Thursday, November 16
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., ET
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

The Opening General Session kicks off the ASHA Convention! This popular event brings everyone together to celebrate the speech, language, and hearing professional community and celebrates our 2023 theme, “Igniting Innovation.” You'll be welcomed by ASHA President Robert Augustine, who will update everyone about the Association’s activities and accomplishments and share her insights on the theme. Then, Convention Co-Chairs Kelly Farquharson and Jennifer Simpson will offer a preview of what’s in store for you in Boston this year—including special sessions, new events, and other highlights. Finally, we will welcome a special guest Sekou Andrews as keynote speaker.

Sekou Andrews is a two-time national poetry slam champion, musician, entrepreneur, and a former 5^th grade teacher turned inspirational speaker. Having pursued acting and hip-hop performance while growing up, he eventually found his way to poetry after working in several law firms and teaching elementary school. He was passionate about being a poet and began to pursue poetry as his primary endeavor, knowing that he could elevate the medium to create impact and reach audiences.

Now, Sekou Andrews is a sought-after speaker who often gives keynotes at events ranging from leadership conferences to Fortune 500 companies and has even performed for Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Hillary Clinton, and Quincy Jones. He has also shared the stage with well-known musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Carlos Santana, Kendrick Lamar, and Maroon 5.

With his trademark Poetic Voice speaking style, Mr. Andrews seamlessly fuses inspirational speaking with spoken word poetry to make messages more moving and memorable. He often speaks on topics such as “DIY innovation,” the ways that each of us have an innovator within us, and how that inspires outward innovation and happiness. His unconventional, positivity-infused Poetic Voice performance will captivate and uplift you—and get you fired up about your innovation potential.

The Opening General Session jumpstarts the ASHA Convention and will get you energized and enthused about the next 3 days. Join us on Thursday morning!

A recording of the 2022 Opening General Session is available to watch on the Virtual Library platform through the end of 2023.