ACBS World Conference 2025

ACBS World Conference 2025
ACBS 2025 logo, July 17-20, 2025

 

Register your interest and get future email updates about the conference. We hope to see you there!

Pre-Conference Intensive Workshops

July 15-16, 2025

 

2025 Featured Speakers:

Lisa Feldman Barrett photo

Rick Hanson

Baljinder

Lisa Feldman Barrett 

University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University

Rick Hanson 

Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center

Baljinder Kaur Sahdra 

Associate Professor, Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at Australian Catholic University

Michael Tomasello

 

Michael Tomasello 

University Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke University

Rhonda Merwin 

Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University School of Medicine

 

Conference Highlights

  • Lunches and coffee/tea are included so that you have more time to network.
  • Workshops, Workshops, Workshops. 1.5 hour and 3 hour workshops are included (no extra charge), with your in-person conference registration. These 60+ workshops are one-of-a-kind learning opportunities.

 

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Hotel & Travel

Hotel & Travel

 

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Airfare Discount with SkyTeam to New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY airport)

Airfare Discount with SkyTeam to New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY airport)

SkyTeam Partners is pleased to offer special discounts (up to 10% - 25%) off applicable worldwide airfares for the ACBS World Conference 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Please click here to book your flights! Remember to use Meeting Event Code: 4998S

You may also visit www.skyteam.com/globalmeetings, click "Attend your Event" and enter Meeting Event Code: 4998S

skyteam airline logos

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Airport Transfer to the Hotel

Airport Transfer to the Hotel

How to get to the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel:

From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is only 13 miles west of The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. Here you will find multiple transportation options.

By Bus

You can find the airport bus stop on the second level of the airport, near the Delta counter, in the median (look for the sign and bench).

The Airport Express (202) Bus provides transport into New Orleans 9 times each day. The fare for this route is $1.50.
• Bus number 202 (direction New Orleans Central Business District) - 40-60 minutes (10 stops) → Get off at Elk Place at Cleveland Avenue bus stop. You will then walk for roughly 11 minutes or .5 miles/.8 kilometers to the Sheraton New Orleans.
• For bus schedule information, pick up locations and route information, please go to www.norta.com. You can also download the GoMobile app here for trip-planning and real time departures). (You can pay via a transportation card, the app. or as of Sept. 2024 you can pay on the bus with exact cash.) 
• A copy of the bus schedule and frequency is here.

By Taxi

Taxicab booths are located outside on the first level of the Terminal, near Baggage Claim Belts 1 and 14. Passengers must wait in line at one of these booths for taxi service.

Taxi rides cost approximately $36 from the airport to the Sheraton New Orleans for up to two passengers with a travel time of 25-35 minutes. For three or more passengers, the fare will be $15 per extra passenger, and $1 per bag. Taxis are required to accept credit card payments.

Transportation Network Companies - Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft offers transportation services from the Airport. Passengers can meet their app-based ride service outside of the Ground Transportation Center located on the first floor of the Short-Term Parking Garage by crossing the pedestrian crosswalk located outside of Baggage Claim 6.

Click here for detailed instructions for Uber. 

Click here for detailed instructions for Lyft.

Driving Directions from the Airport

From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) - this is approximately a 30 minute drive.

Get on I-10 E in Metairie from Jerome S. Glazer Airport Access Rd for 4.0 miles/6.4 kilometers. Follow I-10 E to US-90 E in New Orleans. Take exit 13B - A from US-90 BUS W for 10.6 miles/17 kilometers. Drive to Canal Street for 1.3 miles/2 kilometers. Merge onto US-90 E for 0.4 miles/.64 kilometers. Continue straight onto S Claiborne Avenue for 0.2 miles/.32 kilometers. Turn right onto Canal Street for 0.7 miles/1.13 kilometers.

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Are the conference venue hotel rooms, meeting rooms and bathrooms accessible?

Are the conference venue hotel rooms, meeting rooms and bathrooms accessible?

Yes, the venue for the ACBS World Conference 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Sheraton New Orleans) has an elevator for access to all meeting rooms. All meeting rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Bathrooms (toilets) are available for wheelchair access in the Sheraton. You can also request room accessibility during the process of making your reservation. After you have completed your reservation, you will want to contact the hotel directly (+1 504-525-2500) and speak to the ADA on site. They will assist you to make confirmed customizations of your room, to choose a bed type and choose accessibility options.

For more information about the physical features of the Sheraton's accessible rooms, common areas, or special services relating to a specific disability, please call +1 504-525-2500. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/msyis-sheraton-new-orleans-hotel/#accessibility 

The Sheraton New Orleans accessibility features include:

Accessible Areas with Accessible Routes from Public Entrance

Business Center
Fitness Center
Meeting spaces and ballrooms
Pool accessible
Pool pathway
Public entrance alternative
Registration Desk Pathway
Registration desk
Restaurant(s)/Lounge(s)

Guest Room Accessibility

Accessible guest rooms with 32” wide doorways
Accessible route from public entrance to accessible guest rooms
Bathtub grab bars
Bathtub seat
Deadbolt locks, lowered
Door night guards, lowered
Doors with lever handles
Flashing door knockers
Hearing accessible rooms and/or kits
Pool pathway
Public entrance alternative
Registration Desk Pathway
Registration desk
Restaurant(s)/Lounge(s)
Roll-in shower
Shower wand, adjustable
TTY/TTD available
TV with close-captioning
Toilet seat at wheelchair height
Transfer shower
Vanities, accessible
Viewports, lowered
Additionally, Service animals are allowed on the property for people with disabilities.

