By: Angela Kennedy, SLPD, CCC-SLP, Vice President for Educational and Scientific Affairs 

The 66^th Annual Convention and Exhibition of the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) returned in-person on February 24-26 in Fort Worth, Texas, with a bang and a winter storm! The challenges and difficulties presented were no match for the flexibility and adaptability of the TSHA members in attendance.

From near and far across the great state of Texas, 2,702 attendees and 131 exhibitors came together to reconnect and recharge at this year’s Convention. There were 26 TSHA continuing education (CE) credits and 2.55 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) CE credits available through a broad range of educational offerings. TSHA’s virtual Convention in 2021 was incredible, but it sure was nice to attend in-person educational sessions and to be able to engage in dialogue and collaboration with exhibitors. We also hope you were able to enjoy two new offerings in the convention center—the Collaboration Station and Zen Lounge!

One attendee stated, “I can’t put it into one sentence. The value of Convention goes beyond just attending sessions. It is about connections, feeling a part of something bigger than myself, and feeling supported.”

Courtney Clark kicked off the TSHA 2022 Convention with an excellent keynote message entitled, “Detour: Winning When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan” which was offered both in-person and virtually. Her timely message about how to let go of “the plan” provided excellent ways to increase perspective and tenacity. The 88 sessions and 45 poster presentations were fantastic and provided helpful information across a variety of ages and disorders.

One attendee stated, “I came with an open mind to learn a new task, and I left with more than I could imagine in value and respect for those who work in all aspects of my profession.”

Attendees seen on-site at Convention each year are able to attend because of the work of many volunteer speech-language pathologists and audiologists and the support of TSHA’s state office and our management firm, Smith Bucklin and Associates. These people embodied the epitome of our theme—Rise Up—and spent countless hours to provide the best Convention experience for all.

I would like to recognize a handful of the amazing volunteers who have dedicated their time, skills, and expertise to the Association as a part of the Convention Committee this year: 

• Outgoing Vice President for Education and Scientific Affairs and Councilor for Education Brittany Hall provided expertise, wisdom, and support throughout this whole process. This Convention would not have been possible without you! There is no better mentor and trailblazer. All my appreciation, Brittany!
• Program Committee Co-Chairs Lori Cochran and Hesper Holland and their strand chair committee members scheduled 26 TSHA CEUs and 2.55 ASHA CEUs worth of sessions for attendees. That is a huge feat and splendid accomplishment! You two and your team are the all-stars of Convention!
• Career Development Committee Co-Chairs Rachel Wehner and Diane Longnecker coordinated resume review times, facilitated in-person job interviews, and provided excellent information sessions regarding professional-based issues. Thank you for being intentional and finding new ways to serve all attendees.
• Spirit Day Committee Co-Chairs Erin Keeling and Zeth Collom enthusiastically planned a whopper of an awesome Spirit Day for all student attendees! The meet-and-greet, tailgate games, and the infamous Praxis Bowl were all expertly planned and so fun for all! Thank you!
• Philanthropy and Hospitality Committee Co-Chairs Nickole Hines-Staples and Katie Zubia planned and coordinated philanthropy projects benefiting two skilled nursing facilities, Garden Terrace and the Stayton at Museum Way. In addition, TSHA partnered with the Ella Mae Shamblee Public Library to make bookmarks to encourage young people to Rise Up during challenging times and continue to engage in literacy programs! It was such a joy to see TSHA attendees engaging in these fun projects in the exhibit hall. Thanks to you both!
• Convention Scholarship and Volunteer Committee Co-Chairs Karen Hennington and Casey Taliancich-Klinger facilitated 13 professional and student scholarships to the TSHA 2022 Convention. While on-site, they provided answers, assistance, directions, and smiling faces to all who graced their booth.

While the TSHA 2022 Convention was one for the books, we cannot wait to innovate and amplify TSHA’s 67^th Annual Convention and Exhibition. Please mark your calendars now for the TSHA 67^th Annual Convention and Exhibition, set for February 25-27, 2023, in Austin!

More Executive Board News

• The current TSHA budget is available for review upon request.