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
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 is now CLOSED. Proposals are currently under review and will be announced soon.
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
| Registrant Type |
Early Registration & Self-Cancellation (5/11/2026-9/11/2026) |
Regular Registration (9/12/2026-11/7/-2026) |
|
Main Conference (Thursday evening, Friday & Saturday) Registration includes the following access to all events:
|
||
|
Member (Regular Membership $125/year) |
$450 | $550 |
Non-Member |
$590 | $690 |
Student Member* (Membership $35/year) |
$325 *includes 1 year of SSO Student Membership |
|
Retired Member (Membership $65/year) |
$350 | |
Guest - Social Rate (includes celebration dinner & silent auction, 2 breakfasts, & 3 receptions) |
$325 full meal ticket Reception & Celebration Dinner only $100 |
|
Hotel Reservation Instructions
Guests may reserve their room within the group block by using the reservation link below or by booking directly through the hotel website.
Option 1: Use the Reservation Link
Please click the RESERVATION LINK and select the contracted event dates to access the group rate.
If you would like to book additional nights before or after the contracted dates (shoulder nights), the reservation link will not work. In that case, please call the hotel directly at (207) 774-4200 to make your reservation.
Option 2: Book Through the Hotel Website
Visit the hotel website and follow these steps:
- Select your accommodations dates using the contracted event dates.
- Open the “Special Codes or Rates” dropdown menu.
- Under “Corporate/Promotion Code,” select “Group Code.”
- Enter the group code: SSOUSA
- Click “Apply.”
Available room options and the discounted group rate will appear under:
• Deluxe King Room
• Deluxe Two Double Room
Please note that rates displayed online may appear to include taxes and fees. However, your reservation is tax exempt, and taxes will not be charged at checkout even though they may still appear during the online booking process.
To view the final discounted rate, guests must proceed to their cart before completing checkout.
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.