Every year, the SSO:USA Annual Research Conference brings together leading researchers, scholars, therapists, and students to exchange ideas and share their work related to the study of participation in daily activities or those activities that occupy our lives. We are excited to announce that the 2026 Annual Research Conference will take place November 5 - 7, 2026, at the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa in Portland, Maine.
One of the unique features of SSO:USA conferences is the attention devoted to balance and the quality of participants’ experiences. Researchers should leave an SSO:USA conference refreshed, stimulated, and energized to return to their work. Shared meals, conference break blocks, and a range of balance activities encourage attendees to rejuvenate, network, and explore unique aspects of local culture.
Conference Theme: Charting a Course: Focusing and Catalyzing Research for Action
The theme concerns connections and interactions of nature and occupation. Just as nature-based contexts impact occupations that occur in various ecologies, human occupation has profound impacts on these and other ecosystems/ the natural world. Sessions may relate to the theme in various ways, such as discussion questions, interpretations or reflections.
SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT FOR 2026
The Society for the Study of Occupation: USA invites abstract submissions for the 2026 Conference, Charting a Course: Focusing and Catalyzing Research for Action, to be held November 5 to 7, 2026 in Portland, Maine. All occupational science topics are welcome.
The abstract submission site opens is now OPEN. The deadline to submit is March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST.
Please review the full Call for Abstracts document for submission details and requirements.
2026 Ruth Zemke Lectureship in Occupational Science
In recognition of Dr. Ruth Zemke's mentorship, questing intellect, and ongoing efforts to foster an occupational science community of researchers, this Lectureship was named in her honor. The lectureship is designed as a forum to present visionary, theoretical, and critical analyses of occupational science.
2026 Ruth Zemke Lectureship in Occupational Science: Dr. Khalilah R. Johnson, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
One of the unique features of SSO:USA conferences is the attention devoted to balance and the quality of participants’ experiences. Researchers should leave an SSO:USA conference refreshed, stimulated, and energized to return to their work. Shared meals, conference break blocks, and a range of balance activities encourage attendees to rejuvenate, network, and explore unique aspects of local culture.
All attendees are invited to contribute and enjoy this informal community gathering with many art forms-- singing, poetry, stand-up, and more.
SSO:USA is committed to welcoming and supporting attendees of all gender identities, races and ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and diverse cultures to our conference space. The Conference Committee is working to ensure that resources and supports are provided to facilitate inclusion and safety for all attendees.
It is the expectation that attendees at this year's SSO:USA Annual Research Conference will treat others with respect, follow facility and event rules, and alert SSO:USA and/or Portland Regency Hotel if exclusionary or discriminatory behaviors occur.