Call for Convention Presenters and Speakers

Submission Deadline: March 01, 2026

Acceptance Notification: March 16, 2026

Confirmation Required By: March 20, 2026

Event Dates:    May 10, May 12 - May 15, 2026

Location:         Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia

Address:  4355 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346

 

 Complimentary Attendance Policy:

As a presenter, you are eligible for complimentary attendance at the conference based on the length of your presentation:

• For a 1 - 1.5-hour presentation, you are welcome to attend for that day only.
• For a 3.0-hour presentation, you are welcome to attend for that day and the next day.
• For an all-day presentation (6.0 hours), you are welcome to attend for two consecutive days.

Compensation: No Financial Compensation except for keynote or negotiated special presentations.

The Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA) proudly presents the 38th Annual Convention & Regional Conference, the premier event for mental health professionals across Georgia and the Southeast.

Each year, hundreds of counselors, school counselors, supervisors, counselor educators, students, and mental health advocates gather for four days of inspiration, education, and connection. This year’s theme, “Many Trees Make a Forest: Unity in Counseling,” celebrates our shared mission—standing strong together to support wellness, advocacy, and growth in the counseling profession.

While all presentations will be reviewed and considered to ensure a variety of presentations to engage attendees, please note the following:

Integrated Care, Advocacy, and Collaboration Kickoff Session (Virtual Session - 5/10/25)

This year, in addition to our core clinical skills workshops, the conference will open with a dedicated Integrated Care, Advocacy, and Collaboration Kickoff Session to highlight the power of unity across disciplines and systems. We are looking for proposals focused on practical, real-world strategies for coordinated care, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and effective client advocacy. This opening block sets the tone for the conference by emphasizing our theme of coming together to strengthen the counseling profession and enhance client outcomes.

Virtual Poster Sessions (5/10/25)

Immediately following the kickoff, we will host a virtual poster session showcasing research, innovative programs, and collaborative models from professionals across the state.

Submission Guidelines for Presenters

Proposal Submission Format: All proposals must include the following information:

Presentation Title: Provide a clear and concise title that reflects the content and focus of your presentation.

Presentation Length

Select one of the following options:

• 6-hour Pre-Convention Session
• 1.5-hour Presentation
• 3-hour Presentation

Category
Select one of the following categories for your proposal (Full Topic Descriptions are Below):

• Ethics
• Telehealth
• Supervision
• Working in School / University Settings
• Diversity/Multicultural
• DSM, Symptoms & Conditions
• Career/Workplace
• Mental Health Evaluations or Assessments
• Children & Adolescents
• Marriage & Family
• Counseling Theories & Techniques
• Research
• Behavioral Addictions
• Substance Use
• Practice Management
• Advocacy, Social Justice, and Leadership
• Other (Please specify)

Abstract (300-500 words)
Provide a detailed description of your proposed presentation. Include key learning objectives, an overview of the topic, and how it will benefit the audience. Be sure to address any evidence-based practices or relevant research.

Learning Objectives
List 3-5 specific learning objectives for participants. These should clearly state what attendees will gain from the presentation in terms of knowledge, skills, or competencies.

Presenter Information

Include the following for each presenter:

• Full Name
• Credentials (LPC, CPCS, etc.)
• Title/Position
• Organization/Institution
• Contact Information (Email & Phone)
• Brief Bio (150-200 words)

Co-Presenters (if applicable)  Provide the same information for any co-presenters.

Presentation Format

• Integrated Care, Advocacy, and Collaboration Session: This virtual presentation type focuses on the ways counseling intersects with other disciplines, systems, and community resources. Sessions may highlight interprofessional collaboration, integrated care models, advocacy strategies, case management practices, or cross-disciplinary partnerships that enhance client outcomes. Presenters are encouraged to demonstrate how coordinated, team-based approaches support holistic care and strengthen the counseling profession. This format is ideal for showcasing practical tools, frameworks, and real-world examples that help counselors work effectively across systems and roles.
• Virtual Poster Session: The virtual poster session provides presenters with an opportunity to showcase research, innovative programs, clinical concepts, case management models, advocacy initiatives, or interprofessional projects in a visually engaging digital format. Presenters create a poster-style presentation that attendees can view online, accompanied by a brief recorded explanation or live Q&A component. This format is ideal for sharing emerging ideas, data, collaborative efforts, or practical tools in a concise and accessible way. The virtual environment allows attendees to explore posters at their own pace while still engaging with presenters to ask questions, discuss applications, and gain insight into new approaches shaping the counseling profession.
• Demonstration/Skill Building Session: This type of presentation focuses on providing attendees with hands-on, practical skills that can be immediately applied in their clinical practice. These sessions involve live demonstrations, role-playing, or step-by-step instructions for implementing therapeutic techniques or interventions. Participants are encouraged to engage actively, practice the skills being taught, and receive feedback from the presenter.
• Workshop/Interactive Presentation: Workshops and interactive presentations are designed to involve attendees in an engaging, collaborative learning experience. Presenters use a mix of lecture, group activities, and discussions to explore a topic deeply, allowing for audience interaction and participation. This format encourages dialogue, problem-solving, and peer learning to reinforce concepts and ensure the practical application of ideas.
• Panel Discussion: A panel discussion brings together a group of experts who share diverse perspectives on a specific topic. Moderated by a facilitator, each panelist offers their insights, followed by a Q&A session with the audience. This format fosters discussion of multiple viewpoints, trends, and challenges within the field of mental health, providing a well-rounded exploration of the topic.

