FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes. The registration area is where you pick up your badge, receive your APA 2026 tote (subject to availability), and select ribbons to help fellow attendees get to know you. You need your badge to participate in APA 2026.  

The registration area is located in Hall D of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.  

Registration hours are noted below in ET: 

Wednesday, August 5

8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.    

Thursday, August 6 

7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.   

Friday, August 7 

7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.   

Saturday, August 8 

8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 

APA will offer a 50% refund on your All Access registration if cancellation is received by June 24, 2026. To request a refund, fill out this form. A refund will not be provided if your cancellation notice is received after June 24, 2026. However, you can still change your All Access registration to a virtual registration at any time by filling out this form. You will receive a refund for the difference in registration fees.  

This policy only applies to your APA 2026 in-person registration and preconvention CE Workshop enrollment and does not apply to any other registrations made related to the convention, such as virtual registration fees, hotel accommodations, and transportation. Learn more about our cancellation policy.

APA 2026 will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, located at 801 Allen Y. Lew NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Visit the Convention Information Desk, located outside of Exhibit Hall D of Walter E. Washington Convention Center. You can also ask APA staff members for assistance.  

Yes. For safety and security, all attendees (including presenters, exhibitors, and poster presenters) must wear their badge at all times during sessions and events.

Badges are also required for entry to the Solutions Center and poster sessions, where security will check them at the door.

If you've forgotten your badge, please visit the registration area to get a replacement before entering any session or event.

The Solutions Center is the hub of convention. It’s where you’ll find the registration area, exhibitors, the APA Membership Pavilion, APA Publishing/APA Bookstore, poster sessions, and more. Whether you have some downtime, are interested in microlearning opportunities, or seek resources relevant to your work, the Solutions Center is the place to be.  

Many of the exhibitors offer APA 2026 discounts, raffle prizes, and giveaways.    

Note: Because the use of products, services, and resources displayed in the Solutions Center should be guided by the APA Ethical Principles, every effort is made to include only reliable and responsible exhibiting companies. However, APA does not assume responsibility for any exhibitor displays in the Solutions Center.

Division Engagement Spaces are dedicated areas where APA Divisions come together for activities like networking events, social hours, and governance-related meetings. These events won’t appear in the official APA 2026 program, but all registered attendees can find each space’s location, available times, and associated division in the APA 2026 app.

Yes, if you are a session attendee and not seeking CE credits.   

No, if you are attending a session for CE credit.  

If you are attending a CE Session for CE credit, you must attend the entire session, or you will not earn the credit.

No. Current APA policy on recording sessions is as follows:  

The American Psychological Association holds the copyright of the APA 2026 program and all its sessions. If you are a presenter, by agreeing to speak at APA 2026, you have agreed to abide by these rules.   

Audiotape recorders and video equipment will be provided only for the presentation of material and not for the recording of discussions, papers, or other presentations. APA reserves the right to record (video or audio) or photograph presentations at this meeting. Any other photography, filming, taping, recording, or reproduction in any medium, including via the use of tripod-based equipment, of any of the programs presented at APA 2026 without the written consent of APA is strictly forbidden. Exception: Non-flash photography and audio or video recording using hand-held equipment, for strictly personal, social, or noncommercial use, are permitted if not disruptive, as determined by APA. Permission from the speaker is required.

If the session presenters have uploaded their materials to the online platform, you can find them in the APA 2026 app. All presenters are encouraged to upload their materials in advance.   

You can also contact presenters directly after APA 2026 to request a copy of the presentation, whether or not you attended the session. The presenters' affiliation is noted in the session information. In addition, abstracts for most of the presentations will also be available in APA’s PsycEXTRA. 

 No, you cannot post a sign or poster in the convention center without the prior written consent of APA. Learn more in the Meeting Code of Conduct. 

Please only book with our housing partner, onPeak. You can review hotel rates on the Where to Stay page.

Policies vary by hotel so please refer to your OnPeak confirmation email for key deadlines and hotel policies. Applicable one night room and tax deposits are fully refundable for cancellations received prior to 72 hours of arrival. The fee of one night room and tax will be forfeited for cancellations made within 72 hours of scheduled arrival or if you do not arrive on the scheduled arrival day. In this case, your full reservation will be released. 

All information about your housing is in the confirmation email you received when you reserved your hotel. 

Attendees usually wear business casual. Presenters generally wear professional business attire. Remember, meeting rooms in hotels and convention centers can be chilly, so dressing in layers is encouraged. The air conditioning is usually on high in anticipation of full meeting rooms. Wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended.

APA will not have childcare available during APA 2026. Please check with your hotel to see if they offer childcare services. Each hotel has different offerings and requirements.

APA does not provide meals during the convention. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own meals throughout the event. Some optional snacks may be offered during portions of the event like division hosted receptions or at an exhibitor booth but often without reservations. Given the large number of attendees, it is impossible for APA to accommodate any special dietary requests.  Furthermore, while APA has instructed the venue(s) to label food ingredients as clearly as possible, when in doubt, convention attendees with dietary restrictions should avoid the snacks and purchase their own food.

