Practice and SPTA Leaders Conference

The Practice and SPTA Leaders Conference (PSLC) is the premier annual gathering of APA and State, Provincial, and Territorial Psychological Association (SPTA) leaders focused on strengthening advocacy, advancing the practice of psychology, and driving meaningful impact for the profession and the communities psychologists serve.

Bringing together psychology leaders from across the United States, its territories, and Canada, along with APA governance, PSLC creates a unique forum to identify emerging challenges, develop coordinated advocacy strategies, share innovative approaches, and build collective capacity to influence policy and advance the profession. The conference also strengthens association leadership and governance by equipping participants with strategies, connections, and tools to lead effectively in a rapidly changing environment.

2027 Conference dates and location

February 4–6, 2027
Grand Hyatt Washington
Washington, DC

PSLC is an invitation-only conference. Registration is limited to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria outlined below and receive an invitation from APA. The following individuals and groups will be invited to participate in the 2027 Practice and State Leadership Conference (PSLC): 

• State, Provincial, and Territorial Psychological Associations (SPTAs): Up to four individuals from each SPTA. Participants are determined by the SPTA’s Executive Director/CEO and may include: 
  • Executive Directors/CEOs 
  • Directors of Professional Affairs (DPAs) 
  • Presidents 
  • Presidents-Elect 
  • Legislative or Policy Chairs 
• APA Division 31: 2027 President and President-Elect , and up to two additional members from the Division 31 Board.
• APA Division 42: 2027 President and President-Elect 
• APA Divisions 12, 16, 17, 18, 22, 38, 40, 53, 54, 55: 2027 Presidents
• APA Advocacy Coordinating Committee: 2027 Chair 
• APA Board of Professional Affairs: Board members 
• APA Board of Directors: Board members 

In advance of registration opening, APA will send a survey to eligible participating organizations and groups in October 2026 to gather the contact information for individuals who should receive an invitation to PSLC 2027.

Please note: Participation is limited to the eligible roles and allocations listed above. Individuals serving in other leadership, staff, or volunteer positions may not be substituted for eligible participants, and unused participant slots may not be reassigned to individuals who do not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria. Organizations and groups may not purchase additional registrations beyond their allotted number. Only individuals who receive an invitation may register for PSLC 2027.

Eligible PSLC 2027 participants are invited to submit program proposals for consideration for the 2027 conference. All groups identified above as invited participants, except the APA Board of Directors, are eligible to submit proposals.

Program proposals must be submitted by the chairperson of the proposed session, who must be eligible to attend PSLC 2027 and represent one of the eligible groups listed above. The chairperson is responsible for submitting the proposal on behalf of the proposed session. In addition, all individuals included in a proposed session—including session chairs, presenters, panelists, moderators, or other participants—must also be eligible invited participants of PSLC 2027. Individuals who are not eligible to attend PSLC 2027 may not be included in a program proposal.

Proposal deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Submit a proposal

As the organizer and submitter of the session proposal, the chairperson is responsible for coordinating with all proposed presenters and obtaining their consent to participate before submitting the session proposal. Chairpersons should ensure that all presenters are aware that they are being included in the proposal and have agreed to participate if the session is accepted. 

Registration for PSLC 2027 is expected to open in early November 2026. The registration fee for PSLC 2027 is $500 per attendee. Optional Continuing Education (CE) credits will be available for an additional fee. Additional details, including registration links, hotel information, and conference logistics, will be shared with invited participants once registration opens. 
 
PSLC 2027 will be held at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, DC. Information about the PSLC hotel room block and reservation deadline will be available when registration opens.

By registering and attending the Practice and SPTA Leaders Conference, you agree to the Health & Safety, Safety and Security, Meeting Code of Conduct, APA Convention and Event Interim Policy, and Generative AI, Recording, Photography, and Reproduction or Content, Program Content Disclaimer.

• The 2027 conference agenda is not yet available.

Information regarding PSLC 2027 travel and reimbursement policies is still being finalized. Details outlining which expenses will be covered by APA and which expenses will be the responsibility of SPTAs and/or individual participants will be posted in September 2026.

We encourage participants to review the reimbursement policy once it is available before making travel arrangements or incurring conference-related expenses.

If you have questions, we’re here to help! For questions about PSLC 2027 eligibility, registration, program proposals, or other conference-related matters, please contact PSLC Support.