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What Happened in Vegas…
…isn’t staying there. Moments from the 2026 AOPA National Assembly where the brightest from around the profession gathered
By Josephine Rossi
Each year, O&P professionals come to the AOPA National Assembly for continuing education, a first look at new technology, and talks from leading experts. But the bigger draw is the chance to spend a few days with the rest of the profession. From September 9 to 12, more than 1,900 participants from across the country and around the world met in Las Vegas to learn, reconnect with colleagues, and make new contacts. Here are some moments captured from those four days.
We do, too!!AOPA board member Jim Kingsley, MBA, chatted with participants at the First Time Attendees Breakfast.‘Hands-on’ learning at the Manufacturers WorkshopsWelcome to Las Vegas Reception(Left) AOPA VP Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CP, FAAOP(D), hosted a fireside chat with keynote speaker Hugh Herr, PhD, on Thursday morning.As part of the Amputee Coalition Community Day, a multidisciplinary panel — featuring clinical, patient, physician, research, and advocacy perspectives — explained how a shift in mindset reframes patient care through shared decision-making.Making friends, chatting with experts, and learning more about the latest technologies and innovations in the Exhibit HallSusan Vicino showed attendees how to apply a unique risk assessment model to their patient care activities, helping providers better manage their revenue cycle, as part of the National Assembly’s business education track.Following the Poster Showcase, presenters met with attendees to discuss their research topics and answer questions.The Night of Impact supported three organizations working to advance advocacy, education, research, innovation, and access to care: AOPA’s Capitol Connection, So Every BODY Can Move, and the Live In Motion Foundation. Here, leaders from all three organizations celebrated the limb loss community and shared memorable stories with participants.Wurdeman and Carrie Davis, president of the Amputee Coalition and VP of patient and employee experience at Hanger ClinicAnnouncement of the new documentary “Not Medically Necessary” during the eventRecipients of the Ralph R. “Ronney” Snell, CPO, FAAOP, Legislative Advocacy Award — (left) Nicole Ver Kullen and (right) Maggie Baumer, JD, EMBA — shared a moment on stage with AOPA Executive Director Teri Kuffel, JD.
(Left) Dennis, E. Clark, CPO, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and (right) the Volunteer of the Year Award went to Dennis Janisse, C.Ped.
(Left) Jeff Brandt, CPO, after accepting the James H. Campbell Commitment to Outcomes Award, and (right) Dale Berry, CP, FAAOP, LP, captured in a shot with AOPA President Kimberly Hanson, CPRH. His presentation was chosen by attendees to receive the Sam E. Hamontree, CP, Business Education Award.
(Left) The Otto and Lucille Becker Award – Orthotics went to O&P Resident Alexis K. Spell, MSPO, and (right) Drexel University students, Adam Fields, BS ESS, MSOP, and Laine Bainter, BSRS, MSOP received the Edwin and Catherine Arbogast Award – Prosthetics.
Panelists offered insights and strategies to help clinicians optimize long-term outcomes for individuals with cerebral palsy as they move through adulthood and enter older age.Panel discussion during the Women in O&P LuncheonSay, “Cheese!”Michael Hoggatt Jr., PT, DPT, research faculty member at International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics. IIOP hosted a three-day mobility lab experience center, which held live demonstrations showcasing what modern limb loss rehab looks like when it keeps pace with advances in prosthetic technology.Did you have a late night or very early morning? We won’t tell….Kuffel kicked off Saturday’s annual member meeting and general session.President-Elect Matt Swiggum addressed the audience after being passed the gravelby Hanson.
(Left) Roland Manyai of Leopoly and (right) Chai Katpatal of Everi Labs, along with representatives from 12 other companies, discussed their digital scanning technology, 3D design workflows, finished devices, and 3D printed products to participants during the O&P Digital Care Showcase.
Qwadra’s software tools allow for quick application of anatomical corrections to the scanned shape to create the desired form. This was just one of the many product demonstrations that went on during the showcase.Mosaic Manufacturing was voted Best in Digital Showcase winner by attendees.The company officially launched Orion, its new 3D printing platform designed specifically for custom orthotics during the Assembly.We’re already California dreamin’. See you next year in Long Beach!
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Josephine Rossi is the editor of O&P Almanac. She has been covering healthcare and the O&P community for more than 15 years.
