Tag: ABA Conference

What is the CASP ABA Conference?

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The CASP Conference is the annual gathering of the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), an organization dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the autism services industry. Unlike research-focused ABA conferences, the CASP Conference is the only event in the field built specifically around the operational and administrative challenges of running an autism service provider organization, while maintaining clinical excellence.

Each year, the conference brings together hundreds of leaders from ABA therapy companies, including CEOs, COOs, clinical directors, and operations teams, to tackle the real-world business challenges that define the industry.

From compliance and billing to staff retention and outcomes measurement, the CASP Conference addresses the full picture of what it takes to deliver high-quality ABA services at scale.

When is the CASP Conference?

The CASP Conference is typically held in April each year. The event rotates among major cities across the United States. Attendees are encouraged to check the official CASP events page at casproviders.org for the most current schedule, registration deadlines, and hotel booking information.

Pre-conference workshops are held on the first day of the event, running in the afternoon before the welcome reception. These half-day sessions offer deep dives into specific operational topics and are included in some registration packages.

2026 CASP Conference: Las Vegas, Nevada

April 26–28, 2026 | Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

The 2026 CASP Conference will be held April 26–28 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s event is especially significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of the CASP Conference and features a full agenda of breakout sessions, keynote addresses, pre-conference workshops, and networking events, including a special Founders Gala.

Pre-conference workshops run on Sunday afternoon, April 26, from 1:00–5:00 PM, followed by a Welcome Reception from 6:00–8:00 PM. The main conference runs Monday, April 27, through Tuesday, April 28.

2026 Pre-Conference Workshops

The 2026 CASP Conference features four dedicated pre-conference workshop tracks on Sunday, April 26:

  • Compliance — covering organizational compliance frameworks, fraud, waste and abuse, and building a high-performing insurance appeals process
  • Staff Support & Retention — addressing caseload management, workforce retention, belonging, and operationalizing registered behavior technician (RBT) professionalism
  • Outcomes — focusing on measuring and reporting ABA outcomes, promoting meaningful outcomes for adults with autism, and quality of life as a primary treatment variable; also includes an Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ) Accreditation Workshop
  • Serving the Entire Spectrum: Focus on Profound Autism — a dedicated workshop on serving individuals with profound autism and complex needs

2026 CASP Keynote and Featured Sessions

The 2026 conference agenda includes a mix of plenary sessions and approximately 100 breakout sessions designed to facilitate collaboration in small-group settings. Featured programming includes:

  • “From Barstools to Boardrooms: The Founding Story of CASP” — a special session reflecting on CASP’s first decade
  • “Are You Benchmarking — or Guessing? Inside CASP’s Enhanced National Data Platform” — featuring CASP leaders and data experts
  • “I’m Proof of Why Your Work Matters” — a keynote from Leland Vittert, TV journalist, NewsNation anchor, and New York Times bestselling author
  • “OIG Audits of State Medicaid Applied Behavior Analysis Programs” — a critical session for compliance and operations leaders
  • “Remembering Your Why: An Hour with Autism Parents” — a panel featuring autism family advocates
  • Foodie & Friends networking event on the evening of April 27

The full agenda is available for download on the official CASP 2026 Conference page.

Registration for the 2026 CASP Conference

Registration is available through BehaviorLive. Early registration is encouraged, as member discount allocations are limited.

Continuing Education at the 2026 CASP Conference

CASP is a BACB-Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) Provider. Continuing education unit (CEU) opportunities are available across conference sessions for behavior analysts looking to maintain their BACB certification. CASP also maintains an online library of more than 70 courses offering over 100 BACB CEUs, including an 8-hour supervision training, available year-round at the CASP CEU Center.

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What Does LEARN Behavioral Do at CASP?

LEARN Behavioral participates in the CASP Conference as an active member of the autism service provider community. The LEARN team includes executive leaders, clinical directors, and operations professionals who attend the conference each year to engage with the challenges and innovations shaping the business of ABA, connect with peer organizations, and contribute to the broader conversation about quality and sustainability in autism services.

At the CASP Conference, LEARN Behavioral typically:

  • Connects with fellow ABA provider organizations to share operational insights and best practices
  • Engages with CASP’s policy and advocacy work on issues affecting autism service providers nationwide
  • Explores new tools and partnerships in areas like clinical software, compliance, and workforce development
  • Participates in sessions focused on staff retention, outcomes measurement, and Medicaid policy
  • Supports career development opportunities for BCBAs and clinical leaders who want to grow within a national ABA organization

LEARN Behavioral’s involvement with CASP reflects its commitment not just to clinical excellence but to building a sustainable, ethical, and high-quality operation that serves children and families across the country.

Who Attends the CASP Conference?

The CASP Conference draws a distinct audience from most ABA conferences that is focused less on frontline clinicians and more on the people responsible for leading and operating autism service provider organizations. Attendees typically include:

  • CEOs, COOs, and executive directors of ABA therapy companies
  • Clinical directors and VP-level clinical leaders
  • Operations and compliance managers
  • Billing and revenue cycle specialists
  • Human resources and workforce development leaders
  • Program directors and regional managers
  • Advocates and policy professionals working in autism services
  • Business affiliates serving the ABA industry, including technology, billing, and consulting firms

While BCBAs and clinical professionals are well represented, the CASP Conference is uniquely positioned as the gathering place for the business and operational side of ABA, bringing together leaders who keep therapy organizations running so clinicians can focus on the children and families they serve.

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Topics Discussed at the CASP Conference

What sets the CASP Conference apart is its focus on practical, operational content. While research and clinical evidence inform the sessions, the emphasis is on application — how to run an ABA organization ethically, efficiently, and sustainably.

