Every year, we reframe our thinking and make changes to the ASHA Convention based on the attendee evaluation survey to keep the event fresh and relevant. Our goal is to evolve with what YOU want. We hope that you embrace the detours and discover something new this year!
The Call for Papers is open until April 16, 2020, 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) and we are planning to hold the ASHA Convention in November as scheduled. We welcome everyone to submit a proposal to present and to join us in San Diego.
ASHA is monitoring the coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and is giving due consideration to our members’ safety and the impact on future events. Over the upcoming months, we will be following statements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization, local and national government statements, the U.S. State Department, our travel agency and hotel partners, and other trusted agencies providing information on the virus and related risks or travel guidelines. We will also be keeping abreast of how other professional associations conduct their live, in-person events. (Read more from ASHA about COVID-19.)
Each year, our Convention Co-Chairs, in partnership with the ASHA President, develop a theme for the ASHA Convention. The theme provides a framework for the education program, our Opening General Session keynote speaker, and the entire look and feel of the event. Our 2020 theme, "Reframe Your Thinking. Detours. Details. Discovery." examines the ways that we might think differently about how we practice, teach, conduct research, and interact globally as the next decade unfolds. The theme also celebrates the important discoveries we make when we take detours—either purposeful or accidental—from the usual path. What new discoveries have you uncovered by changing your thinking?
We encourage you to tag your social media posts related to the ASHA Convention with the hashtag #ASHA2020.
Registration and housing will open on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, since our traditional date for opening, August 1, falls on a Saturday this year. Mark your calendar for August 3, and spread the word!
We carefully read through the evaluation surveys that you complete after each Convention, and we’ve learned a few things. We’ve also made a few changes. Here’s the rundown:
We know that this is a big shake-up. The truth is that Short Courses have been slowly waning in popularity over the years. Master Classes, which provide a more advanced learning opportunity, have received a lot positive feedback so we’ve expanded the offerings. They will now be ticketed and will cost a small fee—a bargain at only $10 for SIG Affiliates and $20 for all other attendees! We think the advanced learning, shorter format, and lower cost of Master Classes will make them a welcome replacement.
We will not have Hands-On Labs this year either, but some Master Classes may include a demonstration or hands-on component for those who are seeking a more immersive learning experience.
Last year in Orlando, we tested out a schedule change and began sessions at 7:30 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Feedback was mixed—some loved it, and many did not. We’re trying the earlier start time for one more year since we’re on the West Coast, so let us know what you think.
For the second year, we will not be offering boxed lunches—but we’ll be offering discount vouchers for concessions instead! Last year’s popular “ASHA Cash” model of vouchers is returning for 2020. In this “ASHA Cash” model, attendees could purchase vouchers at a discount when registering, and they could apply the discount to purchases at concession stands within the convention center. The vouchers won’t be called “ASHA Cash” this year in San Diego, but we’re working on a clever name for them!