Safety at APBA 2026

Apba Statement on Safety & Support for the 2026 Convention

The Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) is committed to fostering a professional community where all attendees feel safe, valued, and respected. As we prepare to connect at the 2026 APBA Convention in New Orleans, we recognize that some members of our community may have questions or concerns related to travel and personal safety. We want to be clear: every member of our profession belongs here. We celebrate our diverse community because all perspectives and lived experiences are essential to the strength of behavior analysis. 

Our goal is to ensure that the convention remains a welcoming, inclusive, and professional space for learning, connection, and collaboration. We understand that travel decisions are personal, and that individual circumstances may affect the ability or comfort level to attend in person. For those who are unable to travel, APBA offers a virtual registration option and is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for virtual attendees to engage with conference content and connect with colleagues.  

We are actively working with the convention venue, local partners, and our internal team to prioritize safety, uphold clear expectations for professional conduct, and ensure that our values of respect and belonging are reflected throughout the event. 

If you have specific concerns or would like to discuss your situation as you plan for the convention, we encourage you to reach out. We want you to have the information and support you need to make the decision that is right for you. 

We look forward to connecting, whether in person or virtually, to advance our profession and strengthen our community. 


Safety & Support Resources for New Orleans 

These resources are shared to support informed, personal decision-making and to connect individuals with local and national organizations should questions or needs arise. If you have specific concerns related to your participation in the APBA Convention, we encourage you to reach out to the APBA team directly. 

Note – these resources are not exhaustive and do not represent endorsement by APBA. The resources and considerations are provided for informational purposes; individuals must use their judgment to navigate situations in which they find themselves. Note: the websites listed below provide resources in Spanish.

The City of New Orleans and national organizations provide “Know Your Rights” materials that explain general legal rights and options if someone encounters federal immigration enforcement. These resources are informational and available in multiple languages. 

• City of New Orleans – Know Your Rights Materials: 
  https://nola.gov/know-your-rights/ 
 
• National Immigrant Justice Center – ICE Encounter Guidance: 
  https://immigrantjustice.org/know-your-rights/ice-encounter 
 
• ACLU of Louisiana – Immigrants’ Rights: 
  https://www.laaclu.org/en/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights 
 
• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) – Find a Lawyer: 
  https://www.ailalawyer.com 
 

Note – these resources are not exhaustive, are provided for informational purposes, and do not represent endorsement by APBA.

New Orleans has a long-standing and visible LGBTQIA+ community and a network of local organizations that provide affirming support, healthcare, and resources for residents and visitors. 

• New Orleans Pride Center: 
  https://www.pridenola.org 
 
• CrescentCare (LGBTQIA+-affirming healthcare): 
  https://crescentcare.org 
 
• Louisiana Trans Advocates: 
  https://louisianatransadvocates.org 
 
• ACLU of Louisiana – LGBTQ Rights: 
  https://www.laaclu.org/en/issues/lgbtq-rights 
 

Crisis & Immediate Support (24/7) 

• The Trevor Project: 
  https://www.thetrevorproject.org 
 
• Trans Lifeline: 
  https://translifeline.org 

*These resources are shared to support informed decision-making and do not constitute legal advice.