the Spotlight Stage
Hall D, Solutions Center, End of Aisles 300 & 400
lead through
Innovation
Located in the heart of the
Solutions Center, the Spotlight Stage brings together speakers and sponsors on the cutting edge of psychology — dynamic, accessible sessions and events where new ideas and innovations are on full display.
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
4:00-5:00 p.m. ET
Students and recent graduates have just three minutes to present their research findings and respond to a question from our panel of expert judges. Judges will select the first- and second-place winners, and you’ll have the chance to vote for the People’s Choice Award winner!
sponsored Session
Beyond the Couch and Classroom: Unexpected Careers for Psychologists
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Despite the broad scope and training of clinical and counseling psychologists, many graduate students and early-career psychologists expect their career to follow a path to academia or general private practice. While these are worthwhile career paths, there are other options, including conducting industry research, developing treatment interventions, pursuing healthcare leadership, and working in medical settings. During this session, paid for by Catalight, three licensed psychologists who developed non-traditional careers will discuss how they developed rewarding careers by leveraging unexpected opportunities.
4:00-5:00 p.m. ET
The digital mental and behavioral health space is expanding rapidly, but trust isn't keeping pace. This session showcases how APA Labs is bridging that gap through bold, psychology-driven innovation, using the Digital Badge Program as a real-world example, and invites psychologists to join a growing ecosystem of experts shaping the future of digital care.
10:30-11:30 a.m. ET
As AI systems increasingly shape human behavior, wellbeing, and opportunity, psychologists can no longer afford to be consulted after the fact. This session examines how psychological science can move upstream in AI development, offering frameworks, real-world case studies, and practical strategies for psychologists ready to lead in technology innovation.
12:30-1:30 p.m. ET
Psychological science matters, but only if people understand it. Psychology improves lives, but its benefits can only be realized when research is translated for the public and informs policy decisions. To make research matter, we need clear communication and better teaching. This session highlights inspiring examples of how sharing science effectively and teaching it well can turn evidence into action.
Check back soon for more programming!
Session times are subject to change.
