RCOT decides to pause popular Annual Conference to review how the event can be improved

Taking time to reflect on how its annual conference can better benefit its membership, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has decided to pause its Annual Conference in 2020.

With the recent RCOT Annual Conference 2019 taking place from the 17th-18th June, the College noted that only a small percentage of its members currently benefits from the events.

Although highly regarded by occupational therapists and delegates, says RCOT, the annual conferences can be difficult for members to attend due to location and cost barriers, as well as the need for individuals to take time off work to attend the events.

In a statement, RCOT said: “We’ve decided to take a take a pause next year and will undertake a root and branch review of the event to consider what currently works well, what could be improved and how we can help more members to participate.

“We’ll be working on the review throughout 2019 and 2020 and will be engaging with members to find out how Annual Conference could better meet your needs.”

Although the Annual Conference 2020 has been paused, the College has pointed out a number of other events that delegates can attend to network and promote occupational therapy. Events in 2020 include the RCOT Roadshows, Regional and Specialist Section events, CPD and conferences.

New events for 2020 include the RCOT Members Day on the 30th of June, which is a member networking day offering delegates the opportunity to engage with the RCOT community, and the Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture on the 21st of April, a prestigious lecture followed by a networking session.