Combined Sections Meeting

Combined Sections Meeting


 


Welcome to APTA CSM 2026, the premier physical therapy conference in the United States. This year’s conference will be held in Anaheim, California, February 12-16, 2026.

APTA CSM offers an unmatched opportunity for physical therapy professionals, students, and advocates to build connections, grow new ideas, and strengthen the PT community. APTA Academy of Leadership & Innovation plays a vital role in this experience—offering specialized programming, networking opportunities, and resources for those passionate about changing the landscape of physical therapy.

Highlights from APTA CSM 2025

The Academy of Leadership and Innovation is making a big impact at CSM! This year’s presence includes LAMP Leadership Pre-Cons, 27 education sessions, a booth in the exhibit hall, and opportunities to connect with our SIGs and Catalyst Groups. Plus, don’t miss our Business Meeting and ALI Fest featuring TechnoPalooza and our Academy Poster Session.

Join us this February to see how our Academy is driving the physical therapy profession forward through leadership, innovation, and advocacy.

Join Us at ALI Fest 2026!

One night only! Celebrate innovation and leadership in physical therapy at ALI Fest 2026, a free 2-hour event showcasing the latest in technology and innovation within the PT profession. Wrap it all up with networking, dessert and cash bar. Come as you are!

When: Friday, February 13, 2026

Friday's Schedule:
5:30pm – 7:00pm Academy Business Meeting (Members Only)
7:00pm – 9:00pm ALI Fest featuring:

TechnoPalooza, hosted by the Technology in PT SIG

Academy Poster Session, hosted by the Global Health, Population Health and PT Proud SIGs 

Sponsor Opportunities

ALI Fest sponsorship showcases your organization as a leader in transformation and innovation in the field of physical therapy. CLICK HERE to see more information about supporting what's next in PT!

TechnoPalooza

Join us at TechnoPalooza 2026! Whether you're a tech guru or just curious, explore emerging and future possibilities in physical therapy. A must-attend for PT and tech enthusiasts! Dive into digital health, informatics, data analytics, remote therapeutic monitoring, and much more. Plus, network with experts in clinical and educational tech. TechnoPalooza is hosted by the Technology in PT SIG and is part of ALI Fest, where PT professionals discover what’s next!

Showcase Your Product at TechnoPalooza

We’re seeking technology that enhances or transforms rehab practice—think AI in PT, wearable sensors, robotics, telehealth, virtual reality, smart home tech, or other digital health innovations. Your demo should provide a hands-on experience for clinicians, showing real clinical value or a working prototype for feedback. This is not an exhibit hall extension; it’s an interactive space for exploring new tools that advance patient care.

Submit your proposal here: TechnoPalooza Submission Form

Check out the sponsor videos from TehcnoPalooza 2025:

See Sponsor Videos

Academy Poster Session

Join a community where like-minded individuals unite to champion global health, social justice, and health equity. The Academy of Leadership and Innovation Poster Session is your gateway to networking with passionate PTs who share your dedication to creating a healthier and more just world. The Academy of Leadership and Innovation Poster Session is hosted by the Global Health, Population Health and PT Proud SIGs, and part of ALI Fest, where PT professionals discover what’s next!

Presenting a Poster at the Academy Poster Session

This is your chance to share your research, case studies, or innovative approaches with peers and thought leaders. Posters should align with one of our Special Interest Groups (SIGs): PT Proud, Global Health, or Population Health. Presenting gives you the opportunity to:

  • Engage in meaningful conversations with attendees about your work.
  • Gain recognition within the Academy community.
  • Contribute to thought leadership on issues impacting PT practice.

Important: Lead presenters must be Academy members and members of the SIG related to their topic. If you’re not sure which SIG fits, you can review them here.

Submit your abstract here:
Poster Submission Form

Academy Pre-Conferences

LAMP Leadership at CSM

The Leadership, Advocacy, Management and Practice (LAMP) program goes beyond clinical experience to address the needs of physical therapy professionals in leadership and management skills. Led by well-known presenters, these courses are designed for all healthcare professionals. Past participants have included PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, SLPs, physicians, nurses, human resource managers, coders, educators and others in the field.  

Each course is 2 days, and in-person attendance is required.

Benefits of Completion

  • 15 CE contact hours per track
  • Career development and advancement
  • Credentials to present yourself as a leader in your field
  • A cohort of support throughout and beyond the course

 

LAMP Leadership 101: the Catalyst for Leading Within

LAMP Leadership 101 will focus on the development of leadership behaviors for facilitating autonomous practice, accountability, and professional values. Attendees will learn how to influence others to create effective relationships and achieve shared goals.   Content areas include creating a personal mission statement; foundations of leadership; time management; energy and time management; mentoring and coaching; communication for improved results; and implementing personal leadership plans. Attendees will complete a leadership self-assessment and other pre-work. 

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify and discuss the personal characteristics of an effective leader
2. Recognize the importance of accountability, values and their impact on personal leadership;
3. Describe and model leader behaviors and communication styles that influence, align, and empower others
4. Formulate effective responses to conflict in a variety of situations.

Register for this pre-conference course when you register for CSM.

 

LAMP Leadership 201: the Catalyst for Leading Others

LAMP Leadership 201 is an advanced, interactive program designed for emerging and experienced leaders who are ready to expand their capacity to influence, inspire, and guide others. Building on the foundations of Leadership 101, this two-day course explores the principles and practices of leading teams with clarity, resilience, and vision.

Participants will engage in evidence-based learning on mindful communication, leadership philosophy, team dynamics, and strategies for developing others. Through case discussions, activities, and reflection, learners will examine how to lead effectively through change, failure, and conflict, while aligning teams around a shared vision.

Completion of LAMP Leadership 101 is required for registration for LAMP Leadership 201.

Learning Objectives:

1.        Identify and discuss leadership styles and when each style is applicable
2.        Determine how to promote a shared vision that others will follow
3.        Generate strategies to lead dynamic teams that promote diversity and inclusion
4.        Develop effective strategies for decision making, change and innovation

Register for this pre-conference course when you register for CSM.

Academy Activities

Thursday, February 12

7am-8am - Parents in PT Catalyst Group Networking (families welcome) 

10am-12pm - Population Health SIG Business Meeting and Networking

12pm-2pm - LAMP Joint Committee Meeting and Networking

2pm-3pm - Technology SIG Business Meeting

4pm-5pm - Multicultural Catalyst Group Business Meeting

6pm-7:30pm - APTA ALI Board Meeting

 

Friday, February 13

7am-8am - PT in the Community (making PB&J snack bags for a local shelter)

10am-1pm - Global Health SIG Business Meeting and Networking

1pm-2pm - Disability Justice & Anti-Ableism Catalyst Group Business Meeting

2pm-4pm - PT Proud SIG Business Meeting and Networking

4pm-5pm - PT in Mental Health Catalyst Group Open Forum

5:30pm-7pm ALI Business Meeting

7pm-9pm - ALI Fest

 

Saturday, February 14

9:30am-10am - Environmental PT Catalyst Group Networking