2026 American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) SoCal Conference

2026 American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) SoCal Conference is organized by American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) and will be held from Oct 17 - 19, 2026 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Brea North Orange County, Brea, California, United States of America.

Description:
ATRA’s Annual Conference is the largest gathering of Recreational Therapists in the country. Each year, professionals from across the nation and around the world come together to learn, collaborate, and shape the future of the field.

In 2026, we invite you to explore a powerful idea: connection as the foundation of health and wellbeing.

The Connection Rx: Prescribing Belonging Through Recreational Therapy centers on the essential role Recreational Therapists play in fostering belonging, strengthening communities, and advancing systems that support social connectedness. At a time when loneliness and isolation are increasingly recognized as public health challenges, Recreational Therapy offers a unique and vital solution. This year's conference will explore how we connect to our clients, our communities, our profession, and the systems that shape our work.

What to Expect at ATRA SoCal:
Throughout the conference, attendees will have opportunities to engage in shared conversations about the future of Recreational Therapy while also exploring ideas that strengthen their own practice and leadership.

Each day will be anchored by general sessions that bring the entire community together, creating a shared foundation for dialogue around the role of connection, belonging, and wellbeing in our work. Concurrent sessions will offer opportunities for deeper engagement and explore new approaches alongside colleagues who understand the challenges and possibilities of the field.

Additional opportunities for connection include post-conference workshops, Research Institute engagement, on-demand learning, and community building opportunities throughout the event, creating space for both structured learning and meaningful professional relationships.

ATRA SoCal is more than a conference; it is a gathering of professionals committed to advancing Recreational Therapy and strengthening the role of connection in health and wellbeing.