Plan in Advance

We strongly recommend advance planning. The online APA 2026 program can help you quickly identify sessions of interest and build a personal schedule. Search by topic, speaker, Division, or date.  

Check with Divisions of Interest

APA is home to 54 Divisions, each organized around different subject areas, practice specialties, or topics. Many Divisions host activities at the convention. Check with the Divisions that are of interest to you to discover social hours, networking activities, and more. 

Pay Attention to Session Locations

Occasionally you will find that there is a considerable distance to walk between session locations so review the convention center map when planning your schedule.   

Arrive Early for a Seat

For most sessions you will usually find plenty of available seating. However, sessions featuring popular and well-known speakers often fill up to capacity. Other sessions that often include large numbers of attendees include the Main Stage and Feature Stage sessions and sessions that provide CE credits. To ensure a seat at a potentially popular session, we strongly advise arriving early.

The fully-searchable APA 2026 program is available here. You may search the online program using divisions, keywords, session titles, session types, names of participants, and day.  

Please note, the APA 2026 program will not be available in hard copy. 

You can use the APA 2026 mobile app to access the program, create and download your personal itinerary to your mobile device, and reach out to other registrants.

Business Meetings

Designed to provide an opportunity to review the annual operations and provide a forum for members to discuss the business of APA Divisions. Although primarily of interest to Division members, Business Meetings are usually open to all attendees.  

Critical Conversations

Critical Conversations are designed to support informed conversations between presenters and audience members. These sessions begin with one or more brief presentations designed to provide the information needed for the audience to effectively participate in the discussion. 

Flash Talks

Flash Talk sessions feature up to six fast-paced brief reports on hot topics, with individuals presenting for no more than five minutes each on various research areas. Flash Talks provide an interactive experience for the audience, and organizers allocate time to support audience engagement.   

Executive Committee Meetings

These sessions are usually invitation-only meetings of Division Executive Committees and APA governance groups. 

Headline Events

Headline Events are dynamic, big-picture sessions curated by APA staff and leadership to address the most pressing challenges facing psychologists — and society. This year's Headline Events are centered around the theme "Lead Through the Lifespan," showcasing how psychology generates knowledge, offers guidance, and advocates for change at every stage of human life. 

Invited Addresses

These sessions feature a well-known individual speaking on a particular topic. Invited addresses may be sponsored by a Division, APA, or one of the APA governance groups. All attendees are welcome to attend. 

Poster Sessions

Interactive sessions where authors use illustrative materials to present their research and will be available for questions and comments.  

Science Summits

The Science Summits highlight top research and provide critical discussions that can guide and inspire scientists across broad areas of research. 

Skill Building Sessions

Skill building sessions offer practical experience to help participants increase their understanding and skills in a particular area of current interest in the field of psychology. Activities and discussions are woven into the session plan to help attendees truly apply learnings to their work.  

Social Hours

These are informal gatherings that provide an opportunity to meet and talk with individuals who share a common interest. Attending these is a great way to meet members of Divisions you are a member of or may be interested in joining. These are casual social events, and anyone is welcome to attend. Visit the webpage of your Divisions of interest to find social hours.  

Symposia

Symposia are focused sessions in which multiple speakers present information related to a unifying topic that is viewed to be a significant common theme, issue, or question. The presentations generally include a review of data but may also include discussions of contrasting viewpoints or other innovative strategies for engaging the audience.

APA 2026 features three distinct stages, each offering a different kind of experience. 

The Main Stage is where psychology's biggest questions take center stage. This is where the field gathers for Headline Events, the Presidential Opening Session, and other landmark moments, exploring the challenges of our time and charting a path forward together. 

The Feature Stage is where discovery happens. Across three days, keynote sessions and division-curated programming put a spotlight on the ideas, research, and practitioners pushing the field forward, covering the full spectrum of psychological science and practice. 

The Spotlight Stage, located in the Solutions Center, offers a curated lineup of sessions and events — including paid programming — designed to expand perspectives and showcase innovation in the field. It's also home to the Psych Science in 3 competition, a fast-paced event where students and early career psychologists present their research in three minutes or less. 

There are three ways to earn CE credits at APA 2026.  

1. Attend a CE-eligible session in person. As an APA 2026 All Access attendee, you are automatically eligible to earn CE credits from these sessions, with no extra fee. Simply attend CE Sessions in-person and complete the post-session evaluation to earn your credit. 
2. Watch live or on demand. Earn CE credits by watching eligible sessions from the Main and Feature Stages live during APA 2026, or on demand from September – December. You are automatically eligible to earn CE credits from these sessions, with no extra fee. Note, you may not earn CE credit for a session you already attended or watched live. 
3. Attend a Preconvention CE Workshop. These three-hour workshops are more intensive trainings designed for licensed psychologists. Additional enrollment fee required. Learn more about CE Workshops.  

At APA 2026, we are taking an active and intentional role in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where all attendees have the opportunity to participate. While we aim to anticipate a wide range of access needs, we recognize that individual needs vary and individualized requests remain essential. For individuals with disabilities and/or medical conditions, if you require accommodations beyond the examples provided below, please specify accommodations you may require during the registration process and a member of our team will reach out to gather more details and ensure we can accommodate your request.