The approximately 100 breakout sessions are designed to facilitate collaboration in small-group settings, with attendees from organizations of similar size and structure working through shared challenges together.

Key topics consistently covered at the CASP Conference include:

  • Organizational compliance, fraud, waste, and abuse prevention
  • Insurance billing, prior authorization, and appeals processes
  • Medicaid policy and state-level regulatory updates
  • Staff recruitment, retention, and workforce development
  • Caseload management and clinical supervision structures
  • Measuring and reporting clinical outcomes
  • Quality of life as a treatment goal for individuals with autism
  • Serving individuals with profound autism and complex needs
  • Benchmarking and national data analysis across ABA providers
  • ACQ accreditation for autism service organizations
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in provider organizations
  • Family-centered care and parent engagement
  • Leadership development and organizational culture
  • Revenue cycle management and financial sustainability

Why Should You Attend the CASP Conference?

If you lead, manage, or operate an autism service provider organization, the CASP Conference offers a level of relevance and practical value that few other events in the ABA space can match. Specific reasons to attend include:

  • Tackle the hardest operational problems in a room full of peers who face the same challenges
  • Earn BACB CEUs through CASP’s ACE-approved continuing education sessions
  • Get ahead of compliance and regulatory changes through sessions with legal experts, Medicaid specialists, and billing professionals
  • Network with executive-level leaders from ABA organizations of all sizes across the country
  • Benchmark your organization against national data through CASP’s data platform and peer roundtables
  • Access approximately 100 breakout sessions designed for small-group collaboration rather than large-audience lectures
  • Engage with DEI and inclusion initiatives through CASP’s Conference Ally Program and related sessions
  • Hear from autism families directly and reconnect with the mission that drives your organization’s work

Highlights from Past CASP Conferences

Since its founding, the CASP Conference has grown into the premier gathering for autism service provider leadership teams. With the 2026 event marking the 10th anniversary, the conference has built a track record of delivering content that is uniquely actionable for the people who run ABA organizations.

Past CASP Conference highlights include:

  • Founding-story programming that reflects on how CASP grew from a small community of provider leaders into the defining voice for the autism services industry
  • National benchmarking data reveals showing how provider organizations stack up on key clinical and operational metrics across the country
  • OIG and Medicaid audit sessions that have helped organizations build stronger compliance programs before regulators come knocking
  • Staff retention workshops covering evidence-based approaches to reducing turnover in a historically high-churn workforce
  • Autism parent panels that put families at the center of the conversation and remind attendees of the mission that drives their work
  • A growing emphasis on profound autism and recognizing the need for the field to better serve individuals with complex, high-support needs
  • The CASP Conference Ally Program was introduced to ensure every attendee feels safe, welcomed, and able to fully participate in the event

CASP Conference Key Takeaways

  • The CASP Conference is the only annual conference in the ABA field focused specifically on the operational and administrative leadership of autism service provider organizations
  • It is hosted by the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), the leading advocacy and community organization for ABA provider organizations in the United States
  • The 2026 CASP Conference will be celebrating its 10th anniversary and be held April 26–28 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Pre-conference workshops, approximately 100 breakout sessions, and networking events create a dense, high-value three-day experience for attendees
  • CEUs are available through CASP’s BACB-Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) program
  • Topics span compliance, billing, outcomes, staff retention, Medicaid policy, DEI, and family-centered care
  • LEARN Behavioral participates as a member of the CASP community, engaging with peer organizations and contributing to the advancement of quality autism services

FAQs: What People Ask About the CASP Conference

When was CASP founded?

The Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) was founded in 2016. Despite being a relatively young organization, it has grown rapidly into the leading trade association for ABA therapy organizations in the United States, establishing practice guidelines, accreditation programs, and state advocacy infrastructure in under a decade.

Does CASP offer individual memberships?

No. CASP does not offer individual memberships. Membership is open to autism service provider organizations, not individual clinicians or practitioners. For professionals interested in engaging with CASP, the organization offers affiliate programs for businesses and allied organizations that support the autism services industry, as well as university affiliate options for training programs.

What is the Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ), and how does it relate to CASP?

The Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ) is an independent accrediting body established by CASP. It evaluates and accredits autism service provider organizations against a defined set of quality standards, helping families identify providers committed to evidence-based, high-quality care. ACQ accreditation is a growing topic at the CASP Conference, with a dedicated accreditation workshop offered at the 2026 pre-conference. Organizations pursuing or maintaining ACQ accreditation will find the CASP Conference a valuable resource for staying up to date on accreditation requirements.

What other events does CASP host besides the annual conference?

In addition to its annual conference, CASP hosts the DC Fly-In, which is an annual advocacy event in Washington, D.C., where provider leaders meet directly with lawmakers and policymakers to advance legislative priorities affecting autism services. CASP also hosts webinars, offers a CEU library with more than 70 courses, and produces PodCASP, a podcast covering topics in autism services, policy, and ABA practice.

What is the CASP Conference Ally Program?

The CASP Conference Ally Program is an initiative designed to support attendees who may feel uncomfortable navigating a large in-person conference on their own. CASP is committed to creating a safe, inclusive space for all attendees regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Allies are available to accompany or support attendees throughout the event. Information on the program is available through the official CASP event registration materials.

What is the CASP DC Fly-In?

The CASP DC Fly-In is CASP’s annual advocacy event held in Washington, D.C., where ABA provider organization leaders travel to meet with members of Congress and their staff to advocate for policies that support access to ABA services, fair Medicaid reimbursement, and regulatory clarity for the autism services industry. It is a separate event from the annual CASP Conference and typically takes place earlier in the year.

Can non-member organizations attend the CASP Conference?

