Conference/Training Chair

Jenni Bearden, LCSW, LSSW, RPT™ serves as our board Conference Chair. She is responsible for oversight of all TNAPT sponsored and co-sponsored training events, including organization and promotion. 

Duties Include: 

  • Chair the Conference and Training Committee and provide leadership in planning TNAPT’s  annual conference and educational events.

  • Develop an annual calendar of conferences, workshops, webinars, and other continuing education opportunities in collaboration with the Board of Directors.

  • Coordinate all aspects of conference and training planning, including scheduling, logistics, registration, speaker coordination, and event evaluation.

  • Recruit, review, and recommend qualified presenters whose expertise aligns with TNAPT's mission and educational goals.

  • Collaborate with presenters to obtain presentation materials, biographies, learning objectives, disclosures, and other required documentation.

  • Ensure compliance with APT Approved Provider requirements

  • Ensure educational programming meets the continuing education standards and ethical guidelines established by the Association and applicable accrediting organizations.

  • Ensure TNAPT hosts at least five (5) hours of training annually

  • Coordinate with venue representatives and vendors regarding meeting space, audiovisual needs, catering, accommodations, and event logistics.

  • Develop conference timelines and oversee completion of planning milestones.

  • Work with the Treasurer to develop and monitor conference and training budgets and evaluate the financial outcomes of educational events.

  • Coordinate with the Communications Chair and Social Media Chair to promote conferences, trainings, registration deadlines, and speaker announcements.

  • Recruit and coordinate volunteers to assist with conference registration, hospitality, presenter support, and event operations.

  • Develop attendee evaluations and review participant feedback to improve future programming.

  • Maintain records of attendance, continuing education documentation, speaker agreements, evaluations, and event reports.

  • Assist the Secretary by uploading all presenter contracts to the shared Google drive

  • Conduct annual training needs assessments based on TNAPT member needs

  • Prepare an annual report summarizing educational programming, attendance, financial outcomes, and recommendations for future events.

  • Maintain organized conference planning documents and facilitate a smooth transition to the incoming Conference and Training Chair.

  • Serve as a point of contact for TNAPT members for TNAPT trainings


Leadership Responsibilities

  • Lead the Conference and Training Committee in planning successful educational events.

  • Promote excellence in professional education by identifying emerging topics and evidence-based practices in play therapy.

  • Foster relationships with presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, and community partners.

  • Encourage member involvement in educational programming and leadership opportunities.

  • Ensure conferences and workshops  reflect APT’s  mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Email: conchair@tna4pt.com