A First-Timer's Guide to Making the Most of APA 2024

Attending APA’s annual convention in person for the first time can be exhilarating, inspiring, engaging—and overwhelming. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide will provide you with valuable tips and strategies to navigate APA 2024 like a pro and create a meaningful, enriching experience.

1. Get oriented. 

With so much going on at APA 2024, the convention covers a lot of (literal) ground! Take some time to get oriented to the Seattle Convention Center when you arrive. Join a staff-led orientation session on either Wednesday or Thursday to learn how to navigate APA 2024 and plan out your schedule. You can also plan to pick up your badge early and explore the convention center on your own to get the lay of the land. 

2. Be selective. 

With over 900 sessions and events over three days, it’s impossible to experience all APA 2024 has to offer. Take some time to explore the program in advance and identify the sessions that are most interesting to you. Filter by session type, division, or CE eligibility to find what speaks to you. 

And if you’re still feeling some session FOMO, remember that you can watch on-demand recordings of the Main and Feature Stages for three months starting at the end of August! 

3. Know where to go for help. 

APA staff are readily available to assist you throughout APA 2024. For general inquiries and assistance, visit the Information Desk located inside the registration area. 

If you require accommodations, head to the Accommodations and Disability Resources Room, located in Room 4C-2 in the Wellness Center. If possible, do your best to inform the staff in advance of any accommodations needs you may have so we can make sure you have the best APA 2024 experience possible. 

For CE-related questions, the CE desk, located in the registration area, is your go-to resource. At the CE desk, APA staff can help make sure you understand how to earn CE at APA 2024 and answer any other questions you may have about earning CE at APA 2024. 

And lastly, many APA staff will be located throughout the convention center and can be identified by their badges. If you find yourself unsure of where to go or have any other questions, simply ask a staff member and they will do their best to assist you. 

4. Find community. 

Attending an APA convention is a great opportunity to connect with—and expand—your community. One of the best ways to do this is through division-sponsored social hours, where you can connect with people who have similar interests or work in the same subdiscipline. These informal gatherings are a great opportunity to grow your network. And the best part? You don’t have to be a division member to participate. 

Special events are also a great way to meet people at APA 2024. Enjoy some friendly competition at Ray’s Race, or enjoy a special performance from from DJ Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas at the American Psychological Foundation L8 Night Party.  Looking for a more relaxed setting to make new friends? Stop by The Gathering Place for informal conversations and fun activities. 

However you like to connect, you’ll find it at APA 2024. 

5. Get to know the APA 2024 app 

The APA 2024 app is your go-to source for all things convention. Whether you’re planning your schedule, confirming your CE credits, or connecting with fellow attendees, the app is the place to go. 

Pro tip: Download the app and get familiar with it before you arrive in Seattle. It’ll make your experience at APA 2024 so much smoother. 

6. Make CE Easy 

There are hundreds of opportunities to earn CE credit at APA 2024—and now, CE credit for all approved CE sessions* is included in the cost of your registration! If you’re planning on taking advantage of all the CE opportunities that APA 2024 has to offer, take some time to familiarize yourself with the process. There are two important steps: scanning into and out of a CE-eligible session, and completing the evaluation process on the APA 2024 app or web platform. Read the step-by-step instructions here. 

*This does not include separately-priced full- and half-day CE Workshops. 

As you navigate through the hustle and bustle of APA 2024, we hope these tips will help you create an experience that’s meaningful to you. Here’s to a fulfilling and inspiring first APA convention—may it be the first of many!