72nd Annual SWATA Symposium & Billy Pickard Expo
07/23/2026 (7:00 AM)
09/30/2026 (11:55 PM)
(GMT-05:00) Central Time (US and Canada)
100 Washington Ave, 76701
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SWATA 26 FAQ's
SWATA 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
Where is SWATA Located in 2026?The Waco Convention Center in the heart of Waco, Texas
Who can attend SWATA 2026?
NATA Members, Non-Members and Students may attend with regiatration categories to meet your needs. Reminder -to register as a member, you must be a member of the NATA or register as a non-member. Need to join or renew your NATA Membership? Click here
How many BOC Approved Category A CEUs can I earn?
15 BOC Approved CEUs are available during SWATA 2026 in Waco
An ADDITONAL 10 CEUs will be offered through virtual programming following the meeting in Waco August 1-September 30, 2026. What a deal!
Where do I park?
Parking at the Convention Center, Waco Hilton & Waco Courtyard by Marriott is FREE! All venues are within short walking distance. With hundreds of spaces surrounding the facility, attendees can arrive stress-free without worrying about meters, garages, or expensive daily rates. Always remember to lock your vehicle at all venues.
Where do I pick up my badge if I pre-registered?
We highly encourage pre-registraton! Report to the Registration Booth inside the Exhibit Hall in the Waco Convention Center with a photo ID to collect your badge. Badge pick up times are Thursday July 23 8 AM-3 PM and Friday July 24 8 AM-11 AM.
I need to register on-site, where do I go?
Go see our friendly volunteers at the Registration Booth inside the Exhibit Hall
Will there be a Convention Mobile App this year?
Yes! We will utilize the InEvent SWATA Mobile App for schedules, maps, and attendee communicaitons. Stay tuned for information on downloading the app.
I'm paying by check, where do I send my payment?
SWATA
1079 W. Round Grove Road
STE 300-237
Lewisville, Texas 75067
Checks must be received by no later than July 15th to this address. SWATA Volunteers will not have access to the mailbox after this date before departing for Waco.
My registration check did not arrive by July 15 prior to SWATA and I need to pay on-site, what do I do?
Registraton payment checks that do not arrive by July 15 will require you to pay by CC on-site prior to receiving a badge or accessing any sessions. We are unable to grant attendees access to SWATA Programming or CEU without payment upon arival in Waco. Please email Paul Dunham swataoperations@gmail.com if this situation applies to you before you arrive.
I need a SWATA W9 Form for my employer.
Please email swataoperations@gmail.com for access to this form.
How do I inquire about a refund for my registration fees?
SWATA Refund Policy
Registration volunteers needed!
If you can assist our dedicated volunteer staff with registration and other tasks please reach out to Catherine Windsor cwindsor13@gmail.com to inquire about where current needs are as the event draws closer.
What night will alumni events be held?
We encourage alumni groups to be a part of the festivities in Waco! More information available soon on local venues for what works best for your group.
When is the Honors & Awards Ceremony?
One of the highlights of every SWATA Event is the ability to recognize and honor deserving members and new Hall of Fame inductees. This year's celebration will be held in the Convention Center on Friday July 24 at 4 PM.
Welcome Reception Information: (Be sure to select 'yes' inside registration if you'll be attending)
Lodging Information
We have a couple of options for your housing needs while in Waco. Both options are just steps from eachother and the Waco Convention Center with very reasonable SWATA rates and room options. There is plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the scenes of Downtown Waco.
The Waco Hilton:
The Waco Courtyard by Marriott:
Book your reservations here:
Waco Hilton Reservation Link
Courtyard by Marriot Waco Registration Link
Important: Hotel tax-exemption rules vary by state and may depend on payment method and documentation. Attendees requesting exemption should check with their institution, the state rules, or contact the hotel prior to arrival to confirm eligibility and required forms.
Map to Waco
Agenda
Advancing Athletic Training: Skills, Science & Support
This year’s educational event brings together a diverse lineup of presentations designed to enhance clinical practice, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and empower athletic trainers with the latest knowledge and techniques. From manual therapy and concussion care to mental health and emergency preparedness, this comprehensive program offers something for every level and setting in athletic training. You may choose sessions that enhance your current knowledge and practice or allow you to expand your current skillset. Having multiple sessions and speakers also allows for more direct contact with our amazing group of speakers.
