Conference Information

The Midwest Symposium on Therapeutic Recreation is a professional development and networking opportunity for those working in recreational therapy and related fields.  This annual  event began in 1975 and rotates throughout the Midwest each year.

• In 2018 Northwest Missouri State University began coordinating the conference and hosted it in the Kansas City Metro Area for two years.
• In 2020, the Symposium was scheduled for St. Louis, but was canceled due to the pandemic.
• A Virtual Symposium was held in 2021 with over 200 participants.
• In 2022 we returned to St. Louis, in-person at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa.
• In 2023, we returned to Kansas City for two full days of activities, scholarship and networking.
• In 2025 we’re excited to host the Symposium in historic St. Joseph, Missouri which is full of architecture, the Pony Express, known as the Tenderloin Capital of the World, and hosts the Glore Psychiatric Museum which has been featured on The Learning Channel, The Discovery Channel, PBS and The Science Channel. See you there!

Code of Conduct

The Midwest Symposium has a reputation of creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere that is open to diverse perspectives. We expect conference participants to be respectful and embrace the learning experience. If at any time, you encounter a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable or unwelcome please report the incident to conference hosts. Conference attendees violating these rules will be removed from the virtual Symposium at the discretion of the conference organizers.

Refunds

Full refunds (100%) are available for any reason prior to February 28, 2025. Due to contractual obligations with third parties, refunds after February 28, will only be issued under special circumstances as deemed appropriate by the conference organizer. Contact Rebecca Lobina if you need a refund at 816.364.4105 or lobina@nwmissouri.edu.

If a refund is granted after the cut-off date, a 4% transaction fee will be assessed.