Frequently Asked Questions

What will the Annual Convention look like?

The SPSP Annual Convention will offer two ways to participate to ensure the event is accessible to more people than ever.

• The In-Person Experience
• The Virtual Experience

The two event experiences will look different than past meetings. Planning is still in development, with our main goal to create a meeting that is safe, inclusive, and accessible for the entire field while providing opportunities to share research, build community and collaborate. Adapting the meeting format will offer opportunities for us to innovate, question the status quo, and enable flexibility for participants to choose a method that works best for their circumstances. We will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in San Diego, the United States, and the world and will aim to provide up-to-date information in a timely manner.

What is the expected meeting attendance?

We typically expect between 3,500–4,000 attendees, including exhibitors, to join us for our Annual Conventions, although we expect numbers for our 2024 meeting to look different than normal as we are providing in-person and virtual-only convention experiences.

Can SPSP accommodate anyone with a disability?

Yes, the host hotel is compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and we want to be accommodating to as many attendees as possible. If you have a disability that will have an impact on your participation in the convention, please contact us at [email protected] or by telephone at 202-869-3240. We cannot ensure the availability of appropriate and specific accommodations without prior notification. Examples of accommodations we can provide include, but are not limited to, translation services, mobile scooters, escort to navigate meeting space, etc.

How can I review the program prior to the convention?

Our Convention Mobile App will be available in January. When it goes live, download the app to view the program, create a customized schedule, and interact with other attendees. We will upload a PDF version of the program to our website in January that will be available to download. 

All presenters have the option to upload their work to our open-access repository. Uploading to the open-access platform is not required of speakers and presenters. Visit our Future and Past Conventions page to find repositories of uploaded presentations from previous conventions.

What is an Affiliated Event? How do I reserve space for one?

Affiliated Events are events hosted by individuals or groups other than the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, that take place before, during, or after the SPSP Annual Convention and are in conjunction with the convention. Space for these events is limited and granted on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more and request space, visit our Affiliated Events page.

Can I leave a session before it is over or come to a session late?

Yes, while we certainly hope you stay for the entire session, we understand that sometimes there are overlaps in the schedule that require you to bounce around. If you are an attendee, you are welcome to come and go from sessions as you wish. If you plan to arrive late or leave early, please sit in a location that allows you to come and go with as little disruption as possible.

No, if you are a presenter/speaker in a session, please arrive early and meet with your chair, and then stay for the entire session to support your fellow speakers.

In order to host a Pop-Up session, visit the SPSP Registration Desk. SPSP staff will assist you in getting your session created.

Can I record sessions?

SPSP asks that you do not photograph, audio or video record speakers, presentations, or posters without the permission of the authors/speakers. Select sessions will be recorded by SPSP (with permission) and posted online. Much of the content presented in person will also be made available to the virtual platform through various means.

Will content presented in person be available for viewing on the virtual platform?

Some content presented in person will be live-streamed to the virtual platform to be made available for viewing on the virtual platform. Details on what content this will include to come.

Will in-person attendees be able to view the content presented on the virtual platform?

Yes, as part of registration, in-person attendees will be able to view all content made available on the virtual platform.

Are all presentations endorsed by SPSP or do they reflect SPSP policy?

All remarks, presentations, and viewpoints found in any session, poster, or program content or expressed by convention participants are held solely by the participant and do not reflect the position or policies of SPSP. 

Where will future conventions be held?

Visit our Future and Past Conventions page to see where we're headed next!

Where will the 2024 Annual Convention be held and what is the address?

The convention will be held at the San Diego Convention Center (111 Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101).

How far is the nearest airport to the convention hotels? 

The nearest airport is the San Diego International Airport, about a 10-15 minute drive. Stay tuned for information from SPSP about flight discounts.

Is there parking available at the hotel?

Parking is available at the San Diego Convention Center. Parking details are available on the convention center's website.

Is there a telephone number I can give my family/office in case of an emergency?

Details coming soon.

Do you provide childcare?

SPSP does not provide childcare at the Annual Convention. More details coming soon on recommended childcare providers in the San Diego area.

What should I wear at the convention?

Convention attendees typically wear a mix of business and business casual attire. There is no formal dress code. Presenters typically dress more toward business attire, while some attendees dress more toward the casual side of the spectrum. No matter your dress, comfortable shoes are highly recommended!

What are the average temperatures in San Diego in February?

In February, the average weather in San Diego is a mild 65 degrees with a low of 51 degrees. The temperature ranges from 63-67 degrees during the daytime.

I have a question. Where can I get help at the convention?

SPSP staff will be available to answer your questions at the Registration Desk throughout the convention.

Are there printed paper copies of the program at SPSP 2024?

No—in an effort to be more environmentally conscious and financially responsible we have chosen to not print a paper copy of the program. However, a digital version of the program will continue to be available online and in the convention app with all information.

Will there be Wi-Fi at the convention?

Yes, there will be Wi-Fi in all session rooms and public spaces at the convention, as well as in the Exhibit Hall. The Wi-Fi information will be printed in the onsite guide, published in the mobile app, and available on signage onsite. Just a friendly reminder– please be respectful and use Wi-Fi responsibly while in session rooms.

Is there a business center available for making copies, sending faxes, etc.?

There is a standard FedEx business center located in the San Diego Convention Center.

Is there food available at the convention center?

Yes, there are several restaurants and quick bite options at the convention hotel.

