The OT Show returns with networking opportunities and updated content
The OT Show returns this month to give occupational therapists (OTs) the opportunity to network, attend CPD seminars delivered by expert clinicians, collaborate, and view the latest innovations in assistive technology, with the aim of improving outcomes for clients.
The OT Show is the UK’s largest, targeted event for OTs who work directly with elderly and disabled people.
Taking place from 23 November, 9am-5.30pm until 24 November, 9am-4.30pm, the event will be held at the NEC in Birmingham.
In 2012, the OT Show began with an idea to develop an event that was free for OTs to attend while delivering high-quality CPD, which led to the inaugural event in 2013.
Over the 10 events, the structure has remained the same, but the content and offer has developed to meet the needs of therapists. Clinical streams such as neurology, mental health, and housing will remain a constant, according to the organiser, CloserStill Media.
Other content being offered for attending OTs includes the topics paediatrics, contemporary practice, moving and handling, and affinity groups.
Contemporary practice is intended to make delegates take away at least one message or practical experience to reflect on and positively impact their service delivery. In line with the rapidly changing health and social care landscape, this area also provides the opportunity to cover new areas of work and application of unique skills for OTs.
The programme this year includes sessions on delivery of OT-led occupational health services, strategic management, breaking down barriers, working in the police force, and working with Microsoft to design adapted controllers for games consoles.
Alongside the excellent conference programme, OTs can view the latest range of assistive technologies and services from exhibitors and start interesting discussions about solving client problems and improving client outcomes through helpful and meaningful technology solutions.
Keeping up to date with what solutions are currently available on the market is vital for OTs to ensure that clinical recommendations are evidence based and maximise the potential health and wellbeing of clients.
Crucially, the OT Show further provides a platform for OTs to network, reconnect with each other, and share experiences, both positive and challenging.
AT Today asked Shelley Williams, Show Director for the OT Show at CloserStill Media, if the pandemic changed the expected outcome compared to previous years.
She said: “What can I say aside from the fact that the post-pandemic works means that learning and networking is more important than ever before? OTs have been through a tough couple of years, directly on the front-line during the pandemic, handling and supporting those who have struggled the most.
“Now we move forward to see how things have changed, what new products and services are available and come together again as a community. We are expecting great things from this year.”
Being acutely aware of the challenges over the last two years, many of which still remain both in individual and professional environments, and at a time when many organisations continue to offer and plan virtual events or conferences, CloserStill Media states that it is important to acknowledge the desire for contact with one another, and that the OT Show remains a physical event as “OTs are typically social, creative, and dynamic individuals, that have missed being able to engage in their own meaningful activities.”
After the success of last years’ first physical event following 2020’s online event, 2022 looks like being another “watershed” year, CloserStill Media promises.