Overview of ABA Conferences
Conferences are one of the most valuable ways to earn CEUs while networking with colleagues, learning about the latest research, and discovering new clinical approaches. Whether you attend a large national convention or a focused state conference, the in-person (and increasingly virtual) experience offers something online courses cannot replicate.
This guide covers the major national and international conferences, state and regional organizations, and practical tips for getting the most CEUs and value from your conference attendance.
Conference CEU Benefits
Most ABA conferences offer sessions that qualify for BACB-approved CEUs across learning, ethics, and supervision categories. A single multi-day conference can provide a significant portion of your required CEUs for the certification cycle, often at a lower per-CEU cost than purchasing individual online courses.
National Conferences
These are the largest and most well-known conferences in the behavior analysis field. They draw attendees from across the country and around the world.
ABAI Annual Convention
The ABAI Annual Convention is the largest gathering of behavior analysts in the world. It features hundreds of presentations, workshops, symposia, and poster sessions covering every area of behavior analysis. This is the flagship event for the profession.
What ABAI Offers
- Hundreds of CEU-eligible sessions across all categories
- Pre-convention workshops for intensive learning
- Networking with researchers and practitioners worldwide
- Expo hall with employers, publishers, and technology vendors
- Six peer-reviewed behavior analysis journals
- Hundreds of free videos in the ABAI Learning Center for members
APBA Annual Convention
APBA focuses specifically on the professional practice of behavior analysis, making their convention particularly relevant for clinicians and agency leaders. Sessions tend to focus on practice, policy, ethics, and business issues facing behavior analysts.
What APBA Offers
- Practice-focused convention content
- Monthly journal clubs with CEUs available
- Virtual translational conferences
- On-demand events for members
- Awards recognizing ethical practice and professional excellence
Upcoming APBA Events
- APBA Connect 2026 — March 12-14, 2026, New Orleans
- APBA 2027 Annual Convention — March 18-20, 2027, Kansas City
ABAI Annual Autism Conference
A focused conference dedicated to autism-related topics in behavior analysis. Ideal for practitioners who work primarily with individuals on the autism spectrum and want concentrated learning in this area.
Key Features
- Dedicated autism-focused content and research
- CEU-eligible sessions specific to autism treatment
- Networking with autism specialists
- Smaller, more focused setting than the annual convention
ABAI Specialty Conferences
Beyond the annual convention and autism conference, ABAI hosts specialty events throughout the year that focus on specific topics or methodologies.
Upcoming Specialty Events
- Single Case Conference — September 26-28, 2025, Minneapolis, MN
- 12th International Conference — November 11-13, 2025, Lisbon, Portugal
State & Regional Conferences
State and regional ABA organizations host annual conferences that are often more affordable and accessible than national events. These conferences are excellent for networking with local colleagues, learning about state-specific regulations, and earning CEUs closer to home.
Conference Calendar 2025-2026
Stay Up to Date
Conference dates and locations can change. Check our CEU Calendar for the latest event information and registration deadlines.
State ABA Organizations
There are over 25 state and regional ABA organizations across the United States and internationally. Most host annual conferences and may offer additional CEU opportunities throughout the year.
Membership in your state organization typically provides discounted conference registration, access to local networking events, and sometimes additional free CEU opportunities.
What to Expect at an ABA Conference
If you are attending your first conference or simply want to know what is typical, here is what most ABA conferences include.
- Keynote Presentations — Leading researchers and practitioners deliver talks on significant topics in the field. Keynotes typically earn CEUs and set the tone for the conference.
- Workshops and Symposia — In-depth sessions on specific topics, often running 1-3 hours. These are where you earn most of your CEUs and dive deeper into areas of interest.
- Poster Sessions — Researchers present their work in a poster format, allowing one-on-one conversations about their findings. A great way to learn about emerging research.
- Networking Events — Receptions, meals, and social events provide opportunities to connect with colleagues, potential employers, and mentors.
- Exhibit Halls — Vendors showcase products, services, and job opportunities. You may find new tools, curriculum resources, or even your next employer.
- Pre-Conference Workshops — Many conferences offer intensive workshops the day before the main event. These often provide additional CEUs and deeper dives into specialized topics.
Maximizing CEUs at Conferences
Conferences can be one of the most efficient ways to earn CEUs, but it takes intentional planning to maximize your return.
- Register for pre-conference workshops. These intensive sessions can add 3-8 CEUs on top of the main conference offerings.
- Prioritize CEU-eligible sessions. Not all conference presentations offer CEUs. Review the program in advance and mark which sessions count toward your requirements.
- Balance categories. Use conferences to earn hard-to-find ethics and supervision CEUs. Plan to attend at least one ethics session and one supervision session per conference.
- Track attendance carefully. Keep sign-in sheets, scan QR codes, or complete whatever attendance verification the conference requires. Without proper documentation, your CEUs may not be counted.
- Request certificates promptly. Some conferences provide certificates at the event; others email them after. Follow up if you do not receive certificates within a few weeks.
Conference Math
A typical 3-day conference can offer 15-25+ CEUs when including pre-conference workshops. That could cover nearly half of the 32 CEUs required for a BCBA's 2-year cycle, all in one concentrated learning experience.
Planning Your Conference Schedule
A little preparation before the conference goes a long way toward getting the most value from your attendance.
- Review the program early. Most conferences publish their session schedule weeks in advance. Identify your must-attend sessions and build your daily schedule around them.
- Register early for discounts. Early bird registration can save $50-200 or more depending on the conference. Set calendar reminders when registration opens.
- Book accommodations early. Conference hotel blocks fill up fast. Book your hotel as soon as dates are announced, even before the full schedule is published.
- Budget for the full cost. Factor in registration, travel, hotel, meals, and any pre-conference workshops. Compare this total against the per-CEU cost to evaluate the value.
- Bring business cards. Conferences are prime networking opportunities. Be prepared to exchange contact information with colleagues and potential collaborators.
Virtual Conference Options
Many organizations now offer virtual or hybrid conference options, making it possible to earn CEUs from major events without the cost and time of travel.
Virtual Conference Benefits
- No travel or hotel costs
- Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Many offer on-demand access to recorded sessions after the event
- Often available at a significantly lower registration fee
APBA hosts virtual translational conferences with on-demand content available in their library for 6 months after the event. Several state organizations have also introduced virtual attendance options. While you miss the in-person networking, the CEU value and learning opportunities are comparable.
Hybrid Strategy
Consider attending one major in-person conference per year for the networking and immersive experience, and supplementing with virtual conferences and online CEUs for the remainder of your requirements. This balances cost, convenience, and professional development.
Find Your Next Conference
Browse upcoming events and start planning your conference schedule.