A maximum of 15 BOC Approved Cat A CEU credits will be available during our in-person meeting in Waco. See TENTATIVE program schedule here.
Thursday July 23
Billy Pickard Expo Grand Opening 8 AM
Keynote, 4 lectures, 1 panel, 1 breakout, 2 clinical labs running from 8 AM-4 PM
Welcome Reception 6:30 PM -More info coming soon!
Friday July 24
6 lectures, 4 clinical labs, 1 panel, 3 seminars running from 7 AM-3 PM
Honors and Awards Ceremony 4 PM
Saturday July 25
5 lectures, 2 clinical labs, 1 seminar running from 8 AM-1 PM
Pre-registration required for lab and seminar
August 1 - September 30
Asynchronous virtual sessions worth 10 BOC Approved Cat A CEUs will be available.
SWATA Early Registration ends July 10th. Prices increase for each category July 11-24.
23
Exhibit Break & Ribbon Cutting
Exhibit Break & Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, July 23rd
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
8:00 AM
End
9:00 AM
ATs Care Resource Room
ATs Care Resource Room
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
9:00 AM
End
3:00 PM
Get Ready with Student Senate!
Get Ready with Student Senate!
McClennan 209
Start
9:00 AM
End
10:00 AM
Fueling Strategies for Optimal Performance: Pre, During, and Post, Exercise Nutrition
Fueling Strategies for Optimal Performance: Pre, During, and Post, Exercise Nutrition
McClennan 209
Start
10:00 AM
End
11:00 AM
Athlete’s Comprehension and Knowledge and Influence on an Intervention
Athlete’s Comprehension and Knowledge and Influence on an Intervention
McClennan 209
Start
11:00 AM
End
12:00 PM
Beyond The Classroom: Setting up an Athletic Training Program in a High School
Beyond The Classroom: Setting up an Athletic Training Program in a High School
McClennan 209
Start
1:00 PM
End
2:00 PM
Sleep and Recovery for Athletes: From Tactical to Contemporary. Enhancing Performance and Well-Being
Sleep and Recovery for Athletes: From Tactical to Contemporary. Enhancing Performance and Well-Being
Thursday, July 23rd
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
1:00 PM
End
2:00 PM
Speakers
Brian Newman PhD ATC LAT CSCS RSCC*D CNS ISAAK-2
The Scoop on Scoops: Elevation Prehospital Trauma Care
The Scoop on Scoops: Elevation Prehospital Trauma Care
Thursday, July 23rd
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
1:00 PM
End
2:30 PM
Speakers
Britney K. Parker-Webb MEd LAT ATC
Carla Heffner Ed.D ATC LAT
From Diagnosis to Return to Sport: A Spectrum-Based Rehabilitation Framework for Medial Tibial Stress Injuries in Adolescent Athletes
From Diagnosis to Return to Sport: A Spectrum-Based Rehabilitation Framework for Medial Tibial Stress Injuries in Adolescent Athletes
Thursday, July 23rd
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
1:30 PM
End
2:30 PM
Speakers
Laura Beyea PT DPT
Exhibit Break
Exhibit Break
Thursday, July 23rd
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
2:30 PM
End
3:00 PM
CPC Update – Enhancing Your Professional Development Journey
CPC Update – Enhancing Your Professional Development Journey
Thursday, July 23rd
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
3:00 PM
End
4:00 PM
Speakers
Heather Collins MLS Director of Professional Development Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer
Level up: Advancing Careers and Improving Retention in Athletic Training.
Level up: Advancing Careers and Improving Retention in Athletic Training.
Thursday, July 23rd
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
3:00 PM
End
4:00 PM
Speakers
CAC COMMITTEE: Layci Harrison PhD LAT ATC
Christina Fry MS LAT ATC
Karli Collins MHA MS LAT ATC NREMT OPE-C
Rachel Burgess MAT LAT ATC
Stronger Together: Fusing Strength & Conditioning with Athletic Training for Prevention, Performance & Return
Stronger Together: Fusing Strength & Conditioning with Athletic Training for Prevention, Performance & Return
Thursday, July 23rd
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
3:00 PM
End
4:00 PM
Speakers
Shawn Ready MS ATC LAT CSCS CES USAW-L1
Keynote: From the Sidelines: Building Trust Through Care and Communication
Keynote: From the Sidelines: Building Trust Through Care and Communication
Thursday, July 23rd
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
4:00 PM
End
5:00 PM
Speakers
Jennifer Inmon Warren Ed.D.