Yes. While CASP member organizations receive significant registration discounts, including 50% off a set number of registrations based on membership tier, the CASP Conference is open to non-members as well. ABA therapy companies, autism service providers, and business affiliates from across the industry are welcome to register and attend regardless of membership status.

How is the CASP Conference different from ABAI or CalABA?

ABAI and CalABA are primarily focused on the science and clinical practice of behavior analysis, drawing researchers, practitioners, and educators across the full ABA field. The CASP Conference is uniquely focused on the business and operational side of autism service delivery, making it the go-to event for the people who lead and run ABA organizations rather than those who primarily deliver direct clinical services.

What is the WIBA ABA Conference?

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The WIBA Conference, short for Women in Behavior Analysis, is the only annual conference in the ABA field dedicated to empowering, celebrating, and mentoring women in behavior analysis and highlighting their contributions to the discipline. Founded in 2017, WIBA has grown into one of the most distinctive and community-driven events on the ABA conference calendar.

Each year, the WIBA Conference brings together BCBAs, researchers, educators, students, and allies from across the behavior analysis community to engage in meaningful dialogue on gender equality, professional development, mentorship, and the advancement of the field.

What sets WIBA apart is its dual purpose: to advance behavior analysis as a science and to actively address the underrepresentation and underrecognition of women within it. The conference is open to all genders and is designed to be an inclusive forum where every attendee, whether a seasoned clinician, a graduate student, or an organizational leader, feels seen, supported, and inspired.

When is the WIBA Conference?

The WIBA Conference is typically held each summer, most often in July. The event rotates among cities across the United States. Attendees are encouraged to check the official WIBA events page for the most current schedule, registration details, and hotel booking information.

WIBA is offered as a hybrid event, with both in-person attendance and a live virtual stream available each year. On-demand access is also included, allowing attendees to engage with sessions at their own pace after the event.

2026 WIBA Conference: Chicago, Illinois

July 15–17, 2026 | Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk

The 9th Annual WIBA Conference will be held July 15–17, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk in Chicago, Illinois. The conference is a hybrid event, offering both in-person attendance and a full virtual livestream for those who cannot travel.

This year’s program will highlight prominent women in behavior analysis while addressing the importance of gender equality and diversity within the field. Through engaging presentations, meaningful discussions, and structured opportunities for connection, the 2026 WIBA Conference creates space for learning, leadership, and shared progress.

2026 WIBA Hotel and Accommodations

The 2026 WIBA Conference is hosted at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk in Chicago, Illinois. The WIBA discounted room rate is available through June 20, 2026. Rooms are expected to sell out, and early booking is strongly recommended. A hotel booking link is provided through the official registration process at thewiba.com.

Registration for the 2026 WIBA Conference

Registration is available both in-person and online. Registration tiers are offered at the same price and include on-demand access and continuing education units (CEUs).

Continuing Education at the 2026 WIBA Conference

WIBA offers both CEUs and professional development units (PDUs) with all registration packages. CEU and PDU access is included for both in-person and virtual attendees, as well as through on-demand viewing after the conference.

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What Does LEARN Behavioral Do at WIBA?

LEARN Behavioral participates in the WIBA Conference as a supporter of professional development and community in the ABA field. The LEARN team attends the conference each year to engage with the conversations shaping the future of behavior analysis, particularly those focused on mentorship, leadership, and inclusion, and to connect with the talented clinicians and researchers who make up the WIBA community.

At the WIBA Conference, LEARN Behavioral typically:

  • Connects with BCBAs, students, and early career professionals who are passionate about growing in the field
  • Engages with sessions focused on mentorship, leadership development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in ABA practice
  • Supports career development opportunities for women and allies who want to build meaningful careers within a national ABA organization
  • Participates in community-building events that align with LEARN’s commitment to inclusion and belonging across its clinical teams
  • Explores research and best practices that can be applied to LEARN’s work with children and families across the country

LEARN Behavioral’s participation in WIBA reflects its belief that a stronger, more equitable field of behavior analysis is better for the professionals who work in it and the children and families they serve.

Who Attends the WIBA Conference?

The WIBA Conference draws a wide and diverse audience united by a shared interest in advancing behavior analysis and championing equity within the field. Attendees typically include:

  • Board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and BCBA-Ds
  • Board certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBAs)
  • Registered behavior technicians (RBTs)
  • Graduate students and doctoral candidates
  • University faculty and researchers
  • Early career professionals seeking mentorship and community
  • Organizational leaders and clinical directors at ABA therapy organizations
  • Allies of all genders committed to gender equity in behavior analysis
  • Advocates and professionals working at the intersection of ABA and social justice

While WIBA was founded to address the specific experience of women in behavior analysis, the conference is explicitly open to and welcoming of attendees of all genders. Allies play an important role in the WIBA community, and the conference is designed to foster dialogue that benefits the entire field.

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Topics Discussed at the WIBA Conference

The WIBA Conference program spans clinical science, professional development, and social dialogue, with presentations, workshops, poster sessions, and mentoring opportunities woven throughout the schedule. Presentations are selected through a blind review process, and all invited speakers receive equal compensation; there are no keynote hierarchies at WIBA.

Key topics consistently featured at the WIBA Conference include:

  • Highlighting the contributions of prominent and historically underrecognized women in behavior analysis
  • Gender equity, representation, and leadership in the field
  • Mentorship for early-career professionals and students
  • Organizational behavior management (OBM) and leadership development
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in clinical practice and research
  • Social justice and culturally responsive behavior analysis
  • Research trends and innovations in the field
  • Professional development and career navigation for behavior analysts
  • Work-life balance and burnout prevention for clinicians
  • Ethics in research and practice
  • Intersectionality and identity in the behavior analysis community
  • Recognition and preservation of the field’s female founding voices

Why Should You Attend the WIBA Conference?

