Time

Activity

8:30 a.m.

Coffee and Connection

Ambassador Ballroom

Kick off the day with fresh coffee and great conversation. Meet fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and start building valuable connections before the sessions begin.

9:30 a.m.

Keynote Speaker: Dan Staats, PT, DPT

Regency Ballroom

Prepare to be inspired. Dan Staats, PT, DPT — physical therapist, entrepreneur, and "Shark Tank" winner — takes the stage to share insights and real-world strategies on transforming an idea into a successful product. From concept to market, he'll provide valuable lessons on bringing innovation to life in rehab therapy. Learn more about his "Shark Tank" journey.

10:30 a.m.

Partner Presentations: Industry Innovations — VALD

VALD, one of our Innovator sponsors, will speak on how its digitally based, patient-centric systems help to understand human movement, performance, injury risk, and rehabilitation, and how they can be used across various disciplines.

10:45 a.m.

Leadership Roundtable: CEOs From ASHA, AOTA, and APTA

A rare opportunity to hear top leaders in rehab therapy discuss challenges, innovations, and the future of the profession.

11:45 a.m.

Partner Presentations: Industry Innovations — Medbridge

Medbridge, our Thought Leader sponsor, will present on how it’s leading the change in digital patient care with best-in-class online education, home exercise programs, and progressive digital hybrid care pathways that improve access and outcomes.

Noon

Lunch and Networking

Ambassador Ballroom

Refuel and reconnect. Grab a meal, share insights, and continue conversations sparked throughout the morning.

1:30 p.m.

Partner Presentations: Industry Innovations — Prediction Health

Regency Ballroom

At the intersection of technology and therapy practice, innovative tools like AI scribing are transforming patient care, documentation efficiency, and clinical workflows. Innovator sponsor Prediction Health will present on how these tools fit into the future of rehabilitation therapy.

1:50 p.m.

Beyond the Traditional Path: Nonlinear Rehab Career Panel

Rehab careers don’t follow a one-size-fits-all path. Hear from professionals who’ve taken unexpected turns in their careers and discover new ways to leverage your skills.

3 p.m.

Partner Presentations: Industry Innovations — Limber

Innovator sponsor Limber Health will speak to how its platform, validated through research at the Mayo Clinic, equips clinicians with tools for remote therapeutic monitoring, home exercise programs, value-based care, and more.

3:15 p.m.

Break

3:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion: AI and Data in Rehab

Regency Ballroom

AI is transforming health care — what does that mean for rehab therapy? Join experts as they explore how data and technology are shaping patient care and clinical decision-making.

4:30 p.m.

Partner Presentations: Industry Innovations — Penciled

Our final Innovator sponsor of the day, Penciled, will discuss how its AI front office assistant for physical therapy communicates with patients via SMS, schedules out plans of care, fills openings with a digital waitlist, and more, as well as how it integrates directly into EHRs.

5-7 p.m.

Networking Reception

Ambassador Ballroom

Unwind and connect in a relaxed setting. Enjoy drinks, conversation, and new opportunities to collaborate.

Time

Activity

8:30 a.m.

Coffee and Connection

Seventh Floor of APTA’s Centennial Center

Start your day with a fresh brew and fresh ideas. Mingle with fellow innovators, exchange insights, and make connections that could spark your next big breakthrough.

10 a.m.

How to Innovate: From Idea to Impact

What does it take to turn a great idea into a game-changer? Learn practical strategies for identifying opportunities, thinking creatively, and driving meaningful innovation.

10:45 a.m.

Perfecting Your Pitch: How to Sell Your Vision

You’ve got a brilliant idea — now, how do you get others to believe in it? Gain expert insights on crafting a compelling pitch that captivates investors, stakeholders, and partners.

11:30 a.m.

Innovation Lab

In this interactive session, participants will view a successful innovation pitch and actively apply key principles of innovation and persuasive communication. Through real-time feedback and group discussion, attendees will sharpen their ability to evaluate and effectively present innovative ideas.

12:15 p.m.

Lunch and Networking

Refuel and recharge while expanding your network. A great opportunity to continue conversations and explore potential collaborations.

1:30 p.m.

The Patent Process: Protecting Your Ideas

Don’t let your hard work go unprotected. Learn the ins and outs of patents, trademarks, and intellectual property to safeguard your innovations.

2:15 p.m.

Navigating the FDA: Bringing Innovations to Market

Bringing a new product to market? Understand the regulatory landscape, approval pathways, and key steps to successfully navigate the FDA process.

3 p.m.

Break

3:15 p.m.

ATDev

Hear from ATDev’s CEO about Reflex, their lightweight robotic rehab device that’s transforming recovery.

3:20 p.m.

Finding Investors: Securing Funding for Your Big Idea

Investors are looking for the next big thing — could it be yours? Learn how to attract the right investors, communicate your value, and secure the funding you need to grow.

4-6 p.m.

Happy Hour and Networking

Celebrate a day of learning and connection. Unwind, share takeaways, and build lasting relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.