Over 700 educators, researchers, practitioners, parents, and adults with learning disabilities gathered in Fort Worth, Texas, for LDA’s 56th International Conference held in February. The city of cowboys and culture provided an exciting backdrop for the three and a half days packed with learning and networking. Leading experts in the field discussed current challenges, opportunities, and best practices from across the country and internationally. This year’s outstanding program was highlighted by keynote presentations from Anne Ford, Eric Tridas and Alba Ortiz, along with nearly 200 sessions which included highly-engaged Table Talks, informative Poster Sessions and the inspirational Adult Luncheon featuring Eric McGehearty.
While there were many more opportunities to network with others through the exhibit hall, bookstore, technology lab, and the Network Nook, one evening was set aside just for fun. Attendees put on their cowboy boots and denim to enjoy a Texas-sized hoedown replete with barbecue, photo ops with the likes of “The Duke,” and learning their “real cowboy/cowgirl” names. LDA’s home-state volunteers took the lead for line dancing while others braved the thrill of riding the mechanical bull.
The LDA of Texas volunteers led by Rachel Krueger worked tirelessly through the past year to promote and support this year’s conference. While assisting presenters and attendees throughout the week, they also provided some memory-making entertainment with their “saloon style” photo booth decked with bales of hay, wanted posters, and humorous props.
The Conference Committee, led by Chair, BJ Wiemer and Assistant Chair, Candace Joles, extends its heartfelt appreciation to the LDA of Texas volunteers, members of the Program Committee led by Co-Chairs, Lori Parks and Arlene Stewart, the national office staff, and all of the conference volunteers, exhibitors, and sponsors for making this a wonderfully “incredible, engaging, informative, relatable, thought-provoking” (to name just a few of the descriptions from attendees) and overall successful conference.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY TO JOIN US IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA, AT THE MARRIOTT WORLD CENTER, FEBRUARY 17-20, 2020!
BJ Wiemer
General Conference Chair, Fort Worth 2019
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