Also, ACBS will have a set of bathrooms in the hotel designated as "All Gender", for comfortable access for anyone of any gender.

Off-Site Events and Transportation:

Any Off-Site Events and transportation planned by ACBS during the conference will be wheelchair accessible.  

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Hotel Information and Reservations - New Orleans

Hotel Information and Reservations - New Orleans

The ACBS World Conference 2025 will be held at:

Sheraton New Orleans
500 Canal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
USA

+1 504-525-2500 or +1 888-627-7033

Group block rate $182.00 USD (plus tax) (valid July 10-23, 2025):
 

Reserve your room!

Rooms have 2 Double Beds or 1 King Bed.

Occupancy: single ($182), double ($182), triple ($200), quad ($215)

Rate includes complimentary standard internet in the guest room.

Check in 4:00pm, check out 11:00am. Reservation cancellations made fewer than 3 days prior to scheduled arrival will incur penalties.

Rooms in our block at the Sheraton New Orleans (if rooms are still available) are only available for online reservations until June 16, 2025 (5pm local time). After this date the "prevailing" rate may apply, subject to room availability.

This hotel has ADA accessible rooms. See here for more information.

Interested in sharing a room? Click here to view our room share/ride share page.


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Restaurants Near Sheraton New Orleans

Restaurants Near Sheraton New Orleans

Our conference venue, Sheraton New Orleans is located near many local restaurants. This list is only supplied as a convenience and is not exhaustive. Please double check prices and times, as they may vary from what we have below.

This information was kindly submitted to us by Ben Ramos, thank you Ben!

ACBS staff

Room Share / Ride Share

Room Share / Ride Share

Please use this page to find hotel roommates or rides for the ACBS World Conference 2025 and/or pre-conference workshops.

Please be sure to post a "check-in" and "check-out" date in your posting and if you already have a room reserved or not (and where).

To post your need: click "add new comment" (which appears in blue below). It is recommended that you list your email address so that you may be contacted directly, but that is up to you.

To respond to a posting: click "reply" at the bottom of a post, and your reply will appear on this page (you may want to give your email address so that you may be contacted directly).

See the "Example Post" and "Example Reply" below to understand what this will look like.

When your need has been met, please go back to your comment (be sure you are logged in) and click "edit", and delete the content of your post. (admin is the only one who can delete the post entirely, but if you have deleted all of the content, I'll know to delete the post) Otherwise people will just keep contacting you....

Click "Contact Us" above in the header of the site for feedback or assistance. (You only need a login to interact with this page, paid membership is not required to participate.)

Please note that it becomes the responsibility of each participant in the program to communicate with and to work out an agreement with a potential room sharer. ACBS's role is strictly limited to the maintenance of this website page who have signified interest in the program and will maintain the page but will not (a) screen participants, (b) make any determination as to the appropriateness of any resulting room share, or (c) represent that any room share which may follow use of the service will prove to be satisfactory to the participants.

Anonyme (not verified)

Tours and Attractions around New Orleans

Tours and Attractions around New Orleans

*Inclusion on this page does not imply an endorsement from ACBS. This list is only supplied as a convenience and is not exhaustive. Prices and times may vary from what we have below.  Make sure to double check those with the venues.

This information was kindly submitted to us by Ben Ramos, thank you Ben!

ACBS staff

Childcare Options for New Orleans

Childcare Options for New Orleans

A list of potential providers and additional information about child care is included below. Note that this is a referral list and in no way suggests a recommendation or endorsement. ACBS does not recommend or endorse any child care facility or provider, nor can we assure you of the quality of care.

Jubilant Preschoolers - (504)-874-7266 or lizzell@jubilantpreschoolers.com

  • 1938 Dumaine St., New Orleans, LA 70116 - According to Google maps this is 1.5 miles from the Sheraton New Orleans
  • Open 6:00am to 11:59pm - Monday through Friday for children 6 weeks to 12 years
    •  

Summer Camps -

Information and Registration links to summer camps near the Sheraton New Orleans will be added to this page as they become available.

 

 

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Call for Submissions - Open Now!

Call for Submissions - Open Now!
ACBS 2025 logo, July 17-20, 2025

 

Oral submission deadline: February 15, 2025

IGNITE - Panel - Symposium - Paper - Workshop - Plenary/Invited

Results of oral submissions will be emailed out in the last week of March or the first week of April 2025.

Poster submission deadline: March 20, 2025

Poster

Results of poster submissions will be emailed out in April.

Chapter/SIG meeting deadline: May 1, 2025

Chapter/SIG Meeting

*Due to local technological capabilities, all presenters will need to be at the conference in New Orleans and present in-person. No virtual presentation option will be available. 

General Submission Tips and Information

Submission types: 

IGNITE

The Ignite presentation is a short, structured talk in which presenters present on ideas and issues they are most passionate about using a “deck” of 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds (no exceptions). Exactly 5 minutes total. Topics may be empirical, conceptual, philosophical, historical, or methodological. Presentation should be well-practiced and high energy (perhaps even... fun!). 

