NATA 2026: The Moments In Between
Each year, the NATA convention brings athletic trainers together for education, professional growth and career development – but just as meaningful are the moments in between.
The conversations that continue after a session, unexpected reunions in the hall, collaborating over a quick coffee – these shared experiences strengthen the profession and keep ATs coming back to convention.
“Every NATA convention, I’m reminded why our profession is so strong,” said NATA President A.J. Duffy III, MS, ATC, PT. “It’s the chance to reconnect with colleagues, share ideas and see the passion we all bring to athletic training in action. Celebrating in Philadelphia during the nation’s 250th anniversary makes NATA 2026 even more historic and meaningful.”
The 77th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo June 29-July 2 in Philadelphia offers a mix of structured learning, professional celebration and informal relationship-building opportunities. For many attendees, those unplanned encounters and spontaneous conversations often leave a lasting impression.
“You never know who you might run into walking the halls between sessions, and the alumni gatherings and social events create even more opportunities to catch up, make new connections and see circles come together in meaningful ways,” said NATA Connection and Engagement Committee Chair Andrea DiTrani Lobacz, PhD, ATC. “It’s that combination of connection, experience and professional growth that keeps me coming back year after year.”
Lobacz said since attending her first NATA convention as a senior in college in 2006, she has only missed two – 2019 and 2022 – thanks in part to employers who have supported her attendance.
“I love attending the NATA convention and look forward to reconnecting with friends, former classmates, professors, colleagues and past students from every stage of my career,” she said. “It’s incredibly energizing and something truly special about athletic training. Few professions offer the chance to reunite with such a wide network while also learning, growing and experiencing a new city each year.”
Networking and professional exchange happen in every corner of convention. When asked what keeps her coming back, NATA District Secretaries’/Treasurers’ Committee Chair Sara Bjerke, MS, LAT, ATC, had a simple answer: the people.
“There is something powerful about being in a room full of individuals who truly understand what you do and share a common bond through the profession,” she said. “Whether it’s meeting someone new or reconnecting with colleagues from across the country, those relationships are what make this profession so meaningful. The NATA convention is where those connections come to life.”
While ATs can connect to their colleagues around the world thanks to technology, the NATA convention provides the opportunity to meet in person, turning digital conversations into in-person collaboration and deeper professional engagement.
“The NATA convention is the only place where you get to have the face-to-face conversations that are very important in making connections with friends and colleagues from across the country,” said NATA State Association Advisory Committee Chair Mike Sloup, MHA, LAT, ATC. “It is great to be able to deepen relationships with the people you converse with during the year virtually as we finally get to meet up in person at convention.
“Consequently, the NATA convention always provides a great atmosphere to recharge my battery. The momentum built up at convention is a great catalyst to drive me personally and professionally, as well as for our committee as we prepare for the work to be done in the next year.”
It’s the combination of structured education, professional networking and those in-between moments that defines the NATA convention experience. Attendees leave with knowledge, inspiration and strengthened relationships, reminders of why gathering in person continues to make the NATA convention so meaningful.
Register Before March 31
Early registration rates are available through March 31. Attendees can book their housing – offered through NATA’s housing provider, Convention Management Resources – and access select airline and rental car discounts on the convention website’s Housing and Travel webpage.
