CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Welcome to the Call for Abstracts for NANT 16
Presented by the National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT)
Conference Dates:
Main Conference: April 17-18, 2026
Pre-Conference: April 16, 2026
Location: Arlington, TX, USA*
The NANT 16 theme, Moments Matter, reflects our deep recognition of the extraordinary power of small moments in neonatal care— These moments shape the lives of infants and families in profound ways.
We work in a setting where every moment counts. Life in the NICU demands precision, presence, and skill. We recognize that clinical decisions and interventions made in critical moments can alter developmental trajectories forever.
As neonatal therapists, we are also privileged to witness and support families during milestone moments: the first hold, first bath, first feed. These are not only emotional touchpoints; they are foundational experiences that support healthy development and connection.
Implementing this theme in real life means honoring both types of moments: the tender and the urgent. It means creating space for families to bond while expertly navigating the complexities of the neonatal intensive care unit. It means remembering that time, presence, and touch are powerful tools in healing, attachment and growth which are critical to long term development.
As neonatal therapists— OTs, PTs, and SLPs— our expertise is grounded in development across the lifespan. In the NICU, our unique lens allows us to protect and optimize developmental moments from the very beginning.
As a potential speaker or poster presenter at NANT 16, we ask:
- What moments do you capitalize on in your practice to make a measurable difference?
- What clinical innovations, programs, or research have improved developmental care or family engagement in your NICU?
- How are you helping families experience and create meaningful moments— especially in the face of medical complexity?
Sharing your work at this internationally attended conference amplifies its impact. Together, we can celebrate moments that matter!
We invite you to submit an abstract for an oral or poster presentation at NANT 16.
Warm regards,
 |
 |
|---|---|
| Jenene W. Craig PhD, MBA, OTR/L, CNT | Christy Cliniak, PhD, OTR/L, CNT, CPXP, NTMTC |
|
Conference Co-Chair |
Communications Manager
Conference Co-Chair |
*NANT 16 is scheduled to be held in-person. However, in the unlikely event in-person restriction occur, the event will be hosted online including all accepted sessions/posters.