Different Career Stages, One Community: What NATA Convention Means to Athletic Trainers

In this episode of NATA-Cast, hosts Mollie Pillman, MS, MBA, CAE, and Katie Scott, MS, ATC, CAE, explore what NATA's annual convention means across different stages of an athletic training career. Joining the conversation are Axel Moncada, MA, LAT, ATC, a fourth-year certified athletic trainer; Michelle Holt, MA, ATC, OPE-C, an athletic trainer for thirteen years and working in physician practice with an orthopedic surgeon; and Tom Abdenour, DHSc, ATC, CES, a Hall of Famer with nearly five decades in athletic training spanning professional basketball and collegiate athletics. Together, they reflect on the energy, connection and professional growth that define the convention experience. Axel shares lessons learned from attending early in his career, Michelle discusses the value of reconnecting with colleagues and getting involved through volunteering and Committee Day, and Tom highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the significance of his Hall of Fame induction. The episode also offers practical advice for first-time attendees, including finding a convention buddy, stepping outside your comfort zone and taking advantage of opportunities ranging from networking to on-demand education and pre-conference programming.

NATA 2026 is June 29 - July 2 and happening in Philly.  Learn more and register to attend at convention.nata.org.

NATA-Cast is produced by Association Briefings.

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