2022 PATH Intl. Conference – Together Again!
The PATH Intl. Conference in-person event is happening in 2022! We are excited that the association can offer the members what they need: professional development, quality CEUs to maintain certifications, networking with colleagues and perhaps even a break from the day-to-day hard work of running and working at a center. To that end, we developed and are offering the relevant education format for which PATH Intl. is known.
Vaccines are not required to attend the conference.
Masks are not required but are encouraged especially for those who are not vaccinated and anyone who might feel more comfortable wearing one.
If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 during the conference, please stay in your hotel room.
If you need a home test, please email . PATH Intl. staff have a limited number of home tests available that can be delivered to your room.
If you test positive for COVID-19 during the conference, please stay in your room and email . We will not release your name, but we will let conference attendees know that someone has tested positive, so they can choose to take a home test or get a PER test before returning home to keep family members safe.
While PATH Intl. will not match up members who would like to share a room with someone at conference, we provide this list of those who have reached out. If you would like to add your name, contact . If you see someone who might fit your needs, contact them from their email.
“My name is Adeline and I am attending the national conference. My ability to come ended up being a bit last minute so I missed the hotel deal. It’s just me so I was hoping that there might be a few people still looking for someone to add to their room.
Marriott St. Louis Grand
800 Washington Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63101
Phone: 877-303-0104
When you call, identify which Marriott you are calling (St. Louis Grand).
PATH Intl. has negotiated a discounted hotel rate of $159 (single/double/triple/quad) plus 18.929% sales tax. The contracted rate is good until either the room block sells out or until September 29, 2022. Availability and rate cannot be guaranteed once the room block is sold out or after this date.
The hotel conference rate includes:
- Complimentary overnight self-parking for (1) car per room that is reserved through the official conference block over the official program dates.
- Complimentary in-room internet access in sleeping rooms for Bonvoy Members. Become a Marriott Bonvoy member by signing up here.
- Complimentary access to the 24-hour fitness center.
Hotel reservations can be made online or by phone.
Make your Reservation Online >
- Call the hotel directly at 877-303-0104
When you call, identify which Marriott you are calling (St. Louis Grand).
*Please identify yourself as attending the 2022 PATH International Conference to secure the discounted hotel rate.
Check-in is 4:00pm and Check-out is 11:00am. Early check-in and late check-out requests will be based on hotel availability.
The St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is located approximately 14 miles from the hotel. Transfer time will range from 20-30 minutes depending on the time of day.
Transfer options from the St. Louis Lambert International Airport to the Marriott St. Louis Grand.
- Taxi approximately $40.00 one way
- Uber/Lyft – approximately $30 one way
- Bus service, fee: $7.00 one way
- Metro service, fee: $3.50 one way
Click here for additional information on bus and metro schedules from the St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Parking
- Self-Park: Onsite Parking $30.00 per day
- Valet Parking: $44.00 per day
Driving Instructions >
Marriott International’s Commitment to CleanClick here for updates on what to expect during your stay at Marriott St. Louis Grand and Marriott’s updated protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022 Exhibitor Information
The 2022 PATH Intl. Conference promises to be an event filled with networking (we haven’t been face to face in two years!), exceptional education sessions and fun. You won’t want to miss the excitement of this year’s conference. The exhibit hall is ready for us to set up and provide our attendees with your services and products. Click here for all the details!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications are closed for 2022.
As leaders in the industry, PATH Intl. is committed to providing members with abilities to pursue their continuing education and professional development through the PATH Intl. Conference.
PATH Intl. is pleased to once again offer the 2022 Pat & Jackie Mullins International Conference scholarship, the 2022 Marjorie V. Kittredge Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Equine-Assisted Learning Scholarship, and the Teresa Morris New Generation Scholarship.
Applications are accepted online only no later than June 15, 2022. Applicants will be notified by July 30, 2022.2022 Pat & Jackie Mullins International Conference Scholarship Application
The PATH Intl. New Generation Higher Edu. Learning Scholarship
Awards Nomination Process and Ceremony
Do you have a talented equestrian at your PATH Intl. center? Do you admire a particular instructor or an equine specialist in mental health and learning? Does a special horse, mule or mini that has a priceless attitude call your center home? Do you know of a volunteer or veterinarian who generously gives time at a PATH Intl. center?
