Congress 2026 – Call for Presentations

We welcome the original and emerging research, including:

• Clinical, quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods studies,
• Research syntheses (systematic/scoping/critical reviews),
• Single-case and case-series experimental designs.

Priority will be given to research that is already completed, but abstracts with preliminary data analysis will be considered. Research conducted as part of Masters of Physiotherapy education within the last 24 months is welcome.

Formats: 

• Poster Presentation: Graphic presentation of a scientific paper; assigned time slot for in-person Q&A.
• Rapid Fire Presentation (5 minutes): Concise oral presentation with up to 5 slides
• Podium Presentation (15 minutes): 10-minute oral presentation plus 3-5 minutes Q&A

Symposia focus on topics of practical, professional, or clinical relevance and may be up to 60 minutes in length. They should be relevant to physiotherapy practice, showcase best practices,  innovation, quality improvement projects, physiotherapy education, knowledge mobilization, or emerging trends in the profession. Submissions that emphasize engagement and reflect thought leadership or the advancement of the profession are strongly encouraged.

Formats include:

• Presentation: A speaker or group of presenters shares current practices, research, education, or professional issues. The session should include practical insights and, where possible, clear applications for attendees.
• Panel Discussion: A group of 2 to 4 presenters offers different perspectives on the same topic, followed by an open Q&A or discussion. A moderator is required.
• Workshop: A hands-on session that teaches specific skills or approaches. Includes demonstrations, exercises, or guided practice. The session should actively involve participants and focus on skill development.
• Roundtable Discussion: A small-group discussion guided by a moderator or facilitator. Participants share experiences and ideas around a specific theme or challenge. Emphasis is on conversation, collaboration, brainstorming, and learning from peers.

Submission process

• All submissions must be received via the Abstract Portal according to the guidelines provided.
• To begin, create an account/profile in the Abstract Portal. Please keep a record of the account details you use to set up the account as you will require them to access both the abstract submission system and Congress registration portal.
• You may submit your proposal in either English, French, or both.
• Abstracts can be edited, saved, or withdrawn any time before the submission deadline.

Confirmation of submission

• You will receive a confirmation email upon successful submission of the abstract.
• If you do not receive a confirmation email, please check that your abstract is not left in draft and is fully submitted by logging back into the portal and checking ‘Edit Abstracts’.

Notification and Registration

• Submitters will be notified of acceptance in November – December 2025
• Presenters must confirm participation and register by January 9, 2026
• All presenters must be available to present in person on May 28-30, 2026, in Halifax, NS.
• All presenters must register for the conference. Presenters will receive a 15% discount on Early Bird Full Congress registration

• Presentation of accepted abstracts must cover the same content and follow the same outline as described in the submission.
• Due to scheduling limits, you may be asked to adjust the session’s format or length.
• Some submissions may be invited to present at another CPA event (webinar, Division/Assembly – related or leadership summit event).

• Provided equipment includes screen, LCD projector, podium, microphone (depending on room size), and laptop computer.
• Personal laptops are not permitted.
• PowerPoint is the primary presentation format.
• Presenters must upload their slide deck to the abstract portal before Congress.
• Presenters are responsible for their own printed handouts; on-site printing is not available.

• Abstracts and presenter information will be published in the Congress program and online.
• Prior to submission, presenters must secure permissions for any copyrighted material, presentation of patient information, or visuals.
• Ethical approvals must be obtained for all research involving human or animal subjects.
• After presentation at Congress, the author(s) retain the right to include the work in articles, books, or derivative works that they author or edit provided said use does not imply the endorsement of the CPA.

1. No self-promotion or commercial content is allowed.
2. Conflict of interest disclosures must appear at the start of each slide presentation.
3. Ensure that there is no identifying information (e.g. city, province, facility name) within the submission content.
4. Clearly acknowledge any third-party contributions (e.g., “Support from [company name] is gratefully acknowledged”)

To ensure a robust and high-quality program, submissions may be declined if they:

• Do not follow the required formatting or submission guidelines
• Lack relevance to physiotherapy practice, research, education or professional development
• Contain incomplete or unclear information, or are left in draft status
• Include research that has not undergone data analysis (i.e., no results, not even preliminary findings)
• Focus on commercial promotion or include conflict-of-interest concerns not properly disclosed

Note: While studies with preliminary data may be considered, abstracts that do not include any form of analysis or results—even in-progress—will not be accepted.

1. The abstract submitted adheres to the abstract submission guidelines outlined above.
2. The text of the abstract, along with the names and affiliations, poster, PowerPoint presentations and/or additional documents as requested, will be published on the Congress website and book of abstracts; this will not raise any copyright issues.
3. A submission as a particular presentation format may be changed to a different format following review in order to be accepted and included in the programme.
4. Presenters may be recorded for live streaming. A recording of the presentation and a copy of the slides may be published online after Congress.
5. It is the responsibility of the main presenter to submit the abstract. They are the main contact whose responsibility it is to communicate with other co-authors and ensure that they register to be included in the programme.
6. All accepted presenters must confirm acceptance by January 9, 2026, and register by January 9, 2026, to confirm acceptance of their offer in the program. If accepted and presenters are not registered by this date, they may be removed from the program.
7. All presenters are available to present at Congress on May 28 and/or May 29 and/or May 30, 2026, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
8. PowerPoint presentation will be the primary resource available for presentations.
9. Congress sessions may not be used as self-promotion or for sales presentations.
10. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest are required at the beginning of each slide presentation.
11. The author(s) retain the right, after presentation at Congress, to include the work in articles, books, or derivative works that they author or edit provided said use does not imply the endorsement of the CPA.
12. The CPA will provide no honorarium, fee, or payment of expenses for presentations. All presenters must be registered for Congress in order to present at Congress 2026; they will receive a 15% discount on the Early Bird registration fee, and this only applies to Full Congress registration

In submitting an abstract, you must confirm that:

• You accept responsibility for the accuracy of the submitted abstract and understand that the content cannot be modified or corrected after the submission deadline and be published exactly as submitted.
• All co-authors are aware of and agree to the content of the abstract and support the data presented.
• The submitter accepts responsibility as the contact person for all correspondence about the abstract and to share information with all authors.
• You have secured any copyright/permissions clearance required for inclusion in CPA events and publications.
• For all studies involving human participants or animal subjects, permission has been obtained from the relevant regulatory authority and properly informed consent given for the work completed and/or the intent to present.
• Anyone who is identifiable in the abstract and presentation has given their consent to be included.
• The work does not infringe upon any copyright, proprietary, or personal right of any third party.
• You have identified any potential conflicts of interest.
• Consent to have authors’ names, affiliation, and biological material used in connection with the publication of your work.