In addition to any topic within CBS, we are specifically soliciting research-related submissions as these are a unique opportunity for oral presentation of research.  We encourage researchers to consider this format for pilot data; what you would do differently if you could re-run your study; theoretical innovations (ideas that have not been yet tested but are either up and coming or something they want feedback on); program evaluations/ reflections on running CBS interventions with specific populations; conceptual innovations/ new models; "what if" presentations (what if research was conducted this way); methodology presentations on something very concrete (like sampling in CBS or recruitment best practices); qualitative research (focus groups, needs assessments) done with stakeholders receiving CBS services; and more!

Abstract word limit: 175 words maximum
For more on Ignite presentations, see:

http://igniteshow.com/

http://www.speakerconfessions.com/2009/06/how-to-give-a-great-ignite-talk/

Panel Discussion

Panel discussions are 75-90 minute sessions and consist of 3 to 5 speakers selected for some shared interest or expertise in an area. Panelists respond to one or more questions or issues, with time allotted for interaction among the speakers and with the audience. A panel discussion is organized by a chairperson who serves as the session’s moderator. Abstract word limit: 175 words maximum

Symposia (chair, 3 - 5 papers and a discussant)

Organized by a chairperson who moderates the 75 or 90 minute session, symposia are a series of three to four 15-20 minute presentations focused on either empirical research or conceptual, philosophical, historical, or methodological issues. A discussant highlights and integrates the contributions of various speakers in the symposium and moderates questions from the audience. Chairpersons are encouraged to use symposia as an opportunity to integrate related work by: 1) bringing speakers of different affiliations together rather than showcasing the work of a single group and 2) incorporating different kinds of talks (e.g., historical, conceptual, and research-based) on the same topic into one symposium. Papers from submissions that are not accepted may be considered for a poster session. This year, we are prioritizing submissions that are research and data driven. In service of being more data aware, we encourage you to include research citations (data citations) with your proposal. The Program Committee will not split apart symposia that are submitted together. Abstract word limit: 175 words maximum

Paper (not part of a pre-arranged symposium)

Paper submissions are individual, oral presentations, usually concerned with conceptual, philosophical, historical, or methodological issues. A paper submission will usually report on data. All paper presentations will be 15-20 minutes long. Accepted submissions will be organized into paper sessions of 75 or 90 minutes. Submissions not accepted will be considered for a poster session. We are prioritizing submissions that are research and data driven. In service of being more data aware, we encourage you to include research citations (data citations) with your proposal. Abstract word limit: 175 words maximum

Workshop

Workshops are training sessions of 1.25/1.5 or 2.75 hours and usually focus on a combination of experiential and/or didactic exercises. Workshop submissions are highly competitive (note: based on past events, the acceptance rate for workshops is approximately 60-70%, and of workshops submitted only 20%-35% receive 2.75 hour slots). Please put your best workshop/abstract forward keeping this in mind when determining your desired length. Keep in mind as well that most workshops selected are for the 1.25/1.5 hour slots. Be sure to clearly state your goals and objectives for participant education in your submissions. Workshops should be regarded as opportunities to directly train specific skills rather than to present research findings, discuss conceptual, philosophical, or methodological issues, or share opinions. However, in service of being more data aware, we encourage you to include research and data citations supporting your topic with your proposal, and to briefly present these (1-2 slides) during your workshop. Submissions that are not clearly focused on training should be submitted for other formats. Abstract word limit: 175 words maximum

Poster

Posters usually report empirical research and will be organized into one or more sessions, during which attendees will be invited to review the research presented and discuss findings with poster presenters. Presenters must be at their poster during their assigned time of the poster session and may choose to provide handouts. (Poster size: no larger than 36 inches tall by 48 inches wide, or A0 size. Smaller is also permitted). Abstract word limit: 175 words maximum

Plenary/ Invited Address (use only if instructed) 

Chapter/SIG/Committee Meeting

This gives Chapters/SIGs (or forming chapters and sigs) the opportunity to reserve a space and time to get together to network with others who share the same area of interest or geographic setting. This form allows SIGs and Chapters to request a time in the program for this purpose. Deadline: May 1, 2025

 

Tips for Submissions

  • Questions about the submission website? Check out some FAQs here.
  • Are you wondering how to increase the chance of acceptance for your submission? Click here for tips.
  • Unsure about writing Educational Objectives? Click here to learn more about them. 
  • Are you submitting a poster? Check out the poster guidelines here
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Conference Awards & Scholarships

Conference Awards & Scholarships

ACBS Junior Investigator Poster Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize and help develop junior investigators conducting research in contextual behavioral science and who are presenting the results of this research at the Association's annual meeting.

ACBS Student Spotlight Program: (Accepted November 1-November 30)

The Student Spotlight Program highlights students who are doing important work in the CBS community whether for research, clinical, and/or volunteer-humanitarian efforts. It is a way to highlight their achievements, let the ACBS community know important work students are doing, and provides a platform for mentoring/collaboration/professional development/conversations around highlighted areas.