Whether you are an experienced BCBA, a graduate student just entering the field, or a clinical leader at an ABA organization, the WIBA Conference offers something that no other ABA event does. Specific reasons to attend include:

  • Experience the only ABA conference built around gender equity, mentorship, and women’s leadership in the field
  • Earn CEUs and PDUs included with all registration packages, in-person and virtual
  • Participate in formal mentorship sessions connecting early career professionals with established leaders in behavior analysis
  • Network with thousands of BCBAs, researchers, educators, and students who share your values
  • Engage with research and presentations selected through a blind review process for rigor and fairness
  • Access sessions on-demand after the conference, making it easy to revisit content at your own pace
  • Join a community that extends beyond the conference through WIBA Skool, the organization’s year-round online platform
  • Attend in person in Chicago or join virtually from anywhere in the world

Highlights from Past WIBA Conferences

Since its inaugural conference in 2017, WIBA has grown from a grassroots gathering into one of the most impactful and widely attended events in the ABA calendar. Over nearly a decade, it has accumulated more than 4,000 in-person and online attendees, 648 presentations, 453 presenters, and 85 mentorship sessions.

Past WIBA Conference highlights include:

  • The launch of the WIBA Hall of Fame in 2021, dedicated to honoring the female pioneers whose contributions to behavior analysis have often gone unrecognized, with inaugural inductees including Eve Segal, Bea Barrett, Martha Bernal, and Judith Favell
  • Annual formal mentorship sessions pairing early career professionals and students with established leaders in the field, including invited speakers and advisory board members
  • Expert panel sessions where advisory board members and invited speakers answer attendee questions and share professional advice
  • Presentations by world-renowned behavior analysts, including Linda LeBlanc, PhD, BCBA-D, and other leaders on the WIBA Advisory Board
  • Scholarship programs designed to reduce financial barriers and expand access to the conference for underrepresented professionals
  • A growing emphasis on intersectionality, social justice, and culturally responsive behavior analysis
  • The development of WIBA Skool, an online community platform that keeps the WIBA experience alive year-round between annual conferences

WIBA Conference Key Takeaways

  • The WIBA Conference is the only annual event in the ABA field dedicated to empowering, celebrating, and mentoring women in behavior analysis
  • WIBA was founded in 2017 and has grown to engage thousands of attendees, presenters, and mentors across its history
  • The 9th Annual WIBA Conference will be held July 15–17, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, with in-person and virtual attendance options
  • The conference is open to attendees of all genders and is designed as an inclusive forum for advancing equity and excellence in the field
  • CEUs and PDUs are included with all registration packages, in-person and online
  • Topics span gender equity, mentorship, DEI, leadership, OBM, clinical trends, and the recognition of women’s historic contributions to behavior analysis
  • LEARN Behavioral participates in WIBA each year as a member of the ABA community committed to inclusion, mentorship, and professional development

FAQs: What People Ask About the WIBA Conference

Is the WIBA Conference only for women?

No. While WIBA was founded to highlight the accomplishments of women in behavior analysis and address gender equity in the field, the conference is explicitly open to attendees of all genders. Allies play a central role in the WIBA community, and the conference welcomes anyone committed to advancing gender equality and inclusive practice in behavior analysis.

When was WIBA founded?

WIBA was founded in 2017 by Devon Sundberg, MS, BCBA, and Kimberly Zoder-Martell, PhD, BCBA-D. The idea originated while both were involved in organizing a state-level ABA conference and recognized the lack of female representation among invited speakers at ABA events. The inaugural WIBA Conference was held that year to highlight women’s accomplishments in the field and create space for mentorship and gender equity dialogue.

Who founded WIBA?

WIBA was co-founded by Devon Sundberg, MS, BCBA, and Kimberly Zoder-Martell, PhD, BCBA-D. Devon Sundberg serves as Executive Director and Conference Director. Janet Lund, PhD, BCBA-D, currently leads the organization, and WIBA’s Advisory Board includes Linda LeBlanc, PhD, BCBA-D, Chata Dickson, PhD, BCBA-D, Patricia Wright, PhD, BCBA-D, Adrienne Bradley, MEd, BCBA, and Bruce Tinor, PhD, BCBA.

What is the WIBA Hall of Fame?

The WIBA Hall of Fame was established in 2021 to honor women who have made outstanding contributions to the field of behavior analysis, particularly those whose work has been historically overlooked or underrecognized. Inductees are selected annually and recognized at the WIBA Conference. The inaugural Hall of Fame class included Eve Segal, Bea Barrett, Martha Bernal, and Judith Favell. Induction profiles are published annually in the journal Behavior Analysis in Practice.

What is WIBA Skool?

WIBA Skool is WIBA’s year-round online community platform where behavior analysts, students, and allies can stay connected between annual conferences. It functions as a private professional community (without ads) where members can share resources, engage in discussions, and maintain the momentum and connections built at the WIBA Conference. WIBA Skool is separate from and complementary to the annual in-person and virtual event.

Does WIBA offer scholarships?

Yes. WIBA offers scholarships designed to reduce financial barriers and make the conference more accessible to professionals who might otherwise not be able to attend. Scholarship opportunities are announced through WIBA’s official channels. The organization is committed to expanding access to underrepresented professionals and prioritizes inclusion in its scholarship and speaker selection processes.

What types of continuing education does WIBA offer?

