The Inside Guide to APA 2024 for ECPs and Students

July 2, 2024

Attending APA 2024 as a student or early career psychologist can be an exciting, life-changing experience—but it can also be overwhelming. Check out these top tips from three student/early career psychologist leaders on navigating APA 2024 as a student or early career attendee.

Plan, but be flexible.

With so many simultaneous sessions at such a large conference, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Having a plan will help you make the most of your experience. Review the convention program in advance to find the sessions you’re most excited for, then plan around them. But leave room for flexibility—you might discover new topics of interest once you’re at the convention center!

“Don't feel pressured to attend every session. It's okay to take breaks to recharge or explore the exhibition hall for resources and networking opportunities.” — Vardha Kharbanda, APAGS 2024 Convention Committee Vice Chair

“Attend at least one session outside of your expertise (go way outside!!). This exposes you to new ideas and can inspire innovative thinking in your primary field.” — Jessica Reinhardt, vice chair/convention chair, CECP

Engage Actively.

Don’t just be there—be present! Whether you’re into note taking or question asking, you’ll find plenty of ways to actively engage at APA 2024.

“Participate in Q&A sessions, take notes, and if comfortable, engage in discussions with fellow attendees. Don’t hesitate to stop someone after a talk and ask follow-up questions!” — Jessica Reinhardt

“Bring a notebook or use a note-taking app to jot down key points or ideas during sessions. This will help you retain information and reflect on it later.” — Vardha Kharbanda

Be prepared to make meaningful connections.

With thousands of psychologists and related professionals present, APA 2024 is a great opportunity to make connections. Come prepared with digital or physical business cards. Remember that the email address you share should be appropriate for professional correspondence.

Odds are, if you attend any social or networking event at APA 2024, you’ll be asked, “so what do you do?” Be prepared to answer this question confidently and concisely. If you’re a student, be ready to share where you go to school, if you’re applying to graduate school, and what your educational and professional goals are. For ECPs, having a short summary of your work and interests can make networking interactions more effective and memorable.

Follow Up.

You’re likely to meet a lot of amazing people at APA 2024. Keep the momentum going by following up! Reach out to your new connections on LinkedIn or via email to establish a relationship.

“In your follow-up correspondence, be sure to reference when/where you met one another at Convention and include a few details of what your discussion entailed. It may be helpful to jot down a few notes at several points during the day of people you spoke with and what you discussed with them.” — Vardha Kharbanda

Front of Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM) Building

Two attendees take a photo in front of a selfie wall.

Get Social.

Whether its online or IRL, it's important to make time for socializing at APA 2024. In-person social hours are a great way to connect with people who share your interests. They’re also where new collaborations and projects are started. See the full listing of social hours here.

“While it is tempting to stay in our comfort zone and socialize with people we know already, be bold! Try and set a goal for yourself to meet one new person at each event you attend.” — Amanda Wisinger, Former APAGS Convention Committee Member

Social media is another great tool for connecting! If you are on X, Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn, be sure to follow and contribute to the convention conversation by searching and using the hashtag #APA2024.

“Get regular updates on APAGS programming at APA 2024 by following the official APAGS’ accounts on X, Facebook, and Instagram: @APAGradStudents.” — Amanda Wisinger

Pack accordingly.

With all the excitement happening in the convention center, the last thing you want to do is return to your room because you forgot a charger! Come prepared with everything you need.

“Convention days are long, and there are not always ample opportunities to return to your hotel room to grab essential items in between events. Be sure to bring a small backpack or handbag and pack snacks, medications, Band-Aids, chargers for your devices, and a pen/paper to take notes during sessions and to record contact information of new people you meet!” — Amanda Wisinger

Connect with your peers.

While at APA 2024, be sure to visit the APAGS/CECP Emerging Leaders Network, located in the Solutions Center (Booth #723). Here you will find helpful resources and informal sessions and events that will allow you to connect with other ECPs and students attending the convention. Explore the programming offered for students and ECPs.

Review and Reflect.

APA 2024 can be a whirlwind. Once you’re back home, take some time to reflect on your experience at the world’s largest psychology gathering. Go over your notes and materials, and reflect on how you can apply what you learned to your work.