2027 INSPIRE Annual Conference & Expo Call for Papers and Reviewers

NOTE: INSPIRE 2027 speakers will be required to be in person.

Call for Papers and Reviewers for 2027 INSPIRE Annual Conference & Expo will open on May 7, 2026.

• Learn more about Call for Papers
• Learn more about Call for Reviewers

The Fall Call for Papers and Reviewers for 2027 INSPIRE Annual Conference & Expo will open on October 15, 2026.

• Learn more about Fall Call for Papers
• Learn more about Fall Call for Reviewers

Call for Papers

May 7-28, 2026: Call for Papers
September 29, 2026: Speaker Orientation

To allow others the opportunity to present at INSPIRE 2027, we are limiting submissions to two (2) per Submitter. The individual submitting may add someone different as Primary Speaker (person who receives all communication regarding any proposal); therefore, it is possible to be the Primary Speaker on multiple submissions. It is also possible to still be a part of the submission as a Co-Presenter (additional speaker on the session) or Contributing Author (supported research for the session but is not involved in presenting).

• Pre-Conference Institute: 6-hour session held April 7, 2027. A reflective period must be included. We will accept up to 15 institutes for INSPIRE 2027.
• Workshop: 3-hour session with a reflective period for attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Intermediate and Advanced-level content only. NOTE: Workshops are only scheduled in the morning, 8:00 am – 11:00 am.
  • 2027 slots – 310 sessions
• Short Course: 1-hour session with reflective time for attendees.
  • 2027 slots – 380 sessions
• Student: 50-minute session geared towards a student-only audience.
  • 2027 slots – 10 sessions
• Tech Lab: 1-hour session. Tech Lab sessions are a hands-on, interactive exploration of high- and low-technology products to enhance client participation in occupations across the lifespan.
  • 2027 slots – 8 sessions
• Clinical Application of Research: *Research submissions will be grouped together as a Clinical Application of Research panel. Total session length is 60 minutes. Each participant will present for 15 minutes, with 15 additional minutes for facilitated discussion.
  • 2027 slots – 48 sessions
• Poster: Displayed on an 8’ wide x 4’ tall bulletin board. Posters will be on display during a designated 2-hour period. Presenters are required to be with their poster for the entire 2-hour block of time. NOTE: If you indicated an interest in being considered for a poster presentation, your submission may be reviewed for that format and accepted.

*AOTA will create all panels. You are submitting as a paper only.

Program selection will be conducted by a committee comprised of specifically identified volunteers with expertise in the topic areas.

Deadline to Submit: May 28, 2026, 11:59 pm PDT

Mid-September to Late-September 2026: Everyone who submits a completed proposal will be contacted via email with the status of their submission.

Call for Reviewers

May 7-28, 2026: Call for Reviewers
June 9, 2026: Reviewer Training

Reviewer Requirements

• All reviewers must have at least 5 years of experience in OT/OTA education
• Research reviewers must have an advanced academic degree that focuses on conducting original research and contributing new knowledge to a specific field of study. Examples of research doctorates include the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Education (EdD), and Doctor of Science (ScD); this does not include an OTD.
• Depending on the quantity of reviewers who sign up to review, the average number of proposals to review will be 15-20.

*Please make sure that your AOTA profile is current with your credentials

Cut Off Scores

Reviewer scores for each proposal are totaled, and all proposals that score at or above the cutoff are considered for scheduling in the Conference program. Program selection will be conducted by a committee comprised of specifically identified volunteers with expertise in the topic areas. Final selection and scheduling of conference proposals is based on a number of factors that help to establish a diverse and balanced program.

NOTE: Each proposal is considered based on its own merit, not in comparison to other submissions.

General Proposals are in the areas of occupational therapy practice, education, or program development. The learning objectives should be clearly stated and relate to improved understanding or application of knowledge relevant to practice and education. The plan of presentation and the synopsis of the content should indicate how the learning objectives will be fulfilled.

Scientific Research proposals support occupational therapy as being science-driven and evidence-based. Proposals must focus on research projects that will contribute to the occupational therapy body of knowledge, articulate and promote the distinct value of occupational therapy, and demonstrate rigor in design. Priority will be given to the following identified research priorities (AOTF, 2016):

• Health behaviors to prevent and manage chronic conditions
• Functional cognition
• Safety and injury prevention in home, clinical, and community settings
• Technology and environmental supports in home and community
• Development and transitions for individuals and families
• Emotional and physiological influences
• Family and caregiver needs
• Health care experience: Access, care coordination, and utilization

NOTE: Only completed research will be considered. Research work that is in progress must have preliminary data and preliminary analysis.

Deadline to sign up as a reviewer: May 28, 2026, 11:59 pm PDT

June 9-29, 2026: Reviewers will review submitted proposals.

Deadline for completing proposal reviews: June 29, 2026, 11:59 pm PDT

Fall Call for Papers

October 15-November 10, 2026: Call for Papers

Deadline to Submit: November 10, 2026, 11:59 pm PDT

Mid-January 2027: Everyone who submits a completed proposal will be contacted via email with the status of their submission.

Each submitter is limited to two submissions, not including a submission previously entered during May's Call for Papers. The individual submitting may add someone different as Primary Speaker (person who receives all communication regarding any proposal); therefore, it is possible to be the Primary Speaker on multiple submissions. It is also possible to still be a part of the submission as a Co-Presenter (additional speaker on the session) or Contributing Author (supported research for the session but is not involved in presenting).

Fall Call for Reviewers

October 15-November 10, 2026: Call for Reviewers

Deadline to sign up as a reviewer: November 10, 2026, 11:59 pm PDT

November 19–December 15, 2026: Reviewers will review submitted proposals.

Deadline for completing proposal reviews: December 15, 2026, 11:59 pm PDT

Reviewer Requirements

• All reviewers must have at least 5 years of experience in OT/OTA education
• Research reviewers must have an advanced academic degree that focuses on conducting original research and contributing new knowledge to a specific field of study. Examples of research doctorates include the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Education (EdD), and Doctor of Science (ScD); this does not include an OTD.
• Depending on the quantity of reviewers who sign up to review, the average number of proposals to review will be 15-20.

*Please make sure that your AOTA profile is current with your credentials

Proposals are reviewed online by your colleagues in a blind peer review that will take place from November 19 to December 15, 2026. See the chart below for the minimum number of blind reviews per session type. Only reviewers who have demonstrated competency in research will review research-related proposals. You must have an earned a research doctorate to review research proposals.

Reviewer scores for each proposal are totaled, and all proposals that score at or above the cutoff are considered for scheduling in the Conference program. Program selection will be conducted by a committee comprised of specifically identified volunteers with expertise in the topic areas. Final selection and scheduling of conference proposals is done by the volunteer committee and is based on a number of factors that help to establish a diverse and balanced program.