As we continue the countdown to #RCOT2019, we wanted to share some news about our plans for Annual Conference in the years ahead.
As RCOT’s flagship event, the Annual Conference is highly regarded as a showcase for occupational therapy and is highly valued by delegates. However, we’re aware that currently only a small percentage of our total membership is benefitting from the event, despite positive attendance figures over the past years, and the diligent sharing of learning by delegates.
We know from member feedback that there can be barriers to attending Annual Conference in terms of location and affordability. We also know that taking time out of work to attend events isn’t easy.
With that in mind, we’ve decided to take a take a pause next year and will undertake a root and branch review of the event to consider what currently works well, what could be improved and how we can help more members to participate.
We’ll be working on the review throughout 2019 and 2020 and will be engaging with members to find out how Annual Conference could better meet your needs. If you’d like to be involved in shaping the future of Annual Conference please let us know.
Events in 2020
Although we won’t be running Annual Conference in 2020, there will still be lots of opportunity for learning, networking and promoting occupational therapy, including RCOT Roadshows, Regional and Specialist Section events, CPD and conferences, and much more – please make sure you check our events pages for more details.
In addition, new events for 2020 include:
| RCOT Members Day, 30 June 2020, Manchester. | This brand new member networking day will provide an opportunity to get ‘up close and personal’ with RCOT, including a range of interactive sessions and networking opportunities, focused on developing engagement within our member community. The event will be held at the historic Old Trafford stadium, home of Manchester United Football Club. The RCOT/BAOT AGM will also be held during this event. |
| Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture, 21 April 2020, London. | For the first time, the prestigious lecture will be a standalone event held at Kings Place, London, followed by a networking session. In another first, the lecture will also be streamed. |
Although there won’t be an opportunity for members to share research, evidence or best practice at an RCOT event in 2020, members will be able to submit their work to:
- The COTEC-ENOTHE Congress 2020, 23-26 September 2020, Prague, Czech Republic
Conference theme: Occupational Therapy Europe – building resilience in individuals, communities and countries.
We’ll provide regular updates so do follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and check RCOT Highlight for more information. And don’t forget, if you’d like to be part of the review, please provide your name and email address below, and if you have any other comments, please email us at: conference@rcot.co.uk.