Call for Speaker Submissions

The World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT) invites speaker proposals for the 14th World Congress, taking place in Edinburgh, Scotland, from October 21–23, 2027.

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The World Congress brings together athletic trainers, athletic therapists, sports medicine professionals, allied health practitioners, researchers, educators, and students from around the world to exchange knowledge, share emerging practices, and strengthen international collaboration.

 

We welcome proposals that offer evidence-informed, practical, and engaging educational experiences for an international audience.​

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Presentation Opportunities

We are accepting proposals for two presentation formats.

 

Interactive Workshops — Thursday, October 21, 2027

• Duration: 90 minutes

• Format: Interactive, practical, and skills-based education

• Registration: Ticketed workshops with limited capacity

 

Workshop proposals should clearly describe the activities participants will undertake, the intended learning outcomes, and any equipment or space requirements.

 

Applicants will be asked to identify their preferred maximum and minimum participant numbers, equipment needs, and any materials attendees should bring.

 

Lectures — Friday and Saturday, October 22–23, 2027

• Duration: 20 or 30 minutes

• Format: Educational presentations for an international professional audience

 

Lectures should deliver focused, relevant content supported by evidence, practical application, or professional experience.

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Please note: Final presentation format, duration, and scheduling will be determined by the World Congress Committee.

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An Integrated Educational Programme

The 14th WFATT World Congress will feature an integrated educational programme designed to bring together practitioners, educators, researchers, and students from across the profession.

 

Unlike previous Congresses, there will not be separate student or educator programmes. However, proposals focused on education, teaching, professional development, and student learning are strongly encouraged, alongside clinical, research, and practice-based topics.

 

All proposals will be considered for inclusion in the overall Congress programme, with an emphasis on relevance, educational value, and opportunities for shared learning across our international community.

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Congress Themes: Readiness, Resilience, and Rehabilitation

The 2027 World Congress will explore three interconnected themes through practical, person-centred case studies. These cases provide a common framework for examining the challenges faced by the individuals we serve across different healthcare systems, professional settings, and cultures.

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Readiness – Preparing for Participation, Performance and Long-Term Health

Exploring how we prepare individuals for safe, sustainable participation, and performance, particularly during periods of growth and development. Topics may include youth athlete health, injury prevention, concussion management, return to learning and sport, and physical and psychological readiness.

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Resilience – Supporting Health and Performance Across the Lifespan

Examining how individuals maintain health, wellbeing, participation, and performance while navigating changing physical, personal, and environmental demands. Topics may include female athlete health, recovery and adaptation, nutrition, energy availability, long-term health conditions, and healthy ageing.

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Rehabilitation – Navigating Complexity and Returning to Performance

Addressing the challenges of rehabilitation when injury, illness, clinical decision-making, and performance priorities intersect. Topics may include differential diagnosis, complex patient care, rehabilitation strategies, psychological and social aspects of recovery, and return to participation and performance.

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Proposals that do not directly align with these themes are also welcome. Applicants will have an opportunity to explain the relevance of their proposed topic.

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Explore the Congress Themes: For a more detailed overview of Readiness, Resilience, and Rehabilitation, including the accompanying case studies and suggested areas of exploration, please view the 14th World Congress Themes and Case Studies (PDF).

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Submission Requirements

Applicants will be asked to provide:

• Presentation title and proposed format

• Presentation description (maximum 300 words)

• Learning outcomes and key takeaways (three key points)

• Presenter biography (maximum 150 words)

• Presenter credentials, affiliation, and country

• Additional presenter information, where applicable

• Intended audience level and relevant Congress themes

• Equipment, audio-visual, and scheduling requirements

• Disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest

 

Presenters may submit more than one proposal. A separate application is required for each proposed presentation.

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Speaker Selection and Notification

All proposals will be reviewed by the World Congress Committee, taking into consideration educational relevance, quality, learning objectives, programme balance, and available scheduling capacity.

 

Submission of a proposal does not guarantee acceptance.

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Applicants can expect to be notified of the outcome of their submission in early April 2027, ahead of the opening of Congress registration.

 

Accepted presenters will be asked to confirm their participation following notification. Final presentation scheduling and room assignments may be communicated separately.

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​Speaker Funding

WFATT does not provide complimentary Congress registration for speakers. All accepted presenters are responsible for registering for the Congress and paying the applicable registration fee. WFATT does not provide speaker honoraria or reimburse travel, accommodation, or other expenses associated with participation.

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Applicants must acknowledge these conditions as part of their submission.

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Speakers are encouraged to explore funding or sponsorship opportunities through their institutions, employers or professional associations.

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Submit Your Proposal

We encourage interested speakers from across the international athletic training, athletic therapy, sports medicine, and allied health communities to apply.

 

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Application deadline: February 1, 2027

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Questions?

For questions regarding speaker submissions or the World Congress educational programme, please contact: 

wfattworldcongress@gmail.com