References/Resources
Include a list of at least 3 resources, references, or citations that support the content of your presentation.

Audio/Visual Requirements

Each room will be equipped with the following: 

1. Microphone

2. Projector and Screen

3. Standard HDMI connection cable

Availability
Indicate your availability during the dates of the conference. This will help us schedule your presentation at a convenient time.

• Sunday - Virtual 
• Tuesday: All day 
• Wednesday - Friday: AM / PM 

Please understand we will make every effort for time and date placement but we can not Guarantee an exact fit.  If you flexable on the day and time, please indicate that on the submission form.  Thank you.

Submit Abstract

TOPIC DESCRIPTIONS:

Advocacy and Leadership: Proposals may cover advocacy and leadership development and strategies for empowering counselors to advocate for their clients and the profession at the community, state, or national levels.

 

Ethics: Explore current ethical standards and dilemmas in counseling, with a focus on real-world application. Topics may include boundary setting, confidentiality, professional conduct, and the evolving nature of ethics in response to emerging trends in mental health.

 

Telehealth:  Address the growing use of technology in mental health practice, including best practices, legal and ethical considerations, and strategies for creating an effective therapeutic relationship in a virtual setting. Proposals may also examine the latest advancements in telehealth tools and platforms.

 

Supervision: Focus on best practices in clinical supervision, including techniques, challenges, legal considerations, and strategies for fostering professional growth among supervisees. Ideal topics might also cover supervision models and cultural competence in the supervisory relationship.

Diversity/Multicultural: Discuss the importance of cultural competence in counseling, with an emphasis on serving diverse populations. Proposals can explore strategies for addressing the needs of clients from different cultural backgrounds, as well as integrating multicultural awareness into practice and supervision.

DSM, Symptoms & Conditions: Present on the latest updates to the DSM, diagnostic criteria, and the identification of various mental health symptoms and conditions. This category is ideal for proposals that explore complex or emerging diagnoses and their implications for treatment.

Career/Workplace: Focus on career counseling, workplace mental health, and the challenges clients may face in their professional lives. Topics might include managing workplace stress, navigating career transitions, or understanding work-life balance.

 

Mental Health Evaluations or Assessments: Cover the use of mental health evaluations or assessments in practice, including best practices for selecting and administering evaluations, interpreting results, and integrating assessment data into treatment planning.

 

Children & Adolescents: Explore techniques and interventions tailored to working with children and adolescent populations. Topics might address developmental challenges, behavioral issues, trauma, and family dynamics that impact young clients.

Marriage & Family: Examine counseling strategies focused on couples and families. Proposals could cover a wide range of topics such as communication skills, conflict resolution, parenting techniques, or systemic interventions.

 

Counseling Theories & Techniques: Present on different theoretical approaches and therapeutic techniques used in counseling. This category is ideal for proposals that explore the application of specific models (e.g., CBT, REBT, Gestalt) or innovative therapeutic interventions.

 

Research: Share the latest findings in counseling research, with an emphasis on how new knowledge can be applied in practice. Proposals might include discussions on research methodology, evidence-based practices, and the future of counseling research.

Behavioral Addictions: Address the growing recognition of behavioral addictions, such as gambling, internet addiction, or food-related disorders. Proposals can cover assessment, diagnosis, and treatment interventions for these conditions.

 

Substance Use: Focus on the treatment of substance use disorders, including best practices for intervention, prevention, recovery models, and the integration of co-occurring mental health conditions.

 

Practice Management: Provide insights on running a successful counseling practice. Topics could include strategies for managing business aspects such as billing, insurance, marketing, and compliance, as well as ethical issues related to practice management.

Other: This category is open for innovative and interdisciplinary topics that do not fit neatly into the predefined categories. Proposals could cover emerging trends, unique approaches to counseling, or novel therapeutic interventions that provide value to mental health professionals.