Check out the articles about the 2021 ASHA Convention in the September issue of The ASHA Leader.
"Prepare for a New Hybrid Convention Experience" (including a special message from our co-chairs, Tena McNamara and Laura Verdun)
"Can You Counter Your Own Brain-Based Biases?"
Find out where implicit bias is seated in your brain—and the conscious efforts needed to surmount it—at a pre-convention workshop.
"Audiologists: Convention Offers Scaffolded Sessions, Cutting-Edge Tech"
Join your colleagues in Washington, D.C., or virtually to access technology leaders and emerging audiology practices.
"A Historic Hybrid Convention—By the Numbers"
What can in-person and remote attendees expect to find at this year’s ASHA Convention in Washington, D.C.? Let’s take a numerical look.
ASHA has made the decision that all participants at the in-person 2021 ASHA Convention in Washington, D.C., whether a presenter, attendee, exhibitor, staff, guest, or vendor, will be required to be fully vaccinated. Participants must provide proof of vaccination to register for the in-person event. Accommodations may be offered on a case-by-case basis for any in-person participant who is unable to be vaccinated due to disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs. The District of Columbia currently requires masks in all indoor settings for anyone over the age of two regardless of vaccination status.
We arrived at this decision by evaluating public guidance on safety requirements and procedures, our meeting space, our own event requirements, the expected number of attendees, and the fact that conditions continue to evolve. We are confident that we are proceeding in accordance with current best practices to create the safest possible environment, which is our top priority.
Earlier this year, we decided to offer the 2021 ASHA Convention a hybrid event, to allow for in-person or virtual participation. You have the option of registering for the in-person event or for access to the ASHA Convention Virtual Library only. We respect that everyone who chooses to participate will make the best decision for themselves and that everyone holds personal accountability for their choice.
If you are unable to meet the vaccination requirement or are unable to follow the process for accommodations, we encourage you to register for the Virtual Library.
We are continuing to monitor and evaluate the outlook for in-person events and will share updates as they are available. We will be posting more information about what you can expect onsite as we get closer to our event dates.
Read more about how to verify your vaccination before you register. The online verification process is simple, secure and HIPAA-compliant. During busy times, the verification process may take a full 12 hours, so please be patient. We do not have a cap on registration numbers. You do not need to be registered to reserve a hotel room.
The District of Columbia requires that all people over age two must wear a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status. Participants at the in-person ASHA Convention in Washington, D.C. will be required to wear masks at all times, except when actively eating or drinking.
The 2021 ASHA Convention is a hybrid event, pairing an in-person convention with an online library of pre-recorded digital sessions. You have the choice of either registering to attend the in-person ASHA Convention, or registering at a discounted rate to gain access just to the ASHA Convention Virtual Library.
The ASHA Convention in Washington, D.C., will take place November 18–20 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. It will be a return to the traditional (though smaller) convention experience that you’ve missed—featuring in-person learning and a vibrant exhibit hall—PLUS access to the Virtual Library.
The ASHA Convention Virtual Library, open from November 15–22, is an online platform that will provide access to hundreds of pre-recorded sessions over an extended 8-day period, allowing you to learn on your own schedule. Posters will even feature live, virtual Q&A sessions, so you can interact with presenters and other attendees in real-time. (In-person sessions will NOT be recorded or live-streamed for the Virtual Library.) The Virtual Library will also feature interactive exhibitor profiles, so you can browse companies and organizations offering products and services for the professions.