SWATA/NATA Forum
SWATA/NATA Forum
Thursday, July 23rd
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
5:00 PM
End
6:00 PM
AATA Forum
AATA Forum
Thursday, July 23rd
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
6:00 PM
End
6:30 PM
TSATA Forum
TSATA Forum
Thursday, July 23rd
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
6:00 PM
End
6:30 PM
24
Exhibit Break
Exhibit Break
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
8:00 AM
End
8:30 AM
Career Speed Dating: Meet Leaders from Every Setting
Career Speed Dating: Meet Leaders from Every Setting
This interactive, speed-networking style event provides students with the opportunity to connect with athletic training professionals from a variety of practice settings, learn about different career paths, and gain insight into the profession. Professionals will remain at designated tables while students rotate through small-group discussions, allowing them to ask questions, seek career advice, and learn from their experiences.
McClennan 209
Start
8:30 AM
End
9:30 AM
Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Evaluating Common Shoulder Pathologies
Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Evaluating Common Shoulder Pathologies
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
8:30 AM
End
9:30 AM
Speakers
Dr. Alex Jacobsen
Andrew Cage
Sports Concussion: Evidence-Based Management of Prolonged Recovery, Repeat Injuries, and Long-Term Outcomes
Sports Concussion: Evidence-Based Management of Prolonged Recovery, Repeat Injuries, and Long-Term Outcomes
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
8:30 AM
End
9:30 AM
Speakers
Cynthia Austin PhD ABPP
Where do I find the time: Work-Life Integration
Where do I find the time: Work-Life Integration
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
8:30 AM
End
9:30 AM
Speakers
Carlitta Moore Ed.D LAT ATC
From Evidence to Action: Social Determinants of Health in Athletic Training Practice
From Evidence to Action: Social Determinants of Health in Athletic Training Practice
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
9:30 AM
End
10:30 AM
Speakers
Christopher Lopez MS, LAT, ATC, CES, BAMF
Mayrena Isamar Hernandez PhD MPH LAT ATC
Ryan Peña MS LAT ATC
Isometric Considerations in Rehabilitation and Return to Sport + Lab
Isometric Considerations in Rehabilitation and Return to Sport + Lab
McClennan 209
Start
9:30 AM
End
11:00 AM
Moving Better in 60 Seconds or Less: Applying Functional Neurology Principles for Greater Outcomes in Orthopaedic Practice
Moving Better in 60 Seconds or Less: Applying Functional Neurology Principles for Greater Outcomes in Orthopaedic Practice
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
9:30 AM
End
10:30 AM
Speakers
Tom Swales PT MPT ATC CSCS FCAMPT AMTC CGIMS RKC
Emergency Techniques for Respiratory Conditions - Lecture
Emergency Techniques for Respiratory Conditions - Lecture
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
10:30 AM
End
11:30 AM
Speakers
Jill Manners ScD LAT ATC PT NREMT COMT FNAP
The UCL Epidemic: Understanding and Addressing the Increase in Medial Elbow Injuries in Baseball
The UCL Epidemic: Understanding and Addressing the Increase in Medial Elbow Injuries in Baseball
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
10:30 AM
End
11:30 AM
Speakers
Andrew Cage
Dr. Alex Jacobsen
Dr. Jayesh Patel
Free Communications
Free Communications
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
11:30 AM
End
1:00 PM
Artificial Intelligence in Athletic Training: Evidence-Informed and Ethical Applications in Education and Patient Care
Artificial Intelligence in Athletic Training: Evidence-Informed and Ethical Applications in Education and Patient Care
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
1:00 PM
End
2:00 PM
Speakers
Ashlyne Elliott
Beyond the Shoulder: A Whole-Body Approach to Rehabilitation, Performance & Injury Resiliency
Beyond the Shoulder: A Whole-Body Approach to Rehabilitation, Performance & Injury Resiliency
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
1:00 PM
End
2:00 PM
Speakers
Tom Swales PT MPT ATC CSCS FCAMPT AMTC CGIMS RKC
Fueling the Future: Sports Nutrition for Young Athletes
Fueling the Future: Sports Nutrition for Young Athletes
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
1:00 PM
End
2:00 PM
Speakers
Meredith Parmley MS RD CSSD
Body bags can save lives: New research on exertional heatstroke treatment
Body bags can save lives: New research on exertional heatstroke treatment
