PPS Annual Conference: Deal of a Lifetime

By Terry C. Brown, PT, DPT

It is early August and once again time to write to all who read this great magazine. What is on my mind today and what has already had a vast amount of work put into it is Private Practice Section (PPS) Annual Conference.

As we prepare for this year’s extravaganza in Las Vegas, I can’t help but look back to how this event has evolved and what it has meant to my career. My first PPS annual conference was in 1992. I went looking for something different. I was not new to working in a private practice but was brand new to managing one. I had no idea what I was doing, but knew I needed help. I had suddenly found out that being a skilled manual therapist did not necessarily relate to running a practice. I had been quite involved in American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as a chapter president and had even served on several committees, but I was not finding the help I needed to tackle my new adventure. So, as a nervous young therapist, off I went to a world that appeared to me to be made up of giants who were out of my league, PPS members at the annual conference. I had not been there an hour when then president of PPS, Peter Towne, walked up and introduced himself. That’s all it took. I was hooked. I spent the next three days soaking up everything I could learn and meeting everyone who would give me the time of day. I went home with so many ideas and so much enthusiasm that my staff threatened to never let me go back again.

By the next year Peter had talked me into running for nominating committee. I lost the election but I met more really smart, innovative people who were willing to share their expertise and act as mentors to this young therapist who had nothing but questions. The path from 1992 to now is paved with so many friendships and so much sharing that I am truly blessed to have made this journey. I can honestly say that the success of my practice is directly related to my annual conference attendance.

My story is not unusual. Most PPS members who attend annual conference will have a similar one. Once you go it is very difficult to stay away. There is too much knowledge, sharing, education, and just plain good fun to miss. It is also the best investment that you will ever make in your practice—an all-inclusive conference with free meals and social time, vast and varied educational opportunities, and your ability to make contacts.

I’d say it’s a pretty safe bet that you can hit the jackpot at this year’s conference. See you in Vegas next month!