News
Shaping the future of the AAPT Annual Educational Event
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our recent survey about the future of the AAPT Annual Educational Event (AEE)
We wanted to hear directly from members about what they value most about the AEE – and what could make future events even better.
We received several responses, including feedback from regular AEE attendees, occasional attendees and members who have not attended recently.
So, what did you tell us?
Networking matters
The clearest message from the survey was the importance of meeting and networking with colleagues. More than 90% of respondents said networking with colleagues was something they value about attending the AEE.
Members particularly want opportunities to meet APTs from across the UK, as well as speakers and experts. Suggestions included dedicated networking time, structured opportunities and informal social activities.
There was also a call for opportunities to connect early-career APTs and those undertaking qualifications with more experienced colleagues and AAPT Council members.
Education remains at the heart of the AEE
Educational content and presentations remain one of the main reasons members attend. Members told us they value keeping up to date with developments in the profession and supporting the wider AAPT community.
We also received suggestions for making the programme even more engaging, including more interactive sessions, shorter talks, workshops and practical/work-based content.
The message isn't necessarily to make the AEE longer – but to make the time together as valuable and varied as possible.
Location, location, location
There was strong support for taking the AEE around different parts of the UK. Members highlighted accessibility, travel time and cost, with London/South East, the Midlands, North West and Scotland among the most popular regions selected.
Suggested locations included London, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Leeds, Chester, Sheffield and Inverness.
Keep the social element
While there were different views on the ideal format, the current one-day educational programme plus Saturday Dinner/Social was by far the most popular option, selected by around three quarters of respondents.
The social element clearly continues to have a role – particularly because it provides another opportunity for members to connect outside the formal programme.
We heard you on cost
Cost was one of the strongest recurring themes. For some members, attendance depends on full or partial employer funding, while others are self-funded. Travel and accommodation can add considerably to the overall cost of attending an AEE.
We also heard that the timing of registration can be important, particularly where members need to secure employer or CPD funding.
Could online access help?
A number of members suggested providing some form of online or Teams access to lectures. This was particularly suggested as a way of helping members who cannot travel because of cost, work, childcare or other commitments.
The AEE is fundamentally about bringing people together in person, but we will consider whether there are ways that technology could make the educational content more accessible. It is important to recognise, however, that providing additional virtual attendance at a professional standard is not a simple or cost-free add-on. High-quality live streaming requires appropriate audiovisual equipment, technical expertise, platform provision and additional staffing, all of which can add significantly to the cost of delivering the event. Any future virtual option would therefore need to be considered carefully, balancing accessibility and member benefit against the additional cost involved.
So, what's next?
Your feedback will help inform discussions about future AAPT Annual Educational Events.
- High-quality educational content
- More opportunities to network
- Accessible UK locations
- A programme that is engaging and interactive
- Support for early-career APTs and those undertaking qualifications
- Keeping the overall cost of attendance in mind
- Exploring ways technology could improve accessibility
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed. Your feedback helps ensure that the AEE continues to evolve around what matters to the AAPT community.
We asked. You said. Now we're planning.
Our message from the survey
Importantly, the survey should not be read as members wanting the AEE fundamentally changed. The feedback shows that members broadly value the current event, including the one-day format and social element. The message is positive: members value the AEE and have told us how we can make it even more accessible, interactive and valuable.