Strategies to help you build a strong case for funding and make the most of your personal and professional goals
The global physiotherapy profession will come together, 29-31 May 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. Many physiotherapists self-fund to attend a World Physiotherapy congress, while others seek financial support from physiotherapy professional organisations, hospitals, clinics, universities, research centres, and employers.
Attending a World Physiotherapy congress could change your physiotherapy life and practice, as well as you personally! For everyone this is a significant investment of time and financial resources and it is important you get the most from this opportunity:
- learn about the profession around the world
- mix with leaders of the profession
- hear about the latest research and clinical practice in all fields of the profession
- take the opportunity to network and contribute to discussions on professional, education, research, and clinical issues
- make new connections and reunite with old friends
- gain valuable World Physiotherapy international continuing education credits
- visit Tokyo and Japan!
The following tips will help build the case in support of funding and time and ensure you reflect on how best to achieve your personal and professional goals and outcomes, so you can make the most from attending congress.
Identify your professional development goals and connect them to the learning opportunities at World Physiotherapy Congress 2025.
Think about your learning needs, professional direction, and opportunities you want to explore. At the same time, keep an open mind and be ready for the unexpected to be meaningful and valuable.
- Explore sessions and see how their objectives and content match with your needs.
- Make a plan before the congress and select a few ‘must attend’ sessions, people you want to listen to and meet, and new things to challenge you. It is good to have an idea of things to focus on, but also good to be flexible.
- Engage with others through social media using the congress hashtag #WorldPhysio2025
Think about how your organisation will benefit from your attendance.
- Plan ahead to think about what you can collate to share your learning with colleagues. For example, running an in-service training event on your return, hosting a Q&A with your colleagues, or sharing notes.
- If you are attending with colleagues, plan together to cover different sessions and share what you learnt.
- Find out what the needs are of your service and/or facility. Come with current problems and look for solutions. Collaborations can arise that result in new solutions for your organisation by sharing and networking with your fellow participants.
- Visit the exhibition hall to bring back contacts and information on the latest innovations, products, and services that can save you and your organisation valuable time and money.
- Create an action plan for post-congress to keep focused on outcomes and change.
Customise our sample letter that summarises how the congress will help you advance your professional development, make valuable networking connections, and help improve your organisation. Break down the specific costs and outline the anticipated return on investment.
Go to the opening session and welcome reception. This is where you will be inspired and make first contact with people from across the world and, in particular, get the flavour of the host organisation.
Explore a range of session formats to find out what appeals most to you.
Go to your friends’ talks – they will appreciate the support.
Join the conversations at networking sessions, discussion sessions, and idobata sessions where there will be a lot of interaction.
Go to the ePoster sessions and take time to attend the printed poster presentations. They are of equal standing to platform presentations and you have more time to talk to the presenters.
Approach someone you might consider an important name in physiotherapy! Everyone started somewhere and will be pleased to talk with you.
New for 2025, a panel will address relevant clinical questions, using case studies.
If you see someone standing on their own, you could introduce yourself and share why you decided to attend congress.
Go to a random session that you know nothing about – it could open your mind to new ideas and opportunities.
View the registration fees and register for congress.
Book your congress travel and get discounted rates with our partner, SkyTeam.
Book your accommodation with one of our hotel partners.
