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2026 MATS ANNUAL CLINICAL SYMPOSIUM
Call fo Speaker Proposals

Deadline August 31, 2025

 

The Michigan Athletic Trainers’ Society Professional Education Committee is inviting proposals for professional presentations at the 2026 Annual Meeting in June (dates are TBD, looking at the first Friday of June).  

 

Presentation topics should address athletic training domain(s) of practice beyond entry-level knowledge or address a topic that would make a valuable contribution to the understanding of the practice or pedagogy of athletic training. Proposal submissions must avoid any affiliation with a commercial product or service. ​

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Submission Instructions 

Prepare your proposal in a Word document and ensure it includes all the required sections: 

  • Title (maximum 15 words) 

  • Abstract (maximum 300 words) 

  • Clinical Gap (explain the problem or knowledge/skill gap addressed) 

  • Three (3) Learning Objectives using verbs aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy (e.g., identify, apply, evaluate) 

  • Three (3) Peer-Reviewed References in APA format, published within the last 10 years 

  • Clinical Bottom Line (a one-sentence, evidence-informed, actionable takeaway) 

  • Level of Instruction (Essential, Mastery, or Advanced) 

  • Submit your completed proposal electronically to David Berry (dcberry@svsu.edu) no later than August 31, 2025.

 

All proposals must be original content that has not been previously presented in the same format at another state or regional conference. 

 

Important Notes 

 

  • Peer Review Process: All submissions will undergo a blind peer-review process conducted by the MATS Professional Education Committee. ​

    • Edits May Be Requested: If accepted, presenters may be asked to revise content to align with CEU accreditation standards or to better meet participant learning needs. 

  • Acceptance Not Guaranteed: Submission of a proposal does not guarantee acceptance. Selections will be based on clinical relevance, originality, evidence support, and alignment with the symposium theme and goals. 

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Questions? 

Please direct any inquiries to the MATS Professional Education Committee at: dcberry@svsu.edu 

 

We value your contribution to the advancement of athletic training and look forward to reviewing your innovative and evidence-based proposals.

 

More information and examples are below. 

MATS Annual Symposium — Call for Speaker Proposals 

June 2026 

Proposal Deadline: August 31, 2025 

 

1. Presentation Title 

Provide a concise, engaging title that reflects your session topic. 

 

2. Abstract (up to 250 words) 

Summarize your session, including purpose, key content, and clinical relevance. Ensure it clearly describes what attendees will learn and why it is relevant to athletic training practice or patient outcomes. 

 

3. Identified Clinical Gap 

Describe the specific gap your session addresses, such as knowledge deficits, skill limitations, or practice challenges seen in athletic training today. 

 

4. Learning Objectives (3) 

Frame objectives using Bloom’s Taxonomy (e.g., identify, analyze, apply). For example: 

  1. Analyze biomechanical factors contributing to ACL injuries in female athletes. 

  1. Design a sport-specific functional rehab progression plan. 

  1. Evaluate treatment outcomes using evidence-based criteria. 

 

5. Three Peer-Reviewed References 

Cite recent (within the last 5 years), high-quality research. Examples: 

  • Smith et al. (2022). “Efficacy of neuromuscular training in ACL injury prevention.” Journal of Athletic Training. 

  • Lee & Johnson (2021). “Return to play criteria following concussion.” Sports Health. 

  • Hernandez et al. (2023). “Dry needling in acute muscle strain management.” Sports Medicine. 

 

6. Clinical Bottom Line 

Summarize what athletic trainers will take away—e.g., “Integrating neuromuscular warmups can reduce noncontact knee injuries by 30%.” 

 

7. Intended Audience & Level 

Select the appropriate level—Essential, Mastery, or Advanced—based on the topic's depth and the expected participant's experience. 

 

8. Session Type 

Specify if your session is a lecture, hands-on lab, case study, or discussion format. 

 

9. Equipment & Room Layout 

Detail any AV needs, space requirements, or equipment (e.g., tables, goniometers, resistance bands). 

 

Submit proposals in a Word document to David Berry, PhD, MHA, AT, ATC (dcberry@svsu.edu) 

 

 

Example Submission 

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Title:  Advancing Return-to-Play Protocols for Concussion: A Practical Workshop 

 

Abstract: This session addresses current limitations in concussion RTP decision-making, providing updated protocols supported by recent evidence. Attendees will learn objective tools for symptom tracking, functional assessment, and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize safe and timely RTP. 

 

Clinical Gap: Practitioners lack standardized, evidence-based RTP frameworks, leading to variable care and potential reinjury. 

 

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Differentiate the current consensus and emerging RTP guidelines post-concussion. 

  2. Apply objective assessment tools (e.g., balance, cognitive metrics) into the clinical workflow. 

  3. Develop a stepwise RTP progression plan tailored to high school athletes. 

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References: 

  1. Søberg HL, Andelic N, Langhammer B, Tamber AL, Bruusgaard KA, Kleffelgaard I. Effect of vestibular rehabilitation on change in health-related quality of life in patients with dizziness and balance problems after traumatic brain injury: A randomized controlled trial. J Rehabil Med. 2021 Apr 21;53(4):jrm00181. doi: 10.2340/16501977-2823.   

  2. Mettler A, Chinn L, Saliba SA, McKeon PO, Hertel J. Balance training and center-of-pressure location in participants with chronic ankle instability. J Athl Train. 2015 Apr;50(4):343-9. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-49.3.94.  

  3. Cain MS, Ban RJ, Chen YP, Geil MD, Goerger BM, Linens SW. Four-Week Ankle-Rehabilitation Programs in Adolescent Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability. J Athl Train. 2020 Aug 1;55(8):801-810. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-41-19.  

 

Clinical Bottom Line: Implementing a structured, objective RTP protocol enhances athlete safety and return consistency. 

 

Level: Mastery 

 

Session Type: Interactive workshop with case-based breakout groups. 

 

Equipment: Projector, balance assessment tool (e.g., BESS kit), participant worksheets, access to treatment tables. 

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