Update: Registration will open around September 1, 2022!

Logo of the 2022 ILOTA Annual Conference

2022 ILOTA Annual Conference

* In-Person, One-Day Conference on Friday, November 18, 2022, at the NIU Naperville Conference Center
* Virtual, On-Demand Programs Throughout October, November, and December

* 2022 ILOTA Annual Conference theme of "The Art of Reflecting, Thriving, and Evolving Together"

Please bookmark this page and return often for updates. This page will remain the clearinghouse for all conference-related news and links over the next several months.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Sponsor and exhibitor registration is now open! Join us as a "Solution Partner" as we seek sponsors and exhibitors for our upcoming conference! Check out the diverse and affordable marketing packages here. View our newest 2022 Sponsors and Exhibitors here! 

2022 ILOTA Annual Conference Raffle Donation Opportunity: Each year at the ILOTA annual conference, we hold raffles which help fund and support the annual ILOTA AOTF Student Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students in good standing, attending an accredited OT/OTA program located in Illinois, and who are members of Illinois Occupational Therapy Association. During the registration process and throughout the 2022 ILOTA Annual Conference, participants will have the opportunity to buy raffle tickets. By seeking donations at this time, this will afford us an opportunity to fund the items included in the raffles to ensure that the monies from all raffle purchases go directly to the ILOTA AOTF Student Scholarship Fund. Read more and you can donate here!

Keynote Speaker: We are excited to announce our Keynote Speaker!

Photo of Wendy Hildenbrand

Wendy C. Hildenbrand, PhD, MPH, OTR/L, FAOTA
AOTA President (2019-22)
"It's Our Time: Act with True Urgency"
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Friday, November 18, 2022

NIU Naperville Conference Center

Dr. Hildenbrand is a Program Director and an Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy Education Department at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1989, the Master of Public Health in 2002, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration in 2016 – all from the University of Kansas.

Dr. Hildenbrand’s practice/professional experience includes work in mental health, school-based practice, population and community health, and teaching/academia. Professional expertise includes leadership, policy development and implementation, advocacy, and building bridges between policy and practice. Her dissertation research examined the experience of role conflict in frontline occupational therapy professionals when implementing policies (such as productivity requirements) and working to maintain professional values (such as client-centered care). As co-faculty/investigator with the KUMC’s Community Health Project for 15 years, Dr. Hildenbrand demonstrated her commitment to serving individuals and populations in community contexts.

Highlighting Dr. Hildenbrand’s professional service and leadership, she serves nationally as President of the American Occupational Therapy Association (2019-2022). Prior national service includes AOTA Director on the Board of Directors (2014 – 2017), committee appointments focused on Health Care Reform and Occupational Therapy in Prevention and Wellness, the Speaker of the AOTA Representative Assembly, and Vice-Chair for AOTA’s Committee of State Association Presidents. Dr. Hildenbrand’s professional roots are grounded in the Kansas Occupational Therapy Association where her service as KOTA President and other positions provide evidence of committed servant leadership.

Wendy prioritizes family and friends, faith and fun while striving to enjoy balance in a sometimes hectic personal and professional life. You’ll find her near anything water, spectator sports, live music, books and good food… you know, living and loving life to its fullest!

Call for Papers: The Call for Papers opportunity is now closed. THANK YOU to everyone who submitted a proposal! Proposals were submitted in these 17 areas of practice:
  • Academic Education
  • Administration & Management
  • Advocacy
  • Assistive Technology
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
  • Early Intervention
  • General
  • Gerontology
  • Home & Community Health
  • Mental Health
  • Neurorehabilitation
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Orthopedic & Upper Extremity Rehab
  • Pediatrics
  • School-Based Practice
  • Sensory Integration

Awards Nominations: Our 2022 ILOTA Awards Nomination Process is Underway - Deadline is July 31st. This year's award recipients will be honored during the 2022 ILOTA Annual Conference on November 18, 2022. Do you know someone who is deserving of being honored?  You can view the award descriptions, review the complete list of past ILOTA award recipients, and access a link to submit your online nomination all here.