2026 NCOTA Fall Conference
East Carolina University
September 18-19, 2026
Be Part of the Future of OT in NC
NCOTA Conferences Aren’t Just Educational Events
They are where:
~ Ideas turn into initiatives
~ Connections become collaborations
~ Clinicians become advocates
~ Members become leaders
Networking that Actually Matters
This conference brings together:
~ Practitioners across settings
~ OT and OTA students
~ Faculty and fieldwork educators
~ Practice leaders
~ Advocates and association volunteers
Expect meaningful conversations—not just business cards.
About Our Theme
In the Moments That Matter:
Upholding Humanity in Practice
Upholding humanity in practice means remaining attentive, ethical, and responsive in every professional interaction. As occupational therapy practitioners, we are called to protect dignity and support meaningful participation, particularly for individuals and communities who face barriers to access, opportunity, or inclusion. Across settings and roles, we must exercise professional judgment, advocacy, and intentional care in ways that honor lived experience and promote justice through occupation.
Examine how your everyday clinical and professional decisions can reduce inequities and uphold human dignity. Join us as we explore how occupational therapy affirms that commitment through ethical reasoning, relationship-centered practice, and collective professional action.
Conference Details & Hotel
When: September 18-19, 2026
Where: East Carolina University – Health Sciences Building
Conference Schedule:
Friday, September 18
- 9:00 – 10:00 am Keynote
- 1:00-3:00 pm Concurrent Workshops
- 4:30 – 6:00 pm Concurrent Sessions
Saturday, September 19
- 8:00-10:00 am Concurrent Workshops
- 10:15 – 11:45 am Concurrent Sessions
- 12:00 – 1:00 pm Concurrent SIS Lunch & Learns
- 1:15 – 2:15 pm Business Meeting and Bylaws Vote
- 2:30 – 4:00 pm Concurrent Sessions
- 4:15 – 5:15 pm Closing Plenary: Ethics
NCOTA 2026 Fall Conference Sessions (may be subject to change)
Hotel Block
NCOTA has collaborated with two hotels near our venue to provide attendees the opportunity to reserve a room at a discounted rate. We heard you, and we have more rooms available than ever before!
But act fast! You only have a limited time to reserve a hotel room at the discounted rate.
Homewood Suites by Hilton
420 Moye Blvd,
Greenville, NC 27834
- $149 for Studio Suite with King Bed
- $159 for Studio Suite with Two Queen Beds
- Book by August 18th
Residence Inn by Marriott
1820 West 5th Street
Greenville, NC 27834
- $138 for Studio Suite with King Bed
- $149 for Studio Suite with Double Queen Beds
- Book by August 18th
Courtyard by Marriott
2225 Stantonsburg Road (US 264)
Greenville, NC 27834
- $139 for single king or double queen
- Book by September 11th
- Only eligible for stays from 9/18-9/19
2026 Call For Papers: Workshop, Short Course, & Posters Proposals
Share your expertise with fellow practitioners, students, and educators! Plus, speakers receive 10% off conference registration
Workshop & Short Course
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Posters
Deadline: August 15, 2026
Registration
Connect with passionate OT practitioners, students, and educators from across the state for a dynamic experience focused on practice innovation, advocacy, professional growth, and connection
What You Can Expect:
- Inspiring keynote presentations from leaders in occupational therapy and healthcare
- Practical, evidence-informed sessions you can apply immediately in clinical and academic settings
- Updates on policy, licensure, and advocacy efforts impacting occupational therapy in North Carolina
- Opportunities to network with colleagues from across the state
- Engagement with exhibitors showcasing resources that support OT practice and education
- Dedicated space for students and emerging leaders to connect and grow
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your clinical skills, expand your professional network, or help shape the future of occupational therapy, the NCOTA Fall Conference is the place to be.
Registration Dates:
Early registration closes on August 17th so don’t wait! Use the form below so you don’t miss the early-bird discount!
NCOTA Members get sweet discounts when they register for conference.
Are you an NCOTA Member? No? Join today!
Investment
Entry-Level Student
| 2-Day | 1-Day |
| Member: $50 | Member: $30 |
| Non-Member: $120 | Non-Member: $90 |
Practitioners & Educators
| 2-Day | 1-Day |
| Early Bird OT Member: $355 OTA Member: $315 | Early Bird OT Member: $275 OTA Member: $265 |
| OT Member: $370 OTA Member: $350 | OT Member: $290 OTA Member: $280 |
| Non-Member: $460 | Non-Member: $380 |
Student Involvement
Conference Logo Design Competition
We want YOU to design our fall conference logo!
Deadline: Sunday, August 30th, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Each year, NCOTA hosts a Logo Design Competition for the Fall Conference, and we want YOUR creativity! If your design is selected, you’ll receive NCOTA swag and a free one-year NCOTA student membership.
The logo should reflect this year’s conference theme and will be used on the conference website, printed materials, and merchandise. Please ensure lines are thick and dark enough to reproduce well on swag items.
We look forward to seeing your designs and celebrating with you at the 2026 NCOTA Fall Conference
2026 Adaptive Tech & Equipment Student Design Competition
Deadline: Sunday, August 30th, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Occupational therapy students from across North Carolina are invited to submit a proposal for the 2026 NCOTA Fall Conference Student Design Competition! We want to see your creativity in action through a unique piece of adaptive equipment or assistive technology.
Participants will present their prototype at a provided table with an electrical outlet and Wifi access.
Conference attendees will vote on their favorite designs, with the top three winners taking home CASH PRIZES: 1st place $300, 2nd place $150, and 3rd place $50.