Recognition Ceremony Photo and Information Session 

All 2024 newly certified specialists, recertified specialists, and PTA Proficiency Pathway recipients are invited to attend the Photo and Information session to review seating sections, familiarize yourself with the ceremony logistics, and have your photo taken with a program leadership representative. Photos will only be taken during the photo session. If you are unable to attend the rehearsal, you may still attend the ceremony.

The Photo and Information session will take place at a location to be determined in Houston, TX on a date to be determined.

Photo and information session schedule

• 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.: PTA Proficiency Pathways recipients, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Women's Health, and Wound Management.
• 3:30 - 4:15 p.m.: Geriatrics, Oncology, and Sports.
• 4:15 - 5:00 p.m.: Neurology and Pediatrics.
• 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Orthopaedics.
• 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.: Recertifying specialists in all specialty areas.
  NOTE: All times may change.

Recognition Ceremony for Clinical Specialists

The recognition ceremony for clinical specialists will begin with the McMillan Lecture presentation, followed by remarks from APTA's president and ABPTS chair, and concluding with the formal acknowledgement and recognition of the newly certified and recertified specialists and PTA Pathway program recipients in attendance. The ceremony is immediately followed by APTA's CSM Opening Reception.

Those being recognized and their guest(s) are not required to register for the conference to attend the ceremony or reception.

Overview

Please attend the photo and information session. You are asked to attend this session so you have the opportunity to review your seating section, familiarize yourself with the ceremony logistics, have your photo taken with your council chair, and receive your specialist certification pin. If you are unable to attend the rehearsal, you can still be included in the ceremony but check in with staff upon your arrival for any on-site instructions.

Procession and Seating Assignment. At the start of the ceremony, once your specialty area is announced, you will enter the ballroom and proceed to a reserved seating area for your designated specialty. Recertification specialists will enter as a group and proceed to a reserved seating area. As a reminder, due to space and time constraints we no longer recognize individual specialists on stage. Instead, we will recognize new specialists as a group within their specialty. We encourage you to reach out to your Section as they may host events to individually recognize newly certified specialists.

Specialist Photos. Each specialist will be photographed and provided with information on how to retrieve a complimentary copy of the photo after CSM. Due to time limitations specialist photos will ONLY be taken during allocated photo and information session hours (see above times for each specialty).

Attire. The attire for the ceremony is "black tie optional." Members of the ABPTS and specialty councils will be wearing tuxedos or dark suits, and semi-formal dresses. This is optional for those who will be recognized as a board-certified specialist.

Certified Specialist Pins. Specialty specific certification pins will be distributed during the Photo & Information Session.

Additional Ceremony Information

Special Accommodations: If you or a guest need special accommodations during the ceremony and/or reception, please send a detailed request to spec-cert@apta.org. ABPTS will make every attempt to provide reasonable accommodations.

Secure Your Valuables: Attendees are advised not to bring items of value, such as laptops, purses, etc. to the ceremony. If you bring these items we encourage you to leave them with someone you trust, as ABPTS cannot assume responsibility for securing them.

Specialist Ribbons: Be sure to pick up a specialist ribbon at the ABPTS booth in the Exhibit Hall. The booth is located in the APTA Pavilion. A supply of ribbons will also be available during the ceremony rehearsal times.

Contact the Specialist Certification Program at spec-cert@apta.org or 703/706-8520 with any questions.

Other ABPTS Events at CSM 2025

ABPTS Certification Recognition Reception >>
MOSC Forum >>
Specialization Academy of Content Experts (SACE) Workshop >>