UNDERSTANDING THE ABCT CONVENTION
General Sessions
There are between 150 and 200 general sessions each year competing for your attention. An individual must LIMIT TO 6 the number of general session submissions in which he or she is a SPEAKER (including symposia, panel discussions, clinical round tables, and research spotlights). The term SPEAKER includes roles of chair, moderator, presenter, panelist, and discussant. Acceptances for any given speaker will be limited to 4. All general sessions are included with the registration fee. These events are all submitted through the ABCT submission system. The deadline for these submissions is 11:59 PM ET, Wednesday, March 15, 2017. General session types include:
Symposia. In responding to convention feedback requesting the presence of senior researchers/faculty to present papers at symposia along with junior researchers/faculty and graduate students, special consideration will be made for symposia submissions that include some senior researchers/faculty as first-author presenters. Presentations of data, usually investigating the efficacy or effectiveness of treatment protocols. Symposia are either 60 or 90 minutes in length. They have one or two chairs, one discussant, and between three and five papers. No more than 6 presenters are allowed.
Panel Discussions. Discussions (or debates) by informed individuals on a current important topic that are conceptual in nature, rather than pertaining directly to clinical care. Examples of topics for panel discussions include (but are not limited to) supervision/training issues, ethical considerations in treatment or training, the use of technology in treatment, and cultural considerations in the application of CBTs. Some topics may be appropriate for either Clinical Round Tables or Panel Discussions, and authors are invited to use their judgment in making this decision. These are organized by a moderator and include between three and five panelists with a range of experiences and attitudes. The total number of speakers may not exceed 7.
Clinical Round Tables. Discussions (or debates) by informed individuals on a current important topic directly related to patient care, treatment, and/or the application/implementation of a treatment. Examples of topics for Clinical Round Tables include (but are not limited to) challenges/suggestions for treating a certain disorder or group of patients, application of a treatment protocol or type of treatment to a novel population, considerations in applying CBTs to marginalized communities and/or minority groups. Some topics may be appropriate for either Clinical Round Tables or Panel Discussions, and authors are invited to use their judgment in making this decision. Clinical Round Tables are organized by a moderator and include between three and six panelists with a range of experiences and attitudes. The total number of speakers may not exceed 7.
Spotlight Research Presentations. This format provides a forum to debut new findings considered to be groundbreaking or innovative for the field. A limited number of extended-format sessions consisting of a 45-minute research presentation and a 15-minute question-and-answer period allows for more in-depth presentation than is permitted by symposia or other formats.
Poster Sessions. One-on-one discussions between researchers, who display graphic representations of the results of their studies, and interested attendees. Because of the variety of interests and research areas of the ABCT attendees, between 1,200 and 1,400 posters are presented each year.
Targeted and Special Programing
Targeted and special programing events are also included with the registration fee. These events are designed to address a range of scientific, clinical, and professional development topics. They also provide unique opportunities for networking.
Invited Addresses/Panels. Speakers well-established in their field, or who hold positions of particular importance, share their unique insights and knowledge.
Mini Workshops. Designed to address direct clinical care or training at a broad introductory level and are 90 minutes long.
Clinical Grand Rounds. Clinical experts engage in simulated live demonstrations of therapy with clients, who are generally portrayed by graduate students studying with the presenter.
Research and Professional Development. Provides opportunities for attendees to learn from experts about the development of a range of research and professional skills, such as grant writing, reviewing manuscripts, and professional practice.
Membership Panel Discussion. Organized by representatives of the Membership Committees, these events generally emphasize training or career development.
Research Facilitation Sessions. Organized by members of the Research Facilitation Committee, these events aim to highlight research resources for those who study or practice behavioral and cognitive principles.
Special Sessions. These events are designed to provide useful information regarding professional rather than scientific issues. For more than 20 years, the Internship and Postdoctoral Overviews have helped attendees find their educational path. Other special sessions often include expert panels on getting into graduate school, career development, information on grant applications, and a meeting of the Directors of Clinical Training.
Special Interest Group (SIG) Meetings. More than 39 SIGs meet each year to accomplish business (such as electing officers), renew relationships, and often offer presentations. SIG talks are not peer-reviewed by the Association.
Ticketed Events
Ticketed events offer educational opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills. These events are targeted for attendees with a particular level of expertise (e.g., basic, moderate, and/or advanced).
Ticketed sessions require an additional payment. The deadline for these submissions is 11:59 PM ET, Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Clinical Intervention Training. One- and two-day events emphasizing the “how-to” of clinical interventions. The extended length allows for exceptional interaction.
Institutes. Leaders and topics for Institutes are selected from previous ABCT workshop presentations. Institutes are offered as a 5- or 7-hour session on Thursday, and are generally limited to 40 attendees.
Workshops. Covering concerns of the practitioner/educator/researcher, these remain an anchor of the Convention. Workshops are offered on Friday and Saturday, are 3 hours long, and are generally limited to 60 attendees.
Master Clinician Seminars. The most skilled clinicians explain their methods and show videos of sessions. These 2-hour sessions are offered throughout the Convention and are generally limited to 40 to 45 attendees.
Advanced Methodology and Statistics Seminars. Designed to enhance researchers’ abilities, they are 4 hours long and limited to 40 attendees.
