NATA 2026 Student program
The integrated student convention experience, presented by the NATA Student Leadership Committee, provides athletic training students with education, knowledge and resources to advance their career within athletic training.
Schedule
Tuesday, June 30
Daily Opening Session & Keynote (all convention attendees) | 8 to 8:50 a.m. |
AT Expo Open (all convention attendees) | 9 to 10 a.m. |
Student Town Hall | 10 to 11:30 a.m. |
Student Lecture 1 | 11:40 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. |
Lunch/Unopposed Exhibits | 12:20 to 1:15 p.m. |
Hall of Fame Induction/Awards Ceremony | 1 to 2:30 p.m. |
Educational programming or the ICSM, CAC or SSATC Town Halls | 3:30 to 5 p.m. |
Open Time (visit the AT Expo or other event) | 4:15 to 5 p.m. |
Evening Social Break (all convention attendees) | 5 to 7 p.m. |
Opening Reception (Ticket required.) | 7 to 10 p.m. |
Wednesday, July 1
Daily Opening Session & Keynote (all convention attendees) | 8 to 8:45 a.m. |
Student Lecture 2 | 9 to 9:55 a.m. |
Educational programming or the LGBTQ+, GAC, or EPC Town Halls | 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. |
Lunch/Unopposed Exhibits | 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. |
Student Learning Lab (first offering – pre-registration required) or other educational programming | 12:30 to 2 p.m. |
Educational programming or the EDAC or COPA Town Halls | 2:15 to 3:45 p.m. |
| 4 to 5 p.m. |
Evening Social Break (all convention attendees) | 5 to 7 p.m. |
Thursday, July 2
Daily Opening Session & Keynote (all convention attendees) | 8 to 8:45 a.m. |
Student Learning Lab (second offering – pre-registration required) or Other educational programming | 9 to 10:30 a.m. |
Career Roundtables | 10:45 to 12:15 p.m. |
Lunch Break | 11:20 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. |
Educational Programming | 12:15 to 4 p.m. |
*Schedule is subject to change.
Student Programming
Student Town Hall Presentation
“A Global Game Plan: Navigating an International Career and Lessons Learned Abroad”
By Jared Maisel, MS, ATC, STAoHK-Reg
10 to 11:30 a.m. June 30
There has been growth in athletic training and similar professions internationally, but the formal systems and programs to bring a practitioner abroad remain limited. This session will focus on equipping attendees with current trends in the global landscape for athletic trainers, including opportunities, challenges and how to prepare oneself to maximize chances of success for a professional life abroad. The aim of this session is to generate curiosity, passion and engagement for the international development of athletic training and equip young professionals with a personal inventory and road map.
Lectures, Labs and Networking
Student Lecture 1
“How To Network and Promote Yourself for an Athletic Training Position”
By Michael Goldenberg, MS, ATC, CES
11:40 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. June 30
When an employer is trying to hire their next employee, the first step is usually separating candidates into two piles: “Yes, I’m interested in this person” or “No, I’m not interested.” Employers use many different approaches to separate candidates. One might be in form of a verbal recommendation from a colleague or friend. Another would be the potential employee making a good first impression when they meet the employer at an in-person or on-line event. This presentation will focus on how to properly network in a variety of situations to increase one’s professional network and make that good first impression so an AT will call the employer on their behalf. Using both a lecture and hands-on approach, the attendee will develop and practice an elevator speech, and learn how to join a conversation at an in-person conference. The presenter will also focus on how to target and digitally network with individuals to help them further their career.
Student Lecture 2
“Talk It Out: Mastering Hard Conversations in Athletic Training”
By Ashley Thrasher, EdD, LAT, ATC, and Nicole Wilkins, EdD, LAT, ATC
9 to 9:55 a.m. July 1
Miscommunication isn’t just awkward – in health care, it can be dangerous. Poor communication is one of the leading causes of medical errors, and many providers avoid tough conversations altogether. Learning how to handle difficult conversations is a skill that sets students apart as future health care professionals. With practice and the right strategies, they can communicate clearly in high-pressure situations, build trust with patients and colleagues, and prevent mistakes.
Student Learning Lab 1 and 2
“NBATA Ron Culp Learning Lab: Ultrasound-Guided Evaluation of the Knee and Ankle: Diagnosing Common Sports Injuries”
By Michael Hoy, MD, and Sarah Kamel, MD
12:30 to 2 p.m. July 1, and 9 to 10:30 a.m. July 2
Learn how to perform an ultrasound evaluation of the knee and ankle joints and to differentiate between normal anatomy and common pathology in athletes, including tendon tears, ligament sprains, effusion and meniscus tears. This can help triage diagnosis and organize treatment plans for athletes.
17th Annual NATA Quiz Bowl
4 to 5 p.m. July 1
Each year, teams of students representing their districts test their athletic training knowledge during the NATA Quiz Bowl, a Jeopardy-style competition.
Career Roundtables
10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. July 2
Discover the many career paths within athletic training through this interactive event. Students and recent graduates will rotate between tables representing a variety of professional settings.
Meet experienced professionals from each area, gain valuable insights into their day-to-day work, and ask questions to help guide your own career journey. This is a great opportunity to network, explore diverse career options, and build connections that can help shape your future in athletic training.