Black Applied Behavior Analysts

Annual Conference 2025

The Grand Palladium, Jamaica • Sept 18-20, 2025

Reclaiming our VIBES!

This year’s theme, Reclaiming Our VIBES, is about centering joy, community, and empowerment while unapologetically embracing Blackness. Join us in Jamaica as we create a vibrant space to connect, learn, and grow. It’s time to reclaim what fuels us—our voices, impact, brilliance, energy, and solidarity. 🌴✨

Join Us for a once in a lifetime experience in Jamaica!

Black Applied Behavior Analyst Annual Conference 2025
Date: September 18-20, 2025

Location: The Grand Palladium, Jamaica

Escape to the breathtaking shores of Jamaica this September for our annual conference, BABACON! This year, we’re blending professional development with relaxation, offering you an unforgettable opportunity to connect, learn, and rejuvenate in a tropical paradise amongst US.

Why Attend?

  • Unmatched Vibes: Held in the vibrant and historic Jamaica, the conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with the richness of Black culture and heritage while gaining valuable insights into creating a more inclusive, equitable profession.
  • Community Building: Build meaningful relationships with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and foster collaborations that go beyond the conference.
  • Rest and Recharge: Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating atmosphere of Jamaica’s serene beaches and lush landscapes while balancing work with self-care and wellness.
  • Empowerment and Advocacy: Join a space dedicated to uplifting Black voices and knowledge in the field.
  • Take Home Tangible Tools: Gain actionable strategies to immediately apply to your practice, organization, or advocacy work.

Highlights

  • Breakout sessions
  • Powerhouse Keynotes
  • Social events with our community
  • Opportunities for rest and relaxation on the island’s beautiful beaches

CONFERENCE 2024 RECAP

CONFERENCE 2024 TESTIMONIALS

EVENTS

SPONSORS

GO TO CONFERENCE:

LOCATION

SCHEDULE

EVENTS

SPONSORS

An immersive Conference Experience intentionally focused on community

We are hosting our conference at Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel! The Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel is in the center of downtown Baltimore, and the heart of the Inner Harbor. From there attendees can walk to Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, the National Aquarium, and a variety of diverse restaurants and shopping.

We cannot wait to see you in person(and online if you cannot make it) July 19-21. 

Black Con is our very first mini conference, especially focused on cultivating community while learning from thee top Black industry leaders who are deeply aligned with the uplift and empowerment of Black people. We will start with a networking event on Friday night, host one POWERFUL day of symposiums, dance the night away at our Gala, and close with a member’s only event, The reunion, for our professional, associate, student, caregiver tier members. 

SPONSORS

Want to sponsor this year’s conference?

Interested? Contact us at conference@babainfo.org

LOCATION

CONFERENCE VENUE: Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel

HOTEL: Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel

300 South Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Experience an iconic American city brimming with energy, vitality, and hospitality. Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel is in the center of downtown Baltimore, and the heart of the Inner Harbor.  Walk to Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, the National Aquarium, and a variety of diverse restaurants and shopping.  As a city known for its neighborhoods, you will feel the flavor in Federal Hill, Fells Point, Harbor East, Charles Village and Little Italy.  

Hotel services include a 24-hour fitness center. Return from your day of learning and exploring, and recharge with pub bites or juicy steaks at The Grille or Morton’s The Steakhouse. Unwind in a hotel room or suite showcasing views of the harbor, Oriole Park, or downtown Baltimore. Upgrade to a club-level room for even more relaxing amenities. 

Conference Pricing (Early Bird Ends March 1)

  • Direct Service Professionals (IBAO CEs provided)
    • $326.51
  • Professionals (with BACB and IBAO CEs)
    • $463.50
  • Supporter (Ages 18+ guest)
    • $103.00
  • Event Ticket (Includes Gala, Welcome Event, and Wellness event)
    • $180.25

20+ CEs

Hotel Pricing

Hotel Block is September 18-20, however these rates are included for dates September 15-23rd

  • Jr. Suite Garden View Suite Single Occupancy
    • $259.56 per night
  • Jr. Suite Garden View Suite Double Occupancy
    • $282.22 per night
  • Jr. Suite Garden View Suite Triple Occupancy
    • $380.07 per night
  • Child (2-12 years)
    • $71.07 per night

Interested in Speaking at BABACon 2025?

SCHEDULE (tentative)

Call for Papers

CONFERENCE EVENTS

July 19th, 7:00pm
Vegas Night Networking Event

SPONSOR


Get ready for a night of fun, food, and nostalgia on the Detroit Princess! Join us for a special event that promises to be an unforgettable evening of conversations, connections, and great music.

We’ve secured our very own private level on the Detroit Princess, giving you exclusive access to a space that’s all our own. But that’s not all – you’ll also have access to all other levels on the ship, giving you the opportunity to explore and enjoy all that this iconic vessel has to offer.

Throughout the night, you’ll be treated to a delicious dinner buffet featuring a variety of mouth-watering dishes to satisfy your appetite. And to help you wash it all down, we’ll have multiple top-shelf open bars available to quench your thirst.

But the real highlight of the night will be the music! Our DJ will be spinning all your favorite 90’s hits, so come prepared in your best 90’s outfits ready to dance and showcase all your best 90’s moves.

Whether you’re looking to network, make new friends, or just have a great time, this event is not to be missed. So join us for a night of conversations and connections on the Detroit Princess – it’s sure to be an experience you’ll never forget!

