Call for Proposals
critical conversations
Proposals due Wednesday, January 13, 2027, at 5 p.m. ET
Critical Conversations are interactive sessions centered on open dialogue between presenters and the audience. Each session begins with one or more brief presentations that give attendees the context they need to join the discussion. The chair then moderates, keeping most of the session time devoted to conversation with the audience.
TIP! Make sure your proposal aligns with the goals of the Division you are submitting to by reviewing their program requirements.
All APA 2027 proposals must be submitted online through the call for proposals platform by Wednesday, January 13, 2027, at 5 p.m. ET.
What You’ll Need to Submit Your Critical Conversation
Session Information
We recommend preparing your session information in a separate document, then copying and pasting it into the submission platform.
APA Division
The APA Division you are submitting to—see the full list of APA Divisions here.
Not sure which Division to submit to? Search the list to find the ones that cover your topic. Still can’t decide? Consider reaching out to the
Division program chairs to determine if your proposal is a good fit.
Session Title
75 characters max, including spaces
TIP! Attendees often decide which sessions to attend based on their titles. Make sure yours is clear and engaging, with the key words and concepts at the beginning.
Click here for examples.
Session Description
50 words max
This is the brief description of your Critical Conversation that will appear in the APA 2027 program. It should provide a clear overview of the session and make the case for why this topic is relevant and useful to attendees.
Real-World Applications Statements
50 words each
Include two statements that highlight the practical applications of your proposed session, whether in policy, clinical settings, research, education, or any other setting.
For example,
“This session will offer a replicable stepped-care protocol for how culturally informed care can be implemented in clinical practice with LGBT youth,” or, “This session will present actionable recommendations clinicians can use when supporting clients through the VA service-based disability claims process.”
Session Abstract
250-300 words
The abstract should describe the session's overall focus and/or goals, including any interactive component or audience engagement strategy. It should also provide a brief mention of the content to be covered by each of the individual speakers/presenters. If you submit the session for CE consideration, the abstract will also be used to review the session for CE.
Scheduling Accommodations (optional)
If any of the participants require scheduling accommodations related to religious beliefs or other protected statuses, please provide details.
Presenter and Presentation Information
You will need to provide information about each of the presentations and presenters that make up your session. Critical Conversations can include up to X presenters.
Presenter Names
Add each presenter using their last name and email address.
If the presenter is not already in the system, you will need to add them as a contact with their:
- first name,
- last name,
- email address, and
- organization.
Presentation Titles
For each presentation in your Critical Conversation, enter "Presenter 1," "Presenter 2," etc. as the presentation title.
Open Science Disclosure (optional)
APA encourages researchers to use
open science practices, and APA 2027 presenters can earn an open science badge for doing so. Badges will be placed next to eligible presentation titles in the APA 2027 program.
Submit for CE
Your Critical Conversation session can offer continuing education (CE) credit! Being a CE presenter gives you greater visibility in the APA 2027 program and an additional achievement you can note on your CV.
The Call for Proposals closed at 5 p.m. ET, January 14, 2025.
APA 2025 will feature four different session types: Critical Conversations, Flash Talks, Skill-Building Sessions, or Symposia. Learn more about each session type below.
For additional division-specific information and program chairperson contact details, click
here.
IMPORTANT! ALL presenters and program participants—members, nonmembers, and students—are required to register and pay the appropriate registration fees for APA 2027. Registration will open in April. We look forward to seeing you in San Francisco, CA, or virtually!
