The Convention Program Committee (CPC) is the volunteer-led group responsible for the finalization of the annual education program for the ASHA Convention. The education program covers 30–35 Topic Areas spanning the scope of the professions and offers over 2,500 sessions covering the latest research, clinical skills, trends, and techniques in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). The CPC reviews proposals submitted to the Call for Papers, invites speakers, and selects the most relevant and impactful educational content that addresses the latest research, health, education, and social issues at the forefront of the CSD professions. The CPC works closely with the ASHA Convention and Meetings staff, who hold responsibility for overseeing and managing all logistical planning, including overall/final decision making for the ASHA Convention, with the support of ASHA leadership.
The CPC is comprised of several volunteer roles:
CPC Co-Chairs
The two Co-Chairs, one representing audiology and one representing speech-language pathology, oversee the development of a robust ASHA Convention education program that addresses research and practice issues at the forefront of the professions and delivers current and valuable professional education offerings. They lead the Convention Program Committee and guide the Topic Chairs through the Call for Papers review and selection process for the ASHA Convention’s education program.
Responsibilities, Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements
A detailed description of the Co-Chairs’ responsibilities and eligibility requirements can be found on the Call for Co-Chairs webpage. The Call for Co-Chairs is open annually from February to March.
CPC Topic Chairs
Each Topic Area for the ASHA Convention education program has one or two Topic Chairs, depending on the volume of proposals typically submitted to the topic. They are responsible for managing the Call for Papers review process and proposal selection within their Topic Area, leveraging their subject matter expertise to develop a strong program within their topic.
Responsibilities Overview
- Ensure their Topic Area committee adheres to the established policies and guidelines in the CPC Handbook and meets the deadlines established by the ASHA Convention and Meetings team.
- Review and update their Topic Area scope and description.
- Recruit a diverse committee of Reviewers based on their knowledge and expertise within the topic.
- Lead the Topic Area committee in reviewing Call for Papers' proposals and deciding on session inclusion for the ASHA Convention program based on criteria
- Develop Invited Sessions and potentially serve as session moderators. (Invited Sessions feature speakers invited to present on a particular topic by the Topic Chairs.)
- Follow processes that ensure compliance with continuing education (CE) standards and policies for activities registered for ASHA CEUs.
- Identify sessions that meet ASHA certification standards for education that count towards culturally responsive practice/DEI, ethics, and supervision certification maintenance requirements, and other special licensure requirements, as needed.
- Participate in two kickoff meetings in September and January to review the Call for Papers process and Reviewer procedures. (Location and format to be determined by ASHA staff.)
- Participate in a virtual meeting in June to finalize the educational program.
Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements
- Be an ASHA member in good standing.
- Hold demonstrated expertise in the Topic Area.
- Have served on the Convention Program Committee at least once within the past 3 years.
- Able to commit time for the nine months leading up to the ASHA Convention (from September through May), with a specific focus during the peak review periods (typically two weeks in late April and early May).
- Be a reliable, detail-oriented individual with strong leadership skills.
- Complete a Disclosure Agreement (Instructional Personnel/Planner Disclosure [Required Practice 3.2])
How to Become a Topic Chair
Members interested in serving as a Topic Chair should contact the incoming CPC Co-Chairs or reach out to papers@asha.org by June 1, the year prior to the Convention they are interested in serving.
CPC Topic Area Reviewers
CPC Reviewers evaluate proposals submitted through the Call for Papers, ensuring content quality and relevance to their Topic Area. This is an entirely virtual volunteer position.
Responsibilities Overview
- Participate in virtual meetings with the Topic Chairs to discuss program goals and the review process.
- Review and objectively evaluate proposals submitted to the Topic Area based on defined criteria to ensure content quality.
- Provide constructive feedback of proposals based on your evaluation.
- Collaborate with Topic Chairs on developing the program within the Topic Area by providing suggestions or input on Invited Sessions and presenters.
Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements
- Be an ASHA member in good standing.
- Hold expertise in the Topic Area.
- Be a reliable, detail-oriented individual who can commit time during the peak review period (typically about two weeks in late April and early May).
- Complete a Disclosure Agreement (Instructional Personnel/Planner Disclosure [Required Practice 3.2])
- Recuse oneself if there is a significant financial or nonfinancial relationship with proposal content.
How to Become a CPC Reviewer
Complete the volunteer interest form on the ASHA Volunteer Opportunities webpage by December 31 of the year before the Convention (available in the fall).
Local Hosts
The two Local Hosts are appointed by the State Association president to support the development of the Pre-Convention Workshops and any location-specific Convention initiatives to enhance attendees’ experience, assisting with local arrangements as needed.
Responsibilities
- Develop Pre-Convention Workshops and invite presenters.
- Meet virtually with CPC Co-Chairs to discuss planned Pre-Convention Workshops and activities.
- Assist ASHA Convention and Meetings staff with ideas for potential service projects to be featured in the Exhibit Hall Caring Square during Convention (as needed).
- Provide support throughout the proposal review period as needed, working closely with CPC Co-Chairs and Topic Chairs.
- Assist in the identification of sessions that meet the criteria for special state specific licensure requirements, as needed.
- Participate in two kickoff meetings in September and January to review the Call for Papers process and Reviewer procedures (location and format to be determined by ASHA staff).
Local Host Appointment and Eligibility Requirements