POSTER PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

Our Call for Poster Presentations EXTENDED UNTIL FEBRUARY 28, 2026!

The call for poster presentations is officially open for the 2026 conference, Growing from Our Roots: Integrating Systemic Traditions with Modern Realities. "Growing from our roots" reflects the importance of integrating foundational therapeutic practices with modern approaches to marriage and family therapy. This theme encourages exploring holistic, culturally sensitive methods that honor tradition while addressing contemporary challenges in relationships.

Poster Presentations are geared toward students (undergraduate, master's, and doctoral level) who have been learning about conducting research in marriage and family therapy and are looking to gain experience presenting their research at conferences. Additionally, clinicians or professors who have completed or are conducting research may apply to share their findings. Posters can share new findings, ideas, or research related to the field of MFT.

Poster presentations might include:

New research or trends in the field that therapists need to be aware of
Specific niche areas and evidence-based practices for serving those areas
The treatment of diverse or underserved populations
Any research related to the conference theme of Growing from Our Roots: Integrating Systemic Traditions with Modern Realities
Any other research that's been proposed, in progress, or completed

Conference Details:

Date: April 9-11, 2026
Location: Galveston, Texas
Hotel: The Tremont House, Galveston, Texas

Submission Guidelines

Poster presentations must be submitted via the online Poster Presentation Application.
Applications have been EXTENDED until 11:59 PM CT on February 28, 2026.
Incomplete submissions and submissions received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
Research may be presented as “proposed,” “in progress,” or “completed.”
Poster presenters may include students (undergraduate and graduate level), faculty, and practicing clinicians.
On the submission form, each poster may have up to 3 presenters. If accepted, up to 5 presenters may be included in the presentation.
Only one submission per Lead Presenter will be accepted. Lead Presenters may submit up to 3 presentations for review.
Individuals may not be listed on more than three abstracts, with the exception of Faculty who are listed on student posters. (A Lead Presenter may be listed as a supporting presenter on other submissions.)
The Lead Presenter is responsible for ensuring the application is accurate and complete. You will not be notified if your submission is incomplete.
You will receive acknowledgment of receipt of your abstract submission by return e-mail immediately upon submission. If you cannot locate the confirmation email in your inbox and spam folders, you may email [email protected] to verify that your submission was received.
Each presenter must be registered for at least one day of the conference to present.

Selection Process

Each abstract will be reviewed by a group of MFT peers. Reviewers will receive explicit guidelines about the review process and the conference goals. Reviewers’ ratings and program balance will determine the final selections.
Letters will be emailed to the lead presenter of each poster submitted the week of March 9, 2026.
Those notified that they have been selected to present their poster have until March 16, 2026, to confirm that they will be attending the conference.

Poster Presentation Format

A visual presentation (no larger than 3' x 4' [36" x 48"] and MUST BE mounted) of research, treatment, advocacy, or other MFT issues.
Posters should be in an illustrated or engaging format/layout.
Poster boards are placed on standing easels in a ballroom. Posters must be mounted on cardboard, poster board, or foam board.
At least one presenter for each poster is required to be at their poster during the entire length of the poster session. Presenters may not share more than one poster at a time.
Poster presenters may not request specific placement of their posters; all poster placement will be first-come, first-served.

Timelines

February 28, 2026: End Date for Call for Poster Proposal
Week of March 9, 2026: Presenters Notified of Acceptance
March 16, 2026: Presenters Must Confirm Presentation