American Physical Therapy Association - APTA Combined Sections Meeting 2027
Event Date
February 4–6, 2027
Location
Philadelphia, PA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) is presented by the American Physical Therapy Association and is billed as the largest physical therapy conference in the country—bringing together over 15,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, educators, researchers, students, and industry partners each year. The 2027 edition returns to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 4-6, 2027.
CSM is organized around APTA's specialty sections and academies. This is your opportunity to engage with members from APTA's 18 specialty sections and academies and be part of shaping the future of the profession. The meeting brings together clinicians, researchers, educators, and students under one roof to explore cutting-edge practices and shape the future of movement health.
Attendees come for continuing education, research, and networking. Attend to gain access to the latest clinical research, evidence-based practices, and continuing education. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student entering the field, APTA CSM is the place to learn, connect, and be inspired. The 2027 event will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia and offers both in-person and virtual participation options.
Show Highlights
- Extensive education program: In its recent format, CSM offered 90-minute educational sessions with 400 total sessions.
- Flexible continuing education: Attendees earned 1.35 CEUs in person and can easily reach 1.8 CEUs by taking three On Demand sessions.
- 18 specialty communities: Programming is driven by APTA's 18 specialty academies and sections, spanning areas such as sports, geriatrics, pediatrics, neurology, and education.
- Poster and platform research: Recent meetings featured 1,440+ research posters.
- Networking and special events: Section receptions and networking events, such as sports-focused gatherings, run throughout the meeting.
- Exhibit hall / expo: An exhibition floor showcases products, technology, and services for the PT profession.
Attendance
According to APTA, CSM draws over 15,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, educators, researchers, students, and industry partners each year. APTA's "at a glance" figures cite 15,000+ attendees, 18 specialty academies and sections, 400+ sessions, and 1,440+ posters. For the 2027 Philadelphia meeting, the exhibitor prospectus projects over 14,000 in-person professional attendees, based on APTA CSM 2026 attendee statistics. The audience is composed of practicing physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, educators, researchers, and students.
Registration
Registration is handled through APTA's official registration platform. Key points:
- Member vs. non-member rates: To receive the member rate, you must be an active member at the time of the meeting. Joining or renewing APTA membership provides discounted access.
- Group registration: When five or more attendees from the same school or workplace register together, they qualify for an exclusive group rate; this fee applies to APTA members only and does not include preconference workshops or special event tickets.
- Speaker registration: A discounted speaker rate applies to educational session speakers, handled through the APTA CSM Speaker Center.
- Registration and housing vendor: Spargo Inc is APTA's exclusive and official registration and housing vendor for the APTA Combined Sections Meeting. The registration/housing center can be reached at 703-239-4822.
History
The Combined Sections Meeting is the flagship annual conference of the American Physical Therapy Association, uniting its specialty academies and sections into a single national event. The meeting rotates among U.S. cities each February; recent and upcoming hosts include San Antonio (2022), San Diego (2023), Boston (2024), Houston (2025), Anaheim (2026), Philadelphia (2027), and Chicago (2028). Locations are selected and contracted seven to 10 years in advance due to the event's size, and the conference typically rotates across western, central, and eastern locations to be inclusive of members across the country. APTA has noted the event marks more than 50 years of the profession's development.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 APTA Combined Sections Meeting?
APTA CSM 2027 takes place February 4-6, 2027, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sessions are held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 1101 Arch Street in Center City.
Who should attend APTA CSM?
The meeting is designed for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, educators, researchers, students, and industry professionals. It brings together members from APTA's 18 specialty academies and sections and draws over 15,000 attendees each year.
How do I register for APTA CSM?
Registration is handled through APTA's official platform, with discounted rates for active APTA members and a group rate for five or more attendees from the same school or workplace. Spargo Inc is APTA's official registration and housing vendor and can be reached at 703-239-4822.
Can I attend virtually and earn CEUs?
Yes. CSM offers both in-person and virtual participation options. In its recent format, attendees earned 1.35 CEUs in person and could reach 1.8 CEUs by adding three On Demand sessions.
What are the travel and parking options for the venue?
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is in Center City Philadelphia, accessible via Philadelphia International Airport, 30th Street Station, and SEPTA transit lines. The center has no onsite parking, but numerous garages and lots are within blocks, and many hotels—including the connected Philadelphia Marriott Downtown—are within walking distance.
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