Convention Activities and Events

Schedule at a Glance

The Schedule at a Glance provides a helpful overview of what's happening each day during the ASHA Convention in Chicago.

Meetings

A number of ASHA board, committee and council meetings, affiliate meetings, and Open Houses and receptions are held during the ASHA Convention. The schedule of meetings and receptions will be available in late October.

Wednesday, November 13

Pre-Convention events on Wednesday provide the opportunity to earn additional CEUs through special symposia or workshops. Social activities will also be offered, including the popular Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall. Tickets for these events are available through registration (some activities may carry an additional fee).

Pre-Convention Sessions

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
McCormick Place, various rooms

Pre-Convention educational events give attendees an opportunity to earn additional CEUs through Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association-sponsored workshops or the Katharine G. Butler Symposium in Child Language offered by the Specialty Board on Child Language. Tickets for the Pre-Convention sessions are an additional fee and may be purchased when registering for the Convention. Read more about the Pre-Convention sessions.

First-Timers Orientation

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Hilton Chicago, Room TBA

We encourage new attendees to come to this popular gathering to learn about the ASHA Convention, and to preview programs and activities slated for the next three days. You'll have an opportunity to meet ASHA President Patty Prelock and Convention Co-Chairs Donise Pearson and Colleen O'Rourke, as well as other ASHA and NSSLHA representatives. Light refreshments will be served.

PAC Reception (ASHA members only)

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Buddy Guy's Legends (Offsite)

ASHA members are invited to a fun-filled reception at Buddy Guy's Legends with the ASHA-PAC Board on Wednesday evening. This special event benefits the ASHA Political Action Committee, which serves as the political voice of the audiology and speech-language pathology professions on Capitol Hill. A suggested donation of $50 to the ASHA-PAC (when registering) secures you a ticket to the reception.

Thursday, November 14

Opening General Session

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Hall D1

The Opening General Session begins the ASHA Convention on Thursday morning and features energizing addresses by the ASHA President, Convention Co-Chairs and the keynote speakers, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. Read more about the Opening General Session.

Auxiliary Sessions

Various times and locations.

Over the course of the Convention, several ASHA committees, boards, and councils are delivering informative presentations, such as updates on policies or processes that affect members. These presentations are open to all registrants; however, ASHA CEUs are not awarded for participation. Meals are not provided. View the schedule and descriptions of the auxiliary sessions.

Welcome Reception

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, Exhibit Hall F1

Join us in the exhibit hall Thursday evening to catch up with friends and colleagues, and mingle with exhibitors. This upbeat reception provides dedicated time to check out the exhibiting companies, socialize and network, all while recharging your battery with light snacks and a cash bar before you head to the Twilight Sessions. The welcome reception is open to all fully registered attendees; guest tickets are available so friends and family can join the fun.

ASHFoundation Second City Fundraiser

8:00 p.m.
Fairmont Chicago, Moulin Rouge Room
(Ticketed)

Don't miss the Second City Improv All-Stars, an evening of unscripted and unequaled improvisational comedy from Chicago's famous entertainment venue. Proceeds will benefit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation's research and education programs. A "meet the cast" dessert reception follows the one hour show. Purchase your tickets ($200 each/ $100 for 1 accompanying guest) when registering for the Convention; no tickets will be sold at the door.

Friday, November 15

ASHFoundation Founders Breakfast

6:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Fairmont Chicago, Imperial Ballroom
(Ticketed, by invitation only)

Join ASHFoundation donors and special guests to celebrate philanthropic accomplishments and witness award recipients receive nearly half a million dollars in scholarly funding. Founder level and above donors ($100 or more) will receive invitations by mail. It's not too late to join these 2013 contributors; donate online at the ASHFoundation website or by phone 301-296-8704.

The NSSLHA Experience at the ASHA Convention

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center

A full day of special NSSLHA activities and events are planned just for students to create The NSSLHA Experience at the ASHA Convention.

• Representatives from master's and clinical doctorate programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) and research doctoral programs will be available to meet with students at the Graduate School Fair.
• NSSLHA Poster Presentations (non-CEU) will feature best practices from local NSSLHA chapters.
• Special sessions (non-CEU) will be held on topics of interest to students, such as the Clinical Fellowship, pre-professional issues, professional settings and more.
• The NSSLHA Executive Council will acknowledge the 2013 Honors Recipients at the NSSLHA Honors Ceremony.
• The popular NSSLHA Knowledge Bowl will be back! The 10 NSSLHA regions will battle it out through a friendly competition based on questions similar to the Praxis Exam.

ASHA Awards Ceremony

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Hall D1

The ASHA Awards Ceremony celebrates the highest achievements and excellence in the professions. Presentations will be made to recipients of the Honors of the Association, ASHA's most prestigious award which recognizes lifetime achievement, and to ASHA Fellows, whose contributions are the cornerstones of the professions. Additional awards will be given honoring members who have also contributed to the professions and Association. Read more about the Awards Ceremony and the recipient of the 2013 Annie Glenn Award, Erik Weihenmeyer.

Saturday, November 16

ASHA Closing Party

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hard Rock Cafe (Offsite, Ticketed)

What would an ASHA Convention be without Saturday evening's fantastic finale? The popular Closing Party returns this year to cap three days of outstanding professional development, productive visits with companies in the Exhibit Hall, and memorable special events. Join us for a night with the Blooze Brothers at the Hard Rock Cafe. The 11-piece tribute band will perform classic blues and rock songs and have you dancing and singing along. The cost of your $10 ticket covers your entrance fee and first drink; a cash bar will be available for the evening.

Request Function Space at the ASHA Convention

Exhibitors, affiliate groups and organizations, and universities or academic programs may request function space to hold a meeting, reception, Open House or other event during the ASHA Convention. Requests are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis as space allows. Learn more about the function space guidelines and request process.

Have questions about the ASHA Convention or need more information? E-mail us at convention@asha.org.