Presented by
Join us in the breathtaking heart of Canmore for AAP Connect 2026, a conference dedicated to Alberta’s physiotherapy profession.
This three-day event promises to ignite your passion for movement and health, offering a unique blend of learning, networking, and inspirational experiences tailored for every physiotherapist—whether you’re in rural or urban practice, private or public sector, a seasoned practitioner, a student, or a physiotherapy assistant.
With diverse sessions designed to cater to all facets of our profession and ample opportunities to forge meaningful connections, AAP Connect is a space for professional growth, collaboration, and shaping the future of physiotherapy in Alberta.
Scroll below for information on keynote speaker, schedule, sessions, pricing, sponsors and more!
ONE Champion Athlete
Saturday Morning, October 24, 2026
“Adaptive performance and resilience: reframing limitations and strengths.”
&
“Mentality in the thick of it.”
*Conference schedule is subject to change without notice. Click on the buttons below to see each day’s schedule.
Registration Begins
Welcome Reception:
Join us for a lively welcome reception to kick off the conference! Enjoy some cocktails* and a delightful selection of appetizers as you connect with fellow attendees. We look forward to seeing you there!
Complimentary Professional Headshots:
We are pleased to offer complimentary professional headshots to all attendees, taken by Brianne Burns of Captured by Bri and Lee-Anne Rose from LeeAnne Rose Photography. Two photographers will be on site with a full professional lighting setup to keep the experience quick and seamless. Attendees will receive access to an online gallery after the event to easily download their images. This is your chance to get a polished, high-quality photograph perfect for your LinkedIn or Find a Physio profiles, company website, or next presentation.
*Please note food is included in the conference ticket price, but not drinks.
AAP Connect Breakfast
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Keynote Speaker – Jake Peacock
Break
Concurrent Session #1:
Lunch
Concurrent Session #2:
Break
Concurrent Session #3
Explore Canmore
Here are some fun and convenient options:
Cocktails*
During this hour, attendees who are interested are invited to participate in: “Ethics on the Rocks: A Spirited Conversation,” which will run concurrently with the cocktail hour.
Is it ok to allocate less time to WCB patients because they pay less? Should healthcare workers be mandated to receive vaccines?
Join Jacky Chow and Matt Goertzen from the University of Alberta for a guided tour through murky ethical waters that we frequently wade in as clinicians. Engage with thought provoking questions that directly impact our profession and share your perspectives on these tricky scenarios. Listen to differing viewpoints from fellow physiotherapists, all while enjoying a few drinks!
Contentious topics + cocktails, what could possibly go wrong?
Evening Dinner*, Awards & Entertainment
*Please note food is included in the conference ticket price, but not drinks.
Breakfast
Plenary Session: A Bold New Approach to Physical Therapy Education in Canada – The (proposed undergraduate) Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Alberta
Break
AAP Fireside Chat
Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Updates
Conference Wrap Up
Are you ready to explore the trends shaping the field of physiotherapy? Join us for our highly anticipated concurrent sessions at the upcoming AAP Connect Conference, where we’re bringing together expertise from across the province to share insights, innovations, and best practices across a diverse range of crucial topics.
Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise, expand your professional network, and embark on a journey of learning and discovery at our concurrent sessions. Register today and get ready to unlock the future of physiotherapy!
Please note that individual session registration is not required, with the exception of the off-site session at Banff Sport Medicine Clinic. Registration for this session will open closer to the event. All other sessions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to seating availability.
Presenter(s): Simone Hunter, Dan Bradley, Lauren Singh
Moderator: Doug Gross
Date: Saturday, November 2
Time: 10:30 am
Through case studies and lived experience, this session will explore insights into the physiotherapy management of Long COVID.
Presenter(s): Dr. Geoff Schneider, Tashina Van Vlack, Dhiren Naidu, Nalin Fernando
Date: Saturday, November 2
Time: 10:30 am
Focusing on emerging practices in musculoskeletal (MSK) care, this session will delve into innovative treatments and rehabilitation approaches for spine and low back pain. Participants will learn about the latest advancements in diagnostics, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and the integration of technology in spine health.
Presenter(s): Antonio Bruni PhD, MBA, Kira Ellis, Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell, Dan Gillespie
Date: Saturday, November 2
Time: 10:30 am
This session will highlight the distinct challenges faced by physiotherapists working in rural settings and explore innovative solutions and delivery models to help create greater access to care for Albertans across the project.
