Connect and collaborate—Building relationships to shape the future of occupational therapy together

Abstract

As we write this Editorial during National Reconciliation week, we have been reflecting on this year's theme of Bridging Now to Next, and what role we have in honouring the truths of the past to build a more united and respectful nation. What is clear to us as we reflect on a brighter future for all peoples is that at the very core of any path forward are the strong respectful relationships that we build with each other and our communities (Wright et al., 2023).

Considering the relationships we have in our everyday life as occupational therapists, we are mindful that it is only through our relationships with clients, their families, our interprofessional colleagues, stakeholders, and research participants and teams, that we are afforded experiences and opportunities to create new knowledges and new practices that we can share in such environments as a scientific conference.

As we prepare for, and eagerly await, the upcoming 31st National Occupational Therapy Australia Conference and Exhibition, we are looking forward to bringing to life the conference theme of ‘Connect and Collaborate’. In doing so, we can continue to build the relationships we need to make the difference for our local, national, and global communities. In connecting and collaborating, we have the opportunity to listen and learn from each other, to celebrate occupational therapy, and to continue to inspire the transformative profession we all are passionate about.

We invite you to embrace the conference theme not just over the 3 days we gather in Adelaide, but well beyond. Let the knowledge you gain and the relationships you build ripple outwards—merging into waves of influence that positively impact on the future of occupational therapy and the health and social care of our communities.

This conference will showcase work from clinicians, researchers, educators, engineers, artists, advocates, students, and thought leaders from a myriad of professional backgrounds from across Australia and globally. These cross-sector collaborations and diversity of expertise and experience reminds us that the success of occupational therapy is not only in individual expertise but also in our collective commitment to collaborate with others in our client centred care.

This conference has been designed to provide many opportunities to explore, challenge, and reimagine the boundaries of our practice. The conference theme of connection and collaboration is reflected in every keynote, session, and conversation throughout the program. Furthermore, workshops, interactive learning sessions, and networking events provide fertile ground for collaboration. We hope that the presentations provoke reflection and spark innovation, as the informal conversations—over coffee, in hallways, or in the exhibition space—nurture a culture of mentorship, dialogue, and shared growth.

Continuing the legacy of innovation introduced by Natasha Lannin and the 2011 conference committee, this year's program features hundreds of presentations, posters, and ‘Impact Insights’, all rigorously peer-reviewed to ensure scientific excellence and practical relevance. The result is a program that is not only inspiring but also grounded in cutting-edge research and real-world impact.

We see connection and collaboration in action across the program: in sessions on neurodiversity-affirming practices, in the lived experiences of carers and clients, and in the codesign of assistive technologies. Whether through immersive virtual reality, artificial intelligence, nature play, enabling parenting, advocating self-compassion and wellbeing, culturally responsive care, curriculum and clinical placement initiatives, or collaborative mental health practices, occupational therapists are forging new pathways to connect meaningfully for the care of individuals and communities.

The 2025 program has a diversity of topics as shown in the collated conference program word cloud below in Figure 1.

The 2025 conference also addresses many of the pressing challenges we face in everyday practice. Topics such as workforce shortages, burnout, and the evolving demands of the NDIS will be presented as not merely operational issues but compassionately discussed in relation to the impact they have on us personally. Furthermore, sharing other complex environmental challenges such as climate change, health inequities, and technological disruption will help to build a stronger and more resilient profession for the future.

We are also excited to be able to spend time at the conference to celebrate the creativity, dedication, and heart that occupational therapists bring to every setting through a range of awards. The Best Paper, Best Student Paper, and Best Poster awards highlight excellence and innovation.

As wonderful as the conference will be, we are hoping that the connections and collaborations you have made will continue in relationships that keep the conversations that advance our practice and occupational therapy into the future, leading to meaningful and accessible care of all. We know that our occupational therapy profession has so much to look forward to and achieve, given the passion, commitment, excellence and groundbreaking practice this conference will witness. It is evident that together as we collaborate, connect, and build relationships, we are shaping an exciting future for occupational therapy.

Finally, we would like to thank attendees, presenters, organisers, and supporters for your contributions to the 2025 conference. The conference planning has been happening over the last 2 years with a group of dedicated volunteers and Occupational Therapy Australia staff. Without you, all this conference would not have been possible.