AACBT 41st National Conference
28-29 October 2021 (Scientific Program)
virtual platform (gather.town)
30 October 2021 (Workshops)
Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges (Fremantle, Western Australia)
or
virtual platform (gather.town)
Welcome to the official website for the 41st National Conference of the Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy (AACBT).
With consideration of the current border restrictions within Australia, and a focus on providing an equitable and accessible conference experience, we’ve made the decision to go fully online for the scientific program rather than delay another year. We know many of you were looking forward to a live experience, but we have developed a program that we think will give you the next best thing. We have invested in this year’s conference as an opportunity try the latest mode of conference delivery – live, online and avatar based!
Based on having tested the gather.town app and finding it to be a fun and interactive environment that limits online fatigue through its features, we will now be meeting in gather.town this October. This is a walk-through of our 2021 conference venue, and includes tips & tricks!
This is a quick written guide, based on the video tour above.
Our workshops on the Saturday will be virtual for non-WA delegates, but, subject to any public health orders, our plan is to have an option for in-person attendance for those in WA.
AACBT has always celebrated advances in cognitive and behavioural therapies and evidence-based practice. We now find ourselves in a new era of clinical science, discipline diversity and co-morbid mental health profiles. Our stimulating line up of keynote and invited speakers, who are innovators in research and clinical practice, will present cutting edge ideas in this new generation of cognitive and behavioural therapy. The keynote, invited, and workshop presenters will present exciting research advancements and novel, evidence-based approaches to the management of common and complex difficulties.
This year’s conference theme is “Recovery and Reconnection”.
The conference theme recognises the tremendous challenges that society has faced together over the past year, yet in spite of this, there have been many displays of strength, resilience, and hope. CBT practitioners and researchers have responded to the broader community’s needs with considerable creativity and ingenuity. The theme also recognises that many of our personal and professional connections have been disrupted during this time. We would like the 2021 AACBT National Conference to be a forum within which we can all reflect on this journey of recovery, reconnect, and forge optimistically into the future.
This year’s conference brings together a community of cognitive and behavioural therapy professionals to share knowledge, ideas and awareness of innovations and important issues in this field. AACBT is committed to delivering an exciting scientific and workshop program to inspire the CBT community to continue advancing the field. The 2021 AACBT National Conference will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect.
Thursday and Friday are the scientific program days and will be virtual, on-line in gather.town. Saturday is the workshop day, with face-to-face delegates from WA (pending governmental advice) and other delegates virtual, on-line in gather.town.
We invite you to join us with the latest science, and evidence-based practice.
Key Deadlines
- Registrations are open! AACBT Members have access to discounted prices via Early Bird tickets
- Standard Registration deadline: Sunday 24 October 2021
- Abstract Submissions deadline: CLOSED
- Early Bird Registration deadline: CLOSED
Where can I purchase tickets and learn more about the conference?
Registration information & ticket sales are open.
Virtual conference FAQ is here.
AACBT Members have access to discounted prices via Early Bird tickets
Who are the confirmed speakers?
- Dr Christine Padesky (via video link, twice)
- Associate Professor Brett Deacon
- Professor Jennie Hudson (twice)
- Professor Penelope Hasking
- Dr Bronwyn Raykos
- Dr Georgie Paulik-White
- Professor Nick Titov
What is happening during the 2-day scientific program?
Our Scientific Program page is full of info, and the the full .pdf program is here.
Abstract book.
What about a workshop on Saturday?
The Workshop Program page has full information about the four 1/2 day workshops.
The workshop presenters are:
- Scientia Professor Richard Bryant (Trauma)
- Dr Georgie Paulik-White (Voices)
- Dr Melissa Ree (Sleep)
- Mr Paul Jeffery & Dr Clair Lawson (Private Practice)
This is the workshop information and program.
Is there going to be opportunity for networking?
Yes – a welcome event for all scientific program delegates will be held on Thursday night, and the program has regular breaks throughout all days of conference.
The WA Delegates – Conference Dinner is on Friday night!
How do I submit an abstract for the scientific program?
Via our abstract portal – which is now CLOSED.
I have been accepted as a speaker for the conference – do you have any tips & guidelines?
This page has all the information, plus be sure to check the virtual FAQ page.
Where is the conference venue?
WA delegates for the 1/2 day workshops will be hosted at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges.
You can tour the venue before you go!
How can I support AACBT and display my organisation to delegates?
Sponsorship Opportunities are available – read more in our info pack, or contact the conference secretariat.
The AACBT National Conference Committee looks forward to welcoming you to in 2021.
Committee Members
Dr Janice Wong – Convenor 2021 (WA)
Professor Peter McEvoy – Scientific Convenor 2021 (WA)
Professor Louise Sharpe – National Conference Coordinator (Chair)
Associate Professor Melissa Norberg – National President
Ms Natasha Dean – National Tour Coordinator
Dr Rebecca Anderson – Director (Memberships)
Associate Professor Kristin Gainey – Early Career Research Co-Chair
Dr David Preece – Early Career Research Co-Chair
Professor Peter J Norton – Convenor 2022 (Vic)
Dr Brett Deacon – Scientific Convenor 2022 (Vic)
Is there anything interesting to do in Fremantle?
This is an example video of a gather.town conference space, and shows the basics of how to virtually participate at the conference.