2026 APTA & NSCA RETURN TO PLAY PERFORMANCE SUMMIT
Advance Return-to-Play Decisions Across Rehab, Reconditioning, and Performance
September 26, 2026 | Washington, D.C. | In Person Only | 0.8 Category A CEUs
Overview
When athletes and clients move from rehabilitation toward performance, every decision matters: criteria, loading, progression, communication, and timing. The 2026 APTA & NSCA Return to Play Performance Summit helps physical therapists and strength and conditioning professionals make those decisions with greater clarity and collaboration.
Learn from leaders across sports medicine and performance, engage in hands-on education, and connect with peers committed to evidence-based return to performance. Leave with practical takeaways while earning 0.8 CEUs.
Event Highlights
Summit Social at APTA Headquarters
Friday, September 25 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Join fellow attendees for a relaxed evening to connect, compare perspectives, and talk shop before the Summit begins. APTA Headquarters is Metro-accessible near Potomac Yard.
3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100
Alexandria, VA 22305
Included with Registration
Hosted in Collaboration with APTA
This Summit is hosted in collaboration with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), reflecting our Joint Principles Statement on complementary roles, evidence-based practice, and client- and athlete-centered care.
Supported by the NSCA Mid-Atlantic Region
The volunteer-led NSCA Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR) connects professionals across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia through local educational events and community.
Schedule
| Event Itinerary - Friday, September 25 |
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5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Summit Social at APTA Headquarters |
| Event Itinerary - Saturday, September 26 |
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7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Social & Coffee with Exhibitors |
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8:00 AM - 8:50 AM Keynote: The Evolution of the High-Performance Team In Sport: Insights from a PT and Strength Coach by Lance Walker, MS, PT, CSCS Lecture |
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9:00 AM - 11:50 AM Group Sessions — Morning Rotation Group sessions repeat across morning and afternoon rotations so that attendees attend every session by the end of the day. |
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9:00 AM - 9:50 AM Using Pelvic Health to Power Performance by Rachel Selman, DPT, CSCS Lecture |
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9:00 AM - 9:50 AM Title to be determined by Rocky Snyder, MS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT Hands-On |
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10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Rehab to Performance Continuum: Integrating ACL Rehabilitation into High-Level Sport Preparation by Jon Kilian, MS, DPT Lecture |
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10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Utilizing Kettlebells in a Return to Play Program by Jose Vazquez, PT, CSCS Hands-On |
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11:00 AM - 11:50 AM The Middle Ground: Full Return to Play for Overhead Athletes by Austin Bennett, DPT, CSCS Lecture |
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11:00 AM - 11:50 AM Weightlifting Progressions for Return to Play by Tony Chao, PT, DPT, PhD, CSCS, USAW Hands-On |
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12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch |
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1:00 PM - 3:50 PM Group Sessions — Afternoon Rotation |
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1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Using Pelvic Health to Power Performance by Rachel Selman, DPT, CSCS Lecture |
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1:00 PM - 1:50 PM Addressing Asymmetry in the Return to Play Model by Rocky Snyder, MS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT Hands-On |
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2:00 PM - 2:50 PM Rehab to Performance Continuum: Integrating ACL Rehabilitation into High-Level Sport Preparation by Jon Kilian, DPT, MS Lecture |
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2:00 PM - 2:50 PM Utilizing Kettlebells in a Return to Play Program by Jose Vazquez, PT, CSCS Hands-On |
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3:00 PM - 3:50 PM The Middle Ground: Full Return to Play for Overhead Athletes by Austin Bennett, DPT, CSCS Lecture |
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3:00 PM - 3:50 PM Weightlifting Progressions for Return to Play by Tony Chao, PT, DPT, PhD, CSCS, USAW Hands-On |
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4:10 PM - 4:50 PM Keynote: Call to Action: How to Collaborate with Professionals in Your Practice by Dan Giordano, PT, DPT, CSCS Lecture |
Venue & Hotel
Held at The George Washington University
Learn at The George Washington University’s convenient urban campus in Washington, D.C., with a Metro stop on campus and travel options through Union Station and three major airports.
1918 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20052
Hosted by:
Julia Olsen, PhD, MS, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F,*D
NSCA Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator
conferences@nsca.com
Hotel Information Coming Soon
Plan your stay near the venue. Hotel booking details and group rate information will be added when available.
More Details Coming Soon
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2026 NSCA Spring Performance Summit Attendee |
“The wealth of information provided by the presenters was amazing. Also, the ability to connect with other professionals is always an added bonus.” |
Pricing
Lock In Your Fall Summit Savings Early
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Early Bird Through September 9 |
Standard September 10 – On-Site |
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APTA & NSCA Return to Play Performance Summit Rates apply to all attendees
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$115 |
$165 |
Earn 0.8 CEUs Category A toward the 2024 – 2026 NSCA recertification cycle.
Choose the Best Summit for You
All five Fall Performance Summits run simultaneously across the country, each built around a focused strength and conditioning theme. Before registering, make sure this Summit best aligns with your goals and interests or revisit the full topic lineup.
FAQ
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Do I need to attend all four Summits to earn 0.8 CEUs?
No. The 2026 APTA & NSCA Return to Play Performance Summit offers 0.8 CEUs Category A on its own. Because all five Summits take place at the same time nationwide, you only need to attend the one you choose.
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Is this Summit offered virtually?
No. The 2026 APTA & NSCA Return to Play Performance Summit is an in-person event only.
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Where is this Summit held?
The 2026 APTA & NSCA Return to Play Performance Summit is held at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
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Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment
National Strength and Conditioning Association is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and discrimination-free experience for everyone at NSCA events. NSCA seeks to provide an event environment in which diverse attendees may learn, network and enjoy the company of colleagues in a professional atmosphere. NSCA does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of attendees in any form.
Policy & Procedures -
Cancellation Policy
Event Cancellation: Sign up by the early registration date to lock in early bird pricing and help ensure the clinic isn't cancelled due to low registration!
Individual Cancellation: All refund requests must be submitted in writing (email) and should state the reason for cancellation. No refunds will be accepted over the phone.
Email: conferences@nsca.com50% refund if postmarked on or before the early registration date.
No refund after the early registration date. -
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive the speaker PowerPoint presentations?
If they are available, you will receive them via email within 2 weeks after the event.Will I receive a Certificate of Attendance?
Yes. A certificate will be emailed to you approximately 2 weeks after the event.How do I report my CEUs?
The NSCA will automatically apply the CEUs to your NSCA Account. If you need to report CEUs elsewhere, you may use the Certificate of Attendance.Can anyone register for this event?
Yes. Anyone who is interested in an NSCA Event can register.Do I need a Membership to register?
Create Account
No. You only need an NSCA Account to register. If you do not have one, you can create one for free.
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