World's Largest Wheeled Mobility Conference Returns to Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH – The 35th International Seating Symposium (ISS), the world’s largest educational conference featuring wheeled mobility and related assistive technology, returns to its roots this month.

For the first time in 20 years, the University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology Continuing Education Program (RSTCE) will host the ISS in Pittsburgh, where the symposium started. Held every two years, the ISS has evolved over the decades to feature 140 courses taught by subject matter experts, as well as hands-on training and pre-conference programming, all available for continuing education credits. 

The conference will take place at  David L. Lawrence Convention Center, where 127,000 square-feet of exhibition space will be dedicated to displays from more than 130 national and international exhibitors showcasing the latest mobility technology. This space will be open to the public during Community Day, a free event for visitors to talk with suppliers and watch equipment demonstrations.

“The International Seating Symposium has become an event that unites everyone in the wheelchair mobility community. Researchers, medical professionals, policy makers, vendors and the public alike can all find value in the programs offered at this conference,” said Mark Schmeler, Ph.D., O.T.R./L., A.T.P., ISS director and vice chair for education and training in Pitt’s Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology. “As wheelchair mobility technology continues to advance, the ISS serves as a platform to get that technology to those who need it most.”

The most recent conference, held in Nashville in 2017, welcomed 2,400 attendees from 30 countries, all 50 states and eight Canadian provinces.

To register or for more information, visit the ISS website.