HODS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2026
Leading the Modern Practice: Talent, Technology, and Trust
February 27-28, 2026, Clearwater, Florida
The Venue:
There are PTs who go beyond their profession and create something unique, building practices that attract top talent, leverage smart technology, and earn lasting trust from patients and communities. HODS Network has gathered just such PTs—leaders positioned at the forefront of modern healthcare.
Purpose & Goals of Leadership Academy 2026
Claim Your Ticket
Join us for the upcoming Leadership Academy in beautiful Clearwater, Florida, on February 27–28, 2026 for an exclusive, high-impact experience designed for HODS Members and their leadership teams.
The event will be hosted at the Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach by IHG, a stunning waterfront venue that combines comfort, focus, and Florida sunshine.
This year’s experience is built around one core mission:
helping HODS leaders master the balance of people, innovation, and trust that defines today’s most successful practices.
Special HODS Symposium 2025 Offer
Can’t attend? Click here for Virtual Ticket!
Agenda Timeline
Friday, February 27, 2026
| Time | Topics | Room |
|---|---|---|
| 7:15 - 8:00 | Registration and Light Breakfast (served in-conference) | Main Hall |
| 8:00 - 8:30 | Welcome from HODS Business Advisory Board President - Dr. Tony Cere | Main Hall |
| 8:30 - 9:00 | "Charting the Future: A Message from the HODS Board" - Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos | Main Hall |
| 9:00 - 10:30 | "Optimizing Profit Through Human Capital" - Brandon Seigel | Main Hall |
| 10:30 - 11:00 | Break (refreshments served in-conference) | Main Hall (back) |
| 11:00 - 1:00 | Workshop: Optimizing Profit Through Human Capital - Brandon Seigel | Main Hall |
| 1:00 - 2:30 | Lunch Break (on your own) - view nearby restaurants | |
| 2:30 - 3:15 | "How AI Improves the Patient Journey" - Zach DeWitt | Main Hall |
| 3:15 - 3:30 | Workshop: How AI Improves the Patient Journey - Zach DeWitt | Main Hall |
| 3:30 - 4:00 | "Different Referral Methods through Worker's Comp & Personal Injury" - Bryan Morrow | Main Hall |
| 4:00 - 4:15 | Short Break (refreshments served in-conference) | |
| 4:15 - 5:00 | "7 Intelligent Investor Lessons for Practice Owners" - Eric Miller | Main Hall |
| 5:00 - 5:45 | Group Discussion/Workshopping and Day 1 Close - Dr. Tony Cere, Moderator | Main Hall |
| 5:45 - 7:30 | Group Dinner - Athelas Powered By Commure | Ocean Seven, 385 S Gulfview Blvd. |
Saturday, February 28, 2026
| Time | Topics | Room |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 - 8:45 | Light Breakfast (served in-conference) | Main Hall (back) |
| 8:45 - 9:00 | Leadership Academy Day 2 Review - Dr. Tony Cere, President HODS BAB | Main Hall |
| 9:00 - 9:30 | "Level up your Recruiting Game: How to Position Your Practice Using Google for Jobs to Find, Attract, and Hire Top Talent" - Neil Trickett | Main Hall |
| 9:30 - 10:30 | Workshop: Recruitment Marketing - Neil Trickett | Main Hall |
| 10:30 - 10:45 | Break (refreshments served in-conference) | Main Hall (back) |
| 10:45 - 11:30 | "12 Steps Away From Triumph" - Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos | Main Hall |
| 11:30 - 12:00 | Special Announcement: "Our Future as Primary Caregivers" - Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos | Main Hall |
| 12:00 - 12:30 | "Ideal Diagnostic Testing Setup" LIVE DEMO - Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos & Dr. Konstantine Rizopoulos | Main Hall |
| 12:30 - 2:30 | Lunch Break (on your own) - view nearby restaurants | |
| 2:30 - 3:30 | Panel Discussion - Dr. Tony Cere & Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos, Moderators | Main Hall |
| 3:30 - 4:30 | Leadership Academy Event Close - Dr. Tony Cere, President HODS BAB | Main Hall |
| 4:30 - 5:30 | Networking & Light Bites (served in-conference) | Main Hall / Deck |
Leadership Academy Speakers

Dr. Tony Cere
Dr. Anthony Cere, PT, DPT, MSE, MTC graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy (2006) and Manual Therapy Certification (2004) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, as well as a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida in 2011.
Dr. Cere has worked as a physical therapist in Gainesville, Florida since August 2000, primarily in outpatient orthopedics. He opened Kinetix Physical Therapy, with his wife, in 2008. He has taught numerous continuing education courses sponsored by the Florida Physical Therapy Association on spinal manipulation, neck pain and back pain. From 2006 to 2010, he also assisted with teaching the Musculoskeletal Disorders course at the University Of Florida Department Of Physical Therapy.
Dr. Cere continues to be involved with data collection for clinical research and teaches various classes related to orthopedics, manual therapy, and physical therapy private practice and reimbursement at the University Of Florida Department Of Physical Therapy. Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Cere is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (Private Practice Section member) and Florida Physical Therapy Association.
He also serves on the board of FPTPP (Florida Physical Therapist in Private Practice). He has previously served on the Executive Council of the Northern District for the Florida Physical Therapy Association. Dr. Cere has published work in the scientific journal Pain regarding behavioral physical therapy interventions for acute and sub-acute low back pain. Dr. Cere has also served in the Florida Army National Guard from 1995-2003.
In addition to running a growing business, Dr. Cere enjoys spending time with his family, outdoor activities, and Gator Sports.

Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos
Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos is a Board-Certified Clinical Electrophysiology Specialist with over 38 years of clinical experience and more than 30 years in electrodiagnostic testing. He is among a select group of specialists who hold a Doctorate of Science (DSc) in Clinical Electrophysiology Testing, ECS board certification, and laboratory accreditation with exemplary status by ACEWM (Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology & Wound Management)
Dr. Kostopoulos also serves as the Residency Director for Hands-On Diagnostics’ Clinical Electrophysiology program, training the next generation of specialists in advanced diagnostic techniques.
A world-renowned expert and best-selling author in Myofascial Pain and Business Development, Dr. Kostopoulos is the co-founder of Hands-On Companies, established in 1992. The organization has treated over 300,000 patients, performed more than 120,000 diagnostic tests, and educated over 100,000 healthcare professionals worldwide. Dr. Kostopoulos has taught extensively in manual therapy, with a focus on Trigger Point, Myofascial, NeuroFascial Therapy, Manipulation and Diagnostic Testing.
Dr. Kostopoulos holds four doctorate degrees, including a PhD and Master’s from New York University, a Doctorate of Science (DSc) from Rocky Mountain University in Clinical Electrodiagnosis, an MD from UHSA School of Medicine, and a DPT from Evidence in Motion.
He is a past Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University, a former member of SACE for the electrophysiology board exam, and a previous Executive Committee member of the Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management (APTA). Additionally, he has served as Adjunct Faculty at Springfield College, teaching Clinical Electrophysiology.
Dr. Kostopoulos is the Editor of the Diagnostic Section for the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, published by Elsevier, and has authored numerous publications. Recognized with multiple business and humanitarian awards, his work continues to influence both clinical and professional practice globally.

Brandon Seigel
Brandon Seigel brings over twenty years of executive leadership experience transforming how human capital creates capital. As an internationally recognized author and host of the Private Practice Survival Guide podcast, Seigel has established himself as a leading voice in healthcare practice management.
As founder of multiple successful ventures—including the Growth Code Conference, Wellness Works Medical Billing, IntegrativeQore Technologies, and Wellness Works Management Partners—Seigel has dedicated his career to empowering healthcare entrepreneurs across the United States. His expertise helps practice owners identify their unique business algorithm, streamline operations, build winning teams, and implement effective business models that transform how private practices function for optimal success.
Through his companies, Seigel provides comprehensive support to over 500 therapy practices nationwide, specializing in medical billing, fractional management, and strategic advisory services. His approach centers on the philosophy that “Purpose + People = Profit,” emphasizing sustainable growth and authentic leadership in healthcare entrepreneurship.

Neil Trickett
Neil Trickett, CEO of Practice Promotions, is a physical therapist with over 27 years of clinical experience, a former private practice owner for eight years, and a practice marketing expert for the past 16 years. He has worked with nearly 2,000 physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics across the U.S. and Canada, from solo practitioners to organizations with 200+ locations, helping them implement proven marketing strategies that drive sustainable growth.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital and healthcare landscape, Neil focuses on empowering practice owners to leverage AI-powered search to win both new patient acquisition and top-tier professional talent.

Zach DeWitt
Zach is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing specialist with over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing. He has established himself as a leading figure in the industry, having created over a billion dollars in sales for his clients throughout his career.
Aside from his impressive professional achievements, Zach is also an accomplished author, having published several books on marketing and entrepreneurship. His expertise and insights have helped countless individuals and businesses achieve success in their respective industries.
Despite his busy schedule, Zach values his personal life and time with family above all else. He enjoys spending quality time with his loved ones and can often be found playing golf or attending Lightning games in his free time. With his vast experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to his personal life, Zach brings a unique perspective to any project he works on.
His expertise and passion for marketing and sales continue to make an impact in the industry, and he remains a valuable asset to any team or client he works with.

Eric Miller
Eric has served over 20 years in the financial industry and co-owns a national financial planning company dedicated to serving the needs of healthcare owners. He has personally had over 20,000 conversations with practice owners at every phase of ownership. He has published countless articles, videos and podcasts on various financial topics and is an expert on matters concerning creating economic independence for a practice owner’s business and household.
He has recently published a book “How To Become a Financial Beast” which quickly became a bestseller on Amazon.

Dr. Konstantine Rizopoulos
Dr. Rizopoulos, PT, DPT, RMSK, APCA, is board certified in Musculoskeletal Sonography. He has over 35 years of clinical experience and also holds a doctoral degree with a focus on business administration, marketing, PR, and management. He co-founded and successfully established and managed the Hands-On Companies, a consortium of companies in the areas of Physical Therapy, Diagnostic Testing, and Education.
During his extensive experience in diagnostic testing and manual therapy, Dr. Rizopoulos has treated more than 150,000 patients over the last 35 years, and performed thousands of ultrasound diagnostic tests.
He has also co-authored several books with Dr. Kostopoulos, and numerous articles for professional journals.

Bryan Morrow
Bryan, CEO of Innovative Healthcare Centers has worked in outpatient physical therapy for twenty years. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson University. He specializes in all orthopedic physical therapy including treating vestibular / balance, neurological conditions, pain management, workers’ compensation and work injuries – getting patients back to work as quickly as possible.
I am here to hack!
The Venue
Meet us at the stunning Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach by IHG — the perfect setting to learn, connect, and recharge. With breathtaking views, modern amenities, and walking-distance access to one of America’s most beautiful beaches, this venue offers an inspiring environment for deep strategic thinking and meaningful peer collaboration.
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