We hope you were able to join us and that you found the convention to be valuable and enjoyable. Use the links at left to remind yourself of what you experienced and learned—or, if you weren’t able to join us, take a look at what was offered and mark your calendar now to join us in 2011!

What were the keys to a great convention?

The 2010 convention offered a range of opportunities to connect and collaborate. Here are just a few:

• Headline presentations

1. Pélagie Beeson, Ph.D., University of Arizona (full day) – Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches for Aphasia, Alexia, and Agraphia
2. Jeanane M. Ferre, Ph.D., Central Auditory Evaluation & Treatment (Oak Park, IL) (full day) – The “Process” of Processing: Reliable Assessment and Effective Intervention for Auditory Processing Disorders
3. Jill Kuzma, M.A., ISD 196, MN (full day) – Socially Savvy & Emotionally Equipped: Strategies to Teach Social/Emotional Communication Skills
4. David Denton, J.D., MA, Director of Ethics, ASHA (half day) – Ethics: It’s More Than Common Sense
5. Janet Deppe, M.S., Director, State Advocacy, ASHA liaison for MN – Threats to Professional Standards: Lessons Learned

• Lecture sessions

Attendees chose from among 18 presentations across 6 sessions and 5 tracks. There was something for everyone—our tracks included: Education • Health • Audiology • Interdisciplinary/Collaborative • Other Professional Issues

• Roundtables

Attendees chose two from among 12 small, moderated roundtable sessions, including such topics as assessment and treatment, aphasia, mental health issues, Medicaid revisions, visual phonics, and more.

• Posters and contributed papers

Attendees visited as many as 15 research reports on Moebius Syndrome, Employer-Provided Healthcare Benefits, Expressive Aphasia, and more!

These were even more reasons come:

• Maximized CEs – 13.5 hours applied for from ASHA.
• Keynote presentation – With the ever-increasing shortage of qualified professionals and limited oversight and guidance from federal regulators, standards for speech-language pathology and, in some cases, audiology are eroding. Janet Deppe, director of state advocacy in the government relations and public policy division at ASHA, reviewed the real and perceived threats to professional standards and how state associations, Communication Sciences and Disorders Departments, ASHA, and individuals in the professions must work together to minimize these threats.
• Exhibitors – Seventeen exhibit tables were on hand to dispaly the latest professional products, services, and employment opportunities displayed by experts who know them best. Attendees were sure to leave with at least one new idea!
• Vendor Academy – Expert vendors provided CE updates in the imagery-language connection for language and literacy development, approaches to remediating auditory processing disorders, and the long-term effects of electronic anti-stuttering devices.
• Meals and refreshments – Four meals, refreshment breaks, and the Association reception were all included in the convention registration fee. Attendees were invited to celebrate with MSHA at our Honors and Awards Association luncheon on Friday and hear about MSHA’s statewide advocacy in education and health care at our Association breakfast on Saturday.
• “À la carte” handouts – Registrants could download the handout materials they wanted prior to the convention.
• Easy registration – Available online or through a hardcopy form.
• Terrific location – The Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center is conveniently located just two hours from the Twin Cities in a setting of natural splendor on the shores of Lake Darling. Attendees enjoyed outstanding recreational facilities (including a waterpark, spa, and golf course) and area attractions (including Carlos Creek Winery and the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum). It was a great chance to bring the whole family for a great getaway weekend!