Join colleagues from across the state and region at TAPA’s 49th Annual FallFest continuing medical education (CME) conference. The conference will be held Monday, Oct. 6 through Friday, Oct. 10 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, located at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) – the most visited national park in the United States.

Registration Materials

Registration is now open for TAPA's FallFest! Simply click on the links below to access either the paper registration form or the online registration form. TAPA is pleased to offer an early bird discount until July 31, so register early to get the lowest registration rates available!

FallFest Registration Form
FallFest Online Registration Form


Conference Program

TAPA’s CME Committee is hard at work planning a terrific agenda with top-notch speakers. Join us in October to learn about the newest advances in medicine, including the latest treatment guidelines and therapies. In the Exhibit Hall, enhance your knowledge of the latest products and services available to your patients as you network with exhibitors


Networking

While at FallFest, be sure to take advantage of all of the networking opportunities - especially the social event planned for Tuesday evening at Anakeesta. Enjoy an evening at one of Gatlinburg's hottest attractions, and feel free to bring partners, spouses, and family members to this event. The ticket price includes admission to Anakeesta, plus a meal voucher. If you would like to visit the Astra Lumina display at Anakeesta, you can add on an admission ticket to that attraction. And for the craft beer lovers out there, you can also add on a ticket for the beer tasting at Anakeesta's Bear-Varian Fall Festival. This will be a fun night that you won't want to miss!


Workshops

TAPA is pleased to again offer workshops for attendees to enhance their clinical skills. 

  • BLS Certification/Recertification: On Wednesday, Oct. 8, conference attendees can renew their BLS certification. Brush up on performing 1- and 2-rescurer CPR for adults, children, and infants; AED and bag masks use; rescue breathing; and performing the Heimlich maneuver. Fee: $75

  • Musculoskeletal Joint and Soft Tissue Injection: Are you a new grad recently hired to work in orthopaedics? Maybe you are a seasoned PA who is interested in adding to your skill set? Then plan to attend this workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 8 and become certified in musculoskeletal injections by a PAOS instructor. During this 2-hour workshop, attendees with review orthopaedic cases, brush up on exam skills and receive hands-on training and coaching to improve injection skills. This workshop is limited to 20 registrations, so sign up early to secure a spot. Fee: $150 
  • AHA ACLS Recertification:  TAPA is excited to offer an opportunity to renew your AHA ACLS certification at FallFest on Thursday, Oct. 9. To qualify you must have either a current or recently expired ACLS certification (within 12 months) and a current AHA BLS Provider certification. (If your BLS certification has expired, you can take the BLS workshop at FallFest.). Fee: $150

 
Student Track/Pre-PA Student Track

TAPA is pleased to once again offer programming specifically geared toward PA students. The festivities will kick off at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5 at a student mixer at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, followed by the Annual TAPA Challenge Bowl. The CME Committee hopes that by moving the Challenge Bowl to Sunday night, more students will be able to participate. And practicing PAs are welcome to attend and cheer on their alma maters!

Click here to download the Challenge Bowl team registration form and rules.

On Monday, Oct. 6, the Student Track will offer lectures and hands-on procedures on suturing, ultrasound techniques, and joint injections. The schedule is being finalized, so check back here for updates.


Annual Poster Session

Each year at FallFest, TAPA gives PAs and PA students the opportunity to present their research to their colleagues during the Annual Poster Session. Posters are displayed Monday through Wednesday, and authors are present to talk about and answer questions regarding their work during breakfast from 7-8 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Click here to download the Poster Session guidelines if you are interested in presenting this year.

Save the date, and we look forward to seeing you in October!

 

Conference attendees with disabilities and requiring special accommodations or assistance should notify both TAPA upon submitting a registration and the hotel upon making a reservation. 

Upcoming FallFest Conference Dates

Save the date for future FallFest conferences:

  • 2026: Oct. 5-9