Developing Nations World Conference Scholars: (Application closes February 1)

ACBS is an international society but in many corners of the world it is difficult for professionals to attend ACBS conferences and trainings due simply to cost. The Developing Nations Fund helps disseminate CBS in the developing world and provides scholarships for attendees and presenters from developing nations to attend the world conference.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion World Conference Scholars: (Application closes February 1)

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is aiming to bring increased diversity to our annual conferences by providing funds for individuals who come from diverse backgrounds and who would not be able to attend an ACBS conference without this added financial support. Both trainees and professionals are eligible for this competitive award.

Early Career Research Paper Award: (Accepted papers will be emailed regarding eligibility)

The Award recognizes an outstanding empirical research abstract from an early career researcher, with the goal of stimulating that person’s long term participation in the ACBS conference as an outlet for presenting empirical science within the broad domain of CBS.

Michael J. Asher Student Dissertation Award: (Application closes February 1)

This award is given to students based on their doctoral dissertation proposal related to the use of Contextual Behavioral Science with children/adolescents. Michael J. Asher, Ph.D., ABPP passed away in 2016 and was a clinical psychologist at Behavior Therapy Associates, P.A. since 1988. He was passionate about his work, loved psychology, cognitive behavior therapy, and especially enjoyed learning about and practicing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

ACBS Foundation Student Scholarship: (Application closes February 15)

The goal of the ACBS Foundation is to support existing activities within ACBS and explore areas for future development. The ACBS Foundation Student Scholarship that will cover the full student registration fee for attending the annual ACBS World Conference.

Student World Conference Scholars: (Application closes February 15)

The mission of the ACBS Student Special Interest Group is to work to support students of contextual behavioral science by advocating for their professional and personal development and facilitating their contribution to ACBS and the larger community. One step in moving towards this mission has been to create a Student World Conference Scholarship that will help subsidize the costs of attending the annual ACBS World Conference.


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Invited Speakers for 2025 World Conference

Invited Speakers for 2025 World Conference

2025 Plenary Speakers

 

Lisa Feldman Barrett, Ph.D. 

Lisa Feldman Barrett, Ph.D., is among the top 0.1% most cited scientists in the world for her revolutionary research in psychology and neuroscience. She is a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University. She also holds appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Chief Science Officer for the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior. Dr. Barrett has published over 275 peer-reviewed, scientific papers appearing in Science, Nature Neuroscience, and other top journals in psychology and cognitive neuroscience, as well as six academic volumes published by Guilford Press. She writes regularly about science in the popular press, including The New York Times, The Guardian, Scientific American, BBC Science Focus, Popular Science, Nautilus, BigThink, Cosmopolitan,  Time magazine, MIT Technology Review, and more (see full list). Her popular TED talk has been viewed over 7 million times.

Dr. Barrett received a National Institutes of Health Director’s Pioneer Award for her revolutionary research on emotion in the brain. These highly competitive, multimillion dollar awards are given to scientists of exceptional creativity who are expected to transform biomedical and behavioral research. She also received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2019, the APS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018, and the APA Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award in Psychology in 2021.


Rick Hanson, Ph.D. 

Rick Hanson, Ph.D., is a psychologist, Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times best-selling author. His seven books have been published in 33 languages and include Making Great Relationships, Neurodharma, Resilient, Hardwiring Happiness, Just One Thing, Buddha’s Brain, and Mother Nurture – with over a million copies in English alone. He's the founder of the Global Compassion Coalition and the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom, as well as the co-host of the Being Well podcast – which has been downloaded over 16 million times. His free newsletters have 260,000 subscribers, and his online programs have scholarships available for those with financial needs. He’s lectured at NASA, Google, Oxford, and Harvard. An expert on positive neuroplasticity, his work has been featured on CBS, NPR, the BBC, and other major media. He began meditating in 1974 and has taught in meditation centers worldwide. He and his wife live in northern California and have two adult children. He loves the wilderness and taking a break from emails.


Rhonda M. Merwin, Ph.D. 

Rhonda M. Merwin, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor for the Duke University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Merwin completed her doctorate at the University of Mississippi and an NIH-sponsored postdoctoral fellowship in Behavioral Medicine at Duke University Medical Center before joining the Duke faculty in 2008. Dr. Merwin has expertise in eating disorders, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychological concerns in the management of Type 1 diabetes. She is 1 of 111 peer-reviewed ACT trainers worldwide, a Fellow, and current President of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. 

 


Baljinder Kaur Sahdra, Ph.D. 

Associate Professor Baljinder Kaur Sahdra is a researcher at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at the Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, Australia. She also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. She has made substantial scientific contributions in the areas of well-being, mindfulness, compassion, nonattachment, intensive meditation, discrimination and social identity, compulsive internet use, educational psychology, and personalizing psychology (see more here: https://bit.ly/BaljinderSahdraPhD). Her research articles are highly cited (7,000+ Google Scholar citations; 950+ media mentions). She has been awarded with several prestigious awards and competitive research grants ($7+ million). She is passionate about the role of idionomic methods, which integrate individual-level and group-level insights to advance data-driven personalized psychological care. Most relevant for this plenary talk, her recent research focuses on idionomic analyses of psychological processes of change, such as, compassion, valued-action, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility.  


Michael Tomasello, Ph.D.

Michael Tomasello, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, has applied a comparative and developmental approach toward seeking answers. His studies on the psychological processes of social cognition, social learning, cooperation, and communication shed light on human uniqueness as well as on the cognitive abilities of our closest ape relatives. Tomasello, who is emeritus director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2017. 

