By Heidi Tournoux-Hanshaw, MA, LPC-AT-S, ATR-BC, ATCS, Conference Chair | May 17, 2018
Now that early bird registration is open for the AATA’s 49th Annual Conference to be held in Miami, FL, October 31 to November 4, 2018, we wanted to share some ideas to add value to your conference experience.
It goes without saying that most people attend the AATA conferences to learn new things and expand their knowledge. With 230 educational sessions offered on the program in Miami, that’s an easy item to check off your list. Another reason people attend the AATA conference is to network and meet art therapists. Last but not least, making art, and expressing creativity is another reason attendees keep coming back to the AATA conferences year after year. We highlighted lots of ways you can achieve all of those objectives in our May 3rd article.
Here are some new ideas for you to be more than just an attendee at this year’s conference:
Share your talent and creativity by submitting artwork for the Members’ Art Exhibition. Each morning before our plenary session we feature an electronic art exhibition for all conference attendees to enjoy. Consider sharing your art with us this year! Review the submission form for additional information. The deadline for submission is September 15.
Show your entrepreneurial spirit with an Arts & Crafts Marketplace table. Our 2-hour event this year will be on Friday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Members are invited to purchase a table (for $25) and sell their handmade custom artwork, jewelry, prints, and other items. Table spaces are limited. Click here for the request form
Consider submitting an original short film for the Art Therapy Film Festival. Accepted films will be viewed at the conference on Saturday from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Filmmakers are invited to conceive, design, and produce an original short film that examines who and what we are as art therapists. Review the submission form for additional information. Submissions are due July 31.
Participate in the Community Service Projects that the Local Arrangements Committee is organizing, these include: (1) BRING: Leave with your suitcase lighter, but your heart fuller; (2) DO: Beach Clean-up; (3) MAKE: Share a Gesture of Warmth. Read more about these projects on the conference website.
To learn more about the conference visit the website where you can download the detailed brochure and search for sessions and presenters using the online schedule. Register soon for the lowest rates!
AATA Members receive a discount on conference registration, so if your membership is not current or you would like to become a member visit: https://arttherapy.org/membership-starts-here/ or call (888) 290-0878 or (703) 548-5860.
Visit the conference website for more information! www.arttherapyconference.com