2019 Rocky Mountain Annual Conference & PT Expo

Posted: October 24, 2019

The 2019 APTA Colorado Fall conference at the Doubletree Stapleton North was a rousing success with 272 attendees and 11 exhibitors in attendance. Educational topics reflected the breadth of our profession, covering topics including Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Spinal Cord Injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Pediatric Post-Concussion Syndrome and Scoliosis. The business meeting included announcement of election results (see results here), legislative updates and a discussion of the recently passed return to play law that includes physical therapists in health care professionals approved for returning young athletes to sport. Fun and socializing was also enjoyed by all. The Student SIG, led by Lauren Trevis and Lina Kleinschmidt, sponsored a PT Pub Night that included interactive games, tasty beverages and delicious food.

Our chapter has benefitted greatly by the selfless service of many individuals, some of whom were recognized by the chapter. Jen Berry Masamitsu, who led the charge for dry needling legislation and was the 2018 PT of the year, presented on new frontiers in technology for physical therapy practice. Nicole Miranda and Heather Campbell were awarded the PT of the Year for their tireless efforts in promoting the aforementioned return to play legislation. Kenda Fuller was awarded the Bob Doctor award for her years of service to the chapter and professional as were Sharon Jordan, Anne Keil and Lisa Dannemiller for their decade long contributions to the Professional Development Committee.

This year’s conference was exceptional in its content, delivery and professionalism thanks to the efforts of many unsung heroes: In addition to the above named members of the PDC, Lina Kleinschmidt, last year’s Student SIG chair, photographed the entire event and the photos are available to view on our Facebook page and by clicking below. Beth Lubacz assured that we had sufficient therapy tables and coordinated their logistics. Megan Mitchell collaborated with Sharon Jordan to produce and outstanding Trauma Informed Care Symposium. Morgan Wilson and Anne Keil coordinated the Neuro track and Christy Hupka assisted Lisa Dannemiller in obtaining the consistently outstanding pediatric programming. Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley coordinated and moderated an outstanding platform presentation. Dani Korth and Chandler Bruns, from our association management office, dedicated countless hours (with very little sleep) to assuring that every aspect of the conference ran smoothly. Lastly, we would like to thank all our speakers who so generously gave of their time and expertise to our members, our profession and our patients.

We are actively planning next year’s fall 2020 conference in a Front Range venue and look forward to seeing everyone again soon!

Click here to view photos from conference!