AHTA 2026 Conference Request for Proposals (Closed!)

people at table

Thank You for Your Submissions!

The submission window for the AHTA 2026 Annual Conference is now officially closed. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who took the time to share their expertise, research, and passion with our community.

Review Process Underway

The response this year was overwhelming. We received a record breaking amount of high-quality submissions across all categories, including:


  • Educational Lectures
  • Interactive Workshops
  • Expert Panels
  • Research Posters


The caliber of proposals this year is truly exceptional. Our review committee is currently evaluating each submission to curate an incredible lineup that reflects the very best of our industry. With so many strong entries, the selection process will be highly competitive for our coveted session spots.

What’s Next?

We are working diligently to finalize the program and ensure a diverse, insightful, and inspiring conference experience.

Important Update: Presenters will be notified of their status, and the full conference lineup will be finalized and announced by mid-May.

We are incredibly excited about the direction of this year’s event and look forward to sharing the final schedule with you soon. Thank you for being a vital part of the AHTA community!

Speaker Information



  • Important Dates

    Submission Deadline: 

    • March 31, 2026

    Notification of Acceptance: 

    • April 25, 2026

     Acknowledgement of Acceptance: 

    • May 4, 2026

    Register for Conference as a Presenter

    • June 1, 2026

    Conference Dates: 

    • October 15-18, 2026

  • Evaluation Criteria

    Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

    • Alignment with the conference theme “Thriving in the grove: Building Resilience through Horticultural Therapy”
    • Relevance to horticultural therapy
    • Clarity and coherence of the abstract
    • Innovation and originality
    • Practical application of the content

  • Proposal Requirements

    Title of Presentation 

    • No more than 10 words

    Abstract (75 words): 

    • A clear and concise description of your presentation, including objectives, relevance to horticultural therapy, and key takeaways for attendees.

    Learning Objectives (3-5): 

    • Identify what participants will learn from your presentation. These statements should start with “Participants will…"

    Summary (300 words): 

    • A more robust overview of the session's purpose. It should highlight the significance of the session to the field, the learning objectives or outcomes participants can expect, and how the content will engage or benefit attendees. If applicable, mention any interactive elements, innovative approaches, or unique perspectives that make the session stand out.

    Short Bio (100 words): 

    • Provide a brief biography for each presenter.

  • Proposal Types

    Lectures (50 min): 

    • Engaging presentations highlighting research, case studies, or evidence-based approaches in horticultural therapy.

     Workshops (45 or 90 min): 

    • Hands-on, interactive sessions sharing techniques, program successes, and opportunities for attendee engagement.

    Panel Discussions (50 min): 

    • Multi-perspective conversations on a single topic, showcasing insights, experiences, and innovative approaches in horticultural therapy.

    Poster Presentations (10 min): 

    • Visually engaging displays of programs, research, or best practices, designed to spark discussion and share concise, impactful information.

Additional information

  • Presenter Responsibilities

    If selected, you will be required to:

    • Submit a 30-60 seconds video describing your presentation for promotional purposes. 
    • Register for the conference by June 30, 2026 (or your presentation may be pulled from the conference program)

  • Presenter Benefits

    Presenters are given a discounted rate for registration as compensation for their contribution to the field.

  • Where to Stay

    AHTA has a block of rooms reserves at the Marriott Union Square San Francisco. Click here to learn more and reserve your room.

  • Still Have Questions?

    If you have additional questions or nedd additional information, please contact:

    AHTA Conference Committee

    Email: info@ahta.org

Be the First to Know When Registration Opens

Our 2026 program is shaping up to be our most comprehensive yet. Join the AHTA email list to receive the full schedule announcement and exclusive "Early Bird" registration access directly in your inbox.