Workforce challenges remain significant. Respondents highlighted high caseloads, workload pressures, limited funding, and access to appropriate equipment as key concerns. Keeping pace with new research also emerged as a major hurdle—underscoring a strong appetite for practical learning and up-to-date knowledge.

That appetite is matched by a desire for targeted CPD, with the most in-demand topics including assistive technology, mental health, neurorehabilitation, manual handling, leadership, training and career opportunities. Over 75% of respondents value formal CPD accreditation, and many prefer interactive workshops and short, actionable talks.

In the exhibition hall, attendees are most interested in seeing solutions around assistive technology, mobility and rehab equipment, housing adaptations, and mental health support - highlighting a need for tools, equipment and services that directly support clinical practice and client outcomes, but also those services which directly support Occupational Therapists in their roles across personal wellbeing and ensuring best practice.

Finally, there’s growing interest in year-round digital engagement, with CPD webinars, real-world case studies, and research insights ranking highest.

These findings are informing every aspect of the 2025 show, ensuring we deliver content and connections that truly matter to the Occupational Therapy community. From our CPD programme covering multiple streams across Occupational Therapy, to the exhibitor-led Showcase and Innovation Theatres, to numerous on-stand bitesize micro sessions, the show is shaping up to be the primary resource for direct access to CPD, the latest, cutting-edge products and services, and the ideal environment for networking and learning from the best.