2024 DSP Recognition Event

This year’s event is fully booked! If you missed out, make sure you’re on our contact list, so you receive announcements about the 2025 event.

Every year, OADSP hosts our Direct Support Professional Recognition Event (DSPRE), and this year marks the 15th such occasion. The theme for this year’s DSP Recognition Event is ROCK YOUR ROLE! To celebrate in proper fashion, we are planning our biggest event yet, and will be rocking out with not one, not two, but THREE of last year’s top American Idols in the midst of their Built-4-More tour!

OADSP’s annual DSP Recognition Event coincides with the U.S.’s National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. Here in Ohio, you can join hundreds of fellow DSPs and enjoy a fun-filled day that’s FREE for DSPs, thanks in large part to our generous ABC Boosters and contribution from the Ohio DODD.The day includes a keynote, entertainers, and speakers, socializing, games and prizes, and a lunchtime meal, as well as site-specific activities. Hundreds of I/DD professionals gather for the fun and fellowship.

The deadline for 2024 nominations has passed, but you can click here for information about the award.

DSP RECOGNITION EVENT – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring the individuals I support, or my family?
No. The Direct Support Professional Recognition Event is exactly that: it’s an event exclusively for Direct Support Professionals (and independent providers working as DSPs). This is a day just for DSPs, to relax, rejuvenate, and bask in recognition away from the day-to-day routine.

Can I show up any time that day?
No. The Recognition Event is a planned event that begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 3:30pm, and includes presentations, activities, speakers, entertainment, networking, etc. This all takes place in Columbus at DWELL Community Conference Center.

Is this event really “free?”
Yes! When we say, “there’s no cost for DSPs,” we mean it – there’s NO cost. Registration includes parking, lunch, special guests, entertainment, activities, and an afternoon concert with 3 American Idols.

The registration form will only let me register 15 DSPs, including myself. What if my group is larger?
If you want to register more than 15 DSPs, wonderful! Visit the registration form as many times as needed, filling out the form with the next batch of DSPs, and avoiding repeating names (including your own).

When does registration close?
September 10th, or when we’ve reached our capacity limit, whichever comes first.

What if I didn’t order a t-shirt when I registered, and now I want one?
The deadline for t-shirt orders is August 21. We will, however, have a limited number of shirts for purchase at the event, and you can contact us about tees at [email protected].

Is there an additional cost for the Meet & Greet Private Catered Buffet Luncheon?
Yes: the cost is $75. However, anyone registering before August 16 is automatically entered into a random drawing, and winners receive backstage passes to the Luncheon. If registered after that date, contact us about purchasing the pass at [email protected].

Thanks to our Summer and Fall Boosters for supporting the 2024 DSP Recognition Event!

Special Thanks to the Ohio DODD for its continuing and robust support of OADSP and this Event!