“At the beginning of 2021 we didn’t know if we would be able to hold one ATSA independent Living Expo event, let alone three,” ATSA executive officer, David Sinclair said at the close of the Canberra event in November. This followed ATSA Independent Living Expo’s in Melbourne and Perth held in May. These events had been delayed from 2020 due to the pandemic.
The Canberra event was delayed four weeks due to the recent ACT lockdowns, but the change affected few of the more than 60 exhibitors on the show floor for the two days.
“It was the held at Exhibition Park, (EPIC), which allowed for wide aisle that were important for safe social distancing, with plenty of easy parking and purpose-built seminar rooms,” he said.
“We were delighted to welcome a number of new exhibitors including Bedshed, COTA ACT, Eyes for Canberra, Lifestyle Solutions, Meridian ACT, Momentum Sports & Rehabilitation Service, Nurse Next Door, PolySpine, RoboFit, Scope Home Access and Vera Living,” said Allison Miller, ATSA sales Manager, “A number of new products were also released at the show. It is great to see such innovation happening.”
Planning is now well underway for the 2022 events with Brisbane all but sold out and Sydney more than 85% sold at the time of writing.
There are many new exhibitors involved with both events and a number of presentations submitted from presenters who have not previously been involved with the event. The program will have a few surprises when it is released early in 2022 and bookings for the sessions will be in demand. The presentations are always well attended and are a drawcard for the event.
What’s new in 2022?
- Refreshed website and New logo
- More social media activity
- New seminar sessions
A first for ATSA
To recognise and celebrate the 20 years of ATSA, our founders, our members and our industry leaders ATSA will hold a Gala Dinner in Sydney – 25 May 2022. Join colleagues and peers for a night to remember at Accor Stadium in Olympic Park. Tickets are selling fast (table and single ticket options are available).
Attendee feedback
If you haven’t attended an ATSA Independent Living Expo previously take a look at some recent feedback:
‘Thanks for an absolutely fabulous two days. As a consumer I learnt lots and now have some great new pieces of AT on order. I was also able to gain wonderful information that I’m now going to collate and share with members in the support group I volunteer with for my disability, FND (functional neurological disorder).’
‘So glad I made the 3.5hr trip to Canberra to attend. I first attended in 2019 and found it to be an invaluable experience, just as I did this year. I am almost certain I will be back to attend many more expos in the future. Thank you again to all involved in making these expos happen, especially during these challenging times.’
‘It was terrific and so nice to get our AT community together.’
‘Loved it all as usual. Good variety of stands. EASY to navigate in 3-wheel (small) electric scooter’
‘Was really great to see all the new stuff that is out there in one place especially as a new grad and felt really comfortable being able to ask all the questions I wanted about different products.’
‘The ATSA expo was definitely worthwhile to gain knowledge about new AT products and I found all the seminars I attended very informative to improve clinical OT practices.’
‘Thank you for continuing to provide this expo, I thoroughly enjoy attending and have done so for many years, it is a fantastic opportunity for therapists to keep up to date with current equipment. I also enjoy attending the information sessions and find them relevant and informative.’
‘Always look forward going to ATSA, wealth of info, products, education and networking. It was a great event loved every minute I was there’
‘Thank you again-love ATSA! Am an OT of 35+ years and it’s my favourite event’
Save the dates and register early
ATSA Independent Living Expo Brisbane – 11-12 May 2022
ATSA Independent Living Expo Sydney – 25-26 May 2022
Visit www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au for more details and to register
Interested in exhibiting or booking to attend the Gala Dinner? Please email Allison.miller@atsa.org.au or call 02 4646 1453
Interested in volunteering? Email events@atsa.org.au
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram – ATSAexpo to stay up-to-date with all that is happening at the shows.
