Join Us at AATA2025!
AATA2025 offers the art therapy community two opportunities to gain expertise, engage with colleagues, and build relationships.
IN-PERSON CONFERENCE: October 8 – 11 in Portland, Oregon
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE: October 25 – 26
Our goal is to provide attendees with a world-class learning experience in person and virtually — and help you and your professional journey ascend to new heights!
Learn More About the Virtual Conference
The Virtual Conference will feature the same aspects of AATA’s in-person conference that the art therapy community loves—in a 100% virtual format!
In-person AATA2025 attendees will receive a 50% discounted rate for the virtual conference.
Engage in World-Class Art Therapy Learning Opportunities
AATA2025 in Portland will include sessions in 9 program tracks: Clinical Approaches, Contemporary Issues/Current Trends, DEI, Education & Supervision, Multicultural Perspectives, Research/Evaluation, Studio & Community, Technology & Innovation, and Theory & Assessment.
- Advanced Practice Courses: Oct. 8 (Register for Advanced Practice Courses to save your spot)
- Core Program Days: Oct. 9 – 11 (View the limited-seat hands-on, experiential workshops)
Dive Deeper with Advanced Practice Courses, Oct. 8
Join us for pre-conference Advanced Practice Courses held on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Hilton Portland Downtown. Full-Day courses are 7-hour postgraduate-level educational sessions with an experiential, hands-on component, including art directives. Half-Day courses are 3-hour long sessions.
These courses are limited to 30 attendees, so register to secure your spot!
Get Inspired by Our Keynote Speaker
We’re thrilled to announce Tucker Byrant as the keynote speaker for the In-Person Conference! Tucker is a nationally renowned poet and speaker.
He believes that the tools used by poets to innovate through language and introspection can help drive creative thinking and “unlock change.”
Connect with Art Therapists from Around the World
Join art therapists from around the world during the Open Art Studio or networking sessions… or just in the common areas of the hotel venue!
Plus:
- Shared Interest Groups (SIG) sessions and other meet-ups
- Informal breakfasts prior to the Morning Plenary sessions to meet new people
- Arts & Crafts Marketplace where AATA members showcase their art (for purchase!)
- Opening Reception and Closing Party (ticketed events)
What’s Included in Your Registration
Our vision for the conference is to bring the art therapy community together for world-class learning opportunities, art-making experientials, networking events, and more.
- Continuing Education sessions, including paper presentations, panels, videos, and plenaries, in 9 subject tracks
- Daily Plenary Sessions and Keynote Presentations
- Shared Interest Group meetings
- Access to the conference mobile app to connect with attendees
- Planning for licensure campaigns and coalition-building
- Awards ceremony recognizing outstanding AATA members
- Open Art Studio, a special place to connect with others
Enjoy Vibrant Portland
The conference venue is in downtown Portland, with views of Mt. Hood and the Cascade Mountains.
Take a walk outside on the Waterfront Park Trail along the Willemmete River. (You can even rent a bike!) Visit the Portland Art Museum or the Schnitzer Concert Hall. Tour the Lan Su Chinese Gardens. Shop at the iconic Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent book store!
Stay at an Iconic Portland Hotel
AATA2025 will be held at the Hilton Portland Downtown located in the heart of city center. All learning and networking sessions will take place here, and staying here will help you connect with other attendees!
Get the best rate through AATA’s Hotel Block, October 5 – 12, 2025.
Celebrate Together at Evening Events
Join us as we celebrate our profession at the Opening Reception on Oct. 8, and Closing Party (with DJ and dancing) on Oct. 11. (These are ticketed events.)
We are hosting our AATA Member Arts & Crafts Marketplace and Author Meet-and-Greet on Oct. 9, 6:30 – 8:30pm, with a cash bar.
Shop for handmade crafts, art, jewelry, and newly published books – and be wowed!
Please contact the AATA National Staff at info@arttherapy.org to set up an exploratory call.
Become an Exhibitor or Sponsor
AATA2025 offers organizations, educational institutions, and art supply companies visibility through event marketing, digital platforms, and promotional materials.
The in-person conference’s Exhibit Hall is in the literal heart of the conference, which is the Open Art Studio. Our new virtual platform for the Oct. 25 – 26 Virtual Conference will empower sponsors to showcase in the Exhibit Hall or provide live, virtual demonstrations.
Please contact the AATA National Staff at info@arttherapy.org to set up an exploratory call.
Check out this fun video created by Portland-based AATA members!
Notes
The AATA2025 program is still being developed and updates will continue to be published in the program. If you have any questions, or need help registering for the conference, please contact info@arttherapy.org.