Presenter(s):
Banff Sport Medicine
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 2:45pm
Presenter(s):
Candice Natrasony, PT, Alberta Children’s Hospital
Matt Jordan, PhD, Faculty Of Kinesiology, Sport Medicine Centre, University of Calgary
Kenny Noguchi, PhD, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia
David Henderson, PT, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 10:15am
Presenter(s):
Gayle Hulme, PT, Lakeview Physiotherapy & Movement Studio
Lori Walker-Krause, PT, Lakeview Physiotherapy & Movement Studio
Safa Rahman, PT, Alberta Bladder Centre, Caleo Health
Alana Devlin, PT, LifeMark Health Springhill Sport Physiotherapy
Anne-Marie Fafard, PT, Manual Osteopathic Therapist, Inspire Physiotherapy & Osteopathy Clinic
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 2:45pm
Presenter(s):
Dr. Evelyn Etruw, PT, PhD, Team Lead, Urotherapy Physiotherapy – Lois Hole Women’s Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 1:00pm
Presenter(s):
Ahmad Qayyum, PT, Alberta Health Services, Central Zone
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 2:45pm
Presenter(s):
Dr. Geoff Frost MD, FRCPC-Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Jacquie Townsend, PT, BMR PT
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 10:15am
Presenter(s):
Shelly Prosko, PT, PhysioYoga, Sylvan Lake
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 10:15am
Presenter(s):
Rebecca Margel, PT, Hypermobility Canada
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 1:00pm
Presenter(s):
Stacey Will, PT, CHT, Group23 Sport Medicine
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 1:00pm
Presenter(s):
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta: Marguerite Wieler, Bernadette Martin, Eric Parent, Crystal MacLellan, Mark Hall, Doug Gross
Date: Sunday, October 25
Time: 9:00am
Early Bird Pricing Ends Sunday, May 31st!
Register now and secure your opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with Alberta’s physiotherapy community. General registration closes Monday, October 5th.
Please note there are limited availability of hotel rooms at the discounted conference rate and the discounted rate is not guaranteed after Friday, September 4th. A booking link for your discounted hotel stay will be sent along with your confirmation email.
Early Bird Regular
AAP Member* $395 $450
Non Member** $500 $575
Student*** (limited availability) $175 $250
Extra Guest**** – Friday Welcome Reception $45
Extra Guest**** – Saturday Evening Dinner $80
Please note: Prices do not include GST.
*An AAP Member holds a current Alberta Association of Physiotherapy membership. Become a member HERE.
**Currently living in Canada.
***Students must currently be enrolled in a Master of Physical Therapy Program in Canada.
****Adults Only
Click the button below to register and secure your spot. Registration is confirmed once payment has been received. Refunds are available until Friday, September 11th, 2026, and are subject to a $50 administration fee. Cancellations received after this date are non-refundable. Hotel bookings are subject to the cancellation policy of the hotel.
Register now and secure your opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with Alberta’s physiotherapy community.
Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre is ready to make your visit unforgettable. Nestled within the charming Rocky Mountain community of Canmore, Alberta – the conference centre is a short drive from Banff and just an hour away from Calgary.
Significantly discounted room rates available to confirmed AAP Connect attendees. Limited rooms are available at the discounted rate, so book early! Availability of rooms at the discounted conference rate is not guaranteed if you book after September 4th, 2026.
Once you’ve purchased your tickets, a booking link for your discounted hotel stay will be sent along with your confirmation email.
Friday Night Welcome Reception – Join us for a lively welcome reception to kick off the conference! Enjoy some drinks and a delightful selection of appetizers as you connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to network, socialize, and set the tone for an inspiring conference ahead. We look forward to seeing you there!
Saturday Evening – Get ready for an evening filled with excitement, energy, and non-stop fun as you enjoy a delicious dinner followed by the talented Calgary Dueling Pianos engaging in a musical showdown like no other. You’ll sing and dance the night away to everything from classic hits to modern favourites, don’t miss out on this unforgettable night!
On behalf of the Alberta Association of Physiotherapy as President, it is my pleasure to welcome you to join us for AAP Connect 2026!
Following the success of our inaugural AAP Connect conference in fall 2024, this year’s event marks another important step forward for our physiotherapy community. As we return to Canmore, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, we come together once again to connect, collaborate, and support individual professional growth and the advancement of physiotherapy in Alberta.
