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Convention Coordinator's Message

By Ciera Lorio, Convention Coordinator

I am pleased to share an update as I step into the role of Convention Coordinator for the 66th Annual ISHA Convention. I officially assumed this position in September and am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving ISHA in this new capacity. Previously, I had the privilege of serving as a Program Committee Co-Chair for the 2024 and 2025 ISHA Conventions, an experience that deepened my appreciation for the planning, collaboration, and vision required to deliver a high-quality professional conference.

I am excited to invite you to join us for the 2026 ISHA Convention, which will be held in person on February 19–20 at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, Illinois. This year’s convention marks an exciting transition to a new location, and we look forward to welcoming attendees to a space designed to support learning, connection, and professional growth.

What to Expect at the 2026 ISHA Convention

The 2026 convention will feature a robust program designed to meet the diverse needs of speech-language pathologists, audiologists, students, and related professionals across practice settings. Sessions will address a wide range of timely and relevant topics, including:

  • Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Practice
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication Across the Lifespan
  • Culturally Responsive Practices and Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
  • Adult Neurogenic Practices
  • Policy, Eligibility, Workload, and Billing Considerations
  • Ethics in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
  • And many more

Attendees can expect engaging presentations from knowledgeable speakers, practical strategies that translate directly to clinical and educational settings, and meaningful opportunities to network with colleagues from across the state.

Our keynote speaker, Dr. Heather Reading, Au.D., CCC-A, from Lamar University, will present at the Honors Reception on Thursday evening. Her keynote will focus on artificial intelligence in Communication Sciences and Disorders, a particularly timely topic given the rapid technological changes impacting our field. We hope you will join us for this ticketed reception to hear from Dr. Reading, celebrate our award recipients, and support ISHA scholarship fundraising. Tickets may be purchased during convention registration.

Student Programming

Student Day will take place on Friday, with several student-focused sessions offered in the morning alongside professional-level sessions. Two hour-long student poster sessions will be held from 12:00–1:00 pm and 1:15–2:15 pm, followed by several 15-minute student presentations from 2:30–3:30 pm. Dr. Reading will also present a session geared toward both students and professionals at 1:00 pm on Friday.

The Knowledge Quest will be held Friday afternoon from 3:30–5:00 pm, and all attendees are encouraged to participate. We hope you will join us to cheer on our students and support your alma mater.

Gratitude for the Division of Educational Development Committee

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Division of Educational Development (DED) Committee for their dedication and hard work in preparing the 2026 ISHA Convention. This year’s DED core team included:

  • Nichole Mulvey, Previous Convention Coordinator
  • Jennine Harvey-Northrup, VP of DED
  • Elia Olivares, Senior Program Committee Co-Chair
  • Suzanne Williams, Junior Program Committee Co-Chair
  • Lea Rose Moravec, Student Day Facilitator
  • Meredith Saletta Fitzgibbons, SIRCA Coordinator
  • Trina Becker, Continuing Education Committee Chair
  • Debbie McGee, Student Volunteer Coordinator

I am also grateful to our Track Chairs, who devoted their time and expertise to reviewing session proposals and ensuring a high-quality program. This team’s thoughtful planning, attention to professional learning needs, and commitment to excellence are central to the success of the convention. ISHA is fortunate to benefit from their leadership and service.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Tinley Park Convention Center on February 19–20 for what promises to be an engaging and rewarding convention experience. Please refer to the links below for additional information regarding registration, the schedule of events, and hotel and travel accommodations. I hope you will plan to join us.

Take care,
Ciera Lorio, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Convention Coordinator, 2026 ISHA Convention