Now is the time to submit an award nomination for these special individuals and animals.
2022 PATH Intl. Awards Process
In 2018 as part of the strategic plan and from member input, staff reviewed processes related to the international conference, and one of the areas reviewed was the PATH Intl. Awards Program. We understand that time is a resource that many member centers do not have enough of, and we have heard that is one reason centers do not always nominate for the awards program. Because all of our equines, volunteers, veterinarians and credentialed professionals are deserving of recognition, the nomination forms were streamlined into a short form so member centers can nominate in less time. In 2022 all award nominations will be scored, and in the event of a tie, the winners will be selected randomly out of those with the highest tied score. Also recognizing that travel to the PATH Intl. Conference may pose financial worries and that family and friends are not always there to share in the excitement, the regional awards will be presented at the regional conferences. This may be more convenient and less expensive for the award winners, families and friends to attend. International winners in all categories, including the equestrian winners, will be honored at the international conference.
Below is information on the awards process and criteria for each award category.
If you have any further questions, email or call (800) 369-7433.
- The awards nomination form for the equines, volunteers and veterinarians will be scored based on criteria, experience, and ranking of attributes as indicated on the form.
- The regional winner will be based on the highest score.
- In the event of a tie for regional winner, the winner will be selected by random from those tied with the highest score.
- The awards nomination form for the credentialed professional will be scored with criteria such as being a member in good standing, minimum length of certification/service, contribution to program and adhering to PATH Intl. Standards/code of ethics and ranking of attributes.
- The regional winner will be based on the highest score.
- In the event of a tie for regional winner, the winner will be selected by random from those tied with the highest score.
- The nominators of regional winners will be asked to submit reference forms that include essays for consideration in selection of the international winner. Regional winner reference forms will need to be submitted by May 28, 2022 to be considered for the 2022 PATH Intl. award in their respective category.
- Nominations for regional award categories must be submitted by December 15, 2021. This is to ensure that regional winners are notified in time for the 2022 region conferences.
- Equestrian of the year awards are national awards, and the nomination deadline for this category is May 28, 2022
- Nominating centers must be current center members in good standing.
- Only one nomination is allowed per center per category.
- In the Equine, Veterinarian and Volunteer categories, the center is not eligible to submit a nomination if they had a regional winner in that category in 2021.
- The nominee is ineligible if they have won a PATH Intl. award in their respective category in the last five years.
- The equestrian participates in an equestrian activity at a PATH Intl. Member Center in good standing and has a disability/special need.
- The adult equestrian must be at least 18 years old as of January 1, 2022
- The PATH International Equine Services for Heroes equestrian nominee must be at least 18 years old and a military veteran or currently enlisted in the military.
- The youth equestrian must be at least 4 years old but under the age of 18 as of January 1 2022.
- The Equestrian of the Year is not a regional award. The equestrian awards will have reference essays judged by a panel of volunteer judges to determine the winner in each category.
Equine of the Year Criteria:
- The equine’s previous experience has added value to his/her services in the EAS industry at the nominating center.
- The equine has an excellent attitude for work in the EAS industry.
- The equine’s contributions are significant to the nominating center.
- The equine has good relationships with the participants with whom he/she interacts with at the nominating center.
Volunteer of the Year Criteria:
- The volunteer has been active in the center’s program for the entire year prior to this nomination and is still active at this time.
- The volunteer is not paid for his/her time at the center.
- The volunteer’s contributions to the center are of the highest quality.
- The volunteer is reliable and consistently follows thought with his/her commitments
- The volunteer’s contributions have helped enhance the ability of the center to provide equine-assisted activities and therapies.
- The nominee has a long history of volunteer service, either at the center or elsewhere in the community.
Veterinarian of the Year Criteria:
The veterinarian volunteers at least a portion of their time or products to the nominating center.