WIBA provides both continuing education units (CEUs) and professional development units (PDUs) as part of all registration packages. This makes WIBA one of the few ABA conferences to offer PDUs alongside BACB-relevant CEUs, extending its value to a broader range of professionals in education, leadership, and adjacent fields. CEUs and PDUs are available to both in-person and virtual attendees, as well as to those who view on-demand sessions.

How is the WIBA Conference different from ABAI or CalABA?

ABAI and CalABA are broad-scope conferences covering the full range of behavior analysis science, research, and clinical practice. WIBA has a distinct and focused mission: advancing gender equity in behavior analysis, mentoring women and early career professionals, and recognizing the historic and ongoing contributions of women in the field. It is the only ABA conference where gender equity and women’s leadership are central to the entire program, not just a track or a session, but the organizing principle of the event itself.

What is the MassABA Annual Conference?

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The MassABA Annual Conference is the flagship event of the Massachusetts Association for Applied Behavior Analysis (MassABA), a trade organization representing the interests of behavior analysts across the Commonwealth. Founded in 2010, MassABA is an affiliated chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and is dedicated to providing educational opportunities and advocacy for professionals who provide behavior-analytic services in any capacity.

Each year, the MassABA Annual Conference brings together behavior analysts, educators, researchers, and ABA service providers from across Massachusetts and beyond for a full day of professional development, continuing education, and community. The conference is the signature connection between MassABA and its more than 1,100 members — and has historically drawn over 700 participants.

Massachusetts is home to one of the highest concentrations of certified behavior analysts per capita in the world, with more than 4,500 BACB-certificants in the Commonwealth. The MassABA Annual Conference reflects the depth of the professional community, offering a focused, content-rich event that speaks directly to the issues shaping ABA practice in Massachusetts.

When is the MassABA Annual Conference?

The MassABA Annual Conference is typically held each spring, most often in May. The event is generally held at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts, a centrally located venue accessible from Boston and across the Commonwealth. 

Attendees are encouraged to check the official MassABA events page for the most current schedule and registration details.

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What Does LEARN Behavioral Do at MassABA?

LEARN Behavioral participates in the MassABA Annual Conference as part of its commitment to the behavior analysis community in Massachusetts and the broader New England region. The LEARN team attends the conference each year to engage with the clinical, legislative, and professional issues shaping ABA practice in the Commonwealth, connect with fellow providers, and contribute to the community of behavior analysts who serve children and families across Massachusetts.

At the MassABA Annual Conference, LEARN Behavioral typically:

  • Connects with BCBAs, educators, and ABA service providers across Massachusetts to share insights and best practices
  • Engages with sessions focused on Massachusetts-specific legislative updates, insurance policy, and licensure
  • Explores emerging research and clinical practice developments relevant to LEARN’s work with children with autism
  • Supports career development opportunities for behavior analysts seeking to grow within a national ABA organization
  • Participates in exhibiting and networking opportunities to share LEARN’s services and clinical approach with the Massachusetts ABA community

LEARN Behavioral’s involvement in the MassABA Annual Conference reflects its commitment to being an active, contributing member of the behavior analysis community in every state where it operates — not just a service provider, but a genuine participant in the professional ecosystem.

Who Attends the MassABA Annual Conference?

The MassABA Annual Conference draws a broad cross-section of the Massachusetts behavior analysis community. Attendees typically include:

  • Licensed applied behavior analysts (LABAs) practicing in Massachusetts
  • Board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) and BCBA-Ds
  • Board certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBAs)
  • Registered behavior technicians (RBTs)
  • BCBAs working in public school settings across the Commonwealth
  • Graduate students and doctoral candidates in ABA programs
  • University faculty and researchers
  • ABA therapy organizations and autism service providers
  • Special education teachers and school administrators
  • Advocates and policy professionals engaged with Massachusetts ABA legislation
  • Representatives from insurance companies and state agencies involved in ABA coverage

MassABA’s membership structure includes full members (licensed applied behavior analysts in Massachusetts), associate members (practitioners from other states, related professionals, and family or community members), and student members, making the conference welcoming to professionals at every stage of their career.

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Topics Discussed at the MassABA Annual Conference

What makes the MassABA Annual Conference distinct from broader national events is its grounding in the specific legislative, regulatory, and clinical realities of practicing behavior analysis in Massachusetts. Sessions consistently address the issues that matter most to BCBAs and ABA organizations operating in the Commonwealth.

Key topics consistently featured at the MassABA Annual Conference include:

  • Massachusetts LABA licensure updates and the independent licensing board
  • Insurance coverage requirements and advocacy for ABA services in the Commonwealth
  • Compliance, audits, recoupments, and fraud prevention for ABA providers
  • ABA in public school settings and supports for BCBAs working in Massachusetts school districts
  • Evidence-based intervention and clinical best practices
  • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in behavior analysis
  • Ethics in ABA practice and supervision
  • Telehealth delivery of ABA services and insurance coverage updates
  • Research trends and innovations across autism services
  • Staff supervision, training, and workforce development
  • Expanding access to ABA services for people of all ages and abilities in Massachusetts

Past featured presenters have included nationally recognized figures such as Dr. Robert Horner, Alumni-Knight Endowed Professor of Special Education, alongside Massachusetts-based clinicians and policy experts who have addressed the most pressing issues facing local practitioners.

Why Should You Attend the MassABA Annual Conference?

