A Message from the Conference Co-chairs

Dear CalABA Members and Friends:

The CalABA conference returns to beautiful southern California in February 2008 and promises to be bigger and better than ever, with presentations on a wide array of topics in conceptual, experimental, and applied behavior analysis. Our stellar lineup of invited speakers includes Bill Heward and Tristram Smith, who will discuss the best available evidence on effective practices in special education and early intervention for autism in their provocative keynote addresses. CalABA's 2008 Outstanding Contributor to Behavior Analysis, Phil Hineline, will examine the crucial influence of terminology on what behavior analysts do. John Lutzker will honor the memory of former CalABA Board member Glenda Vittimberga with a lecture describing some of the products of his long career in applying behavior analysis to child maltreatment.

This year's conference will also feature invited addresses and workshops by leading researchers and scientist-practitioners in each area of the conference program: Peter Gerhardt, Organization for Autism Research (Autism); Christopher Newland, Auburn University (Clinical/ Medical); Rick Graff, New England Center for Children (Developmental Disabilities); Tim Slocum, Utah State University and Bill Jenson, University of Utah (Education); Phil Chase, West Virginia University (Experimental); Greg Hanley, Western New England College (Human Development & Gerontology); Tim Ludwig, Appalachian State University (Organizational Behavior Management); Jerry Shook, Behavior Analyst Certification Board and Matthew Normand, University of the Pacific (Professional, Ethical, and Legal); Charles Catania, University of Maryland Baltimore County (Theoretical, Conceptual, and Philosophical); and David Palmer, Smith College (Verbal Behavior). Their topics include interventions for adults with autism spectrum disorders, methylmercury and perseverative behavior, identifying preferences and reinforcers, Direct Instruction, behavior management of "tough" kids, evaluating computer-based curricula, preventing problem behavior in young children, human performance technology, developments in the BACB credentialing program, science and pseudoscience in behavior analysis, the language of discrimination, reinforcement and ADHD, and the behavior of the listener. We are also excited to have a presentation on the new Association for Professional Behavior Analysts by its president, Jim Johnston, as well as some special events sponsored by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and the CalABA Legislative and Public Policy Committee.

Additionally, the CalABA Conference Committee has selected addresses, symposia, panels, and workshops from the large number of submitted presentations to construct a program that has something for everyone who has an interest in behavior analysis. Whether you are a consumer of behavior analysis services, a university student or faculty member, a researcher, or a practitioner working in regular or special education, developmental disabilities, autism, public health, organizational management, animal training, or brain injury rehabilitation, you will find people with a wealth of information to share not only in formal conference presentations, but also through informal interactions during the several conference social events or over a cup of coffee or a meal. Speaking of meals, when you register for the conference be sure to sign up for the luncheon and awards ceremony, which will again feature a lively and entertaining auction of B.F. Skinner memorabilia by the Skinner Foundation.

Continuing education units will be available for Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, school psychologists and counselors, social workers, and speech-language pathologists. The flat fee of $60 for any number of CEUs is not only a great value, it will also help fund public policy work to advance and support behavior analysis. Certain presentations throughout the conference proper will be available for some types of CEUs; they will be identified in the program book and on the CalABA website. Most of the Saturday workshops offer at least one type of CEU as well, but enrollment in those is limited, so make sure you pre-register for workshops when you register for the conference.

The CalABA conference provides great opportunities to advertise position openings and graduate programs, and to support CalABA by being a conference sponsor or exhibitor. A sponsorship and advertising application (which includes the Job Fair and Graduate Program Expo) is included in this brochure. The deadline is January 11, so get your application in right away!

Register for the conference by February 5, 2008 to qualify for the early registration fee, and don't forget to reserve your hotel room now to hold a spot and get the great conference rate. Details about the hotel, the surrounding area, and other important information can be found in this brochure and at www.calaba.org. Check the website frequently for updates and the full conference program, and prepare to join us in The O.C. in February!

Gina Green, PhD, BCBA
Jennifer L. Austin, PhD, BCBA
2008 CalABA Conference Committee Co-Chairs

2008 CalABA Conference Committee