 

 

2025 Invited Speakers

 

 

Maysa Akbar, Ph.D., ABPP

Maysa Akbar, Ph.D., ABPP, is a respected scientist-practitioner and APA’s chief diversity officer (CDO) and chief of psychology in the public interest, charged with infusing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into the fabric of the association’s work. Before assuming the CDO post, Akbar was the founder and chief executive officer of a clinical practice based in New Haven, Connecticut, that specialized in race-based trauma. She also created a consulting firm and educational network focused on organizational cultural transformation. Her firm delivered cutting-edge programs anchored in EDI to city governments, public schools, and court systems, among other entities.

Akbar’s areas of specialty include racial identity development, racism, urban trauma, and allyship, topics on which she has written research articles, books, and book chapters. Akbar is an experienced instructor and master trainer in EDI for both the medical and the broader community. Akbar held a faculty appointment from 2004–21 at the Yale School of Medicine Child Study Center as an assistant clinical professor with multiple roles, including conducting research, teaching, and serving as an administrator and supervisor. Akbar also completed her pre- and postdoctoral training at the Yale Child Study Center with a specialty track in early childhood development. She is certified in child and adolescent psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology.


Robert Johansson, Ph.D.

Robert Johansson is an interdisciplinary researcher with dual PhDs: one in clinical psychology (2013) and another in computer science (2024), specializing in the development of adaptive AI systems informed by learning psychology. His pioneering work in Machine Psychology integrates principles from learning psychology with the Non-Axiomatic Reasoning System (NARS) to create AI systems capable of human-like relational reasoning.

Currently an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden, Robert has extensive experience in emotion-focused therapies and in developing innovative psychological treatments, particularly through guided self-help delivered via the Internet. His interdisciplinary expertise allows him to bridge the gap between psychological science and artificial intelligence, contributing to the development of ethically adaptive AI systems that align with human values.


Jennifer Shepard Payne, Ph.D., LCSW

Jennifer Shepard Payne, is a Research Scientist and Clinician at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in the Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress (CCFTS) and the Center for the Neuroscience of Social Injustice. She is also an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins    University School of Medicine, with a primary appointment in the Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

She received her doctorate in Social Welfare from UCLA and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years of experience in mental health clinical practice. For several years, Dr. Payne has been working on culturally tailoring Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for African American communities experiencing racial and systemic trauma. She developed a culturally-tailored ACT intervention called POOF™ and trains and consults on the model: www.POOF-PullingOutOfFire.com. Her book, Out Of The Fire, is a love note for Blacks and others suffering from the paralyzing effects of systemic racism. 
 

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Program Committee

Program Committee

2025 Program Committee Chairs

Amie Zarling, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and an associate professor at Iowa State University (United States) in the Human Development and Family Studies program where she maintains an active research program focused on developing and testing evidence-based interventions for under-served and/or under-resourced populations. One of the primary areas of her work is the prevention and treatment of family violence, and evaluating programs based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for domestic violence and criminal behavior. Dr. Zarling has received over $2 million in funding for her work, including multiple grants from the Office on Violence Against Women and the Department of Justice. She is a recent recipient of the American Psychological Foundation’s Visionary Award and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science’s Early Career Award. Dr. Zarling has trained more than 500 people in the ACT programs for justice-involved individuals. She continues to be involved in ongoing training, evaluation, and improvement of these programs.

 

Maureen Flynn, Ph.D., is a professor in the psychological sciences department at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She mentors undergraduates in CBS research and teaches CBS and ACT in her courses. Her program of research focuses on ACT, psychological flexibility and core processes, stigma, and discrimination.

 

Interested in joining the Program Committee as a volunteer reviewer for the 2025 conference submissions? If so, please click here to complete the reviewer preference webform.  

 


 

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Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship Opportunities

Are you interested in promotion to those that are attending the 2025 ACBS World Conference this year? ACBS would love to partner with you in a meaningful way. Our sponsorship options are designed to maximize your budget and achieve your marketing goals. See attached options. 

Audience
The ACBS World Conference is made up of psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, physicians, counselors, health researchers, language researchers, behavior analysts, teachers, organizational psychologists, students, and more.

Benefits
Access to the largest audience of CBS practitioners and researchers. Your company name will be in front of this specialty audience of professionals and students. Build and expand your brand awareness with our audience through e-communications and in-person.
 

Please reach out to Melissa Wesolek, staff@contextualscience.org with interest. 

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CE Credits

CE Credits

Type of Credit Available:

CE Credit for Psychologists

The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

ACBS will be applying to offer CEs for BCBAs, social workers, and counselors. 

Certificate with Number of Hours Attended

As an alternative to a CE certificate, some credentialing agencies (please check with yours) may accept a certificate with the number of hours attended. This requires that an individual verifies their attendance by signing in and out of each session that they attend during the event. The cost for this type of certificate is $25 USD.


Information about the CE Process

  • CEs or certificates with the number of hours attended are available for a one-time fee for the entire event.
  • CE rules require that we only issue credits to those who attend the entire session. Those arriving more than 15 minutes late or leaving before the entire session is completed will not receive CE credits.
  • Evaluations will be available, but are not required to earn CE credits.
  • Please remember to scan in and out at the beginning and end of each session using our scanner system. If there is a problem and the scanners are not working, please make sure to sign in and out on the yellow attendance sheet provided. We cannot give CE credit if you do not scan/sign in and out.
  • Please DO NOT SCAN in and out for coffee/tea breaks. CE credits are NOT available for IGNITE sessions, Chapter/SIG/Committee meetings, or other lunch time sessions.