The veterinarian is currently licensed in their state or county of practice.
The veterinarian demonstrates compassion and respect for participants and clients.
The veterinarian demonstrates safe, ethical and humane treatment of equines.
Credentialed Professional of the Year Criteria
The credentialed professional is a current PATH Intl. member in good standing
The credentialed professional holds a PATH Intl. certification or EFP or EAL credentials.
The credentialed professional has a minimum of two years’ experience in their respective field.
The credentialed professional demonstrates excellent teaching, facilitating or other related skills.
The credentialed professional demonstrates compassion and respect for students, clients, staff and volunteers.
The credentialed professional demonstrates safe, ethical and humane partnering with equines.
The credentialed professional adheres to all applicable PATH Intl. Standards, guidelines and code of ethics.
Additional information for the credentialed professional to be submitted will include credentials, certifications, and experience information, and the nominator will be asked to rank certain attributes of the nominee.
Please be sure to follow the instructions described on the nomination form, and fill out the form in its entirety.
If you have questions, email or call (800) 369-7433.
- The equine’s previous experience has added value to his/her services in the EAS industry at the nominating center.
- The equine has an excellent attitude for work in the EAS industry.
- The equine’s contributions are significant to the nominating center.
- The equine has good relationships with the participants with whom he/she interacts with at the nominating center.
- The volunteer has been active in the center’s program for the entire year prior to this nomination and is still active at this time.
- The volunteer is not paid for his/her time at the center.
- The volunteer’s contributions to the center are of the highest quality.
- The volunteer is reliable and consistently follows thought with his/her commitments
- The volunteer’s contributions have helped enhance the ability of the center to provide equine-assisted activities and therapies.
- The nominee has a long history of volunteer service, either at the center or elsewhere in the community.
- The veterinarian volunteers at least a portion of their time or products to the nominating center.
- The veterinarian is currently licensed in their state or county of practice.
- The veterinarian demonstrates compassion and respect for participants and clients.
- The veterinarian demonstrates safe, ethical and humane treatment of equines.
- The credentialed professional is a current PATH Intl. member in good standing
- The credentialed professional holds a PATH Intl. certification or EFP or EAL credentials.
- The credentialed professional has a minimum of two years’ experience in their respective field.
- The credentialed professional demonstrates excellent teaching, facilitating or other related skills.
- The credentialed professional demonstrates compassion and respect for students, clients, staff and volunteers.
- The credentialed professional demonstrates safe, ethical and humane partnering with equines.
- The credentialed professional adheres to all applicable PATH Intl. Standards, guidelines and code of ethics.
- Additional information for the credentialed professional to be submitted will include credentials, certifications, and experience information, and the nominator will be asked to rank certain attributes of the nominee.
- Please be sure to follow the instructions described on the nomination form, and fill out the form in its entirety.
The PATH Intl. James Brady Professional Achievement Award is given to a person who has made a significant contribution to the industry of equine-assisted services (EAS). (James Brady was the press secretary to U.S. President Ronald Reagan who was shot during an assassination attempt in 1981. The failed attempt paralyzed Brady who as part of his physical therapy began therapeutic riding with his horse. He said riding helped him improve his balance and muscle control more than traditional therapy. Brady was an ally of then NARHA, and subsequently the association named its most prestigious award in his honor.)
Winners of this award are recognized for demonstrating the highest ethical behavior in their personal and professional life; for possessing proven leadership and dedication through delivery of service, educational contribution, support and promotion of the industry; for bringing innovative ideas to fruition; for creating collaborations and partnerships to advance the work of EAS; and for enhancing the success and knowledge of others in the association.
Forms
PATH Intl. James Brady Professional Achievement Award criteria and forms.
Equestrians of the Year – Deadline May 28, 2022
Apply Now >
Regional Awards – Closed for 2022
- Equines of the Year
- Credentialed Professionals of the Year
- Volunteers of the Year
- Veterinarians of the Year
Call for Abstracts
Abstract submission is closed for 2022. Look for information about 2023 in January.