2024 ISHA Convention Update
By Nichole Mulvey, Convention Coordinator for ISHA Convention
Published October 2023 in the ISHA Voice
As has become my habit in writing the convention update for the ISHA Voice, I was trying to find a word that captures the behind-the-scenes work of the convention committee over the past year. A year ago, I used the word “flexibility” to portray the changes and modifications that we were planning for the return to in-person convention and ISHA 2023. This year, the word “pivot” comes to mind. As with any organization serving a large group of professionals with diverse needs, ISHA continues to learn from the past and pivot towards the future.
Much of this year’s planning has revolved around questions related to members’ preferred methods of obtaining professional development, important and emerging topics in our field, required content for licensure, and remaining fiscally responsible. The convention planning committee has also reflected on the plethora of high-quality submitted presentations from speakers throughout Illinois and the United States. So much knowledge and amazing work is being done right in our own state and we are excited to highlight those presentations and speakers in 2024.
What differences will you notice as an attendee at ISHA 2024? There will be NO CHANGE in the quality of topics and speakers, nor in the camaraderie amongst friends and colleagues. You will NOT see a difference in the coming together and celebrating at the awards breakfast, nor in the excitement and enthusiasm of the knowledge quest. You will continue to see CE hours from every track and a variety of speakers. You will still be able to use the app to tailor your convention to meet your needs. Vendors and exhibitors will be near registration like last year, giving you many opportunities to pass through and browse amazing products and services between sessions. The only change you may notice is the reorganization of rooms to provide a more intimate opportunity to learn from and interact with speakers as we utilize just one side of the convention hall this year.
As all the planning comes together, we need to thank the hardworking and amazing convention co-chairs, Leah Holman and Ciera Lorio, and past-chair Heidi Harbors, who are the brains and organization behind the schedule. In addition, I want to send a special thanks to this year’s track chairs for their diligent work securing our amazing lineup of speakers:
- Acquired Neurogenic Disorders - Julie Cox
- Child Language and Phonology - Elia Olivares and Suzanne Williams
- Dysphagia - Carolyn Lisowski
- Fluency - Kristin Chmela
- Multicultural Issues - Juhi Kidwai
- Professional Affairs - Lynne Barcus
- Technological Applications – Amy Yacucci
- Voice and Motor Disorders - Angela Riccelli
- Educational Audiology/Aural Rehabilitation – Leslie Guca
Please plan to join us Friday and Saturday, February 9-10, 2024, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The sessions for convention this year will be scheduled on Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Don’t forget to also buy a ticket for the awards breakfast and speaker on Saturday morning from 7-9 a.m., which includes 1 CE hour from an amazing speaker. Look for registration information through social media and your email soon!
Nichole Mulvey is the ISHA Convention Coordinator. She is an associate professor and graduate coordinator at Eastern Illinois University.
