Western Positive Psychology Association – 8th Annual Conference
March 22-24, 2024
Albuquerque, New Mexico sponsored by University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA downtown cityscape at twilight.
On behalf of Western Positive Psychology Association, we invite you to participate in WPPA’s 8th annual conference on Positive Psychology. The conference will be in person in Albuquerque, New Mexico from March 22-24, 2024. As it has been since 2020 since our last in-person conference, we are very eager to see you all in person again.
Conference Theme: This year, after the many challenges faced, the theme of our conference is From Surviving to Thriving focusing on leveraging the field of positive psychology to transition from a state of mere survival to flourishing in a post-pandemic world. The conference aims to unite faculty, students, practitioners, and scholars in a collaborative effort to advance research on well-being and optimal human functioning. We will explore topics such as the application of positive psychology in organizations, positive development throughout the lifespan, the role of positive psychology in education and health care, and evidence-based applications in coaching and clinical psychology, and other diverse contexts. Our mission is for the conference to foster community, facilitate networking, and expand our connections and relationships as pivotal tolls for thriving lives, careers, and communities.
Keynote Addresses by:
Stewart Donaldson Bill Miller Sonja Lyubomirsky
Conference Schedule & 3-Day Program Outline (*Tentative)
Friday, March 22, 2024 – Welcoming
4:30pm – Check-in (Registration open throughout conference)
5:30pm – Welcome – Conference OPENS
5:45-6:30pm – Buffet Dinner
6:30-7:15pm – Keynote Address – Bill Miller, Ph.D.
Eight Ways to Hope
Saturday, March 23, 2024 – Full Conference
7am – Check-in and Registration
8am – Continental Breakfast
9:00am Welcome – Matthew Higgins, Conference Chair
Bruce Smith, Ph.D., Faculty Executive Conference Chair
9:15am Keynote Address – Stewart I. Donaldson, Ph.D.
Co-Creating the Future of the Science & Practice of Positive Psychology Together
10am-12pm – Oral Presentations
12:00 Noon Lunch – Campus or Local Restaurants (not included)
Special interest tables, Guided mindful walking, cat napping (?)
1:30-2:20 pm – Oral Presentations
2:30-3:20pm – Oral Presentations
3:30-4:30 – Keynote Address – Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D.
The How, What, and Why of Happiness: The Science of Interventions
Aimed at Increasing Well-Being
Meet and Greet with Sonja Lyubomirsky (ending at 5:oopm)
4:30-5:30pm Poster Session
5:30pm-6:00pm Meet & Greet Donaldson, Miller, WPPA & CAPP Team
6:00-6:45 pm Saturday Gratitude Dinner Buffett
6:45-7:30pm After Dinner Sharing
Led by Stewart I. Donaldson, WPPA President & Co-Founder
WPPA 2025 and the Future of Positive Psychology
Appreciation, Recognition & Awards
Sunday, March 24, 2024 – Workshops & Albuquerque Sightseeing
10-11:30am-12pm – Workshop I (register to join – fee)
Applications of Well-Being Practices and Positive Psychology
12-3 m – Workshop II (register to join – fee)
A Practical Workshop for Using Motivational Interviewing in Coaching
12-3pm – Workshop III (register to join – fee)
Mental and Emotional Self-Management and Mindfulness in Recovery:
Cutting Edge, Trauma Informed Recovery Programming
3-6pm – Afternoon Sightseeing Trips – Albuquerque and Surround (Sign up at registration. Fees may apply)
*The final program details and specifics of speaking times, speakers will be shared in the coming weeks.
Best things to do in Albuquerque, New Mexico include visiting Old Town, Sandia Peak Tramway, ABQ BioPark, The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, The Turquoise Museum, Casa Rondeña Winery, Rio Grande Grande Center State Park, and of course, The Rattlesnake Museum, and Albuquerque Museum.
Conference Venue, Hotels and Accommodations
Conference Venue: The conference sessions will be held in the Student Union building, University of New Mexico. This central location offers a variety of spaces for both learning and networking, providing the perfect backdrop for our event Full Address: The University of New Mexico 1 87106 US, Albuquerque, N.M., 87132.
Airport Arrival: Albuquerque International Sunport is very convenient, easy to navigate, and only 3 miles from the University of New Mexico where the conference will be held.
Lodging and Hotel Accommodations: There are many affordable accommodation options close to the airport as well as Airbnb and hotels near the UNM Student Union. Located. in the center of campus, Spruce Park, Silver Hill, University Heights, Nob Hill, Summit Park, and North Campus within 5-10 minute walking distance. The University of New Mexico has arranged special rates at nearby hotels for conference attendees.
Nearest Hotels to UNM: SpringHill Suites by Marriott was built to accommodate UNM Conference attendees. It is about 0.5 miles from the Student Union and takes about 11 minutes to walk. Both the Hilton Garden Inn
and Homewood Suites Downtown are 1.1 miles and a 23 minute walk to the conference.
We look forward to seeing you in Albuquerque.
REGISTER to ATTEND
Conference Registration
$75 – Student
$150 – Academician, Professional
Workshop Registration
$20 – Student
$50 – Academician, Professional
Please note that the registration fee is non-refundable.
Donating to the Conference: If you would like to make a tax-free donation to support this conference, you can donate to the Positive Psychology Fund at the University of New Mexico at the REGISTER to ATTEND link and specify under “Additional Comments” that your donation is for the WPPA conference. Donations will be used to support students and conference expenditures.
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With gratitude
Special thanks to Bruce W. Smith, Ph.D. Faculty Executive Conference Chair, Matthew Higgins, WPPA-CGU-UNM Conference Chair, Paul Smith, CAPP Chair, the University of New Mexico, and our Sponsors
