November 2011

Dear CalABA Members and Friends,

Plans are well under way for the 2012 CalABA Conference! We will be returning next February to the recently remodeled Hyatt Regency Orange County in Garden Grove, California. In addition to wonderful amenities onsite, conference attendees can enjoy nearby attractions such as Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and some of the most beautiful beaches that Southern California has to offer.

The 2012 CalABA Conference program will provide a multitude of presentations on theory and basic research as well as applied research and practice. This year's CalABA Award for Outstanding Contributions to Behavior Analysis will be awarded to distinguished professor and researcher Allen Neuringer. CalABA is very pleased and honored to be able to formally recognize his many stellar contributions to the field of behavior analysis with our most prestigious award. He will follow his acceptance of the award with an address on the topic of reinforced variability.

CalABA will have two Keynote Speakers in 2012. Gregory Madden from Utah State University will present a keynote address regarding behavioral economics and its use in policy and decision making. In addition, his talk will focus on providing answers to many questions behavior analysts may have about behavioral economics in general. Alan Poling from Western Michigan University will also present a keynote address.

This year's program will also feature invited addresses and workshops by numerous researchers and scientist-practitioners in each of our 11 program areas:

• James Carr[PEL], Behavior Analyst Certification Board (Professional, Ethical & Legal Issues);
• James Carr[VB], Behavior Analyst Certification Board (Verbal Behavior);
• Philip Chase, Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies (Education);
• Jane Fisher, University of Nevada, Reno (Human Development & Gerontology);
• Rebecca MacDonald, The New England Center for Children (Autism);
• Garry Martin, University of Manitoba (Other [Behavioral Sports Psychology]);
• Heather McGee, Western Michigan University (Organizational Behavior Management);
• Matthew Normand, University of the Pacific (Clinical/Medical);
• Meeta Patel, Clinic 4 Kidz (Developmental Disabilities);
• Ruth Anne Rehfeldt, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (Verbal Behavior);
• David Schaal, Accuray (Experimental);
• Hank Schlinger, California State University, Los Angeles (Theoretical, Conceptual & Philosophical Issues)

We are honored that David Wacker from the University of Iowa will present the Glenda Vittimberga Memorial Lecture for 2012. This very special lecture continues to honor the memory of former CalABA Board member Glenda Vittimberga.

CalABA is very happy to continue with the Public Policy & Leadership track for 2012. Conference attendees can expect an impressive lineup of speakers to present on important public policy and leadership issues in the state of California and beyond. These presentations should be considered must-see events for all ABA practitioners, researchers, trainers, and consumers. CalABA's Public Policy Committee will also be hosting an all-day, pre-conference workshop on insurance coverage for autism on Wednesday, February 15th. Space will be limited and this event is expected to sell out quickly. More information on all Public Policy & Leadership track events will become available online as we get closer to the conference.

Spread the word! CalABA is hosting a one-day parent conference on Saturday, February 18th. Talks will be given by prominent behavior analysts on improving communication and social interactions, positive strategies and motivators to encourage good behavior and learning, and preventing tamper tantrums. In addition, there will be panel discussions on how to access services through the IEP process and on how to obtain insurance coverage for behavior services. This one-day conference is designed specifically for families and is a great value at only $30 per person for the entire day. Interested parents can register for the conference or get more information by contacting CalABA Conference Committee member Junelyn Lazo-Pearson at junie@behavioralsciencesinc.com.

Continuing education units will be available for Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, school psychologists, counselors, social workers, and speech-language pathologists. The flat fee of $60 for any number of CEUs is a great value. Presentation listings in the upcoming program book and on the CalABA website will specify if and what type of CEU's are offered for each event. Most of the Saturday workshops offer at least one type of CEU as well. Enrollment in Saturday's workshops is limited, so be sure to pre-register for them when you register for the conference.

CalABA is also pleased to announce that we have secured an extra large ballroom space for our annual Luncheon. This means we have more seats available than ever before for our members to attend what is always an entertaining event. As one of the luncheon festivities, we are proud to announce that Pat Friman will provide a special presentation on the re-focus of behavior analysts towards more mainstream issues, problems, and populations in today's society. Also, we have the new option of reserving tables for groups of up to 10 this year. Make sure to purchase your luncheon tickets upon registration so you can attend.

CalABA is still accepting applications from students for the Skinner Foundation and Julie Vargas Research Awards. This year, we have the honor of presenting two Skinner Foundation Awards as well as two Julie Vargas Research Awards to deserving students. Please visit the CalABA website for additional information about these awards and application instructions. The deadline to apply is December 1st, 2011, so don't delay!

Register for the conference by January 27, 2012 to qualify for the early registration fee, and don't forget to reserve your hotel room now to get the great conference rate. Our data show that rooms at the Hyatt Regency Orange County are already filling up fast, so be sure to book your room soon! Check this website and our Facebook page frequently for updates. A full conference program will be posted here on our website as soon as it is available.

All in all, the annual CalABA Conference offers professionals, students, and consumers the opportunity to meet top-notch researchers and practitioners in a relatively small and intimate venue. You can expect this year's conference will offer something for everyone.

See you in Orange County!

Bryan Hebert, MS, BCBA
Joyce Tu, EdD, BCBA-D
2012 CalABA Conference Committee Co-Chairs

2012 CalABA Conference Committee