The SPSP Board of Directors met in February for a two-part meeting. One idea that came to the table was to increase transparency and enhance communication between the Board and SPSP members.  To accomplish this goal of member "in-reach", we are launching a new series of recurring articles in the monthly eDialogue member newsletter.

Our goal will be to communicate key accomplishments, positive outcomes, ongoing initiatives, and future strategic plans. Good communication will help to build trust, improve operations, enhance decision-making and develop value within the association. The board is interested in your priorities and concerns as well. If you have topic suggestions that should be covered in future articles, please email our Executive Director, Rachel Puffer at [email protected].

The SPSP Board manages the vision of the organization and guides its strategic initiatives, while ensuring the priorities of the society are managed by appointed committees and staff. The Board delegates the authority to carry out the operations and management of the organization to the Executive Director and the Central Office staff. You can find a roster of our Board members and all committees here.


by Denise Sekaquaptewa

April 1, 2021

The topic for our first installment is the SPSP Annual Convention. The 2021 Annual Convention was held virtually February 9-13. We had over 4,300 registrants, 23 professional development sessions, 1,600+ posters, over 100 research presentations, and a variety of networking events. We appreciated the over 2,000 presenters and attendees’ willingness to embark on this unique experience during unprecedented times.

Thank you to all our committee members that organized special events and sessions during the program. A special thank you to the Convention, Program and Professional Development Committees who organized the majority of the programming; Robin Edelstein, Amy Summerville, Jennifer Howell, Josh Ackerman, Neil Lewis, Jr., Kate McLean, Sara B. Algoe, Andrew L. Stewart, Richard B. Slatcher, Alexander M. Schoemann, Marina Milyavskaya, Erica Schneid, John Sakaluk and Rodica Damian.

I recall discussing, at an SPSP Board meeting a few years ago, the possibility of offering the SPSP Convention online.  We were all so skeptical about whether it could be done well, and whether people would actually attend virtually.  And now we have done it!  It was great to be able to continue our tradition of learning from and connecting with the members of our social and personality psychology community, despite the challenges brought by the pandemic.  Thanks to everyone for their participation.

We encourage speakers to share their presentations and posters on the OSF site. All meeting attendees have access to on-demand recordings through May 13.

As we reflect upon the 2021 meeting, we are also looking towards the future. The Convention, Program and Professional Development Committees are meeting now to discuss plans for the 2022 Annual Convention, February 17 – 19. At this time, we are planning for an in-person meeting in San Francisco, California, and exploring opportunities to have virtual access for remote attendees as well.  More details will be shared in the coming months as we develop a robust program that can accommodate the many needs of various audiences while balancing the fiduciary responsibility to the Society. Add these important dates to your calendar so you don't miss out!

To learn more about the SPSP 2021 Annual Convention and plans for the SPSP 2022 Annual Convention click here