Whether it’s your first time attending the APTA Private Practice Annual Conference or it’s already a staple on your calendar, this year’s event—held at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando from November 12–15—is a great opportunity to connect with the physical therapy community.
From thoughtful sessions and hands-on product demos to hallway conversations and after-hours events, there’s a lot packed into a few days. To help you get the most value, here’s a practical guide for approaching the week with purpose.
1. Set Goals Before You Arrive in Orlando
Everyone comes to APTA Private Practice for different reasons. You might be hoping to:
- Bring back ideas to improve clinic workflows
- Explore new tech that saves time or improves margins
- Find a mentor or connect with peers
- Learn about career paths outside of direct care
- Just feel more connected to what’s happening in the industry
A little focus goes a long way. Having a few goals in mind will help you navigate sessions, conversations, and the exhibit hall with intention.
2. Curate Your APTA Private Practice Session Schedule
You don’t have to attend every session to get your money’s worth. Pick sessions that speak to your day-to-day role, and maybe one that introduces something new, whether that’s leadership, tech, or business strategy.
Most conferences (including this one) will have a mobile app or web portal that lets you build your own schedule, bookmark sessions, and see who’s attending. Use it ahead of time to plan your day so you don’t scramble later.
As you go, remember to leave some “white space.” Don’t book yourself minute‑by‑minute. Leave time to navigate the conference space, take breaks, grab a coffee, or chat with a presenter after a thought-provoking session.
3. Use the Exhibit Hall as a Learning Tool
Think of the Exhibit Hall as an interactive classroom, not just a space to collect business cards or grab a free pen. This is where real-time learning, demos, and future-forward ideas are on full display.
A few reasons to stop by APTA Private Practice Booth 607 and see Raintree:
- Giveaways & Show Specials – Unlock exclusive deals and enter to win surprises throughout the week.
- AI-Powered Innovation Demos – Get hands-on with tools that simplify documentation, enhance scheduling, and transform workflows.
- RCM Pulse Check – For those in leadership or billing roles, get a snapshot of your revenue cycle performance with actionable insights you can take back to your team.
- Free Custom T-Shirts – Loved last year’s? We’ve got three new designs for 2025.
4. Network with Intention (Yes, Even If You Hate “Networking”)
One of the best parts of APTA Private Practice is the community. You’ll be surrounded by people who are passionate about improving care, running better practices, and building rewarding careers.
Don’t overthink it. Networking doesn’t have to be formal. Say hi to the person next to you at lunch. Introduce yourself at the end of a session. Ask vendors questions. You never know which connection could lead to a job opportunity, mentorship, or collaboration.
These small moments often lead to the most valuable takeaways.
5. Enjoy the After-Hours Events
When the day wraps up, the conversations often keep going. Evening events are a chance to relax, meet people, and build relationships in a more casual setting.
Be sure to check out Raintree’s “Ignite Your Night” After-Party:
📅 Thursday, Nov. 13
🕖 7:00–11:00 PM
📍 Palm Tree Club (5 mins away at the Pointe Orlando, a dining and entertainment destination)
6. Keep the Momentum Going
Once you’re back, take a few minutes to reflect and follow up:
- Connect with people you met on LinkedIn
- Share highlights with your team
- Reach out to vendors for a deeper look at tools that caught your eye
- Revisit your goals and note any actions you want to take
If you had a great conversation at Booth 607 or want a closer look at something you saw, the Raintree team is happy to continue the conversation post-conference.
Final Thought: Make It Count
There’s no single right way to “do” APTA Private Practice. Whether you’re soaking up new ideas in sessions, exploring smart tech in the exhibit hall, or just having real conversations with people who understand your world, it all adds up.
So give yourself permission to be curious. Take notes. Ask questions. And make time for a little fun while you’re at it.
When you explore the exhibit hall, make sure to swing by Booth 607—whether you’re curious about the latest innovations in rehab therapy software, or just want a new favorite t-shirt. See you in Orlando!