2023 Call for Poster Submissions

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the APDT Foundation are inviting submissions for poster presentation proposals from the academic (faculty, students, and researchers) and professional (dog trainers, shelter/rescue employees & volunteers, veterinary staff, etc.) communities for the APDT/CAPDT Annual Conference scheduled in Covington, KY.  Research posters should highlight research in topics relevant to dog behavior and training including preliminary results, completed studies, summaries of relevant published research (for which you are the author), and position papers.

The APDT Foundation is also enthusiastically inviting submissions for Non-Academic (not sponsored by a College/University) posters!  These posters should highlight a researched topic(s) relevant to dog behavior and training including preliminary results, any completed summaries, and recommendations for next steps.  The purpose of annually including non-academic posters is to share interesting work being done outside of College and Universities as related to dog training, behavioral studies, husbandry, management, veterinary visits, etc.  The Non-Academic posters will be judged from a “peers’ perspective” and are not required to have the same rigor in method/results as the academic posters.  If you love dog training plus measuring, tracking and sharing your progress and results, then this Citizen Science opportunity is for you!

The aim of the poster sessions is to facilitate dissemination of research results to the broader community of dog training practitioners.  In addition to the topics mentioned above, other topics of interest include (but are not limited to) behavioral studies, effectiveness studies (i.e. training protocols, training curricula, shelter management protocols, etc.), and business case studies.

The APDT produces the premier dog training and behavior conference in the United States. APDT membership is over 4,000 members worldwide and consists of dog trainers, animal behaviorists, world-renowned speakers/authors, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, shelter personnel, and service dog trainers. Typical conference attendance is approximately 550-1000 people. APDT members are committed to becoming better trainers through education and the annual conference is certified to provide continuing education credits to certified dog trainers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal welfare administrators, and animal behavior consultants. For more information on the conference program please visit our web site at https://apdtconference.com/

Selection of accepted posters will be determined by evaluations from the APDT Foundation Board and/or committee of its trustees. To submit a poster presentation proposal for consideration, please e-mail an abstract to poster@APDT.com by May 22, 2023. Following our selection process, invitation letters will be sent out electronically by June 22, 2023.

Selected presenters will be expected to be available during the conference Poster session to discuss their research with the conference attendees during the exhibit hall hours. APDT will provide the presenters with necessary display equipment (please see the next page for detailed poster requirements).

Multiple Awards Will Be Available to Both Academic and Non-Academic Posters!

The Poster Presenter for each abstract accepted will receive complimentary general registration for the full conference. Additionally, awards will be offered to Academic and Non-Academic posters for first ($750), second ($500) and third ($250) place poster as well as People’s Choice Awards ($250).  The winners will be announced at the APDT Conference’s closing ceremony, the APDT Foundation’s area in the exhibit hall, and/or on our social media.  Attendance is required for award judging, scheduled presentations, and Q&A sessions.

Important Dates:

Abstract Submission and Contact:
poster@APDT.com
Phone: 800-PET-DOGS
Fax: 864-331-0767

Poster Session Details and Requirements

Benefits:

• Opportunity to receive a complimentary registration to the full APDT/CAPDT Annual Conference for the Poster Presenter of the research project.
• An opportunity to discuss your research with leaders in the canine behavior and training industry during the Poster Display times in the exhibit hall.
• An opportunity to receive an award for best poster. Poster categories for cash awards are:  First, Second and Third places for both Academic and Non-Academic posters ($750, $500, $250) as well as People’s Choice Awards ($250).
• Opportunity to speak/present your research during the in-person conference.

Participation:

• Submit your poster abstract by May 22, 2023 to poster@apdt.com.
• Selection and formal invitation letters will be sent out by June 22, 2023.
• Registration to the Annual Conference by the Principal Investigator is required. The Principal Investigator will be provided with a code to use during registration for complimentary general conference registration.

Abstract Submission Requirements:

• Create your abstract in Microsoft Word.
• Use bold size 14 Arial for the abstract title and all author’s names.
• Use size 12 Arial for the abstract text.
• The body of the abstract may not exceed 2000 characters in length.
• Submit your abstract as a Word document with the file extension “.doc” (Word compatible)
• In the body of the e-mail include:

Poster title.

The presenting author(s) name, position, and institution (or company/business, if applicable).

Presenting authors should indicate if they are current members of APDT.

E-mail abstracts as an attachment to: poster@APDT.com

Please note on your abstract submission if you would be interested in being considered for a speaking opportunity during the APDT/CAPDT conference.  In past years, poster authors of selected abstracts have been assigned time for a power-point presentation (plus Q&A) during conference for attendees.

Poster Requirements:

• The author will use one 40”x60” foam poster board(s) provided by APDT.
• The poster(s) will be displayed on easels and can be either horizontal or vertical.
• The top of each poster is the title area which includes: Research Title, Author(s), and institution or company/business.
• A business card holder can be attached to the poster – no tables will be provided.
• Adhesive materials, foam boards and a workspace will be available for assembling posters in the APDT Conference staff office.
• Submit poster during check in at the registration desk.

Travel, Lodging and Conference Registration for In-Person Conference:

• Poster participation includes complimentary conference registration for the full conference for the Poster Presenter, but does not include workshops, power hours, conference apparel, transportation, lodging or other travel costs. Fees for spouses and guests of the author are not waived.

Poster Session Presentation:

• Authors should arrive in time to assemble their posters for display before the first scheduled poster display session begins.

Display Times for In-Person Conference:

• Posters will be displayed at the Conference Poster Display Area in the exhibit hall.
• Poster presenters are expected to be available to discuss their posters with the conference attendees during the trade show hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for a minimum of 30-60 minutes during each scheduled session. To be eligible for the awards presenters must be available for additional Q&A time during the award judging event. Exact session times will be disseminated in the formal invitation letter sent to all successful applicants.
• Collection of the poster at the conclusion of the trade show events is the responsibility of the author. Posters that are not picked up by the conclusion of the closing session will be discarded.

Need Help With Poster Preparation?

• Visit the following site https://colinpurrington.com/tips/academic/posterdesign for lots of great tips and links to other poster resource sites.