Fees:

A $75 USD fee will be required to earn CEs (of any type). This fee is non-refundable (unless you cancel your registration in its entirety before the cancellation deadline). Attendance verification (sign in/out) and evaluations also may be required.

The cost for a certificate indicating only the number of contact hours (not a CE certificate) is $25 USD.

Refunds & Grievance Policies: Participants may direct any questions or complaints to ACBS Executive Director Emily Rodrigues, acbs@contextualscience.org, or through the Contact Us link on this website.

  • CEs are only available for events that qualify as workshops, symposia, invited lecture, panel discussion, or plenary sessions. Poster sessions, IGNITE sessions, sessions shorter than 1 hour, Chapter/SIG/Committee meetings, and some other specialty sessions do NOT qualify for Continuing Education credit.
  • Note: CE credits are only available for those registered as a professional. You may not earn CE credits with a student registration.
ACBS staff

Conference FAQ

Conference FAQ

General Information about the ACBS World Conference

 

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How do I sign up for individual sessions/workshops during the conference?

How do I sign up for individual sessions/workshops during the conference?

All sessions during the ACBS World Conference are open to all paid conference attendees.

You don't have to sign up for individual sessions.  You just go to the session/workshop you are interested in. 

ACBS attempts to put the most popular sessions into the largest rooms, but sometimes the room assignment is too small for the interest.  We apologize if a room is full before you arrive. Please consider arriving a few minutes early to your "must have" sessions.

(Note: Pre-Conference Workshops do require pre-registration and a separate fee to attend.)

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How much do workshops cost during the World Conference?

How much do workshops cost during the World Conference?

Workshops given during the World Conference are free of charge.

(Note: Pre-Conference Intensive workshops have a separate fee and registration.)

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Poster Guidelines

Poster Guidelines

Please consider using this innovative poster format, as we believe it will increase both efficiency and effectiveness in poster preparation and communication of data. (This format is not required, but strongly suggested.)

Find more information about this poster format here and download the template below


Poster sessions facilitate a researcher to discuss their research for an extended period and allow attendees to select the presentations in which they are most interested. 

Poster size: no larger than 36 inches by 48 inches, or A0 size. A smaller size is also permitted. VERTICAL/PORTRAIT orientation required for 2025.

Please consider using an engaging poster format such as the one described here. This should aid you in reaching your audience and getting the conversation started about your work.

***Please note, we are unable to print posters for presenters (or pay for poster printing), so please come to the conference prepared with your printed poster.

Want to save money on poster printing?

There are a few free options that you can find online to print a large image across multiple "regular" pages. It will require a little bit of trimming/scissor work, but these pages and some tape can save you some money if this is a barrier for you. Examples:

https://medium.com/idomongodb/tip-of-the-day-how-to-print-a-large-image-onto-multiple-pages-3d7564499c73

https://suncatcherstudio.com/block-poster/

 

Poster Session Information

Each poster area will include a number in the upper corner corresponding to the poster’s listed number found in the program. Poster presenters should arrive at the poster display area 15 minutes before the scheduled beginning of their poster session to set up their display materials. No electrical outlets or audio-visual equipment will be provided in the poster area. At the end of the session, your poster must be taken down and removed from the areas. 

Magnets, tacks, or sticky putty will be provided for hanging your poster materials; if your poster requires any special materials that cannot be mounted via magnets or blue a painter's tape, it can not be displayed (per venue rules).

During the session, your materials should be on display and you and your co-authors should be available to discuss the materials and answer questions. At least one author must be present at the poster during the presentation period.

ACBS staff

Tips for Submissions

Tips for Submissions

General:

  • Citing research and presenting data (original or a review of data) is highly encouraged for all submission types.

  • Make sure that your submission for a workshop/panel/etc. is appropriate for that format. Panel submissions that sound more like workshops are unlikely to be accepted and vice versa.

  • Submissions should weigh the value of diverse voices against too many presenters to make it coherent. ACBS encourages (and depending on topic may require) panels/workshops to include a diverse complement of presenters (demographic diversity as well as diversity in areas of expertise), but not to the detriment of a coherent, we'll crafted session. Please consider the practicality of coordinating a quality session among too many presenters.

  • Please accurately indicate if your submission is beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Please craft your submission to fit the audience you indicate. You do not have a better chance of being accepted if you choose all 3.

  • If your expertise is in a very narrow area (ex. 55-57 year olds with trauma history), we encourage you to craft your workshop/panel submission to meet the needs of a wider audience. Your examples/demonstrations should of course be from your area of expertise, but we encourage that your abstract and title be accessible to more potential attendees.

  • Make sure your abstract is clear and well written (have multiple people proofread it before submitting). Unclear or poorly written abstracts have a lower chance of being accepted.

  • Make sure your abstract explains skills or information an attendee will walk away with at the conclusion.

  • Background like “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a behavioral-based…..” isn’t necessary in your abstract. If you feel you need to persuade reviewers that your topic is important (but that background information isn’t relevant for an abstract to entice attendance) please add that to the “additional information” field at the end of the submission form.

