Meet us at The OT Show
If you want to talk to experts from RCOT to get your practice and professional development questions answered, discover more about our member resources, access the latest products and services from leading healthcare suppliers or learn from world-renowned occupational therapy speakers and experts, then join us next month at The OT Show – taking place at the NEC Birmingham.
We'll be on stand B40 on Wednesday 26 November and Thursday 27 November. The show welcomes thousands of occupational therapists from all over the country, and from a wide range of specialist areas, to educate, inspire and raise the profile of our profession.
And it’s free for all healthcare, allied healthcare and public sector professionals working within the occupational therapy profession – and final-year students – to attend.
Engage with a range of sessions and presentations
Integrating AI into everyday occupational therapy practice
Keynote Theatre – 2.15–3pm, Wednesday 26 November
Speakers Karin Orman, RCOT Director of Practice and Innovation, and Dr Gillian Ward, RCOT Head of Research and Innovation, will look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping occupational therapy.
Grounded in the RCOT Workforce Strategy 2024–2035, which champions a skilled, sustainable, and community-based workforce, and aligned with our AI guidance, they’ll unpack how digital innovation can empower practitioners as changemakers.
Whether you're curious, cautious, or already experimenting with tech, join us to explore how AI can be ethically and effectively integrated into your everyday practice.
Leading professional development through practice networks
Showcase Theatre – 2.40–3.10pm, Wednesday 26 November
Showcase Theatre – 10.10–10.40am, Thursday 27 November (repeat)
Dr Nikki Daniels, RCOT Head of Professional Development, will present a session exploring how being part of a network is a powerful CPD activity and a meaningful part of your career journey.
You’ll learn about the range of networks available as part of your RCOT membership, including practice, professional, EDB and regional networks, and discover the wide variety of CPD opportunities they offer across all pillars of practice.
The session will highlight how networks foster connection, community, and belonging, and provide pathways for volunteering, leadership, and influence.
You’ll also learn about the different opportunities to take on an active role within networks, including leadership roles with varying scopes that allow you to bring your lived experience to the role while gaining valuable professional development.
Whether you're looking to build skills, grow your confidence, or shape the future of the profession, this session will show how networks can support your development and amplify our collective voice.
Housing without delay: how OTs are transforming housing as a health determinant
10.30–11.15am, Thursday 27 November
Lauren Walker, RCOT Professional Adviser, and Dr Rachel Russell, Head of Regional Advice – Foundations, will present RCOT's Housing without Delay project.
They’ll be exploring how occupational therapists are already contributing to housing beyond traditional adaptations.
You’ll learn about examples of occupational therapists shaping housing policy, designing accessible new builds, supporting regeneration schemes, preventing tenancy loss, and enabling employment through better housing.
You’ll also understand how these diverse practices demonstrate occupational therapy's unique person-environment-occupation perspective in addressing housing as a key health determinant and discover opportunities to contribute to our three developing toolkits.
Attendees will:
- Understand the scope and purpose of RCOT's Housing without Delay project and its three toolkit approach (strategic, operational, and practitioner levels).
- Identify diverse ways occupational therapists are currently contributing to housing as a health determinant beyond traditional adaptations, including policy influence, new build design, and tenancy support.
- Explore opportunities to contribute expertise, case studies, and insights to support the development of the Housing without Delay toolkits and expand OT's role in housing.
More reasons to attend
- It’s free for all occupational therapy professionals.
- Discover more about our member resources – learn about what becoming an RCOT member means.
- Talk to RCOT experts – get your practice and professional development questions answered.
- Choose from over 100 CPD certified interactive lectures and practical workshops.
- Learn from world-renowned occupational therapy speakers and experts and leave with knowledge on how you can become the best OT you can be.
- Access to the latest products and services, from over 270 leading healthcare suppliers.
- Network with over 3,500 OTs and raise the profile of your service among allied healthcare professionals.
It's not too late to register for your free place at www.theotshow.com.
Remember to use your CPD portfolio to record all your learning from the event.