For behavior analysts and ABA professionals practicing in Massachusetts, the MassABA Annual Conference offers a level of local relevance and practical applicability that broad national conferences cannot replicate. Specific reasons to attend include:

  • Stay current on Massachusetts-specific licensure, insurance, and legislative developments that affect your practice
  • Earn CEUs included with your registration at no additional cost
  • Connect with over 700 fellow behavior analysts and ABA professionals from across the Commonwealth
  • Engage with sessions on public school ABA, a unique and growing area of practice in Massachusetts
  • Explore exhibitor and sponsor opportunities relevant to the Massachusetts ABA market
  • Participate in a focused, single-day format designed to fit the schedule of working clinicians
  • Contribute to the advocacy efforts that shape the future of ABA practice in Massachusetts

Highlights from Past MassABA Conferences

Since its founding in 2010, MassABA has built a track record of delivering a high-quality annual conference that addresses the issues facing behavior analysts in Massachusetts. Consistently drawing more than 700 attendees, the conference has evolved alongside the Commonwealth’s ABA community.

Past MassABA Annual Conference highlights include:

  • Sessions on Massachusetts insurance mandate laws and ABA coverage, including practical guidance on responding to recoupments, audits, and fraud investigations
  • Featured presentations from nationally recognized researchers and clinicians, including Dr. Robert Horner of the University of Oregon
  • Updates from MassABA’s legislative committee on the ongoing effort to create an independent licensing board for behavior analysts in Massachusetts
  • Dedicated content for BCBAs working in public school districts, addressing some of the most complex and underserved practice contexts in the Commonwealth
  • DEIB-focused programming and MassABA’s active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee initiatives
  • Continuing education (CE) series and workshops on successful ABA service delivery, telehealth, and expanding access to services

MassABA Annual Conference Key Takeaways

  • The MassABA Annual Conference is the signature annual event of the Massachusetts Association for Applied Behavior Analysis, serving more than 1,100 members and drawing over 700 attendees each spring
  • MassABA was founded in 2010 and is an affiliated chapter of ABAI, with a mission to support the science and practice of behavior analysis in Massachusetts
  • The one-day format delivers a focused, high-value experience, including keynote programming, exhibiting, networking, and CEUs included with registration
  • Topics reflect the specific legislative, regulatory, and clinical landscape of practicing ABA in Massachusetts, including licensure, insurance, public school settings, and DEIB
  • LEARN Behavioral participates in the MassABA Annual Conference as an active member of the Massachusetts ABA community

FAQs: What People Ask About the MassABA Annual Conference

What is MassABA?

MassABA, the Massachusetts Association for Applied Behavior Analysis, is a trade organization founded in 2010 to represent the interests of behavior analysts in Massachusetts. 

It is an affiliated chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and serves more than 1,100 members across the Commonwealth. MassABA advocates on legislative and insurance issues, supports professional development, and hosts an annual conference as the centerpiece of its membership community.

What is the difference between MassABA and BABAT?

Both MassABA and BABAT (Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis) are Massachusetts-based ABA organizations, but they serve distinct purposes. Many Massachusetts behavior analysts are members of both organizations. The MassABA Annual Conference is typically a single-day spring event, while BABAT’s conference spans multiple days in the fall.

MassABA functions as a trade organization focused on advocacy, licensure, and insurance policy — representing behavior analysts’ professional and regulatory interests at the state level. BABAT operates as a chapter-based professional community with a broader clinical and research focus, hosting a multi-day annual conference each fall. 

What does LABA stand for, and what does MassABA have to do with it?

LABA stands for Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst. It is the state license required to practice behavior analysis in Massachusetts. MassABA has been a leading advocate for strengthening the LABA licensure process in the Commonwealth, including ongoing efforts to establish an independent licensing board comprised exclusively of behavior analysts, rather than a multi-disciplinary board. 

The MassABA Annual Conference regularly includes sessions covering licensure updates, and MassABA works directly with state legislators on ABA-related bills.

Is MassABA affiliated with ABAI?

Yes. MassABA is an affiliated chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), the world’s largest professional organization dedicated to the science and practice of behavior analysis. 

This affiliation reflects MassABA’s commitment to upholding the standards and values of the broader behavior analysis field while addressing the specific needs of behavior analysts practicing in Massachusetts.

What membership types does MassABA offer?

MassABA offers three membership levels. Full membership is available to licensed applied behavior analysts (LABAs) in Massachusetts. Associate membership is open to practicing behavior analysts who are not licensed in Massachusetts, professionals from related fields, and family or community members. 

Student membership is available for undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in ABA or related programs and is offered at a nominal annual fee. Organizations providing ABA services can become MassABA Organizational Sponsors and receive benefits, including discounted employee registrations for the annual conference and exhibitor access.

What is MassABA’s Public School Committee?

MassABA’s Public School Committee focuses specifically on the needs of BCBAs working in Massachusetts public school districts — one of the most complex and rapidly growing practice contexts in the state. 

The committee partners with ACCEPT Collaborative to host a monthly Professional Practices Symposium for behavior analysts working in public schools, running throughout the school year. 

The annual conference includes dedicated sessions addressing the unique challenges facing school-based BCBAs across the Commonwealth, including supervision structures, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) collaboration, and ethical practice in educational settings.

How does MassABA support insurance advocacy for ABA providers?

MassABA has been an active advocate for expanding and protecting insurance coverage for ABA services in Massachusetts. The organization has worked to inform its membership about ABA insurance mandate laws, the provider’s evolving role in the insurance landscape, and how to navigate audits, recoupments, and claim denials. 

It has also collaborated with state insurance representatives, BABAT, and other stakeholders to push for timely reimbursement and fair coverage standards. The annual conference regularly features sessions on insurance policy and compliance in response to member needs.

How is the MassABA Conference different from ABAI or BABAT?

The ABAI Annual Convention is a global event covering the full breadth of behavior analysis science and practice across dozens of countries. BABAT’s conference is a multi-day regional event with a strong clinical and research focus, held each fall in Massachusetts. 