We have developed a thoughtful and engaging program that brings together respected speakers, relevant concurrent sessions, and opportunities for meaningful conversation. From exploring emerging trends in physiotherapy to sharing practical strategies for optimizing patient care, AAP Connect 2026 offers an invaluable opportunity for learning and development. Attendees will also gain insight into AAP’s ongoing advocacy efforts, as well as key legislative developments and changes within Alberta’s healthcare system that directly affect physiotherapists and physiotherapy practice.
This year also marks an important milestone for AAP, as we introduce our inaugural professional awards recognizing excellence within the physiotherapy profession in Alberta. These awards provide an opportunity to celebrate individuals and teams whose contributions reflect leadership, collaboration, and long-standing commitment to our profession and will be presented at AAP Connect 2026. Awards will be presented across four categories: the Student / Entry to Practice Award, the Emerging Leader Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Interprofessional Collaboration Award.
At its core, AAP Connect is about strengthening our professional community. It is a space to exchange perspectives, build lasting connections, and support one another in our shared commitment to advancing physiotherapy and improving patient outcomes across the province. Your participation is what makes this event meaningful, and I am confident that the conversations and collaborations that take place will leave us informed, inspired, and energized.
We look forward to seeing everyone for AAP Connect! Together, let us continue to connect, learn, and grow as we advance the profession of physiotherapy and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
See you in Canmore!
Colleen Kuntze, PT
President, Alberta Association of Physiotherapy
Your conference registration includes:
Friday: Welcome reception (including light appetizers). Complimentary professional headshots. Saturday: Breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. Evening entertainment. Access to the keynote presentation and concurrent sessions. Sunday: Breakfast, access to plenary sessions. (Please note: beverages are not included.)
Your accomodation, parking, beverages, travel to and from the conference.
There are tickets available for purchase so a guest (adults only) can join you at the Friday Welcome Reception ($45) and Saturday Evening Dinner ($80). Conference programming is available to registered conference attendees ONLY.
While we have secured a very competitive rate and there is the ease of staying on-site where all conference activities are happening, you are welcome to stay anywhere you would like.
Please note, there are a limited number of rooms available at the discounted rate and the discounted rate is not guarenteed after Friday, September 4th, so book your room early! A link to book your discounted hotel stay will be sent to you via your registration confirmation email.
Yes, there is a parking lot available. For Hotel Guests staying overnight, there is a self-parking fee $10 per day per vehicle (first come first serve) that will be applied to the guestroom. Guests must register their car licence plate at check in (one car per room maximum).
For any event attendees not staying overnight at the Coast Canmore Hotel & Conference Centre parking is available at a reduced hourly charge by use of the Indigo Neo App. If the parking lot is full there is some street parking available that is within walking distance of the hotel. Carpooling is recommended where possible.
If you are flying in for the conference, the closest airport is Calgary International Airport (roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes away).
In order to qualify as a student you must currently be enrolled in a Master of Physical Therapy Program in Canada.
Visit the AAP website for more info. Membership is free for students.
Refunds for registration are available until Friday, September 11th, 2026, and will be subject to an administration fee of $50. If you choose to book accommodation at the Coast Hotel, the Guest Reservation Cancellation Policy is: 48 hours prior to arrival by 4pm MST.
More sponsors coming soon.
Ready to connect with Alberta physiotherapists? Your support is instrumental in making this event a success and fostering meaningful connections within our community.
Get in touch to see how you or your organization can get involved.
Jake Peacock is a passionate athlete, business owner, coach, and family man. He has reached and inspired many through his story of overcoming adversity and never giving up. Born with one hand, he has overcome some of life’s hardest challenges and has never let this stop him. After 26 years in combat sports, Jake has made it to the world’s largest combat sports stage—ONE Championship. He holds a professional record of 14–2 with a 92% finish rate.
His story has been a source of hope and inspiration for many. Jake aims to inspire others to dream big, work hard, and never put limits on themselves—and above all, never give up.
Join Banff Sport Medicine’s multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, sport medicine physicians, and physiotherapists for a hands-on session focused on the assessment of shoulder pain.
This session will guide participants through a comprehensive clinical approach, including history taking, physical examination, appropriate use of diagnostic imaging, identification of red flags requiring urgent referral, and indications for surgical consultation. Small-group, interactive practice of assessment techniques will help build confidence and clinical decision-making skills.
