Black Association of Behavior Analysts

Annual Convention 2026

Jackson State University • June 25-27, 2026

REGISTRATION OPEN

Join the Black Association of Behavior Analysts for the 2026 Annual Convention at Jackson State University. This three-day gathering will bring together practitioners, scholars, students, and community members for learning, connection, and collective growth.

Black Association of Behavior Analyst 2026 Annual Convention
Date: June 25-27, 2026

Location: Jackson State University • Jackson, Mississippi

• Hotel & Lodging •

Here’s the reservation link our guests can use to make reservations:
Book your group rate for The Black Association of Behavior Analysts

The Black Association of Behavior Analysts Room Block information: Start Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026 End Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026 note: Group rate is available 3 days prior to start date and 3 days past end date

Hotel(s) offering your special group rate::

The Westin Jackson for $169.00 USD per night – Last Day to Book : Friday, June 05, 2026

Discounted Overnight Valet at $18.00 USD per night.

Book your group rate for The Black Association of Behavior Analysts today!

TICKETS

CONFERENCE 2024 RECAP

CONFERENCE 2024 TESTIMONIALS

In-person conference registration and event tickets are now re-opened for a limited time only.

Please note:
Late registrants (Beyond August 1, 2025) will need to secure their hotel accommodations directly with the Grand Palladium or make alternative lodging arrangements, as our room block has closed and cannot be reopened.

Technicians & Direct Service Professionals	BCaBAs, BCBAs, BCBA-D, Administrative and Executive Organizational Members
Early Bird (ends March 1) $317 Members 25% Discount	Early Bird (ends March 1) $450 Members 25% Discount
Regular (March 2 – June 30th) $400 Members 15% Discount	Regular (March 2 – June 30th) $500 Members 25% Discount
Last Call $500	Last Call $600

Non-Attendee Supporter Fee (spouses, adult +1s)	Early (ends Mar 1)	Regular (ends Jun 30)	Last Call (ends Aug 1)
	$100	$125	$150

EVENTS	Regular	Last Call
EVENTS	Ends June 30	Ends August 1
	$175	$275

FAQs

What is the theme of the conference?

Legacy in Motion: Black Thought, Black Practice, Black Futures

Is the Call for Papers open?

Yes. The Call for Papers is currently open and will close on January 30, 2026. No extensions will be granted. Please submit your call here

How can I help sponsor the conference?

Sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon.

Will there be a hotel room block?

Yes. Please be sure to book your hotel after ticket purchase

What airport should I fly into?

Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)

I have a dietary need or accessibility request. Who should I contact?

Please indicate all dietary needs and accessibility accommodations directly on your registration form so we can plan accordingly.

What is included with the Events Ticket?

The Events Ticket provides access to three (3) official BABA convention events scheduled during the conference. Event details and schedules will be announced closer to the conference date.

Additional events may be added to the Events Ticket package at a later time. If so, registered attendees will have access to these events at no additional cost.

Please note that space for events may be limited, purchase early.

I have colleagues who would like to attend. When is the deadline to register?

Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Capacity is limited, and we encourage early registration. The deadline for regular registration is May 31, 2026.

Is childcare provided?

BABA will not provide onsite childcare. Attendees are encouraged to make independent childcare arrangements as needed.

Is onsite registration available?

Onsite registration will be available. However there are downfalls for registering on-site (all events are not available for purchase at that time and the fee increases)

What is the refund policy?

Please refer to the refund policy included in your registration confirmation. Conference registration fees are non-refundable.

How can I reach the conference organizers?

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

Interested in Speaking at BABACon 2026?

Our Call for Papers close Jan 30, 2026!

Submit

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