8th Annual
March 27-29, 2026
TIMBER POINTE OUTDOOR CENTER
20 Timber Pointe Lane | Hudson, IL 61748
ABOUT THE EVENT
Illinois State University, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, University of Wisconsin LaCrosse, and Indiana University will be hosting the 8th Annual Great Lakes Recreational Therapy Student Conference. The conference will be held in Hudson, IL at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center on March 27-29, 2026!
CALL FOR SPEAKERS
We are expecting over 100 students from 8-10 universities. The Great Lakes RT Board is reaching out to local recreational therapists & students to speak on behalf of their experiences in the recreational therapy field. Students can make valuable connections and create community with experienced RT professionals. You can help make this conference a success! All submissions are due January 31, 2026. Specifically, we are interested in presentations that center on the following topics, but are open to all possible presentations:
Possible Conference Session Topics
- New interventions
-Evidence-based practice
- Legal Issues relating to RT
- Conducting assessments
- Building therapeutic relationships
- Working with allied health partners
- Professional development
- Information on various settings and populations
- Internships
- NCTRC exam tips
- Career development
Intervention Topics
- Sensory integration
- Meditative & mindfulness
-Social skills
- Sports & fitness
- Outdoors & nature-based
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Expressive arts
- Leisure education
After acceptance of your presentation, all presenters (up to two discounted speakers per session) will receive a 50% discount on the early-bird conference registration fee. All speakers staying for meals and/or sessions must register for the conference.
BACK THIS YEAR! Student Poster Session
There is no required poster format as the session is intended to share posters students have already created/presented at their home university or in preparation for an upcoming event. Poster session participants are not eligible for the reduced conference rate. Bring your printed poster ready to display. Please note a student MUST be FIRST author to submit a poster, faculty involvement is not required.
SUBMIT SESSION PROPOSALS AND STUDENT POSTERS HERE
All submissions are due JANUARY 31, 2026 by 11:59pm.
REGISTRATION COSTS
Student Early Bird Registration (ends 3/1/26): $120
Student Regular Registration (begins 3/2/25): $130
RT Practitioners: $200
Speakers (up to two, discounted at 50% off)
INCLUDES: CONFERENCE REGISTRATION, 2 NIGHTS LODGING, 5 MEALS, AND ACTIVITIES INCLUDING CANOEING & PADDLE BOARDING ON THE LAKE, ARCHERY, GOATS, AND ACCESSIBLE ZIP LINE DEMONSTRATION
(Some activities are weather permitting)
INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR?
The Great Lakes Recreational Therapy Student Conference is the premier recreational therapy conference for students. We are looking to partner with businesses and organizations to provide you with a platform to share your mission and connect with our attendees! Please complete the application by Friday, March 13, 2026, to be considered.
The conference committee retains the right to accept or decline involvement in the Great Lakes Recreational Therapy Student Conference of any individual or organization for any reason, at any time.
Please reach out to rectherapystucon@gmail.com with questions.
Sponsorship Levels
Gold Level: $500
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A booth at Expo Fair (to be held that Friday afternoon),
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One meal,
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¼ page ad in the printed program, and on the conference website,
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Logo displayed on-site at the conference, mentioned on social media.
Diamond Level: $750
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Benefits included in the previous level PLUS,
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½ page ad listed in the printed program, and on the conference website,
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Logo displayed on-site at conference, AND job/internship posting on job board page in printed program,
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Mentioned on social media, & verbal recognition during opening and closing conference remarks.
Platinum Level: $1000
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Benefits included in the previous level PLUS,
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Prime location of the booth at the Expo fair,
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FULL page ad in the printed program,
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Mentioned throughout the duration of a sponsored activity,
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Logo displayed on the meal tables throughout the conference,
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+1 free conference registration!
INTERESTED IN BEING A VENDOR AT THE EXPO FAIR?
The Expo Fair will be on Friday, 3/27, from 3-5 pm. This is a great opportunity for service providers, vendors, and graduate schools to engage with students and soon-to-be grads looking for internships, jobs, and graduate programs; while also showcasing products/services they may use in their future careers as activity professionals. Space is limited. The price of a booth is $200.
