APTA CSM Special Events
Don't miss these special events in Boston, including a signature lecture, can't-miss parties, and unique opportunities for students and PTAs. Download the APTA CSM Events app for more details, including the locations of these special events. Remember, you will need to bring your badge with you to all special events being held during APTA CSM.
Be Inspired in Boston. Experience #APTACSM
Build your network and knowledge at the largest physical therapy conference of the year. Gain access to programming designed by APTA's 18 specialty sections and academies, special events exclusive to APTA CSM, and networking opportunities with your peers.
For Everyone
Opening Ceremony & Reception
McMillan Lecture and APTA Specialty and Proficiency Ceremony
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 7:30-9 p.m.
No ticket required.
Join us at the APTA Specialty and Proficiency Ceremony as we honor the physical therapists who achieved specialist certification from ABPTS in 2023, and the physical therapist assistants who were recognized for their advanced proficiency in a specialty area during 2023.
The recognition ceremony will be preceded by the 55th Mary McMillan Lecture, delivered by Judith E. Deutsch, PT, PhD, FAPTA. She is professor and director of the Research in Virtual Environments and Rehabilitation Sciences (Rivers) Lab in the Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy in the School of Health Professions at Rutgers University. Read more about Deutsch's research and work.
Opening Reception
Wednesday, Feb 14, 9-10 p.m.
No ticket required.
Boston Convention Center, Grand Ballroom Foyer (3rd Floor)
Please join APTA for a reception to immediately follow the McMillan Lecture and APTA Specialty and Proficiency Ceremony.
Ready, Set, Move, with Kelly Starrett, PT, DPT
Thursday, Feb. 15, 1:15-3 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 16, 1:15-3 p.m.
Learn about the go-to mobility program used by over 100,000 recreational and professional athletes, coaches, and personal trainers during APTA's Combined Sections Meeting next month.
Join New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of The Ready State Kelly Starrett at APTA’s Pavilion (booth 10042) in the exhibit hall on both Thursday and Friday:
Thursday, Feb. 15, 1:15-3 p.m.
Kelly will guide you through a demo of his techniques and then sign a limited number of his newest book, Built to Move.
Friday, Feb. 16, 1:15-3 p.m.
Join us for a panel discussion featuring Kelly Starrett, PT, DPT; Danielle Anderson, PT, DPT, DSc; Frank Benedetto, PT, DPT; and Megan Brown, PT, DPT, to talk about the value of Physical Therapy and the impact it can have on a larger scale. Kelly will also do a second round of signing a limited number of Built to Move books.
Kelly Starrett, PT, DPT, is the co-author of the New York Times bestsellers Becoming a Supple Leopard, Ready to Run, and Built to Move and the Wall Street Journal bestseller Deskbound. He is also the co-founder and CEO of TheReadyState.com and co-founder of San Francisco CrossFit, the 21st CrossFit affiliate. Starrett consults with athletes and coaches from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, the US Olympic Team and CrossFit. He works with elite Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard forces, and consults with corporations on employee health and well-being. Starrett’s work is not limited to coaches and athletes; his methods apply equally well to children, desk jockeys, and anyone dealing with injury and chronic pain. He believes that every human being should know how to move and be able to perform basic maintenance on themselves.
Danielle Anderson, PT, DPT, DSc
Chief of Musculoskeletal Medicine and Rehabilitation, U.S. Air Force (Johnson Space Center)
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Frank Benedetto, PT, DPT
Cofounder of The HoneyBadger Project, HB Ventures, and CounterStrike
Advisor to Clinical Athlete and Offshift
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification
Megan Brown, PT, DPT
Polestar Practitioner of Pilates for Rehabilitation
CEO, Co-Founder, and Pilates Director at Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga
PT Fund Celebration of Diversity
Thursday, Feb. 15, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Museum of Science, Boston, Massachusetts
Ticket price: $60
Join us for an unforgettable evening of cosmic harmony at the Museum of Science in Boston. Discover the mysteries of the universe through interactive exhibits, captivating presentations, and stargazing sessions. All are welcome to attend this fun and inclusive annual gathering, sponsored by APTA, A. Fassano & Company, CORA Physical Therapy, HPSO, and Washington University School of Medicine Program in Physical Therapy. Your ticket supports the PT Fund contributing to the Minority Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for underrepresented communities to help us advance and sustain the profession.
