Message from Donise Pearson, Convention Co-Chair for Speech-Language Pathology and Colleen O'Rourke, Convention Co-Chair for Audiology

Donise Pearson, Convention Co-Chair for Speech-Language Pathology

The 2013 ASHA Convention theme, "The Magic of Teamwork: Science and Service Delivery," provides the framework for magical learning opportunities as audiologists, speech-language pathologists and speech-language-hearing scientists from around the world gather from November 14-16 in Chicago. The intrigue begins with convention dates that occur two weeks before Thanksgiving this year! Make sure your travel plans and time away from the office are marked correctly on your calendar.

We began working with the National Office staff and the Convention Program Committee over a year ago to maintain and improve the amazingly enchanting heritage of our annual convention; so many students and professionals meeting, working, brainstorming and sharing captivating information. Hundreds of ASHA members have volunteered their time and energy to work with a charming group of expert Topic Chairs to provide topnotch, evidence-based professional development programs. We hope you are astonished by the depth and breadth of this year's amazing program. We need you to share your sparkling piece focusing on "The Magic of Teamwork" with others and submit a proposal to present to the Call for Papers. We hope the Convention will be an exquisite opportunity for you!

Colleen O'Rourke, Convention Co-Chair for Audiology

We have added a new session format that may pique your interest: Technical Clinical Sessions. These are modeled after the Technical Research Sessions and will consist of a 20-minute oral presentation focusing on specific diagnostic or therapeutic strategies followed by a 10-minute question and answer period. Our members have asked for more advanced level content in presentations so we hope this inspires you to aim high.

This year's delightful group of Speech-Language Pathology, General Interest, and Audiology Topic Chairs includes: Sarah Ginsberg (Eastern Michigan University)–Academic and Clinical Education: General Academic Education; Colleen Visconti (Baldwin Wallace University)–Academic and Educational Issues: Scholarship of Teaching & Learning in CSD; Debra Schober-Peterson (Georgia State University)–Academic and Educational Issues: Clinical Education & Supervision; Steve Kramer (San Diego State University)-Adult Hearing: Screening and Assessment; Cathy Binger (University of New Mexico)-Augmentative & Alternative Communication; Sherry Sancibrian (Texas Tech University)-Autism Spectrum Disorders; Julie Noel (Burtis & Noel, Inc.)-Business, Management & Professional Issues; Ashley Frazier (University of North Carolina at Greensboro)-Cross Disciplinary Issues; Shelley Brundage (George Washington University)-Fluency; Dan Tullos (Harding University)-Global Issues & Practices Across the Discipline; John Ferraro (University of Kansas Medical Center)-Hearing Science; Karen Munoz (Utah State University)–Infant and Child Hearing: Screening and Assessment; Melody Harrison (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)–Intervention/Habilitation for Infants and Children with Hearing Loss; Fred Britten (Ft. Hays State University)-Intervention/Rehabilitation for Adults with Hearing Loss; Rob Fox (Ohio State University)-Issues in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations; Co-chairs Amanda Owen Van Horne (University of Iowa) & Megan Dunn Davison (University of New Mexico)-Language in Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers; Co-chairs Amy Weiss (University of Rhode Island) & Linda Larrivee (Worchester State University)-Language and Learning in School Age Children & Adolescents; Stacie Raymer (Old Dominion University)-Language Disorders in Adults; Sandra Gillam (Utah State University)-Language Science; Edythe Strand (Mayo Clinic)-Motor Speech in Adults & Children; Sridhar Krishnamurti (Auburn University)–NeuroAudiology and (Central) Auditory Processing Disorders; Co-chairs Jaynee Handelsman (University of Michigan) & Lynn Williams (East Tennessee State University)-Research Issues Across the Discipline; Carole Ferrand (Hofstra University)-Speech Science; Lynn Flahive (Texas Christian University)-Speech Sound Disorders in Children; Mary Casper (Boise State University)-Swallowing & Swallowing Disorders; Sherri Jones (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)-Vestibular/Balance Assessment and Rehabilitation; Linda Carroll (Private Practice)-Voice, Resonance, & Alargyngeal Speech; Jamie Perry (East Carolina University)-Voice, Resonance, & Alaryngeal Speech: Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies.

As Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association members, Denise Pohaska and Jeanane Ferre are representing their captivating state as local hosts this year. Their guidance and ideas to facilitate interactions with universities within Illinois and their state association are valuable assets.

We can't wait to see you in charming Chicago, a warm-hearted, welcoming city. The Convention Program Committee looks forward to reviewing your submission to the Call for Papers! We would love to know what magical experiences occur through your work in research, teaching, clinical services, and supervision.