After much consideration, the OATA Executive Committee has made the decision for our 2021 Annual Symposium to be fully virtual. 

A number of factors were taken into consideration. The potential of attendees carrying COVID-19 home to family, friends, and patients who have not yet received the vaccine was one concern. Many ATs are still on travel restrictions per their employers and would not be able to attend an in person meeting. Discussion was had on eliminating pieces of our normal schedule of events for the weekend, but the financial impact of a limited schedule was a concern to the Executive Committee. 

Please know that this decision was made after much discussion and consideration. As much as we would love to be back together in person again, at this time our safest option is to remain virtual. 

The Executive Committee continues to be grateful to all the dedicated members of the Professional Education Committee who over the past year have put much work into planning our symposia. I cannot thank them enough for all they do. I know it is a disappointment to not be able to see their work and planning come to full fruition, but I also know they will provide us with excellent virtual educational content again for 2021. 

We expect for the virtual symposium to be available mid-May on the ICEU platform. More details will be announced at a later date. 

For anyone who already booked a hotel room at the Westin in Cleveland, your room reservation will be automatically cancelled. 

We hope to have a celebration of our Hall of Fame inductees from 2020 and 2021 later in the year, and be back in person for the 2022 symposium. 

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. 

Sincerely, 

Katie LaRue-Martin, AT, MPH

OATA President Elect