APTA CSM Anaheim: Powered by Possibility

Join thousands of PTs, PTAs, and students of physical therapy at the country’s largest physical therapy conference, for programming and special events you won’t find anywhere else.
Where innovation, leadership, and community converge to advance physical therapy. APTA CSM will take place Feb. 12-14, 2026, in Anaheim, California.
Two ways to participate:
The in-person event will take place February 12-14, 2026, in Anaheim, California. Get full access to educational sessions, networking opportunities, and the exhibit hall. Plus, in-person full registration attendees receive complimentary access to On Demand.
Registering for APTA CSM in-person enables you to earn up to 1.8 CEUs (18 contact hours/CCUs), with 1.35 CEUs from attending in-person educational sessions and up to 0.45 from participating in On Demand sessions.
Can't join us in Anaheim? Bring APTA CSM to you with On Demand. You’ll get access to nearly 300 recorded sessions, representing about two-thirds of the conference’s programming, as well as 150 digital posters, available online for 60 days in March and April 2026.
Volunteer With APTA Private Practice at CSM!
APTA Private Practice is recruiting volunteers to support two Bonus Room events at CSM 2026. These short, focused conversations help students, current members, and prospective members connect with experienced private practice professionals. If you're interested in contributing your expertise, we invite you to submit your information using the form below.
APTA Private Practice Sessions at CSM Anaheim
Participate in first-class programming. Including sessions by APTA Private Practice! Earn up to 1.35 CEUs and explore hundreds of educational sessions, posters, and an exhibit hall with the latest innovations.
Thursday, Feb.12
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
PP-24307 Scaling without Selling out
Speakers: Joshua William Funk, PT, DPT, Zach Daniel Baker, PT, DPT and Jamie Marie Schindler, PT, DPT
PP-24709 OK Boomer, Meet Gen Z: Bridging the Gap in Healthcare Teams
Speakers: Lisa M. Flexner, PT, DPT, Stephanie A. Weyrauch, PT, DPT, Holly Brown, SPT and Devon Rae Morris, PT, DPT
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
PP-23505 The Cash Pay Revolution: Innovative Payment Models in Physical Therapy
Speakers: Scott Phillip Hebert, PT and Michelle Marie Babcock, PT
PP-23882 Embracing Entrepreneurial Culture: How Organizations Support Master Adaptive Learners and High Achievers in Physical Therapy
Speakers: Frederick Gilbert, PT, DPT, Nora Bethany Collier, PT, DPT and Lauren Lynass
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
PP-24519 Students Are Your Pipeline: Drive Growth, Elevate Culture, and Secure Future Success
Speakers: Hannah Bennett, PT, Jamie Marie Schindler, PT, DPT and Lauren C. Snowdon, PT, DPT, EdD
Friday, Feb. 13
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
PP-23604 Be a Brand: Three Steps to Building an Unforgettable Presence
Speakers: Jared Spencer Vagy, PT, DPT, Doug Adams, PT and Robert Benjamin Keeton, PT, DPT
PP-24111 The Most Underrated Skill in Leadership
Speakers: Joshua J. D’Angelo, PT and Frederick Gilbert, PT, DPT
PP-24488 Leading with Impact: Building Capacity, Culture, and Connection
Speakers: Nora Bethany Collier, PT, DPT and Jennifer Elizabeth Green-Wilson, PT, EdD
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
PP-24760 Build Better Faster: A Proven Framework for Coaching, Retention, and Performance
Speakers: Thomas R. Denninger, PT, DPT, Ellen Shanley, PT, PhD, Lori Michener, PT, ATC, PhD, FAPTA and Bari Ardell, PT
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
PP-24736 Smart Moves, Safe Boundaries: Using AI in Clinical Physical Therapy
Speakers: Nancy R. Kirsch, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, RM Barney Poole, PT, DPT, FAPTA, Amanda Trekell Brewer, PT, DPT, Robert Latz, PT, DPT and Eugene Tunik, PT, PhD
Saturday, Feb. 14
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
PP-23695 2026 Payment and Policy Updates: What Physical Therapists & Physical Therapist Assistants Need to Know
Speakers: Rick Gawenda, PT and Justin Elliott
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
PP-24597 Beyond Burnout: Strategies for Retaining and Engaging the Modern Physical Therapy Workforce
Speakers: Stephen Clark, PT, DPT, ATC and Mark Steiger
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
PP-24663 How to Authentically Connect with Your Patients: Proven Marketing Strategies to Grow a PT Business
Speakers: Scott Michael McAfee, PT, DPT, Arash Maghsoodi, PT and Gene Shirokobrod, PT, DPT
Connect with Your Community!
Take advantage of numerous opportunities to build your professional network, make lifelong friends, and advance your career.
If you’ll be at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting, stop by the APTA Private Practice Booth (#1659). We’d love to see you and share how our member benefits can support you and your practice.
Bonus Room Activities at CSM Anaheim
The APTA Private Practice Bonus Room will feature two targeted mentoring opportunities during CSM. One session is designed for current or prospective members seeking guidance from experienced practice owners, while the other is tailored specifically for students looking for support with interviews, resumes, and career planning. Details for each event and sign-up information are provided below.
Ask a Veteran Owner
Friday, Feb. 13, | 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m
Ask a Veteran Owner invites section members and potential members to sign up for a 15-minute, one-on-one conversation with a seasoned practice owner or industry expert. Experts will be available by topic—such as niche practices, reimbursement and payment, diversity in ownership, and cash-based models—allowing attendees to choose discussions most relevant to their professional interests. Designed as an informal “Ask Me Anything,” this event offers candid, practical guidance while promoting mentorship, member engagement, and professional growth within the APTA Private Practice community.
A sign-up sheet will be available at the APTA Private Practice booth (1659) to reserve time slots.
Mentorship Madness
Saturday, Feb. 14, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Mentorship Madness will pair students with experienced private practice owners for one-on-one, 15-minute coaching sessions focused on interviews, resumes, and career development. With up to 10 volunteer mentors and a limit of 50 students, this fast-paced event encourages meaningful connections and helps students prepare for future employment opportunities.
A sign-up sheet will be available at the APTA Private Practice booth (1659) to reserve time slots.
Volunteer With APTA Private Practice at CSM!
APTA Private Practice is recruiting volunteers to support two Bonus Room events at CSM 2026. These short, focused conversations help students, current members, and prospective members connect with experienced private practice professionals. If you're interested in contributing your expertise, we invite you to submit your information using the form below.
Event Opportunities
Ask a Veteran Owner
Friday, Feb. 13 | 9:30–10:30 a.m. and 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Attendees meet for a 15-minute one-on-one with seasoned practice owners to discuss topics such as niche practices, reimbursement, diversity in ownership, and cash-based models.
Mentorship Madness
Saturday, Feb. 14 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Students are paired with experienced practice owners for 15-minute conversations focused on interviews, resumes, and early career development.