Join Us: Eligibility & Format

If you’ve found this page, chances are you may be a great fit for the IFAAB Conference!

IFAAB is designed for animal behavior professionals, researchers, and graduate students who already have some background in animal behavior and are interested in thoughtful discussion, current research, applied work, and the future of the field.

Attendees commonly include:

  • Animal behavior researchers
  • Graduate students
  • Veterinarians with a special interest in behavior, including DACVBs, AVSAB members, and other behavior-focused veterinarians
  • CAABs and ACAABs
  • Animal behaviorists and trainers
  • Animal shelter professionals
  • Researchers in related disciplines, including genetics, biology, behavior analysis, animal welfare, and other relevant fields

Do I Need to Present?

No. Presenting is no longer required to attend IFAAB. You are welcome to attend simply to learn, participate in discussions, and connect with other professionals.

That said, presentations are highly encouraged! The Forum is intentionally designed to promote active participation and discussion rather than a traditional conference format.

Attendees who would like to present may choose either an oral presentation or a poster presentation.

Oral Presentations

Presenters may speak on a wide variety of topics related to applied animal behavior. Possible topics include:

  • Current or recently completed research
  • Interesting behavior cases
  • Conceptual or theoretical issues
  • Ethics and professional practice
  • Development or evaluation of behavior protocols
  • New methods, tools, supplies, or equipment
  • Demonstrations
  • Emerging or controversial topics in the field
  • Other topics relevant to applied animal behavior

Oral presenters should plan for approximately 30–45 minutes, including time for discussion. Exact presentation length will depend on the number of presentations accepted.

Presentations do not need to follow a traditional academic lecture format. We welcome interactive presentations, facilitated discussions, demonstrations, panels, and other creative formats.

Poster Presentations

Attendees may also choose to present a poster rather than giving an oral presentation. Poster presentations are open to both students and professionals.

Graduate Students

Graduate students are encouraged to attend and do not need to attend with an academic mentor.

Students may present a poster, give an oral presentation, or attend without presenting.

Important Dates

  • Early-bird registration deadline: November 6, 2026
  • Presentation/poster submission deadline: December 6, 2026

Not sure whether your presentation idea is a good fit, or interested in a format not listed here? We are open to creative ideas.

Contact us at info@ifaab.org.