  • Create actual educational objectives - what the attendees should be able to do as a result of attending your session. (Read the examples/descriptions of what an objective is in the submission form before writing yours.)

  • Post-test questions (required so that Continuing Education credit may be earned by those watching recordings of the live sessions), can often be developed (at least in part) from your education objectives. You can do up to 2 true/false questions and the remainder need to be multiple choice.  These questions don't have to be "extra tricky", they're just intended to gauge comprehension of information presented.

Specific to Workshops:

  • Be realistic about what you are going to be able to do in the time available and about the time you need (don’t try to squeeze a 2 hour workshop into a 1 hour slot; adjust for the time).

  • Workshops should not be didactic with a single exercise included at the end. This is a common mistake. Please consider multiple components (experiential exercises, role-plays, case conceptualizations, etc.) to make your workshop more appealing and useful. These should be woven thoughtfully throughout your workshop.

  • Consider the unique opportunities available in the online format (if applying to present online). Not only can you plan for break out rooms, you can create polls, and ask people to indicate understanding/interest through the use of emoticons (thumbs up, etc.).

ACBS staff

Virtual/ hybrid not available in 2025

Virtual/ hybrid not available in 2025

Based on member/attendee feedback and technical expenses of our venue in New Orleans, we will not have a live virtual or hybrid component to this year's ACBS World Conference.

However, some virtual Pre-Conference intensive workshops WILL be available in June 2025.

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What are Educational Objectives?

What are Educational Objectives?

Educational Objectives are required for sessions to be eligible for Continuing Education (CE) credit. 

Writing Educational Objectives (according to the APA):

  • Educational objectives, or learning outcomes, are statements that clearly describe what the learner will know or be able to do as a result of having attended an educational program or activity.
  • Educational objectives must be observable and measurable.
  • Educational objectives should (1) focus on the learner, and (2) contain action verbs that describe measurable behaviors
  • Verbs to consider when writing Educational objectives:
    • list, describe, recite, write
    • compute, discuss, explain, predict
    • apply, demonstrate, prepare, use
    • analyze, design, select, utilize
    • compile, create, plan, revise
    • assess, compare, rate, critique
  • Verbs to avoid when writing Educational objectives
    • know, understand, have
    • learn, appreciate
    • become aware of, become familiar with

Examples of well-written Educational objectives:

  • Implement traditional exposure-based interventions as adapted for an acceptance-based model.
  • Describe the role and significance of avoidance in the development and maintenance of psychopathology.
  • Conduct a full-scale values assessment with clients.

Examples of poor Educational Objectives:

  • Hear the latest research about ACT. (not learner-focused; not about measurable behaviors)
  • See a role-play. (not learner-focused; not about measurable behaviors)
ACBS staff

What does a Chairperson do?

What does a Chairperson do?

The Chairperson for a PANEL should prepare to briefly introduce each Panelist. Keep it brief and relevant, so as not to take up lots of precious session time. Introduce all Panelists at the beginning of the session. Panels vary in their format, some have each panelist give 10 minute presentations followed by a discussion/debate by the panelists, some require the Chair to pose pre-arranged questions, some feed solely off of audience questions. The Chair is responsible for knowing or establishing the format and facilitating it (perhaps by asking the questions or calling on the audience members). If the panel gets off track (or off topic) it's the Chair's responsibility to bring them back to the topic, and make sure that the Educational Objectives listed in the Program are met/covered. Please keep in mind though that the Chair is not a Panelist (unless they are scheduled in both roles) and should make sure not to speak at length. If the Q&A is still going strong at the end of the scheduled time period, please thank the presenters, and announce that if the audience has any more questions, the presenters may be able to give them a few minutes in the hallway for remaining questions. This is necessary if another session is starting in 15 minutes (so that the next presenters can begin to prepare in the room) and so that those audience members that need to leave can do so (without disrupting the session) at the conclusion of the time period. It is the responsibility of the Chairperson to make sure that the session begins on time. Please make sure you have a watch.

Here's another cool article about Panel chairing for some other tips.


The Chairperson for a SYMPOSIUM should prepare to briefly introduce each speaker, immediately prior to his/her presentation (this can be as minimal as Name, Affiliation, Paper title; or a little more substantive if desired, but still brief.) It is also your responsibility to monitor the timing of each speaker.  (Each session may have slightly different timing... if the session is 60 minutes, with 3 papers, each paper would be 10 minutes, then 15 minutes of time for the Discussant, followed by Q&A. If the session is 60 minutes with 4 papers, each paper would get 10 minutes, 10 minutes for the Discussant, and the remainder for questions.) If there is no Discussant, each presenter may have more time, or you can opt for a longer Q&A period.

Briefly tell each speaker, prior to the session something like "I'll keep the time on my watch. Each speaker has 10 minutes. I'll raise my hand in the back of the room when you have 5 minutes, and I'll raise my hand and hold up 1 finger when you have 1 minute left." You may put notecards on the lectern with the amount of time left, if you prefer. (The set up of the room may or may not permit this.) If the presenter does not stop at the end of their time, please kindly interrupt them (verbally), and ask them to wrap up so that the next presenter may begin.  (The audience will thank you!) The Question & Answer period for all papers should occur at the end of the session (not after each presentation). Please just make sure that everyone gets a fair and equal amount of time. (If the first person has a short talk, the extra time may be divided among the remaining speakers.) It is the responsibility of the Chairperson to make sure that the session begins on time. Please make sure you have a watch.