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
2:00 PM
End
3:00 PM
Speakers
Kevin Miller PhD LAT ATC FNATA
Diagnostic Imaging in Sports Medicine
Diagnostic Imaging in Sports Medicine
McClennan 209
Start
2:00 PM
End
3:00 PM
What am I looking at? Interpreting common findings in diagnostic imaging
What am I looking at? Interpreting common findings in diagnostic imaging
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
2:00 PM
End
3:00 PM
Speakers
Dr. Robert French
Laurel Trail
Emergency Techniques for Respiratory Conditions - Lab
Emergency Techniques for Respiratory Conditions - Lab
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
3:00 PM
End
4:00 PM
Speakers
Jill Manners ScD LAT ATC PT NREMT COMT FNAP
Modern UCL Reconstruction and Repair: Real-Time Surgical Insights with Cadaver Elbow Demonstration
Modern UCL Reconstruction and Repair: Real-Time Surgical Insights with Cadaver Elbow Demonstration
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
3:00 PM
End
4:00 PM
Speakers
Dr. Jayesh Patel
Resume + Cover Letter workshop
Resume + Cover Letter workshop
McClennan 209
Start
3:00 PM
End
4:00 PM
Honors & Awards
Honors & Awards
Friday, July 24th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
4:00 PM
End
6:00 PM
25
Beyond Red Flags: When It’s Not a Concussion—Recognizing Catastrophic Brain Injury
Beyond Red Flags: When It’s Not a Concussion—Recognizing Catastrophic Brain Injury
Saturday, July 25th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
8:30 AM
End
9:30 AM
Speakers
David Stuckey MS LAT ATC
Emotional, social, and physical wellness for college athletic training students
Emotional, social, and physical wellness for college athletic training students
Saturday, July 25th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
9:30 AM
End
10:30 AM
Speakers
Drs. Keilea Sumrall DHSc LAT ATC
Linda Bobo PhD LAT ATC
Working with Hypermobile Athletes: Assessment, Risk Reduction, and Evidence-Informed Management
Working with Hypermobile Athletes: Assessment, Risk Reduction, and Evidence-Informed Management
Saturday, July 25th
Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Start
10:30 AM
End
12:00 PM
Speakers
Ashlyne Elliott
26
Emergency Medications (SWATA 2025 Recorded Session)
Emergency Medications (SWATA 2025 Recorded Session)
The number of medications for use in emergencies available to athletic trainers has increased in recent years. Providing optimal emergency care to the limits of our practice acts & standards includes the use of emergency medications. The regulations, policies, storage & use of these medications will be discussed.
Start
12:01 AM
End
11:55 PM
Speakers
David Stuckey MS LAT ATC
I Just Don't Feel Right - Dysautonomia in Sport-Related Concussion (SWATA 2025 Recorded Session)
I Just Don't Feel Right - Dysautonomia in Sport-Related Concussion (SWATA 2025 Recorded Session)
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction secondary to sport-related concussion (SRC) is an emerging area of concern that is presently understudied. This lecture will explore the potential mechanisms of ANS dysfunction secondary to SRC, including how disruptions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems can manifest in clinical symptoms, such as orthostatic intolerance, impaired thermoregulation, and heart rate irregularities. We will review current research on the changes occurring in the brain after SRC and how these can influence the ANS. Finally, this lecture will provide ATs with simple diagnostic tools and potential therapeutic strategies to utilize with patients having suspected ANS dysfunction secondary to SRC. By examining the relationship between SRC and ANS regulation, this lecture hopes to provide insight into better referral and management of patients recovering from SRC with ANS dysfunction.
Start
12:01 AM
End
11:55 PM
Speakers
Joshua Yonker
Psychology of Injury with a Mental Health Perspective (SWATA 2025 Recorded Session)
Psychology of Injury with a Mental Health Perspective (SWATA 2025 Recorded Session)
Start
12:01 AM
End
11:55 PM
Speakers
Katie Harris
‘Will you capture the moment or let it slip?’ How Eminem taught us the importance of CPR, AEDs and sports emergency response plans (SWATA 2025 Recorded Session)
‘Will you capture the moment or let it slip?’ How Eminem taught us the importance of CPR, AEDs and sports emergency response plans (SWATA 2025 Recorded Session)
Start
12:01 AM
End
11:55 PM
Speakers
Stephanie Kuzydym
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