Call for Proposals

• A proposal may not be submitted multiple times in different formats (e.g., submitting the same content as both a 60-minute education session and a 30-minute poster session).
• An individual may not be listed on more than three (3) ACA Conference & Expo sessions (excluding invited sessions).

• The primary presenter must be a current ACA member in good standing. Membership status will be verified and must remain current through the duration of the conference (April 2026).
• The primary presenter serves as the main point of contact and is responsible for informing all co-presenters of proposal status, scheduling and other communications from ACA. The email address provided by the primary presenter will be used for all correspondence.
• Presenters must meet one of the following three qualification categories based on relevant education and/or experience:
  • Category 1: Presenter holds a graduate degree in a mental health field from a regionally accredited institution and is qualified by appropriate education, experience and/or training to present on the subject matter.
  • Category 2: Presenter holds a graduate degree directly related to the subject matter from a regionally accredited institution and is qualified by appropriate education, experience and/or training.
  • Category 3: Presenter is qualified by appropriate education, experience and/or training to present on the subject matter.
• Presenters are responsible for all personal expenses, including travel, lodging, transportation and meals.
• Presenters may not charge a separate attendance fee for their session.
• Sessions must not be promotional in nature. Presenters may not market or sell products or services during their session. Those wishing to promote or sell must purchase exhibit space.
• Presenters must be available to attend and present in person at the 2026 Conference & Expo. A presenter’s session may be scheduled at any time during the event.
• All presenters must register for the conference by March 6, 2026. Failure to register by this date will result in removal from the program. The primary presenter also must notify ACA of any presenter changes by this date. Changes after March 6 may not be reflected in the published program.
• All presentation materials must be original or used with proper permission from the copyright holder. This includes, but is not limited to, video clips, images, music and social media content. By submitting a proposal, presenters grant ACA the right to use these materials for professional development purposes.
• Presenters attest that all information provided, including data, research and references, is accurate and aligns with the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics.
• Recording live sessions is not permitted without prior written approval from ACA.  

• A proposal submitted more than once, under different formats (i.e., submission as a 60-minute education session and again as a 30-minute poster session).
• Presenter name(s) or identifying information included in the proposal, except under the presenter contact information section(s), as the proposal process includes a blind review. 

• Develop a proposal that delivers advanced content. ACA prioritizes sessions that offer in-depth knowledge or skills beyond the general or intermediate level. 
• Incorporate elements that actively engage participants. Proposals should demonstrate how attendees will be involved and what tangible takeaways they can expect.
• Craft a clear, compelling session description. Attendees often choose sessions based on well-written and engaging descriptions.
• Be concise and specific. Brief summaries of relevant research are preferred over lengthy literature reviews.
• Draft your proposal in a Word document and use grammar/spell check before submitting through the online form.
• Use a three-part structure in your session design: 
  • One-part instructional content
  • One-part audience engagement
  • One-part processing the learned content
• Save a copy of your full proposal for your records. 

Headshot Requirements:   

• Submit a recent (within the last 6 months), color photo. 
• Avoid filters commonly used on social media. 
• Use a clear, front-facing image of your face with a plain background. 
• If possible, ask someone else to take the photo for better framing and quality.  

Resolution and Size:  

• Photos should be high-resolution and free from blurriness, grain or pixelation. 
• Recommended size: 3 x 4 inches.

Pose and Expression:  

• Use a natural smile with both eyes open. 
• Face the camera directly with your full face visible.