This issue of the International Journal of SpeechLanguage Pathology showcases a selection of papers presented at the 2014 Speech Pathology Australia National Conference. The theme — Connections: Client, Clinician, Context — challenged delegates and speakers to draw on knowledge and experience from within and across all areas of speech-language pathology practice; to consider not just the parts, nor the whole, of what we do, but rather the connections that make the parts the whole. It is fi tting, therefore, that this special issue contains papers refl ecting a diverse range of populations, perspectives, questions and practices. Together, these papers illustrate not only the importance of connecting clients, clinicians and contexts in the pursuit of improved assessment and treatment science, but also the power of such an approach when applied to clinical practice.