Schedule
yEARly Huddle - 2026
Hands On. Voices Up.
Learning by Doing. Advocating with Purpose
November 5–6 | Park Hotel, Madison
Day 1 – Thursday
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM – Registration & Networking
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM –Welcome: “Who’s on first?”
Veronica H. Heide, Au.D., President – Opening remarks
Catherine Conely-Mink, Au.D. – Conference Chair – CEUs & Stuff you need to know
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Gabby Marchant, Au.D. – WBT (1.5)
BREAK
10: 00 AM – 11:00 AM Practicum in WBT
Complete WBT measurements on using two different instruments. Discuss your findings, clinical implications, and recommendations based on the test results.
11:00 AM – Noon – Eric Hulse – Vestibular Update
Noon – 1:00 Lunch and Networking
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Stephanie Czuhajewski, CAE, MPH
Advancements in practitioner excellence, ethical standards, professional autonomy and sound business practices have been made over the past 30 years, yet licensure laws have not been updated to reflect these advancements. Modernization of audiology licensure laws is critical for audiologists to practice to the highest level of their training and education.
2:00 – 2:30 WI Legislative Update and Advocacy -
Gary Goyke and Dr. Meredy Hase– Lobbyists for WAA updates on Wisconsin legislation, advocacy, and importance of “taking the walk” across to the Capitol to connect with your representatives.
BREAK - Walk to the Capitol
2:30–4:00 PM – Capitol Advocacy Walk
Guided tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol
Locate your State Senator and Representative offices
Deliver WAA advocacy packets
Meet legislative staff when available
Group photo in the Rotunda
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM – Networking Event with food
Interactive networking, trivia, and community-building activities.
Day 2 – Friday
7:-00 AM – 8:00 AM– Breakfast & Networking
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM– Sara Neuman, Au.D. (1.5)
Lecture + Practicum – ALD Connection Lab
BREAK
9:45 AM- 10:45 AM – Christine Otte, Au.D. & Beth Larimer, Au.D.
Bridging gaps between educational and clinical audiology.
10:45 AM –11:45 AM - Elizabeth Kellom, MS - Genetics
11:45 AM – 1:00 p.m. LUNCH
Lunch & Sponsor Recognition - Awards & Recognition
Celebrating leadership and excellence in Wisconsin audiology.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Hunter Elms, MD
Cochlear Implantation and Imaging
2:00 – 3:00 PM - Marcia Dewey, Au.D. & Amy Dankwerdt, Au.D.
Knowing your Worth
3:00 – 3:45 PM | WAA Member Huddle: Shaping Our Future
Join fellow audiologists in small-group discussions facilitated by our Board, focused on the future of the Wisconsin Academy of Audiology. Share your ideas about advocacy, education, networking, and member engagement while helping guide the organization's priorities for the coming year.
Discussion Topics:
What did you find most valuable about this year's yEARly Huddle?
What educational opportunities would you like WAA to provide?
How can WAA better support audiologists across practice settings?
What advocacy issues should be our highest priorities?
How do you prefer to receive information and stay connected with colleagues?
What would make WAA membership even more valuable to you?
Each discussion group shares key ideas and recommendations. The WAA Board will summarize common themes and outline next steps for turning member feedback into action.
Closing Message
"Wisconsin Leading Wisconsin starts with Wisconsin audiologists leading together."
Your voice guides our WAA Board:
Membership needs assessment
Conference evaluation feedback
Strategic planning input
Advocacy priorities
Communication preferences