Convention Activities and Events
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday
Schedule at a Glance
The Schedule at a Glance provides a helpful overview of what's happening each day during the ASHA Convention in Atlanta.
Pre-Convention events on Wednesday provide the opportunity to earn additional CEUs through the Specialty Board Symposium or the GSHA-sponsored workshop. Social activities will also be offered, including receptions and a team-building service project where you can have fun with your colleagues while giving back to the community. Purchase tickets for these events when registering for the Convention (some activities may carry an additional fee).
Specialty Board on Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders Symposium
1:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Lungs, Pulmonary Diseases, Pneumonia and Dysphagia: The Forgotten Graduate Course
Presented by James Coyle, University of Pittsburgh
This CEU-eligible session has been developed by the Convention Program Committee and SIG 13: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia). The upper aerodigestive tract is a physiologic system that humans use to produce speech. Traditional SLP education and training covers airflow generation for speech, but nearly completely excludes teaching students the physiological functions of the respiratory system, respirodeglutitive interactions, and pathophysiology of pulmonary disease and pneumonia. This problem severely hinders accurate clinical management. This course will provide a "starter" core of information on this critically important subject with a goal of improving clinical decision-making.
Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association Workshop
1:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Our local host, the Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association (GSHA), has planned pre-Convention CEU opportunities of interest to both national and local attendees. Choose one of the following seminars to attend:
Anticipation: Neural Bases and Clinical Implications in Swallowing in Adults
Presented by Kate Krival, Kent State University
The iPad and Your Therapy - Apps, Accessories, Accessibility and Features
Presented by Barbara Fernandes, Smarty Ears
Spanish Influenced English: What Every SLP Should Know
Presented by Jose Galarza, EBS Healthcare
ASHA Service Activity
More information coming soon.
First-Timers Orientation
New attendees are encouraged to come to this popular gathering to learn about the ASHA Convention and preview programs and activities slated for the next 3 days. You'll have an opportunity to meet ASHA President Shelly Chabon and Convention Co-Chairs Celia Hooper and Gregg Givens, as well as other ASHA representatives. Light refreshments will be served.
ASHA-PAC Reception (ASHA Members Only)
ASHA members are invited to a fun-filled reception with the ASHA-PAC Board. This special event benefits the ASHA Political Action Committee, which serves as the political voice of audiology and speech-language pathology professions on Capitol Hill. ASHA members may purchase tickets when registering for the Convention.
Researcher-Academic Town Meeting
6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Preparing Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists to Provide Value-Based Services in the New Economic Climate
This CEU-eligible annual forum for faculty, researchers, and PhD students offers invited participants an opportunity to network and discuss topics of significance to the academic and research communities. Recipients of ASHA research and travel awards will be recognized and are encouraged to attend. Participation is limited and by invitation only. Invitations will be e-mailed in September. For additional information, contact academicaffairs@asha.org.
Opening General Session
8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
GWCC, Thomas Murphy Ballroom
The ASHA Convention kicks off with the Opening General Session on Thursday morning. ASHA President Shelly Chabon will energize members with her presidential address about the Convention, current trends within the professions, and the latest information about the Association. Program Co‑Chairs Gregg Givens and Celia Hooper will provide an overview of Convention program sessions and highlight new events and other not-to-be-missed activities. Stay tuned for more information about our special keynote speaker this year.
Welcome Reception
5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
GWCC, Exhibit Hall
The popular Welcome Reception will be back this year in a great new venue–the Exhibit Hall! Mingle with exhibitors and your colleagues while you enjoy this light reception featuring tasty refreshments and a cash bar. Open to all fully registered attendees; guest tickets are available to allow friends and family to join the fun.
ASHA Awards Ceremony
6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
GWCC, Thomas Murphy Ballroom
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. We will be announcing the recipient of the popular Annie Glenn Award soon.
Closing Party at the Georgia Aquarium
6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Join your colleagues—and fascinating sea creatures—a final magical evening of fun, friends, and food at the Georgia Aquarium. Don't miss this special opportunity to party at this amazing aquatic venue. Food will be served, and cash bars will be available. Tickets are complimentary to registered members and $25 each for accompanying guests. Space is limited, so reserve tickets early when you register for the Convention.
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. The deadline to request space is August 1, 2012. Requests are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis as space allows.
Have questions about the ASHA Convention or need more information? E-mail us at convention@asha.org.