Sessions, exhibit halls, and networking—oh my! The annual ASHA Convention can be an exciting, but overwhelming event for students. Last year was my first time attending, and it was a whirl-wind!
Whether you’re attending as a first-timer or seasoned pro, or keeping tabs from home, here’s a list of must-dos to help all my fellow #slp2b and #aud2b friends to make the most of this year’s action in Boston!
Must-Attend Events & Activities
First-Timers’ Welcome
Wednesday, November 14, 5:00-6:30pm; Convention Center, Ballroom East
If it’s you’re first time at Convention, come get the low-down of the next 3 days and network with fellow students and professionals! I’ll be there—come say hi!
NSSLHA Par-tay!
Thursday, November 15, 7:30-9:00pm; Seaport Hotel, Seaport Ballroom
Join us in a FREE celebration just for students! With tasty sweet treats (say no more, right?!) and an opportunity to connect with new friends from all over the country, you can’t pass this up! No need to register beforehand—come and go as you please! Big shout-out to our event sponsors, EBS Healthcare and ETS!
ASHA Awards Ceremony
Friday, November 16, 6:30-8:00pm; Convention Center, Hall B2
Watch some of the biggest names in our professions win ASHA’s prestigious awards and honors … and dream about being in their shoes one day!
Empowerment Zone
Convention Center, Hall A
Check out hands-on activities that will help you with the soft skills we don’t always think about—advocacy, leadership, media training, and tech/social media for business purposes. Um, sign me up!
Networking
NSSLHA Lounge
Convention Center, Hall C (Posters)
Stop by the NSSLHA Lounge and say “hi!” Meet your National NSSLHA student leaders, network with peers, and make some new friends! While you’re at it, pick up special student-related ribbons, nab one of our free giveaways, and snap a selfie at our selfie station!
Graduate School Fair/PhD Center
Convention Center, Hall C (Posters)
Chat with CSD program reps about graduate or PhD program goals, curricula, clinical experiences, and opportunities for participation in research.
Career Fair
Convention Center, Exhibit Hall
Get face-time with employers in a low-pressure setting where you can access free career development resources like mini-workshops and resume reviews!
Brain Power
Check out last week’s post to see what sessions and posters National NSSLHA’s Executive and Regional Councilors are most excited to see!
Join Us Virtually!
Can’t make it to Boston this year? That’s okay! Join the Convention experience from home by keeping tabs on National NSSLHA’s Instagram!
We’ll post pictures and share stories each day to give you an inside look at what NSSLHA is up to at Convention. And don’t forget to catch us on Insta Live for interviews with professionals, demos of therapy materials, sneak peeks at Poster sessions, and other happenings around the Convention Center!
#NSSLHAinBoston #SuccessStartsHere #NSSLHA
For Funsies
ASHA Store
Convention Center, Exhibit Hall
Check out the store for TONS of fun speech, audiology, and NSSLHA/ASHA themed souvenirs. Bonus: Everything is discounted by 10% (price as marked) and you can nab another $10 off when you spend more than $50!
Exhibit Hall
Convention Center, Exhibit Hall
You’ll have a blast going around and trying out new therapy techniques and resources, talking with companies, doing mock interviews, and getting free stuff like t-shirts, therapy materials, and your own Super Duper bag!
Caring Square
Convention Center, Exhibit Hall
Take some time out of your day to give back to the local Boston community. The Caring Square will be open every day, so just drop in whenever you get a chance!
No matter what sessions, activities, and events you fill your Convention schedule with, be sure to take lots and lots of pictures! And don’t forget to share them with us on social media by using our hashtags! We’re so excited to see you there!