?

For 2025, ATRA San Antonio will follow a summit-style format. This year’s event will include:

• 4–5 General Sessions – All attendees will come together for discussions on key themes shaping the profession. There is so much information we all need to hear, think about and discuss, which is what the general sessions are designed to do.
• Breakout Sessions – These will follow each General Session, providing opportunities to explore related topics in greater depth and have further discussions related to professional practice. While breakout sessions will be aligned with the General Session themes, there is flexibility for a variety of submitted topics.

Can non-CTRSs present?
Yes, if the content directly connects to RT practice. We encourage interdisciplinary perspectives, especially when they provide new tools or research that CTRSs can apply in their work. Consider co-presenting with a CTRS to strengthen the application.

I usually present an update session (e.g., NCTRC, ATRA committees, etc.). Where does that fit?
These topics likely fit under Future of the Profession, Future of Practice, or Future of Advocacy depending on the focus. We encourage interactive or discussion-based formats to align with the summit experience.

What happens next after I submit my proposal?

The program committee completes a blind-review each proposal for relevance, evidence-based support of the topic, quality, interest to the audience, and relatedness to the theme and format of the summit.  This process ensures fairness and quality in session selection.

I’m still not sure where my session fits. What should I do?
The review process will determine where your session will best fit. If you have further questions, we’re happy to help! Email us at education@atra-online.com