This session will take place off-site at the Banff Sport Medicine Clinic, located a short walking distance from the conference centre. Space is limited, and advance registration for this session will be required.
Learning Objectives
Power training (a type of resistance training utilizing high velocity force generation) holds promise to improve function of Albertans of many ages and with many conditions. PTs are well positioned to implement power training into their intervention plans. This session will review background and evidence related to power training, share research findings related to specific populations and discuss approaches to power training protocols in different settings and patient populations.
Learning Objectives
Pelvic health PTs contribute to improving the health of Albertans in a significant way. Yet, it is an area that remains less understood by other practitioners and by Albertans. This session will cover the following pelvic health subjects: Pelvic health physiotherapy for pelvic organ prolapses, pediatric pelvic health physiotherapy, pelvic health physiotherapy for the male patients and pre and post natal pelvic health physiotherapy.
Learning Objectives
Chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, asthma, and ILD are major contributors to global morbidity and mortality. This session explores the physiotherapist’s role across the continuum of care, from acute hospital management to community-based pulmonary rehabilitation. Learn how integrated rehabilitation—including exercise, education, self-management, and breathing strategies inspired by Mary Massery’s Linked framework—can reduce readmissions, improve function, and enhance quality of life, with case examples from Alberta programs.
Learning Objectives:
This session will showcase an innovative initiative that integrated the biopsychosocial model into rural public physiotherapy practice to improve chronic pain care in limited-resource settings. It will highlight how physiotherapy leadership and clinical practice enabled a shift from biomedical to Biopsychosocial approach through in-house training, clinical tools, and knowledge translation. Key components include a community of practice, triage innovation, and strategies for sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and system-level impact.
Learning Objectives:
This interactive, case-based program is designed for physical therapists (PTs) and allied health clinicians involved in post-stroke care. It covers epidemiology, pathophysiology, assessment, and management of post-stroke spasticity, providing practical tools such as the Modified Ashworth Scale, Modified Tardieu Scale, Motor Function measures, and patient-reported outcome tools (ArmA, LegA). The session introduces the PSS risk classification system, guiding appropriate monitoring and referral decisions via real-life clinical cases. The content emphasizes a multidisciplinary team approach and reviews non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions to optimize patient outcomes.
Learning Objectives
Growing research suggests that trait self-compassion and self-compassion training may influence a variety of health outcomes, including outcomes for people living with chronic pain. This interactive workshop explores the evidence-informed role of self-compassion in pain care for both patients and clinicians. Participants will review the research, address common misconceptions, and engage in guided practices to support pain self-management, clinical outcomes, and professional well-being.
Learning Objectives:
The hypermobile/EDS (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) population is grossly underserved in Alberta (10-25% of the general population). Patients are travelling long distances for care that should be locally accessible. This clinician-focused workshop is relevant for those working in orthopedics, emergency, outpatient physiotherapy, and other settings where patients with EDS and hypermobility are encountered. Using case studies and group discussion, participants will learn EDS-aware assessment, education, exercise, and referral strategies to support safe, confident patient care.
Learning Objectives
Wrists and hands are often seen as intimidating and complex but can be within the scope of treatment for any outpatient physiotherapist. This workshop will review commonly seen wrist injuries in private practice and how to better manage them as physiotherapists including assessment tips, differential diagnosis, anatomy review, commonly seen mistakes in exercise management, and role of splinting.
Learning Objectives:
The proposed 4-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program would replace the current 2.5-year MScPT, reducing total time to practice from 6.5 to 6 years. The extended format allows for deeper physical therapy–specific training, enhanced clinical experiences, and improved work readiness, aligning physiotherapy education with other Canadian entry-to-practice doctorates such as PharmD and MD. This session is relevant to anyone interested in the future of physiotherapy education and practice in Alberta.
Learning Objectives
Alberta physiotherapists and clinics, ensure you’re listed in the upcoming ‘Find a Physio’ directory. Connect with Albertans in need of your expertise.
Already an AAP member? Log in and add your listing.
Not a member? Not a problem. Log in with your guest account or create a guest account today.
Welcome to our Forum! This space is designed for you to engage, share, and connect with fellow physiotherapists. Here’s how you can get started with creating new topics and responding to existing ones.