The MassABA Annual Conference is a single-day spring event with a distinctly Massachusetts-centric lens, prioritizing licensure updates, state insurance policy, public school ABA, and advocacy for the Commonwealth’s behavior analyst community. It is the most locally focused ABA conference available to Massachusetts practitioners.

What is BABAT and What to Expect at the BABAT ABA Conference?

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BABAT originally stood for the Bay State Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy, founded in 1979. Today, the organization is called Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis, but it continues to use the acronym BABAT and hosts the annual BABAT Conference.

The BABAT Conference, also known as the BABAT ABA Conference, (ABA stands for applied behavior analysis), is the most visible event. For more than four decades, it has brought together thousands of attendees to learn, share research, and collaborate on ABA. It is one of the most established behavior analysis conferences in the United States.

The annual conference reflects BABAT’s broader mission: to support professional growth, influence public policy, and expand the reach of ABA in Massachusetts and beyond.

BABAT Key Takeaways

  • The BABAT Conference is the flagship annual meeting of Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis, typically held in October.
  • The 2025 BABAT Conference will take place October 15-17 in Worcester, Massachusetts, at the DCU Center.
  • Attendees include behavior analysts, graduate students, researchers, educators, and companies in service delivery, technology, and continuing education.
  • Sessions cover autism services, interfering behavior, teaching methods, ethics, diversity, staff supervision, sustainability, and policy.
  • The event is ideal for board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), board certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBAs), students, researchers, and organizations seeking continuing education units (CEUs), networking, and professional development.
  • Past highlights include award ceremonies, student mixers, hybrid sessions, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and advocacy.

When is the BABAT Conference?

BABAT Dates and Location

The 2025 BABAT Conference, officially called the Reach Conference, will be held October 15-17 at the DCU Center, 50 Foster St., in Worcester, Massachusetts.

How to Register for BABAT

Registration for the 2025 BABAT Conference is through BehaviorLive, with options including early bird pricing, member and nonmember rates, student discounts, and continuing education unit (CEU) add-ons.

What is the BABAT Conference Format?

Recent BABAT conferences have used hybrid formats for in-person and virtual attendees. In 2024, participants joined sessions online, earned continuing education units (CEUs) remotely, and accessed recordings through BehaviorLive. The format allows students and practitioners outside Massachusetts to take part without traveling.

BABAT Travel and Accommodations

Worcester is central in Massachusetts, close to Boston, Providence, and Hartford. Hotels near the DCU Center offer conference rates, so book early. The venue is on the MBTA Commuter Rail, and parking is available.

Who Should Attend the BABAT Conference?

The BABAT Conference draws:

  • Board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) seeking continuing education units (CEUs) and networking
  • Board-certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBAs)
  • University faculty, researchers, and symposium chairs
  • Graduate students and doctoral candidates presenting posters
  • Program directors, clinical supervisors, and ABA agency leaders
  • Behavior technicians and line staff interested in professional growth
  • Professionals in education, psychology, and speech-language pathology
  • Policymakers and administrators with an interest in applied behavior analysis (ABA)

Graduate students gain opportunities to present posters, receive mentoring, and network. Practitioners can stay current with best practices, licensing updates, and insurance policies in Massachusetts.

Interested in a career helping children with autism? Explore rewarding ABA career opportunities. 

What Companies Attend the BABAT Conference? 

Exhibitors are an important part of the BABAT Conference experience. Past exhibitors have included:

  • ABA agencies and service providers like LEARN Behavioral
  • Educational publishers and journal representatives
  • Continuing education and professional development organizations
  • University programs recruiting graduate students

Exhibitors often sponsor sessions or provide networking events. Conference participants can connect directly with vendors, explore new resources, and learn about employment opportunities.

Topics Discussed at the BABAT Conference

The BABAT Conference features invited speakers, symposia, panel discussions, workshops, and poster sessions. Programs balance applied, conceptual, and translational behavior analysis.

Key topics include:

  • Strategies for children with autism spectrum disorders
  • Assessing and reducing interfering behavior
  • Supporting appropriate behavior in schools, clinics, and homes
  • Ethics in practice, supervision, and service delivery
  • Staff training and supervision
  • Diversity issues in ABA
  • Data collection and research design
  • Policy and insurance issues for Massachusetts providers
  • Sustainability and socially significant interventions
  • Technology in ABA, including telehealth and digital data systems
  • Poster sessions for student and practitioner research
  • Networking events, student mixers, and mentoring

CEU Opportunities

BABAT is a Behavior Analyst Certification Board–approved CEU provider. Sessions indicate when CEUs are available, and BehaviorLive tracks participation for in-person and virtual attendees.

Highlights from Past BABAT Conferences

  • 2024: Introduced hybrid format, added wellness and networking sessions, and emphasized sustainability and advocacy.
  • 2022: Focused on trauma-informed ABA, expanded CEUs, and honored practitioners and students.
  • 2019: Marked 40 years of BABAT with reflections on its 1979 founding and the future of ABA in Massachusetts.

Historical Legacy

For more than 40 years, BABAT has advanced professional practice, supported students, and advocated for ABA in Massachusetts. It is recognized as one of the leading regional ABA conferences in the United States.

What Does LEARN Behavioral Do At BABAT?

LEARN Behavioral participates in the BABAT Conference as an exhibitor and sponsor. Our team connects with behavior analysts, students, and researchers to share resources, career opportunities, and continuing education.

