Information about the Follies

 The Follies is a unique feature of ACBS conferences. Basically, it’s a cabaret show, filled with funny songs, sketches, stand-up comedy routines, humorous PowerPoint presentations, pre-made videos, etc.  And of all of this funny and talented content is created by the conference delegates! Get your creative powers focused, anything you have seen in the ACT world that deserves to be made fun of is fair game! More detail below....

If you are attending the 2026 ACBS World Conference, you can join the Follies fun on Saturday, 18 July at 8:00pm (doors open) 8:30pm (start time). The 2026 Follies evening festivities will be located at the conference venue, UCLy, in the Merieux room.

All registered conference attendees are welcome, don't forget to bring your name badge! Drinks will be available, but may not be taken into meeting rooms. Unfortunately, guest tickets have been sold out and we are unable to accommodate additional guests. 

The Follies is a unique feature of ACBS conferences. Basically, it’s a cabaret show, filled with funny songs, sketches, stand-up comedy routines, humorous PowerPoint presentations, pre-made videos, etc. Best of all, this funny and talented content is created by YOU: the conference delegates! 

There are very few rules regarding the Follies content: 

• Firstly, it has to be brief (around 3 minutes is perfect. Longer, and the shepherd’s crook will be sweeping you off the stage!)

• Secondly, an aspect of ACT, Mindfulness, Behaviorism, therapy, RFT, CBS or any of the people you know in the ACT/CBS Community is fair game to be (gently and kindly) mocked. 

• Thirdly, it has to be brief. Did we mention that? 

The Follies actually comes from an important tradition: in the past ‘The Truth’ was what an authority deemed to be true. Then science came along, and people started to look to their direct observations to determine what was true. But of course, human beings love to categorize things in hierarchies, and began to automatically create hierarchies of people who could directly observe what was true and hence we have scientific authorities. The purpose of the Follies is to ensure that no idea, and no person in this community who has an idea, is immune to question, playfulness, and challenge.  This event is open to BADGED conference attendees.  

After Party

Want to keep the party going after the Follies? Check out these spots for the unofficial after party!

• Caffe Bobar (11 minutes walk) - Casual cocktails and bar snacks
• La Feria (30 minutes walk) - Latin bar with tapas and a dance floor