2026 ATRA SoCal | The Connection Rx: Prescribing Belonging Through Recreational Therapy

Location:

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Brea North Orange County – 900 E Birch St, Brea, CA 92821

Dates:

• General, Concurrent Sessions: October 17–19, 2026
• Research Institute Sessions: October 18, 2026
• Post-Con Workshop Day (Add-On): October 20, 2026
• On Demand (Add-On): October 17- November 17, 2026 (subject to change)

Call for Presentations

ATRA invites proposals for In-Person and On Demand educational sessions for the 2026 ATRA SoCal Conference. This year’s theme, The Connection Rx: Prescribing Belonging Through Recreational Therapy centers on belonging, connection, and the systems that shape our work. 

The 2026 Call for Presentation has been updated to a single, universal submission process. Please pay close attention to the following instructions, new and exciting speaker opportunities and special attention to the Research Institute Oral and Poster sessions included in this Call.

The conference will feature:

• Six General Sessions
• 4–5 Concurrent Breakout Sessions scheduled between the daily General Session

Every proposal aligns to one of six conference pillars, which serve as broad thematic anchors for the program. Final placement is based on pillar alignment, program balance, and scheduling needs.

Proposal Deadline: April 23, 2026
Notifications: Early June 2026

Focus Areas / Conference Pillars

Proposal may select more than one pillar if applicable.

Connecting Purpose
Advocacy, Social Prescribing, Systems Change, Community Health, Equity, Program Design, Population Health

Connecting the Profession
Student Engagement, Mentorship, Credentialing, Career Pathways, Professional Identity, Advocacy

Connecting the Evidence
Research Institute, Research, Evidence-Based Practice, Program Evaluation, Translational Research, Grant Writing

Connecting Practice
Clinical Practice, Innovative Interventions, Technology Integration, Program Implementation, Individualized Treatment Planning

Connecting the Field
Member Engagement, Leadership, Governance, Advocacy, Workforce Development, Policy, Organizational Culture

Connecting the Future
Visioning, Emerging Practices, Digital Health, Innovation, Strategic Planning, Future Workforce Development

Proposed Focus Area / Pillar Schedule:

The following schedule reflects anticipated thematic focus and is subject to change.

Pillar	Date	Time
Connecting Purpose	Saturday, Oct 17	Morning
Connecting the Profession	Saturday, Oct 17	Afternoon
Connecting the Evidence	Sunday, Oct 18	Morning
Connecting Practice	Sunday, Oct 18	Afternoon
Connecting the Field	Monday, Oct 19	Morning
Connecting the Future	Monday, Oct 19	Afternoon

Session Types & Lengths:

• Concurrent Sessions: 60 minutes
• General Sessions: 60 minutes 
• Post-Con Workshops: ~3 hours (half-day, Oct 20)
• On Demand Sessions: 60 minutes (pre-recorded)

Target Audience:

Practitioners, Educators, Researchers, Managers, Leaders, Innovators

Proposal Submission Components:

• Pillar alignment
• Session title and description
• Three measurable learning outcomes
• Session outline
• Bio and professional headshot (neutral background, minimum 400 x 400 px)
• Selection of session type(s): In-Person, Research Institute, and/or On Demand (Optional Interest: General Session or Post-Con Workshop Day)
• Supporting evidence (minimum of 2 sources required)

Proposals are considered complete only when all required components are submitted.

Concurrent sessions, On Demand sessions, and Research Institute proposals are reviewed through a blind peer-review process.  Reviewers do not see presenter names, credentials or identifying information.

Post-Con Workshop Day – October 20, 2026

• Half-day (~3-hour) workshops focused on one or more conference pillars.
• Proposals must indicate interest via checkbox and will be reviewed through the blind peer review process, consistent with other session types.

On Demand Add-On Option

• 60-minute pre-recorded sessions
• May be a recording of an in-person session or a unique On Demand-only proposal
• Indicate interest via checkbox in the CFP form
• Final placement is based on program fit, scheduling, and audience relevance

Research Institute (RI) Sessions

• RI proposals include oral in-person presentations (15–20 minutes) and digital poster gallery submissions (app-based). These sessions focus on Connecting the Evidence and are reviewed via the same blind peer review process as concurrent sessions.
• RI speakers are eligible for discounted registration ($50 Oral / $25 Digital Poster), which may be combined with other accepted presentation discounts.

Speaker Discount

• One primary speaker discount is issued per accepted session
• The primary presenter determines how the discount is used among co-presenters
• Speakers are responsible for meals, lodging, travel, CE fees, handouts, and registration (minus applicable discounts)
• Selected presenters will receive the ATRA Speaker Agreement upon acceptance of their proposal.

Questions

Not sure which pillar(s) fits your proposal? Please review the Speaker FAQ guide

Questions about conference sessions should be directed to: education@atra-online.com or info@atra-online.com