At the conference, LEARN Behavioral often:

  • Hosts an exhibitor booth to meet attendees and answer questions
  • Shares information about our ABA services and clinical programs
  • Highlights research and training initiatives across our national network
  • Promotes career opportunities for students and professionals in behavior analysis
  • Supports sessions, networking events, and student activities through sponsorships

Tips for Attending the 2025 BABAT Conference

For anyone interested in behavior analysis, tips for making the most of the conference include:

  • Register early for discounts and CEU packages
  • Review the program and choose sessions that fit your goals
  • Join networking events to build connections
  • Visit exhibitors for tools, resources, and partnerships
  • Balance research symposia with applied workshops
  • Plan CEU credits in advance
  • Students: prepare a short summary of your research for posters and mixers
  • Follow up afterward to keep your new connections

To learn about careers in ABA, visit our page: Careers in ABA.

FAQs: What People Ask About the BABAT Conference

What is the BABAT Conference?

An annual meeting of Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis (BABAT) focused on applied behavior analysis (ABA).

What is BABAT?

BABAT originally stood for the Bay State Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy, a professional association founded in 1979. Today, the organization is called Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis. It supports applied behavior analysis (ABA) practice, research, and advocacy.

When is the BABAT Conference 2025?

October 15-17 in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Who attends the BABAT Conference?

BCBAs, BCaBAs, graduate students, faculty, clinicians, supervisors, and companies working in behavior analysis.

What topics are covered at the BABAT Conference?

Sessions cover autism intervention, interfering behavior assessment, appropriate behavior development, ethics, staff training, sustainability, diversity, and policy issues.

What is the CalABA Conference?

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The CalABA Conference is the annual meeting of the California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA). It is one of the premier events for professionals in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and is sponsored by CalABA, a nonprofit founded in 1998.

The annual meeting brings together thousands of behavior analysts, educators, researchers, and service providers to discuss best practices, share research findings, and advance the field of ABA, particularly as it relates to autism services.CalABA’s mission is to promote the science and practice of behavior analysis through education, research, and advocacy (CalABA Official Site). The annual conference supports this mission by fostering collaboration and continuing education.

When is the CalABA Conference?

The CalABA Conference is typically held each year between February and March. Dates vary slightly year to year. Attendees are encouraged to check the official CalABA events page for the most current schedule and location details.

Who Attends the CalABA Conference?

The CalABA Conference draws a diverse audience of:

  • Board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs)
  • Board certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBAs)
  • Registered behavior technicians (RBTs)
  • Special education teachers and school administrators
  • University faculty and students
  • Leaders of autism service providers
  • Policy makers and advocates

Historically, companies that provide ABA therapy services for children with autism send teams to participate, recruit talent, and showcase their innovations. Some exhibitors include assessment tool publishers, technology firms, and universities with ABA programs.

INTERESTED IN A CAREER HELPING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM? DISCOVER REWARDING ABA CAREER OPPORTUNITIES. VIEW CAREERS

Topics Discussed at the CalABA Conference

The CalABA Conference agenda is rich with presentations, workshops, and symposia covering topics such as:

  • Ethical practice in ABA
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in behavior analysis
  • Supervision and staff training
  • Evidence-based interventions for autism spectrum disorder
  • Legal and policy updates affecting ABA services
  • Innovations in behavioral technology
  • Supporting family-centered care

Attendees can earn continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain professional certifications.

For more on how ABA helps children with autism, visit our blog: How ABA Helps Build Communication Skills.

Highlights from Past Conferences

Past CalABA Conferences have featured notable keynote speakers such as Linda LeBlanc, who holds a doctorate in psychology, and Gregory Hanley, a behavioral psychologist and BCBA-D. 

Highlights include:

  • Inspiring keynote addresses on the future of ABA
  • Poster sessions showcasing cutting-edge research
  • Networking events and career fairs for professionals
  • Workshops on emerging topics such as telehealth and cultural humility
  • Exhibitor booths from universities, publishers, and ABA service organizations

What Does LEARN Behavioral Do At CalABA?

LEARN Behavioral typically hosts an exhibitor booth where attendees can meet clinical leaders, ask questions, and learn about LEARN’s personalized approach to ABA. The team often includes BCBAs and doctoral-level clinicians who share real-life case examples and practical strategies used in LEARN’s work with children and families across California. LEARN also offers continuing education sessions, giving behavior analysts a chance to earn CEUs while engaging with current research and best practices. The booth serves as both an educational and networking space for professionals in the field.

Why Should You Attend the CalABA Conference?

Anyone invested in the practice, research, or application of behavior analysis can benefit. Specific reasons to attend include:

  • Stay up-to-date on current research and best practices
  • Earn CEUs to maintain your credentials
  • Network with peers, mentors, and potential employers
  • Explore the exhibitor hall for new tools and resource.
  • Be part of shaping the future of ethical and inclusive ABA practices

To learn about careers in ABA, visit our page: Careers in ABA.

FAQs: What People Ask About the CalABA Conference

When is the next CalABA Conference?

Dates can vary, so check calaba.org for updates.

Who can attend the CalABA Conference?

The conference is open to anyone interested in behavior analysis, including BCBAs, RBTs, educators, students, and family advocates.

How much does it cost to attend CalABA?

Registration fees vary by membership status, student status, and how early you register. Discounts are often available for early registration and CalABA members.

Are CEUs offered at CalABA?

Yes. Attendees can earn CEUs for attending designated sessions, which are crucial for maintaining BACB certification.

Where is CalABA usually held?

The location rotates among major California cities such as Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

Key Takeaways

  • The CalABA Conference is one of the largest ABA-focused conferences in the United States
  • It typically takes place annually in late winter or early spring
  • Attendees include ABA professionals, educators, researchers, and organizations in autism services
  • Topics cover the latest research, ethical practice, DEI, supervision, and clinical applications
  • Past conferences have featured renowned keynote speakers and dynamic poster sessions