Where is the closest pharmacy?

There is a CVS located 0.3 miles from the San Diego Convention Center. It is a 2-minute drive or 7-minute walk from the convention center.

I lost something! Where is lost and found?

If you've misplaced something, come to the SPSP Registration Desk. SPSP staff will do their best to help you locate your item.

What is Pop-Up Programming and how can I participate?

Often topics of discussion arise at the convention between attendees sparked by a session or a poster. These conversations, if given a venue, can become highly useful and collaborative experiences. We provide you a small space and promote your topic on social media and our mobile app so that others can join you in a mini round table discussion on the topic of your choice.

Will content presented in person be available for viewing on the virtual platform?

Some content presented in person will be on-demand on the virtual platform to be made available for viewing on the virtual platform. Details on what content this will include to come.

Will in-person attendees be able to view the content presented on the virtual platform?

Yes, as part of registration, in-person attendees will be able to view all content made available on the virtual platform.

What should I expect if I choose to attend the in-person convention experience?

In-person attendees will have access to all the sessions presented in San Diego, as well as the content presented virtually, available on-demand after the meeting. SPSP's featured sessions will be held in San Diego. In-person attendees can meet with exhibitors, participate in unique networking opportunities, and interact with presenters and other attendees in an informal setting. Nothing can replace the energy and connections of an in-person meeting. Best for in-person networking, career advancement, and community building as an addition to your educational experience.

I have a question. Where can I get help at the convention?

SPSP staff will be available to answer your questions through virtual help desks on the virtual conference platform. More details will be available leading up to the convention.

Are all presentations endorsed by SPSP or do they reflect SPSP policy?

All remarks, presentations, and viewpoints expressed by convention participants are held solely by the participant and do not reflect the position or policies of SPSP. 

What should I expect if I choose to attend the virtual convention experience?

Virtual attendees will gather online to participate and present. Virtual sessions will be available on demand. A limited number of sessions will be live-streamed from San Diego, including featured sessions such as the Presidential Keynote, Invited Symposia, Legacy Symposia, etc. The majority of virtual and in-person sessions will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing after the meeting by all attendees (both in-person and virtual registrants). Best for access to educational content and for those who need the flexibility of a remote experience.

Am I allowed to be listed as a first author/presenter on one submission and co-author on multiple submissions?

Yes. You may be listed on multiple submissions as a co-author. You may only be listed as a first author/speaker/presenter/chair/co-chair on one single presenter submission, one symposium submission, and one professional development submission.

Can I chair a symposium and be a speaker in the same symposium?

Yes, as long as the two roles are in the same symposium, you can be a chair and presenter/speaker.

Can I chair a symposium and be a first author/presenter/speaker in a different symposium?

No, an individual can only have a main role in one symposium.

Can I be the first/presenting author or presenter/speaker for more than one single presenter submission?

No, an individual can only be the first/presenting author on one single presenter submission.

Since I can submit once each to a symposium, single presenter, and professional development submission, could I be accepted for all three?

No, a maximum of two submissions can be accepted: one science (single presenter or symposium) submission and one professional development (PD session or Workshop) submission. If the review panels select both science submissions, the single presenter submission will be declined and the symposium will be included in the program.

Can I chair or co-chair more than one symposium?

No, an individual can only have one leading role (first presenting author or presenter/speaker, chair, or co-chair in one symposium). See above for more information about being listed on multiple submissions as a co-author.

When submitting a symposium, is there an option for individual presentations within a symposium to be considered for posters if the group submission was rejected?

No. We do allow one symposium submission AND one single presenter submission. Individual presenters have the option to also submit their presentation separately as a single presenter submission. An individual can only present once as a main presenting author in the Science submissions, and if the symposium is accepted, the single presenter submission will be declined. This also allows for the option to submit a different talk for consideration than the one submitted in the group submission.

Can I present in a preconference and in the convention?

Yes, since preconferences are separate from the actual convention, your participation as a speaker or poster presenter in a preconference does not preclude you from participating in the convention.

I'm not sure if I will be able to attend in person or virtually. Which option should I select during the submission process? Will I be able to change my format later in the year?

There are two types of programs for the SPSP convention in 2024:

• All-access: Includes access to all in-person programs being held in San Diego and all virtual programming. We anticipate approximately 100 sessions to run in person in San Diego. Attendees can also participate in numerous in-person social and networking events.
• Virtual only: Virtual offerings include two simultaneous channels of programs live-streamed from San Diego (approximately 17 sessions). We will also have several virtual preconferences and virtual professional development workshops. For presenters unable to travel to San Diego, they should submit their presentation for the virtual program which will be available for on-demand viewing.

You will be asked to choose a specific presentation format (in-person or virtual). You will not be able to make changes to your presentation format after acceptances are sent in late September/early October although you may withdraw your submission if you so choose.

When will SPSP send out notifications about which abstracts will be included in the Annual Convention program?

SPSP plans to send out notifications about podium presentations (Symposia, Single Presenter Papers, Data Blitzes, Professional Development Sessions, and Workshops) in the last week of September. Notifications about posters, research spotlights, and roundtable unconferences will be sent in mid-October.

What happens if SPSP is unable to move forward with an in-person meeting due to COVID-19?

The in-person program will transition to be fully virtual. The way the program has been created will enable us to make this adjustment by transitioning all in-person presentations to Zoom meetings.