NATA 2026: Operation Philadelphia

By Andrea Cripps, PhD, ATC, NATA Connection and Engagement Committee

Philadelphia is calling, are you ready to answer? Members attending the 77th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo June 29-July 2 in Philadelphia will have the opportunity to take part in the Operation Philadelphia, a photo contest from the NATA Connection and Engagement Committee designed to help you get the most out of every moment at convention.

Convention week is packed with sessions, events and networking opportunities, and sometimes it’s easy to stick to what’s familiar. Operation Philadelphia was designed to change that, nudging members to step outside their routines, explore what Philadelphia has to offer and walk away with connections and memories they might not have made otherwise.

"One of the goals of the photo hunt is to encourage members to engage with different aspects of convention while having fun along the way,” said CEC Chair Andrea DiTrani Lobacz, PhD, ATC. “Convention creates opportunities for connection, shared experiences and memorable moments throughout the week, and we hope participants use Operation Philadelphia as a way to interact with colleagues, explore Philadelphia and add another layer to their overall convention experience."

With Philadelphia serving as the backdrop for NATA 2026 and as the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, CEC saw an opportunity to create a fun and interactive way for attendees to engage with both the convention and city itself. The photo scavenger hunt encourages members to explore Philadelphia’s iconic landmarks, rich history, sports culture, local traditions and convention experiences while connecting with colleagues and creating memorable moments throughout the week. The impact of the challenge was evident in feedback from last year's participants.

"I thought the adventure of finding people and places to take pictures of at NATA was really enjoyable and engaging," said Mary Housel, MS, ATC, LAT, who participated in the CEC’s NATA 2025 photo hunt. "I met some great ATs and vendors and loved sharing my experiences with my friends who were at the conference. It was also fun documenting what fun activities I did while at NATA!"

Her experience reflects the spirit of the photo hunt: fostering connections, encouraging exploration and creating lasting convention memories.

Philadelphia offers no shortage of ways to make convention memories that go beyond the session rooms.

"The CEC photo hunt is designed to help attendees experience more of convention beyond just educational sessions,” said CEC District Five Rep Brook Hughes, ATC. “Whether you’re reconnecting with your AT crew, meeting new people at networking events or exploring iconic Philadelphia spots, the goal is to encourage engagement and create memories throughout the week."

Participating in the Operation Philadelphia is simple. Members submit a photo of themselves completing any of the 12 activities, which span the full range of the convention experience:

1. Pose with an NATA Hall of Fame member.
2. Learn something liberty-worthy – photo of your favorite education session.
3. Attend your district meeting.
4. Capture being reunited with your AT crew.
5. Show us your ticket to the Chuck Kimmel Memorial NATAPAC Luncheon or a photo with your district director by the NATAPAC lunch signage.
6. Pose with a convention volunteer.
7. Document the dance party during the NATA 206 Opening Reception or join a networking event (this includes alumni parties, the NATA Happy Hour or other convention party, town halls).
8. Conquer the Rocky stairs or your favorite America 250th Philly attraction.
9. Show off your favorite exhibitor during the AT Expo.
10. Screenshot the convention app.
11. Interact with a NATA Research & Education Foundation Free Communications Program poster presenter.
12. Use NATA Career Center services or visit the information booth to learn about next year’s convention. Take a photo with signage at either booth.

Eligibility and How to Enter

Operation Philadelphia is open to all NATA members in good standing – including student members – who attend the convention in person. The contest will live on Gather, where CEC will create a dedicated post for each of the 12 categories. To enter, members simply post a photo of themselves completing that category’s activity in the corresponding post.

Each category counts as one entry, meaning members can earn up to 12 entries total by completing all 12 activities. Posting multiple photos in the same category will not generate additional entries for that category.

Prizes and Winners

Every participant who submits at least one entry will be included in a drawing for an Amazon gift card. Up to 10 winners will be selected, with each participant eligible to win only once. The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. CDT July 8. Winners will be contacted directly by the committee via email and announced to the broader membership through Gather and NATA’s communication channels the following week.