SESSION FORMAT

A Symposium is a data-driven presentation that addresses different aspects of a research topic or differing views of the same topic. Symposia are similar to Clinical Perspectives in structure. However, while Clinical Perspectives may be more impressionistic and convey content based on the “art” and wisdom of clinical practice, Symposia comprise individual presentations of original research. Symposia are organized around a common theme and provide an opportunity for discussion by experts who approach an issue from slightly different, but complementary perspectives, or discussion of a controversial topic by experts with differing views.

GUIDELINES

A Symposium should follow these guidelines in order to be considered by the Program Committee for the 2025 Annual Meeting program:

• Can only be 2 hours in duration.
• Should consist of 3-4 individual presentations (15-20 minutes MAXIMUM).
• Approximately half of the time should be dedicated to discussant’s comments, general discussion, and a question & answer period with the audience with a minimum of 40 minutes dedicated to open discussion and audience interaction with presenters.
• A Symposium should be NO MORE THAN 6 presenters, including chair(s) and discussant(s).
• An overall Proceedings Abstract and individual presentation Proceedings Abstracts are required for this type of submission.

STANDARD ROOM SETUP & AUDIO/VISUAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

A Symposium will be in a room with theatre style seating. A podium and head table will be provided for presenters. If accepted, AACAP will provide a screen and a projector for this session type. Microphones are provided based on room size. Additional AV requests will be considered but cannot be guaranteed.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Each submission for a Symposium program should include the following items:

• Overall Submission Title
• Chair(s) affiliation and email address(es)
• At least two (2) educational learning objectives
• Keywords for the overall submission
• Overall Proceedings Abstract
• Bibliography listing at least one (1) but no more than five (5) references for your overall submission
• Individual Proceedings Abstract and keywords for each presentation
• Names, organizations, contact information, email addresses, and disclosures for all co-presenters
• Recording release for all chair(s) and co-presenter(s) listed

CONTENT ADDRESSING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

AACAP has a strong commitment to promoting mental health equity and combating health disparities. We support cultural competency efforts that enable practitioners to care effectively for patients from diverse cultures, groups, and communities. Each presentation MUST include relevant information on differences in prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment pertaining to diverse racial and ethnic populations and/or consider other ways of infusing diversity, equity and inclusion principles into the proposal. This may include selecting diverse presenters, including participants with lived experience, using the backdrop of Chicago to the benefit of the program, or many other ways that reflect AACAP’s values. If information is not available or if the presenters’ research does not include this information, speakers should address limitations of current research data in addressing needs of minoritized groups.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Although not required, the Program Committee looks favorably on inclusion of an independent discussant able to integrate and critique individual presentations and summarize their clinical implications, particularly if information presented is new or controversial.

If the submission is selected to be a part of the scientific program at the Annual Meeting, the session chair is responsible for ensuring that the amount of individual presentation content is appropriate for the available time frame and for keeping speakers on schedule during the live session. All accepted submissions must also display full disclosure slides to the audience.

Submissions about clinical techniques should include a brief description of or reference to the scientific evidence for and limitations of the treatment technique.

START YOUR SUBMISSION

AACAP will accept approximately fifty (50) Symposia this year. All Symposia must submit a complete proposal each year to be considered for the scientific program at the Annual Meeting. To submit a Symposium session for consideration, select “Begin a Submission” at the top or bottom right-hand side of this page.

Questions regarding Symposia can be directed to meetings@aacap.org.