TL;DR – Key takeaways for APTA CSM 2026
- APTA CSM 2026 is the largest physical therapy conference in the U.S., taking place February 12–14, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center.
- The event features 300+ educational sessions, poster presentations, and hands-on workshops across all specialty areas of physical therapy.
- Attendees include PTs, PTAs, students, educators, researchers, and industry partners — making it the premier networking and educational hub for the profession.
- Registration offers tiered pricing with discounts for APTA members, students, and early-bird signups. Housing is available at negotiated rates at the Hilton Anaheim and Anaheim Marriott.
- Travel is convenient via nearby airports (SNA, LGB, LAX, ONT), and discounted theme park tickets (Disneyland, Knott’s, Universal, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld) are available for attendees.
- The exhibit hall showcases the latest technology, equipment, and services, while sponsorship opportunities connect companies with thousands of decision-makers.
- Attendees can earn continuing education credits, access student discounts, and take advantage of tailored programming across every PT specialty.
- Full agenda, pricing, housing, and sponsorship details will continue to be updated on the official APTA CSM 2026 website.
What is the APTA CSM 2026?
The APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) 2026 is the largest physical therapy conference in the United States, hosted by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Taking place February 12–14, 2026, in Anaheim, California, the event will draw thousands of physical therapy professionals, students, and industry partners from across the country and internationally.
Attendees can expect:
- 300+ educational sessions across specialty areas of physical therapy
- Poster presentations and research showcases highlighting the latest clinical findings
- Innovative programming designed for PTs, PTAs, and students at all levels
- A massive exhibit hall featuring the latest technology, products, and services for rehabilitation and patient care
- Networking opportunities that connect clinicians, educators, researchers, and industry leaders
Why is APTA CSM 2026 important?
- Scale and influence: CSM is recognized as the premier event in the PT profession, shaping practice trends and standards of care.
- Cutting-edge education: With sessions spanning multiple APTA sections and academies, attendees gain access to the most comprehensive educational programming in physical therapy.
- Career and professional development: From student sessions to advanced research, the meeting supports lifelong learning.
- Community impact: The conference serves as a hub where clinicians exchange knowledge to advance patient outcomes nationwide.
What are the key themes and tracks at APTA CSM 2026?
APTA CSM 2026 is designed to cover the full breadth of physical therapy practice, education, and research. Educational programming is organized around themes led by APTA’s sections and academies, ensuring content is both specialized and multidisciplinary.
What tracks are available?
Attendees can choose from sessions aligned with these specialty areas:
- Acute care
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary
- Clinical electrophysiology and wound management
- Education
- Federal physical therapy
- Geriatrics
- Hand and upper extremity
- Health policy and administration
- Home health
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Orthopaedics
- Pediatrics
- Private practice
- Research
- Sports
- Women’s health
What types of sessions are included?
- Scientific sessions presenting new research and evidence-based practice
- Poster presentations that allow attendees to engage with researchers directly
- Interactive workshops and hands-on labs
- Networking forums across specialty areas
- Student-focused programming designed for career preparation
Why do these themes matter?
- They ensure that professionals from every corner of physical therapy find sessions relevant to their work
- They encourage collaboration between specialties, fostering innovation in patient care
- They highlight the latest trends, tools, and clinical approaches shaping the future of rehabilitation
What is the agenda and who are the speakers at APTA CSM 2026?
The agenda at APTA CSM 2026 is built to deliver three days of education, networking, and professional development, with programming led by experts from every area of physical therapy.
What is the agenda for APTA CSM 2026?
- Educational sessions begin each morning and run throughout the day across multiple tracks
- Research and poster presentations highlight the latest scientific advancements in rehabilitation and patient care
- Workshops and interactive labs provide hands-on learning opportunities
- Evening receptions and section meetings allow for networking and collaboration
- The exhibit hall is open daily, featuring the latest technologies, tools, and services that support clinicians and patients
Who are the speakers at APTA CSM 2026?
- Hundreds of speakers drawn from APTA sections, academies, and research institutions
- Clinicians, researchers, and educators presenting the most recent evidence-based findings
- Experts from across specialties including orthopaedics, neurology, pediatrics, oncology, sports, and more
- Keynote and plenary speakers who highlight the future of physical therapy, innovation in care, and the role of PT in broader healthcare delivery
When will the full agenda be released?
The detailed agenda is typically published several months ahead of the event. Attendees can preview session titles, speakers, and times to plan their schedule in advance.
How can I apply to be a speaker at APTA CSM?
APTA issues a call for proposals well before each CSM. Physical therapy professionals, researchers, and educators can submit session ideas or abstracts for posters and research presentations. Acceptance is competitive and ensures high-quality programming.
Why does the agenda and speaker lineup matter?
- It reflects the depth and diversity of the profession
- Attendees can tailor their experience to match their specialty, research interests, or professional development needs
- The combination of educational sessions, research showcases, and networking ensures value for clinicians, educators, researchers, students, and administrators alike
What are the pricing and registration details for APTA CSM 2026?
APTA CSM 2026 offers tiered pricing to make attendance accessible for members, nonmembers, students, and groups. Registration typically opens months in advance, with discounted early-bird rates. Full details will be available on the official registration page.
How much does it cost to attend APTA CSM 2026?
Exact pricing for 2026 has not yet been published, but rates are usually structured by:
- APTA members (reduced rates)
- Nonmembers (higher rates)
- Students and early-career professionals (discounted rates)
- One-day registration options (for those who cannot attend the full conference)
Early-bird pricing generally provides the best value, so registrants are encouraged to sign up as soon as registration opens on the official site.
What does registration include?
