ABA CON: Our Inaugural Event Was One for the Books
When we first imagined ABA CON, we asked a bold question:
What would happen if we blended high-quality continuing education with genuine connection, sunshine, laughter, and an all inclusive cruise?
The answer?
Magic.
A Vision Turned Reality
The inaugural ABA CON was more than a conference. It was an experience. ABA professionals showed up ready to learn, ready to grow, and ready to connect as humans first, credentials second.
From the very first gathering, there was an energy in the room that felt different. Name badges quickly became first-name introductions. Conversations that started during afternoon sessions continued at poolside the next day. Ideas sparked over coffee turned into collaborations by dinner.
We didn’t just attend sessions.
We participated.
We reflected.
We shared real stories from real practice.
And the learning? It was rich, practical, and immediately applicable.
Learning by Day
Each day was filled with meaningful ABA education designed to elevate our clinical work and deepen our impact. Attendees engaged in thoughtful discussions, asked honest questions, and leaned into growth.
There was space for:
Professional reflection
Networking with intention
Skill-building conversations
Big-picture thinking about where our field is heading
The feedback was clear. The content resonated. The environment supported focus without feeling rigid. People felt energized instead of depleted.
And that matters.
Connection by Night
But ABA CON didn’t stop when the sessions ended.
When the sun went down, the fun came up.
There was karaoke that brought out hidden talents and fearless enthusiasm. There were comedy club nights filled with laughter that reminded us not to take ourselves too seriously. There were dance floors where professionals let go of titles and simply moved to the music.
There were beach days under clear skies where conversations flowed as easily as the ocean breeze. Sunny afternoons created space for the kind of connection that only happens when you step away from your usual environment.
This was networking without pressure.
This was community without competition.
This was growth with joy woven in.
The Unexpected Wins
Some of the most powerful moments weren’t scheduled.
They happened:
In line for coffee
Walking back from the beach
During late-night debriefs
While cheering each other on during karaoke
Attendees shared that they felt seen. Supported. Reignited.
And that was always the goal.
Professional growth should not come at the expense of personal well-being. At ABA CON, we proved that education and enjoyment can coexist beautifully, and that the destination becomes the classroom.
A Community Was Built
What made the inaugural event truly successful was not just the programming or the setting.
It was the people.
Speakers who poured their hearts into their presentations.
Attendees who showed up fully.
New friendships formed across states and agencies.
Future collaborations already in motion.
ABA CON became more than an event. It became a community.
What’s Next?
We are still smiling.
We are just dusting off the sand and catching up on sleep.
But make no mistake. We are already building what’s next.
Our next destination announcement is coming soon.
And if the inaugural ABA CON was any indication, you are going to want to be part of it.
Stay tuned.
The next adventure is loading.