I just got back from the ATIA conference in Orlando and I'm still processing everything. This was my first time going to one of these, and honestly? It was kind of overwhelming. In the best possible way.
If you've never been, ATIA is basically the Super Bowl of assistive technology. Hundreds of booths, back-to-back lectures, demos running everywhere you look. I walked in on Thursday morning with a plan to hit specific sessions and by lunch I'd already abandoned it because I kept getting pulled into conversations at booths I'd never heard of.
The thing that surprised me most was how many SLPs were there. I don't know why I expected it to be mostly OTs and AT specialists, but the SLP representation was strong. I ended up having some of the best professional conversations I've had in years, just standing in line for coffee or sitting next to someone during a breakout session. There's something about being in a room full of people who actually understand what your day looks like.
I went to maybe eight or nine sessions over the two days. Some were incredible. A couple were basically product demos disguised as lectures (you know the type). But even from the weaker ones I picked up one or two things I'm going to try with my students. That's honestly all I ask from a conference. Give me two ideas I can use Monday morning.
The expo hall was sensory overload. So many booths, so many products. I tried to be systematic about it but eventually just wandered and stopped wherever something caught my eye. Demoed a bunch of tools I'd only ever read about. Some lived up to the hype, some didn't. I'll probably write about specific products later once I've had time to actually test them in my classroom instead of just poking at them for five minutes at a booth.
The best part, and I know this sounds cheesy, was just feeling connected to a community. School-based SLP work can be pretty isolating. You're often the only one in your building, and your caseload doesn't leave a lot of time for professional development. Being surrounded by a few thousand people who care about the same things you care about, even for just two days, was genuinely energizing.
I'm already looking at next year's dates. If you've been on the fence about going, just do it. Bring comfy shoes, a portable charger, and low expectations for the conference food. You won't regret it.