Psychology conferences provide a great opportunity for students and young professionals to meet and learn from some of the top minds in their industry. Whether you’re devoted to a particular field or interested in psychology as a whole, you’ll find several conferences in the upcoming year that will pique your interest. Not only do these conventions help experienced psychologists keep up on exciting new developments in the industry, they give up-and-comers the chance to network, spark friendships and have some fun. The following five psychology conferences are among the most anticipated.
INS Annual Meeting
With more than 4,700 members throughout the world, the International Neuropsychology Society promotes the study of brain-behavior relationships. Attendees can expect to hear from an array of multicultural speakers discussing everything from multi-modal imaging approaches to brain-behavior relationships. Each year, the INS chooses different themes.
ACA Annual Conference & Exposition
As the leading annual gathering for counselors, visitors can expect to meet plenty of influential professionals at the ACA Conference & Expo. As the name implies, the American Counseling Association divides the event into a conference, which features speakers and workshops, and an exhibition, which houses booths from many of the industry’s top businesses and organizations. If you’re studying counseling, attending this event could be an investment in your professional future. Many exhibitors network with attendees and recruit students for education programs.
SIOP Annual Conference
The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology designs an annual conference to give guests plenty of networking and socializing opportunities. Visitors can rub shoulders with thousands of professionals and students in the field of industrial-organizational psychology during scheduled general receptions and coffee breaks. First-time attendees are encouraged to come a day early to check out the “Newcomer Reception,” where they’ll learn tips on how to get more out of the SIOP conference. In addition to social activities, the three-day event will feature 300 educational sessions and an exhibit hall.
Featured Programs
APA Annual Convention
The annual American Psychological Association convention offers the perfect opportunity to meet face-to-face with experts from nearly every field of psychology. Its 1,000-plus sessions cover everything from use of technology to clinical practice. While you’re browsing through the exhibitor halls, be sure to participate in some of the expo events. The APA Film Festival is another major highlight of the convention, giving attendees the chance to view productions by association members as well as commercial and educational filmmakers.
APS Annual Convention
Those interested in hearing from some of the top thinkers in psychological science will have plenty to listen to at the APS Annual Convention. Theme programs at past conventions include “The Meaning of Time,” “Breaking Free: Intersecting Perspectives on the Science of Behavior Change” and “Advancing Psychological Science Through Technology.” The exhibit hall features booths from government agencies, scientific societies, equipment manufacturers and more.
Conclusion
If you’re planning on attending your first psychology conference, try not to get overwhelmed. Yes, some conventions have thousands of attendees and hundreds of workshops. That’s why it’s important to go in with an open mind, a comfortable pair of shoes (you may be walking a lot), and ready to converse with new people.
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