The Conference Committee, on behalf of the Australian Hand Therapy Association, invites you to join us at the 2021 AHTA National Conference being held at The Westin Perth, WA from the 26th - 29th August 2021. This years theme will be 'Reconnecting: From Foundations to Innovations'.
The conference will include an exciting line-up of expert clinicians and researchers. Cutting edge presentations and diverse sessions will ensure that therapists take home current practical ideas for clinical intervention, research and practice management.
We are thrilled to confirm that Gwendolyn van Strien has been able to accommodate the date change and we look forward to learning from her.
Whilst the world is slowly progressing to a new normal with COVID-19, we are mindful of the challenges faced in 2020 are still present. With this in mind, the 2021 AHTA National Conference will be offered as a hybrid event. We will host the conference at the Westin Perth for those who can attend in person, and also offer a virtual component for those who are unable to travel
Join us in Perth from the 26th - 29th August 2021, to learn, be inspired, network with colleagues and enjoy everything Perth has to offer.
Gwen van Strien is a physical therapist and hand therapist from The Hague in the Netherlands. After receiving her degree, she went on to attended medical school and received her degree at Leiden University Medical School. She moved to the USA were she received a master’s degree Hand Therapy from VCU in Richmond, Virginia. Currently, she holds the position of founder/course director and lecturer at the school for hand therapy at the National Institute for Post Graduate Allied Health Education in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. She is also lecturer in the Department of Rehabilitation at Erasmus University Rotterdam. She has authored numerous articles on hand rehabilitation and was author of chapters in various textbooks on rehabilitation of the hand and on hand surgery. She has served as a corresponding editor for the Journal of Hand Therapy. She has over 30 years of clinical experience in hand rehabilitation, both in private practice and in hospital settings and is the owner and director of her own hand rehabilitation consultancy practice helping to set up hand centers in the Netherlands over the past 30 years and providing HT training and lectures both nationally and internationally. She is the founder of the Dutch Society for Hand Therapy.
Julianne Howell has enjoyed being a physical therapist for more than 40 years, 35 of which has been focused on management of the upper limb and hand. Practice settings include acute hospital, burn unit, city, and rural hand centers from east to west coast and owner of a private practice.
As a professional, my career objectives have been to be a lifelong learner, provide care that adds value to patient’s lives, to make regular and worthy contributions to the evidence base via peer-reviewed manuscripts and to do what it takes to be a good mentor and teammate.
Julianne will be joining us virtually from Saint Joseph, Michigan, USA.
Stuart Wilson
Convenor 
Romy Steele
Secretary 
Taya Klisowski
Treasurer 
Laura Cowling
Marketing & Sponsorship 
Melita Ryan
Scientific Committee 
Lani McAuliffe
Scientific Committee 
We are pleased to announce the 2021 AHTA National Conference 2021 draft program is out now!
The conference will be held from 26th – 29th of August at The Westin Perth with the pre-conference workshop being held on Thursday 26th of August.
Early bird registrations for Full AHTA members opens 10 March - 12 midday - AWST, 3.00pm AEDT, 2.00pm AEST and 2.30pm AECDST.
Early bird registrations for Associate AHTA members will open 17 March - 12 midday - AWST, 3.00pm AEDT, 2.00pm AEST and 2.30pm AECDST.
Early bird for New Zealand and International Hand Therapists and non-members will open 24 March - 12 midday - AWST, 3.00pm AEDT, 2.00pm AEST and 2.30pm AECDST.
Early bird registrations close on 26 May for in-person and virtual registrations.
Includes access to:
- all conference sessions including concurrent sessions and workshops (pre-conference workshop is additional cost)
- ticket to the conference party
- network with colleagues and sponsors
- access to presentations post conference via the virtual platform for 30 days post event
| Earlybird | Regular | |
|---|---|---|
| AHTA Member | $820 | $920 |
| AHTA Associate | $820 | $920 |
| HTNZ and International Member | $820 | $920 |
| Non-Member | $1030 | $1130 |
Includes:
- access to conference sessions via virtual platform
- access to presentations for 30 days post event
- network with other delegates and sponsors
All prices are in $AUD
| Earlybird | Regular | |
|---|---|---|
| AHTA Member | $480 | $580 |
| AHTA Associate | $480 | $580 |
| HTNZ and International Member | $480 | $580 |
| Non-Member | $690 | $790 |
The Westin Perth welcomes guests with luxury accommodations, 5-star amenities and a dynamic city centre location.
Situated towards the rejuvenated east end of Perth CBD, our hotel places guests a walk away from Optus Stadium and Elizabeth Quay, plus is steps away from dynamic shopping and dining. Experience a refreshing stay in our sophisticated guest rooms and suites, impeccably designed with Westin Heavenly® Beds, sleek bathrooms and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Savour a nourishing meal at the Haven Lounge, our lobby restaurant, and sample rustic Roman cuisine at Garum, our signature Italian restaurant by Chef Guy Grossi.
Wellness enthusiasts can reboot and relax with a luxury treatment at Bodhi J Spa or visit the 24-hour Westin WORKOUT® Fitness Studio. The Westin also offers a heated infinity-edge pool, ideal for soaking up the Perth sunshine.
Retreat into the spacious comfort of your Deluxe King Room and discover a relaxing space where you can work and refresh after a full day in Perth.
Conference Room Rates
(available to conference delegates when booked through the registration system)
Deluxe King Room including 1 breakfast daily
$200 per night
Deluxe King Room including 2 breakfasts daily
$220 per night
The 2019 conference presentations are now available for download. Please use the password that was sent to 2019 conference delegates by the Conference Secretariat.
Open the program by clicking the button below and then hover over the presentation title.
Please note not all Presenters have given permission to share their presentations. The titles in pink have been linked to their presentations.
