By: Lisa Milliken, MA, CCC-SLP, TSHA Past President
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention 2025 was held November 20–22 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., bringing together 13,300 registrants from across the communication sciences and disorders professions. This year’s convention was especially significant, as it marked ASHA’s centennial anniversary, celebrating 100 years of advancing the professions of speech-language pathology, audiology, and hearing science.
In recognition of this milestone, the convention featured an expanded program that honored ASHA’s past achievements, highlighted present innovations, and looked ahead to future possibilities. Reflecting this focus, the convention theme, “Envisioning Possibilities for the Future,” framed discussions about how the professions will continue to evolve over the next century.
Education, Innovation, and Emerging Themes
Attendees had access to a wide array of educational opportunities offered both in person and virtually. The program included one-hour seminars, technical sessions, poster presentations, and short courses, totaling more than 2,500 sessions across all practice settings and specialty areas. With such breadth, the convention truly offered something for everyone, from students and early-career clinicians to seasoned researchers and administrators.
One prominent theme across sessions was artificial intelligence (AI). Multiple courses explored how AI is being incorporated into clinical practice, research, and planning, with particular emphasis on ethical considerations and responsible use. These discussions reflected growing interest in how emerging technologies can enhance assessment, treatment, and outcomes while maintaining professional standards and client-centered care.
A special centennial feature was the Centennial Poster initiative, in which each topic area selected a poster authored by a student as first author. This initiative highlighted the next generation of professionals and provided meaningful visibility and recognition for student scholarship.
Exhibit Hall, Networking, and Professional Recognition
The exhibit hall featured hundreds of companies showcasing new tools, technologies, and resources in speech, language, and hearing. Attendees also took advantage of numerous networking opportunities, including special events, informal gatherings, and structured sessions designed to foster collaboration and professional connection.
Key events included the Opening General Session and the Awards Ceremony, which celebrated outstanding contributions to the professions. Among the honorees, Ann Friedman, CEO of the Planet Word Museum, accepted the 2025 Annie Glenn Award. In her remarks, she reminded attendees that “language is our human superpower.” ASHA also recognized recipients of Honors of the Association—the highest honor bestowed by ASHA—as well as ASHA Fellows and other award recipients.
Advocacy and Leadership Before the Convention
Several major pre-convention events set the stage for the week’s activities. The Council of State Association Presidents (CSAP) Meeting brought together state association presidents, presidents-elect, and past presidents for a full day of leadership development, collaboration, and strategic discussion aimed at strengthening state associations nationwide.
Another significant event was Hill Day, during which hundreds of advocates gathered on Capitol Hill to meet with legislators and discuss policy issues affecting audiologists, speech-language pathologists, assistants, and interdisciplinary teams across all settings. Attendees emphasized the importance of continued advocacy and encouraged colleagues to remain engaged by contacting their legislators from home or work through ASHA’s advocacy portal.
A Centennial Convention with a Forward Focus
With pre-convention workshops beginning November 19 and a robust schedule extending through November 22, the ASHA Convention 2025 offered a dynamic blend of research, clinical education, industry updates, leadership development, and advocacy. As ASHA celebrated its first 100 years, the convention successfully fostered conversations and connections that will help shape the future of the professions for decades to come.