- Access to all educational sessions and programming across tracks
- Entry to the exhibit hall and poster presentations
- Networking events and section-specific meetings
- Conference materials and digital access to select resources
When does registration open?
Registration for CSM typically launches several months before the event. For CSM 2026, it is expected to open in mid-to-late 2025. Updates will be posted on the official registration webpage.
Are there discounts available?
- Early-bird registration offers the lowest pricing tier
- Group discounts may be available for institutions sending multiple staff members
- Student and new professional rates make attendance more affordable for those early in their careers
Who should attend APTA CSM 2026?
APTA CSM 2026 is designed for the full spectrum of the physical therapy community. The event attracts thousands of professionals, students, and partners who share a commitment to advancing patient care and the PT profession.
Who attends CSM?
- Practicing physical therapists across all specialties
- Physical therapist assistants (PTAs)
- Students preparing to enter the profession
- Educators and academic leaders from PT and PTA programs
- Researchers presenting the latest findings in rehabilitation science
- Industry partners showcasing products, technologies, and services that support clinical practice
Why should you attend?
- Stay current with the latest evidence-based practice and clinical innovations
- Network with peers, mentors, and leaders from every specialty area
- Gain continuing education opportunities that support career growth and licensure requirements
- Explore new tools and technologies that can improve patient outcomes
- Contribute to the advancement of the PT profession by engaging in dialogue, research, and advocacy
What are the travel and hotel options for APTA CSM 2026?
Where is APTA CSM 2026 being held?
The conference will be hosted at the Anaheim Convention Center, with programming also held at the Hilton Anaheim and Anaheim Marriott.
What hotels have negotiated rates?
APTA has secured discounted room blocks through its official housing partner, Spargo, Inc.:
- Hilton Anaheim, 777 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802 | (714) 750-4321
- Anaheim Marriott, 700 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802 | (714) 750-8000
Travel to Anaheim
- Airports: John Wayne (SNA, 20 min, 949-252-5200), Long Beach (LGB, 25 min, 562-570-2600), Los Angeles (LAX, 35 mi, 855-463-5252), Ontario (ONT, 35 mi, 909-544-5300)
- Transportation: Ride apps, taxis, shuttle services, and rental cars are available at all airports. Typical drive times range from 20 minutes (SNA) to over an hour (LAX).
- Rail/Transit: The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) connects Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink commuter rail, OCTA buses, and Anaheim shuttles (ART).
Special Disney ticket offer
Registered attendees can purchase specially priced Disneyland Resort tickets valid Feb. 7–18, 2026. Tickets must be bought in advance through the official conference link.
Other Anaheim/SoCal attractions
Discounted admission is also available for Knott’s Berry Farm, LEGOLAND California, Universal Studios Hollywood, and SeaWorld San Diego. Links and booking instructions are provided on the official APTA travel page.
Weather in February
Anaheim offers mild winter weather, with average highs in the 60s–70s. Light rain is possible, so pack accordingly.
What are the sponsorship and exhibit opportunities at APTA CSM 2026?
Why exhibit at APTA CSM?
- It is the largest physical therapy conference in the U.S., attracting PTs, PTAs, and students
- Nearly 60% of attendees have purchasing power or significant influence
- The exhibit hall is a hub for hands-on demonstrations, product showcases, and immediate sales
- Recruiting companies can connect with top-tier talent
What sponsorship options are available?
- Prime booth space on the exhibit floor (expected to sell out)
- Branded sponsorship opportunities tied to conference visibility
- Recognition as Champion, Advocate, or Patron sponsors
Who are the 2026 sponsors?
- Champion: HPSO, Raintree Systems
- Advocate: Scorebuilders, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, Virtual Rockstar
- Patron: Indiana University School of Health & Human Sciences, JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, Tri W-G
How to get involved?
Contact APTA exhibitor services:
- Meredith Turner: 856-302-0882
- Julie Hilgenberg: 703-706-3183
Details, forms, and official updates are available on the APTA CSM Exhibitors & Sponsors page.
Frequently Asked Questions about APTA CSM 2026
Is APTA CSM 2026 an in-person event?
Yes, the conference will take place in person February 12–14, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Can I attend just one day?
Yes, APTA offers one-day registration options for attendees who cannot join for the full three-day program.
Are meals included with registration?
Meals are not generally included in registration. However, coffee breaks and networking receptions may provide light refreshments. Anaheim also offers many dining options within walking distance.
Will sessions be recorded or available on-demand?
APTA typically provides limited on-demand access to select sessions. Details about recordings and availability for 2026 will be announced closer to the event.
Are continuing education credits available?
Yes, many CSM educational sessions qualify for CEUs. Attendees will receive guidance on how to document participation for credit.
Are there accessibility accommodations?
Yes, the convention center and official hotels are fully ADA-compliant. Attendees requiring accommodations should contact APTA in advance to make arrangements.
What is the dress code?
Business casual is standard, with comfortable shoes recommended for long days at the convention center. Some networking events may be more relaxed.
How do I book housing at conference rates?
APTA’s official housing partner offers discounted rates at the Hilton Anaheim and Anaheim Marriott. For more information, check the official page.
Can I cancel my registration and receive a refund?
Cancellation and refund policies vary by year. Attendees should review the registration terms on the official site before booking. Typically, partial refunds are available if requested by a specific cutoff date.
Are student discounts available?
Yes, deeply discounted student rates are available to support early-career professionals. Proof of enrollment may be required.
Can international attendees participate?
Yes, international PTs, researchers, and students are encouraged to attend. Visa invitation letters are usually available through APTA upon request.
Is there childcare or family support on-site?
Childcare services are not typically provided by APTA. However, Anaheim hotels may assist in arranging local providers. Families often take advantage of the city’s nearby attractions during the event.