We ask that you register by June 24 to allow APA adequate time to meet all needs. Reasonable requests made after this date will be considered. If you have already registered for APA 2026 and need support, please email meetings@apa.org and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. 

Click here to learn more about accessibility at APA 2026.

Click here to learn more about accessibility at APA 2026.

Yes. The convention center has two freestanding lactation suites, called Mamava Pods. The pods are located near Rooms 103AB and 140A. The pod located near Room 140A is ADA accessible. Contact meetings@apa.org for the door code. 

Gender-neutral restrooms are available on every level of the Middle Building and south side of the convention center.

Yes. The convention center will have designated quiet and low-sensory spaces. 

The Quiet Room will be located in the Middle Building, Room 157.  

The Low Sensory Room will be located in the South Building, Room 210. This space will have reduced noise, lighting, and other stimuli. 

Yes, APA will have a Low Sensory Room, this is a calming space designed to reduce noise, lighting, and other stimuli, offering attendees a place to decompress, regulate, and recharge as needed during the event. 

These spaces are available for attendees who need a quiet or low-sensory space, not for taking phone calls, working, having meetings, or other disruptive activities.

Yes, the designated Prayer Room will be located in the Middle Building, Room 160. 

There are countless opportunities to connect with fellow attendees at APA 2026.  

Many Divisions and programs hold social hours and activities. These events are ideal for connecting with people who share your interests. Information about these activities will be posted on a rolling basis.  

The Solutions Center is also an ideal place to form connections. Stop by the Gathering Place for impromptu conversations, or drop in for an Exchange session to learn about the latest solutions in the field. Browsing the poster hall allows you to explore the latest research and connect with researchers face-to-face.  

Finally, be open to connection in all contexts at APA 2026! Whether you’re in a session or a coffee line, say hi to your fellow attendees. You never know what connections you’ll spark!  

Yes! Join the PsycCareers Virtual Hiring Event, a convenient, online-only event taking place on Thursday, August 13. Connect with employers recruiting psychologists and related professionals – all without needing APA 2026 registration. VHE registration is free and required. Learn more and sign up. 

In addition, several exhibitors in the Solutions Center will be recruiting for psychologists and related professionals. Use the filters in the APA 2026 mobile app (to be released this summer) to find them.

Yes. There are many programs at APA 2026 geared towards graduate students and early career psychologists (ECPs). Both the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) and the Committee on Early Career Psychologists (CECP) have developed sessions in the regular program for these groups and several Divisions have sessions for students and ECPs. Additionally, students and ECPs should visit the Emerging Leaders Network booth and lounge area in the Solutions Center to network with peers, find resources, and connect with APA leaders and staff.

Yes. APA 2026 has both virtual and in-person offerings. 

To learn more, visit our Virtual Experience page. 

Please note, virtual attendees will not be able to attend the division and governance sessions that are scheduled to take place in-person. 

As a virtual attendee, you already have a front row seat to two of the most popular venues at APA 2026 — the Main Stage and Feature Stage. Still, a little advance planning can make for an even smoother experience. 

Take a look at the Virtual Agenda-at-a-Glance to get a sense of each day’s programming, then delve deeper into each session description to decide where you want to spend your time. Full virtual programming details will be available soon, so check back for more information.

Worried about missing something? Don’t be. Recordings of the Main and Feature Stage sessions will be available for three months starting in September, so you can always catch up.

Make your APA 2026 experience a smooth one by setting up your viewing technology in advance. You will need a computer or mobile device and an Internet connection to tune in to APA 2026. Explore the virtual platform ahead of time to identify the sessions you’re most interested in.

If you need assistance navigating the virtual platform, contact meetings@apa.org. 

APA strives to make its annual convention accessible to all. All livestreamed sessions will be captioned.

Watch the entire livestreamed session, August 6-8, on the virtual platform.  The virtual platform will automatically track your attendance. Credited sessions are identified by the graduation cap icon in the virtual platform.

At the end of the session, scroll down below the video viewer and click the “Evaluation” tab. Complete the CE Session course evaluation. 

Download your CE Certificate once you have finished earning credit for all APA 2025 CE Sessions. 

• Click your name in the top left corner of the screen. 
• Select “My Account” from the dropdown. 
• Select the Certificate tab. 
• Click the down arrow button to download. 

Note: Livestream sessions will NOT have attendance verification pop-ups. Attendees just need to watch the entire session, and the platform will automatically track their attendance. 

Watch the entire on-demand video for the session. 

Pass a CE Quiz (75% or better with two attempts). 

Complete the CE Session course evaluation.  

Download your CE Certificate once you have finished earning credit for all APA 2025 CE Sessions. 

On-demand recordings will be available to registrants starting in September. 

Participants can only earn on-demand CE credit for those sessions that they did not already earn credit for live. 

Additional details can be found on the CE pages.

Yes. The APA Virtual Hiring Event will be held on Thursday, August 13. Connect with employers recruiting psychologists and related professionals at this free, virtual-only event. Registration is required. 

Login details will be provided via email in late July.