Sail time: 7:00 pm
Dress code: 90s themed
Location: The Detroit Princess


Student $25 | General $50

SOLD OUT

July 20th, 7:00pm
The Renaissance Gala


The hosts will be sharing defy’s burnout app and the science/evidence-based behind the tools we created to help BCBAs decrease the impact of burnout.

Presenters:

Sarah has been in-love with Behavior Analysis since she took her first intro to ABA class as an undergraduate student at Gonzaga University. Sarah has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2004 (she even took the exam using real paper and a pencil). Sarah is the co-founder and CEO of defy community. defy is committed to helping Behavior Analysis professionals decrease the impact of burnout using evidence-based interventions and tools. Sarah has served as the President of the California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA) and was a founding Board Member of the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP). Sarah is also a published author and LOVES public speaking, hip-hop and caffeine (in that order).

Carol became a BCBA in 2019 and her clinical experience includes work as an RBT, BCaBA, and BCBA with early-intervention, school-aged, and adolescent-aged groups in school, home, and clinical settings across Texas, Arizona, and Hawaii. She initially started studying behavior at The University of Texas to help children with special needs, however, her career in ABA ironically began when she left the clinical world. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor and experiencing extreme clinical burnout she found the power in using ABA to manage her own behavior through life’s ups and downs. Through this realization, she co-founded StudyNotes ABA Technologies to provide innovative test-prep resources for aspiring BCBAs. She developed an app that merged learner-centered educational curriculum design, evidence-based behavioral principles, and technology-focused environmental manipulations to increase studying behaviors. In 2020, Carol co-founded defy to improve awareness, research, education, and support for clinical burnout in the field of behavior analysis via technological analytics and tools, educational events, and evidence-based career behavioral skills training. When she isn’t breaking rules and glass ceilings in her career, she loves outdoor adventures, poetry, and fashion.


Location: Conference Venue, Room: 260
Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI

All Attendees Welcome

July 21st, 12:00pm
Members Only Reunion*



*This is a closed event for members only. It will be


Location: Conference Venue, Room: TBD
Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI

June 17th, 6-10pm
C. Richard Spates Award Reception


SPONSOR


Join us for an evening of celebration and recognition at the BABA Annual Awards Event, sponsored by Strive ABA! This event is a special occasion to honor those in our field who continue to make a difference through their contributions.

We will be celebrating the recipients of two prestigious awards: The Temple Lovelace Award and the Samuel M. Turner Innovation Award. These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and excellence in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

But that’s not all – this year’s event will be a royal-themed affair, fit for a king or queen! As soon as you arrive, you’ll be treated to a luxurious cocktail hour featuring charcuterie boards, a black violinist, a 360 booth, and lounge areas that will have you celebrating in style.

And when it’s time for dinner, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous meal fit for royalty. Indulge in a formal dinner with a menu that will tantalize your taste buds, accompanied by access to the bar.

Throughout the night, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with colleagues and industry professionals, as we celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of those in our field. This is a night to remember, so dress in your finest attire and join us for the BABA Annual Awards Event, sponsored by Strive ABA. It’s sure to be a breathtaking experience for all attendees!

Additionally, we’re excited to announce that all proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the newly developed Florida A&M University ABA program. By attending this event, you’ll not only have the opportunity to network and celebrate with your peers, but you’ll also be supporting the development and growth of a new generation of ABA professionals. So join us for this exciting event and make a difference in our field!


Location: Garden Theatre
3929 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201


Student $25 | General $75
Choice of Beef/Chicken/Seafood/Vegetarian

SOLD OUT

June 18th, 12-1pm
Lunch & Learn w/ an RBT Panel


The RBT Perspective:
We have all been there, the drain of working over 6 hours providing one on one intervention with a client. Leaving their house to only realize you left your favorite mug behind to only find a
series of fidget spinners and bubbles to replace it. Then to return home and complete a half
empty session note from earlier, feeling drained but yet fulfilled. A sense of motivation to return
to work the next day with relying on only 5 hours of sleep and a Starbucks coffee just to put a
smile on your clients face. How can we as behavior providers pour into ourselves the same way
that we do our clients? Have you ever asked yourself what is my reinforcer?What is my function
behind my behavior? These are some of the questions we ask ourselves daily as RBT’s. Come
join us as we elaborate on our experience as Black RBT’s.

Panelists:
Cheyenne Watts-Bey
Khody Wright
Jasmin Clark
Wesley Guy
Issac Morgan


Location: Conference Venue, Room: 260
Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI

All Attendees Welcome

June 18th, 7-10pm
Karaoke Night


Get ready to show off your vocal talents at the Karaoke Night during the BABA conference! This fun-filled event is the perfect opportunity to let loose and unwind after a long day of meetings and presentations.

Join your fellow conference-goers as you take the stage to sing your favorite songs, whether it’s a classic ballad or a trap hit. With a wide selection of songs to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

You’ll be able to belt out your best tunes in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, surrounded by friends and colleagues who share your passion for music. And even if you’re not the best singer, there’s no need to worry – the emphasis is on having fun and enjoying yourself. It’s going to be a vibe!

So grab a drink, take the mic, and let your inner rockstar shine at Karaoke Night during the BABA conference. It’s sure to be a night to remember!


Location: Top of the Ponch
Fort Pontchartrain, A Wyndham Hotel, 2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI

General $15/person

SOLD OUT

Keynote Speakers

Georgiana Koyama, BCBA, M.Sc

Dr. C. Richard Spates

Angelica N. Gray, MA, BCBA

Learn about sessions

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