A Message About the ASHA Convention and Louisiana

The ASHA Convention is scheduled for New Orleans, Louisiana this coming November. Recent Supreme Court rulings, as well as an array of issues in conflict with ASHA’s long-standing commitment to DEI, have raised concerns about our Louisiana location from some members, and we have heard many calls to move, cancel or boycott the event. We are aware that some of you do not feel safe from discrimination, while others may think this is an unnecessary foray by ASHA into political issues. We respect your individual responses and decisions about participation.

2022 ASHA Convention: A Hybrid In-Person/Virtual Event

The ASHA Convention is returning as a hybrid event this year! The in-person event, taking place November 17–19 in New Orleans, will once again be paired with the Virtual Library of pre-recorded sessions. Check out what's new this year:

• Big schedule changes! We are opening the Exhibit Hall EARLY on Wednesday from 4–7 p.m., during which time we will host the Welcome (Back!) Reception. Thursday and Friday will be full days of sessions and Exhibit Hall activities. On Saturday, the Exhibit Hall will be closed and sessions will end at 2 p.m.
• We heard your feedback! We’re happy to announce that the Virtual Library will be open longer this year, from November 10–28, to allow more time for you to watch sessions and earn CE credit.
• We are also looking forward to live-broadcasting the slides and audio of a limited selection of sessions from the in-person event to the Virtual Library. These sessions will not be recorded, so set aside some time to listen to these special presentations in real-time!
• We are excited to bring back live, in-person poster Q&A sessions for those joining us in New Orleans—plus, you’ll still be able to access all posters virtually (poster and audio narration only, no Q&A) in the Virtual Library. In addition, we're introducing a cool, new interactive format for viewing digital posters.
• We are honored to present this year's Annie Glenn Award to Steve and Michel Gleason, founders of Team Gleason Foundation, for their incredible work to provide solutions to individuals with communication disorders related to ALS. They are the definition of resilient and you will be so inspired by their story!

Vaccination and Masking Requirements

Proof of full vaccination for all able and eligible individuals is required to register for the in-person ASHA Convention this year. Unvaccinated individuals may register, however, a negative PCR/molecular or antigen test administered onsite at the ASHA Convention will be required for participation. Registrant badges will not be mailed in advance to unvaccinated individuals; badges may only be picked up onsite after testing negative.

The masking guidelines issued by the CDC and local jurisdictions are currently evolving, so we will provide a definitive policy for masks 30 days before the in-person ASHA Convention begins.

If you are unable to meet the vaccination and masking requirements, we encourage you to register for the Virtual Library.

Our 2022 Theme

Our 2022 theme, “Reframe Your Thinking: Resilience Reinvented,” is a challenge to reexamine how we think of resilience. ASHA members embody resilience. You teach resiliency skills to help your patients, clients, colleagues, and students, but never have you needed to embrace and draw upon your own knowledge and skills more than over the past couple of years. Resilience is not just an ability to learn from challenges and rebound, but an opportunity to use the foundational building blocks we all have that allow us to grow. The path to resilience is different for everyone and draws on our unique strengths, resources, and support systems. This year we are reframing, rethinking, and reinventing resilience by appreciating our skills, celebrating our discoveries, and taking pride in how we’ve grown, both professionally and personally.