2021 Conference Session Information

• Presenter Requirements

  • The primary presenter must be an ACA member in good standing
  • The primary presenter is the contact person and is responsible for notifying all other presenters of acceptance, scheduling, and any other information provided by ACA
  • A presenter (primary or co-presenter) may be listed on no more than two accepted Conference sessions (excludes invited sessions)
  • Presenters must be available to present any time during the conference (March 19-21, 2021)
  • All presenters must register for conference by December 15, 2020

• How many times will the same presentation be offered?

  Each Session is presented one time during the Conference.

• Tips

  • Attendees have many programs to select from and often choose those that have well written descriptions
  • Attendees desire brief reviews of research that support the concepts presented
  • Prepare your proposal in a word document, and use the grammar/spell check before copying and pasting into the online form
  • ACA is seeking advanced programs that provide in-depth knowledge or skills beyond the introductory or basic level
  • Save and print a copy of your submission for your reference and records
  • Presenter Photo Recommendations:
    • Photo image:
      • Submit a color photo, taken in last 6 months
      • Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
      • If possible have someone else take your photo. 
      • Use a plain background
    • Resolution, Print Size, and Quality:
      • Submit a high-resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.
      • The correct size of the photo is: 3 x 4 inches
    • Pose and Expression:
      • Have a natural smile, with both eyes open.
      • Face the camera directly with full face in view.

• Grounds for Disqualification

  • Do not submit the same proposal under different formats (i.e. submission as a 60-minute session and the same as a 30-minute poster session)
  • Do not use presenter name(s) or identifying information, except under the presenter contact information section(s)

• How will my proposal be reviewed?

  • Proposals are blind reviewed
  • A committee of professional counselors representing all divisions, organizational affiliates, and regions will review proposals
  • Proposals will be rated using the below rubric and criteria

  Scoring Rubric:
  1 = Very Poor, 2 = Poor, 4 = Fair, 6 = Good, 8 = Very Good, 10 = Outstanding

  Proposal Review Criteria
  1. Organization and clarity                                             
  2. Relevance to professional counselors                                                                       
  3. Appropriateness of rationale                                                                                     
  4. Clearly stated and appropriate learning objectives
  5. Well-developed presentation to assure accomplishment of objectives
  6. Consideration of Cultural Diversity and Ethics
  7.  Innovative and cutting edge or proven and effective evidence-based practices
  8. Substantive content to be covered in presentation