Guests can explore the museum, which includes dedicated exhibits, omni and 4-D films, planetarium shows, and live presentations. Enjoy dancing, a delectable selection of food, and a variety of drinks all while learning about fossils, technology, and everything in between. Formal wear is not required. Enjoy seamless travel with our complimentary shuttle service from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center! Shuttles will run every 15-20 minutes from 7-8 p.m. Return service begins at 9 p.m., heading to Omni Seaport/Westin Seaport and Renaissance Waterfront Hotel, with a final departure at 10 p.m. Please see a transportation manager curbside for return departures before 9 p.m.
The PT Fund Celebration of Diversity has provided more than $1 million in scholarships for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the physical therapy profession.
Tickets can be purchased during APTA CSM at the PT Fund booth 7050 in the exhibit hall.
Remember to bring your badge — it's your ticket to enter the event.
PTPAC Party
Friday, Feb. 16, 7-9 p.m.
SPIN, Boston, Massachusetts
Ticket price: $100 for PTs and PTAs; $50 for students
Get Your Serve on at APTA CSM PTPAC Party
Join us in celebrating APTA's Physical Therapy Political Action Committee and its advocacy efforts for the profession at the PTPAC Party, held at the original Ping Pong social club, SPIN. Enjoy craft cocktails and delicious food all while socializing with your peers. Your ticket includes drinks, dinner, DJ music, and, of course, Ping Pong!
You can purchase your ticket at the PTPAC booth 10043 in the exhibit hall on Thursday or Friday, while supplies last. You must be at least 21 years of age to attend. All PTPAC Eagle club members receive one free ticket and should contact Michael Matlack to reserve that ticket.
Contributions to PTPAC are not tax deductible as charitable contributions. Contributions are voluntary. Your contribution will be used to support candidates for federal office who support physical therapy issues. The amount given by the contributor, or the refusal to give, will not benefit or disadvantage the person being solicited.
For Students
Student Networking Breakfast
Thursday, Feb. 15, 6-8 a.m.
Westin Boston, Room: Harbor Ballroom
No ticket required.
This exclusive event is an opportunity for all students of physical therapy to connect, share experiences, and forge new friendships, sponsored by Encompass Health, Ivy Rehab Network, JAG Physical Therapy, Select Medical, Team Rehabilitation, and Upstream Rehabilitation. Kick off your first day at APTA CSM with coffee and a hearty breakfast, available until supplies last. Be part of a diverse gathering where you can meet fellow students from across the country — you won't want to miss this chance to gain valuable insights and make lasting connections. First come, first served. Capacity will be limited.
Marquette Challenge Student Networking Event
Thursday, Feb. 15, 5-7 p.m.
King's Dining and Entertainment
No ticket required.
Since 1989, PT and PTA students have raised more than $4.7 million for physical therapy research through the Marquette Challenge (sponsored by HPSO / CAN). To recognize and appreciate the year-round hard work you put in, the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research and co-host Marquette University will hold an exclusive student networking event at King's Dining and Entertainment. Get ready to meet Foundation staff and this year's Marquette Challenge student coordinators!
If you plan to attend but haven't registered yet, please fill out the registration form ASAP so we can order enough snacks and drinks. The first 150 people to arrive at the event will receive one free drink ticket. Please stop by the Foundation booth 7036 in the exhibit hall to meet Foundation staff, learn more about the Marquette challenge, and get advice on grant and scholarship applications. There will be fun merchandise items and an interactive activity for all. Don't miss out!
For PTAs
PTA Town Hall
Thursday, Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m.
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center Meeting Room 209
No ticket required.
All are welcome to this annual event, an open-forum discussion hosted by national PTA leaders who can answer questions and make connections to get you involved.