Interesting & valuable reflection. And thanks for noting the efforts made by the 'Hands On Hub' and 'Sports Therapy Association' theatres, particularly the latter as tis I who organise content and host it across the two days.
As you say, the feelings you mention are shared by many, and will open some important future discussions, but I also think it's important to recognise how incredibly well the event has evolved since it started 11 years ago.
Much (not all) of the content this year was truly amazing, in terms of being evidence informed, patient centred, facilitating not fixing, etc. And that's living testimony of a decade of consistently commendable effort by educators and the platforms that spread their good word, including Physio Matters, The ST School, and Sports Therapy Association.
The mindset of many of the attendees, particularly at the last couple of Therapy Expo's, as illustrated through their questions and feedback, has been excellent, an army of critical thinkers championing patient centred care. It's also great to see the embracing of a multidisciplinary approach, with the Sports Therapy Association Theatre audiences being made up of as many Allied Health Professionals as non AHPs, if not more.
In many ways, we've achieved SO much over this decade and should feel proud. But yes, where we go from here is an important consideration. Many practicioners are simply not able to attend a 'once a year' conference like Therapy Expo, be it for ticket cost, travel needs, the fact it's midweek, many barriers. And yes, the format has flaws.
And I both pity and adore the person who tries to find solutions.
Matt I second your thoughts, which came out from the audience also at our closing panel. Especially on how far it has all come and some of the great content available on the day as well as the multidisciplinary nature of the event itself which for me is fundamental for progression.
However I have also come to the conclusion that the Expo Format and its business model will always struggle to align with good quality, solid learning experience.
While I praise the original efforts of the organisers to create a better content, the profit margin will remain the main key indicator of success for them and that will not come from the content but from exhibitors.
I do firmly believe that there is a space for creating a solid conference with a sustainable business model where the learning needs of the attendees are catered for and where some quality, ethical businesses can showcase their services.
Great piece - made me laugh as well as nod with agreement.
For me, I didn't attend (used to when it first started) because it just feels like I'm paying a lot of money for a sales event with some talks tacked on around the edge.
After all, I can go into the best shops in the world to look at what they have to sell & that doesn't cost me anything!
Hello, was the speaker Cartin Mhristensen from Sweden? I hear he is a liability. It might be a sellers arena but I bet you got yourself a logo pen or two amirite...
A brilliant post and thank you for telling people your thoughts. I didn't attend therapy expo and I was cautious of attending for some of the reasons you've highlighted.
I wish there was something just like you highlighted. It's never a one horse race I hope you have people to reach out to, to develop it further and if I can help I would love to!
One day, in the not too distant future Glen O’Humeral MSK Live Therapists Event Live begins. The world is quiet, somehow aware it is on the precipice of change.
The lights dim.
Kieran Woolf looks on, proud of his part.
The crowd hushed, barely able to breathe with excited anticipation. They all drank mushroom coffee to try to prepare their brains for some reason. The queue for the toilet is inconvenient.
Glen is here for your admiration and comments, hugs must be attached to a £5 note. Thank you.
Interesting & valuable reflection. And thanks for noting the efforts made by the 'Hands On Hub' and 'Sports Therapy Association' theatres, particularly the latter as tis I who organise content and host it across the two days.
As you say, the feelings you mention are shared by many, and will open some important future discussions, but I also think it's important to recognise how incredibly well the event has evolved since it started 11 years ago.
Much (not all) of the content this year was truly amazing, in terms of being evidence informed, patient centred, facilitating not fixing, etc. And that's living testimony of a decade of consistently commendable effort by educators and the platforms that spread their good word, including Physio Matters, The ST School, and Sports Therapy Association.
The mindset of many of the attendees, particularly at the last couple of Therapy Expo's, as illustrated through their questions and feedback, has been excellent, an army of critical thinkers championing patient centred care. It's also great to see the embracing of a multidisciplinary approach, with the Sports Therapy Association Theatre audiences being made up of as many Allied Health Professionals as non AHPs, if not more.
In many ways, we've achieved SO much over this decade and should feel proud. But yes, where we go from here is an important consideration. Many practicioners are simply not able to attend a 'once a year' conference like Therapy Expo, be it for ticket cost, travel needs, the fact it's midweek, many barriers. And yes, the format has flaws.
And I both pity and adore the person who tries to find solutions.
Thank you Phillip Matthews. Did you get plenty of hugs?
Matt I second your thoughts, which came out from the audience also at our closing panel. Especially on how far it has all come and some of the great content available on the day as well as the multidisciplinary nature of the event itself which for me is fundamental for progression.
However I have also come to the conclusion that the Expo Format and its business model will always struggle to align with good quality, solid learning experience.
While I praise the original efforts of the organisers to create a better content, the profit margin will remain the main key indicator of success for them and that will not come from the content but from exhibitors.
I do firmly believe that there is a space for creating a solid conference with a sustainable business model where the learning needs of the attendees are catered for and where some quality, ethical businesses can showcase their services.
Anna I third your thoughts, profit margins are a cruel mistress are they not!
Great piece - made me laugh as well as nod with agreement.
For me, I didn't attend (used to when it first started) because it just feels like I'm paying a lot of money for a sales event with some talks tacked on around the edge.
After all, I can go into the best shops in the world to look at what they have to sell & that doesn't cost me anything!
A Powellful agreement Jerry! I wonder what would happen if you went with the sole intention of selling to the sellers... Something to think about
I heard there was one particularly terrible speaker that swore a lot and tried to kiss Matt Phillips behind a accupuncture stall.
Also. Too much people. Too much fuzz. Not enough focus on the theatre speaks which led to less engagement. Came off as a bit of «sellers arena».
Hello, was the speaker Cartin Mhristensen from Sweden? I hear he is a liability. It might be a sellers arena but I bet you got yourself a logo pen or two amirite...
Yeah it was. Weird fellow. Totally unhinged. I also heard he spent most his time between talks drinking at spoons. Explains a lot really.
Regards to pens. Got myself the whole set. Don’t need to buy a new until 2087.
A brilliant post and thank you for telling people your thoughts. I didn't attend therapy expo and I was cautious of attending for some of the reasons you've highlighted.
I wish there was something just like you highlighted. It's never a one horse race I hope you have people to reach out to, to develop it further and if I can help I would love to!
Brilliant comment!
One day, in the not too distant future Glen O’Humeral MSK Live Therapists Event Live begins. The world is quiet, somehow aware it is on the precipice of change.
The lights dim.
Kieran Woolf looks on, proud of his part.
The crowd hushed, barely able to breathe with excited anticipation. They all drank mushroom coffee to try to prepare their brains for some reason. The queue for the toilet is inconvenient.
The many horsed race countdown is on.