Frequently Asked Questions
SPA is launching its first virtual convention, and we understand there may be questions. We hope the information will assist you in understanding some of the “behind the scenes” considerations associated with the planning and execution of this event. If your question is not addressed below, please reach out to Nathan Victoria at nvictoria@spaonline.org.
If you are concerned about covering your registration costs, please consider applying to one of SPA’s Virtual Convention Scholarships.
The SPA Board of Trustees explored many options regarding registration rates for the Virtual Convention. The Board recognizes that institutional and personal funds are limited at this time, so the final prices for the convention balance the need to cover a portion of SPA’s expenses while still creating an affordable yet well-produced convention that you have come to expect. These expenses include online conference software, development of software and apps, video editing, staff salaries, and contract staff to help produce this event. We hope that since the registration fee is only a small portion of the cost of the typical in-person meeting, attendees will still see a significant overall cost reduction to attend and participate.
For those newer to the SPA Convention, we have also created a free opportunity to experience some of the key highlights of the convention, including the SPA President Address, the Bruno Klopfer Seminar, all Master Lectures, the Awards Ceremony, Poster Sessions, and any networking events. More information about this opportunity will be available in a few weeks.
Although housed within one registration page, registration for the Workshops and the Virtual Convention are separate. So yes, you can register for just one or the other.
Because there are no overlapping workshops this year, you have the opportunity to register for as many workshops as you would like.
The SPA Board of Trustees used the feedback from the 2021 SPA Virtual Convention Survey to help determine the time, length, and duration of the live portions of the virtual convention. The response that received the most support was up to 4 hours a day. Because most people had March 17-20 already held for what would have been the in-person convention in Boston, we made these dates the live portion. Finally, although we recognize that 12pm-6:30pm (ET) may go very late or be very early for the event depending on your time zone, we wanted to accommodate as many schedules as possible. Please note that these live portions will be recorded, so you can access the presentations at a later date if you are not available.
To request a refund, please email your request to refunds@spaonline.org. A full refund, minus a 50% administrative fee, will be granted prior to February 9, 2021. An 80% administrative fee will be assessed between February 10 and March 1. No refunds will be granted after March 2, 2021.
All live presentations will be shared through Zoom Webinar, and all recorded content will be shared through Vimeo. Networking sessions will be shared through Zoom and Icebreaker.video. You will be able to access all of these platforms through a webportal powered by EventRebels. Access to this portal will be available in February 2021.
SPA is an approved provider of continuing education through the American Psychological Association. Please see the schedule of events to identify if the program you are attending is worth of CEs. Individuals requesting CEs must complete the required steps, including watching the entire presentation and answering a quiz and survey questions, by April 17, 2021. All CE certificates will be made available online no later than May 1, 2021.
Recorded sessions will be available for registered attendees in the app and the desktop planner through April 17, 2021.
Yes, the SPA Board of Trustees approved a Code of Conduct for all SPA events in October 2018. Please access a PDF of the document.
No, ALL presenters must have a paid registration.