PRESIDENT ’ S ADDRESS BEVERLY MENNINGER , MA , OTR / L
OCT-NOV-DEC 2022
Woman with wavy hair smiling . I was asked , as several others were , what the 2022 Conference theme-The art of reflecting , thriving , and evolving together - meant to me as we returned to an in-person state conference on November 18 . This came to my mind : Taking time as individuals and together to intentionally look at what we do , how we do it , and with whom in ways that support our continued growth and evolution as a profession through changing times . I believe the 2022 ILOTA Annual Conference was all of this !
With our keynote speaker , Wendy Hildenbrand ’ s message to consider infusing a sense of urgency into each day rather than complacency , I left the 2022 Annual ILOTA conference with a sense of urgency . An urgency to work intentionally as part of the ILOTA Board to look at what we do , how we do it , and with whom to support our continued growth and forward momentum as a profession in our state .
This was my first ILOTA Annual Conference as the new President . I felt the nerves stepping into this position and realized on the 18 th what it truly means . I observed past presidents reuniting , including our Keynote Speaker , Wendy Hildenbrand , who was the State
President for the Kansas OT Association when Nancy Richman was the Illinois OT Association State President . There was something special about sharing the space with these and other state and national leaders who attended our conference in Naperville .
The conference sessions were lively and well-attended . The sponsors and exhibitors hall was filled with 25 organizations . It was well attended and buzzing with conversation and adorned with colorful swag . The raffle prizes and silent auction items attracted many with ticket sales exceeding $ 1000 supporting our scholarship funds . The food for breakfast , lunch , and breaks was delicious and plentiful . The final reception and session that Jenny Popova facilitated were both well-attended and a valuable part of the event . The most palpable part of the experience was being with colleagues and friends . I could feel the warm buzz and excitement of connection , reflection , catching up , celebrating , and engaging after being apart for so long .
As I shared with George Buckley , our Executive Director , it felt like a wedding . The Conference Committee including George worked tirelessly through the past year to prepare for this event ; suddenly , it was over and done . All the planned activities are done , the sessions are delivered , award plaques handed out , exhibits broken down , food eaten , raffle prizes won , and the last box of leftover bags and pens is returned to the ILOTA office . It went smoothly and comfortably in a welcoming environment . The committee did a fantastic job , and we had over 260 attendees total ! So now we work to maintain a healthy sense of urgency to fuel momentum into 2023 .
We refer to our strategic plan to guide us in event planning , including the Student Conclave in the spring , the Modalities Course , and the 2023 Annual Conference .
• We develop outreach activities , collaborate with COTAD , and plan for events that address inclusion and diversity .
• We continue to strengthen our accessibility across the organization ' s communication , events and education .
• We increase engagement in Special Interest Sections , Working Groups , and Committees .
• We continue activities that support advocacy efforts including increasing Medicaid outpatient reimbursement , the Early Intervention Coalition to advocate for quality services , supporting the OT Licensure Compact Act , and monitoring significant legislation .
• We develop methods to increase and maintain membership by identifying incentives and benefits .
• We continue strong , up-to-date communication through our website , blog , and social media .
We support best practice through leadership development , mentorship , and quality continuing education . We have much to look forward to as the occupational therapy state membership organization . Please join activities you are interested in . Each person involved has an impact ! Bring friends along to reflect , thrive , and evolve through the changing times ahead .
9 Illinois Occupational Therapy Association | 2022 ISSUE 4