Call for Presentations

2026 Annual Conference

Presenter Proposal Application

Event Timing: October 1, 2026 
Event Location: Best Western Premiere, Harrisburg, PA
For questions, contact us at:  drkenmartz@gmail.com 

APPLICATIONS DUE February 28, 2026

Thank you for your interest in proposing a presentation at the Pennsylvania Association of Addiction Professional’s 2026 Annual Conference: Collaborations for Change.  Plenary and breakout conference sessions will take place on October 1. 

Submissions: NAADAC and Pennsylvania Association for Addictions Professionals members and non-members are invited to submit presentation proposals for 1 hour to 1.5 hour breakout sessions.  We encourage experienced trainers, young investigators, researchers, and addiction and co-occurring professionals from diverse organizations to submit.  

We are seeking a diverse group of trainings to benefit the wide range of experience levels of attendees.  Submissions should include clear course outcomes and more than 80% of research cited should be from within the past 5 years.  Descriptions should be clear how the course will balance didactic and experiential learning, as well as addressing a balance of applications to the general population and individual differences.  

Note that presentations should align to the conference theme of Collaborations for Change with a focus on recovery, growth, and success.

Presentation Categories

Management/Supervisory Skills (e.g. Introduction to PA systems/funding streams, leadership skills, clinical supervision skills)

Counseling Skills/Theory (e.g., Basic/advanced motivational interviewing/cognitive therapy, techniques for recovery maintenance, and prevention strategies)

Peer Recovery Services/Skills (e.g., Skills for intervention and long-term recovery establishment, as well as community building, ROSC development, history/stigma of the recovery movement)

Gambling Disorder/Process Addictions (e.g., Gambling disorder treatment, Social media, Gaming)

Addictions Advocacy (e.g., “How to”, Stigma-free Communication, Key Legislative Issues Today)

Professional Skills (e.g., Documentation, Time Management, Compassion Fatigue, Ethical Decision-Making, Cultural Humility)

Presenter Eligibility: To be considered, presenters must have professional qualifications in good standing with their professional regulatory board, if applicable, possess the technical expertise necessary to present on a subject effectively, and meet one or more of the following:

  • Be a faculty member of a college or university;
  • Have received specialized graduate or post-graduate level training in subject of presentation; and/or
  • Have extensive experience including at least five years of practical application or research involving subject of presentation.

Benefits of Presenting: 

  • Lead Presenter will receive a free conference registration. 
  • Promotion of your name and credentials on our website and in all electronic and print marketing materials, where appropriate.
  • Recognition of your expertise by industry professionals.
  • Networking opportunities.

Financial Responsibility of Presenter(s)

  • While lead presenter will receive free conference registration, presenters are responsible for all other registration fees, and all travel, hotel, and board expenses. 
  • Please do not apply if you are unable to attend due to the financial responsibility.

Required Terminology

Pennsylvania Association of Addictions Professionals request that presenters refrain from using terminology that perpetuates the negative stigma surrounding those with substance use disorders or living in recovery:

  • Instead of “addict,” please use “person with a substance use disorder.”
  • Instead of “addicted to X,” please use “has an X use disorder,” “has a serious X use disorder,” or “has a substance use disorder involving X” (if more than one substance is involved.)
  • Instead of “alcoholic,” please use “person with an alcohol use disorder.”
  • Instead of “drug/substance abuse,” please use “substance use disorder.”
  • Instead of “former addict,” please use “person in recovery” or “person in long-term recovery.”

Selection Criteria:

Application will only be considered if the following criteria are met:

  • All sections of the application are complete.
  • The presentation description is clearly written.
  • Learning objectives are clearly stated.
  • Session structure and organization are clearly defined.
  • Presentation is supported by evidence-based data from research or demonstrated results.
  • Presenters have sufficient experience and knowledge of the subject matter.
  • Presentation is not used to market products or services and is free from commercial bias.

Notifications:

All applicants will be notified of their selection or non-selection by email by May 30, 2026.

If selected, PowerPoints and service agreements will be due by July 15, 2026

Apply Now Due By February 28