 

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What does a Discussant do?

What does a Discussant do?

A discussant is the final speaker in a SYMPOSIUM who highlights and integrates the contributions of various speakers in that symposium. That is, they use their expertise to provide a general commentary on individual papers within the session and explore how the papers (in relation to each other) help advance the topic. Discussants should plan to discuss the session for approximately 10 minutes, depending upon the time available, and then moderate questions from the audience. Discussants should directly request the papers (or at least the outlines) from the presenters before the conference, and prepare by reading related work prior to the conference.

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What is Chapter/SIG World Conference Submission Sponsorship?

What is Chapter/SIG World Conference Submission Sponsorship?

You can find the important details regarding Chapter/SIG Submission Sponsorship here.

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First Timer’s Guide to the ACBS World Conference in New Orleans - Under Construction

First Timer’s Guide to the ACBS World Conference in New Orleans - Under Construction

This page is currently under construction.

Welcome!


We have compiled this guide to assist first-time conference attendee’s in making their time at the ACBS World Conference as productive and stress-free as possible. There’s no “right” way to attend the conference nor is there a set number of sessions or events to attend. You should attend the conference with the plan to make connections, learn, and have fun.

Planning for the Conference

Getting there: Check here for airport transfer information to get you to the venue or accommodations.

General Conference Schedule: Please find the schedule of events which will help you plan your days here - Gen schedule

What Should I Bring?

Snacks and a water bottle: ACBS provides lunch each day along with Coffee/Tea breaks in the morning and afternoon. If you’d like to supplement that, shop at the grocery store and stock up on fruit, granola bars, or energy bars – items that are portable and filling to sustain you through the day. Your brain will thank you!

Comfortable Shoes & Clothes: This is not the time to wear new shoes, even if you look amazing in them. Bring your favorite comfortable shoes. ACBS conferences are a bit more informal that other similar conferences when it comes to dress. Most people wear slacks/shorts/jeans and a button-down shirt, blouse, or something similar. Be comfortable. (Oh, and a sweater is a good idea in case a room is chilly with air-conditioning.)

Choosing Conference Sessions (2025 Preliminary Program)

Sometimes selecting which of the approx. 120+ education sessions to attend requires some time. There is a lot of cool research, some really useful practical training, thought provoking invited speakers, and a wide variety of topics. Expand your horizons and have fun. Read through the sessions available. Keep a list of these available sessions, but don’t stress about definitively picking one over another. You will end up chatting with other attendees about pending sessions and they may lean toward one or the other or even suggest one you had not considered. Another strategy is to find (or recruit) a buddy to attend a different session in the same time slot and then meet up afterward to share information.

You will notice there are several different types of sessions available throughout the conference. We’ve included a brief explanation of each type to assist with choosing your sessions:

Workshops are training sessions of 1.5 or 3 hours and usually focus on a combination of experiential exercises, case conceptualization, role plays, and/or didactic teaching. The workshops July 16-19 are open to all, no advanced registration is required for individual sessions.
• The Ignite presentation is a short, structured talk in which presenters present on ideas and issues they are most passionate about using a “deck” of 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds for a total of 5 minutes each.
Symposia are a series of three to five 15-20 minute presentations focused on either empirical research or conceptual, philosophical, historical, or methodological issues. A discussant highlights and integrates the contributions of various speakers in the symposium and moderates questions from the audience.
Invited Lectures are in depth, invited talks by researchers/trainers doing something especially awesome.  These presenters have been specifically invited to provide new insights or depth to the conference.  We encourage you to attend!
Panel discussions consist of 3 to 5 speakers selected for some shared interest or expertise in an area. Panelists respond to one or more questions or issues, with time allotted for interaction among the speakers and with the audience.

 

Networking at the Conference

The First Timer’s Event/Rookie’s Retreat: Attending this event can help you get oriented to the conference, meet some attendees, and start your networking! TBD will facilitate The First Timer’s Event/Rookie’s Retreat again this year. The event will be held on Wednesday, July 16 - time and location to be determined.

Chapter/SIG (Special Interest Group) Meetings: You are welcome and encouraged to attend any Chapter and SIG meetings that are occurring during the conference which interest you. You do not need to be a member of these groups to attend and this is a great way to meet people who live locally to you or who have similar interests. 

Evening and Social Events: ACBS conference social events (networking receptions, mixers, follies, dance party, etc.) generally have high attendance. These events are a good opportunity to chat with others in a relaxed environment and have fun. You will find the schedule for evening and social events here: 

Quick Tips

• Clothing: New Orleans area temperatures in July are hot and humid. Daily highs are predicted to be between 87-95 degrees Fahrenheit (30-35 degrees Celsius). Dress comfortably. In general, it does rain about one third of the month of July, so you will want to be prepared for some rainy days.
• All sessions from Thursday morning through Sunday noon, are included with your conference registration. Workshops given during these times are complimentary.
• You will be meeting other therapists/researchers so be prepared to help them remember you by sharing your business card. If you don't have a business card, don't worry! ACBS is an informal conference and you can always snap a picture of someone's name tag and message them later through our membership directory.
  

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