Human Services Research Poster Showcase Application
Call for Human Services Research Showcase Exhibit Hall
APHSA National Human Services Summit 2025: Innovate, Elevate, Lead—The Future of Human Services
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown | Philadelphia, PA
Research in Action: Evidence-Based Pathways for Human Services
Evening reception on Sunday, June 1, 2025 with 1.5-hour Poster Walk and Q&A. Posters will remain on display for the duration of Summit.
Join us at the APHSA National Human Services Summit 2025 for a dynamic look into the latest research shaping the future of human services. Our Research Poster Showcase is designed to connect researchers who study what works—and why—with human services leaders across state, county, and city agencies. Whether your focus is measuring outcomes and impact of human services programs and new initiatives, evaluation of new models and interventions, reducing barriers and improving access, implementing technology solutions, participatory research initiatives, or strengthening community engagement, we want your insights to help leaders elevate their services, drive sustainable change, and ultimately improve the lives of those they serve.
Key Dates:
- Submission Deadline: March 15, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: Mid-April 2025
- Poster Session: The evening of June 1, 2025 at Summit
Focus and Themes:
All proposals must directly connect to individuals and communities served by and receiving human services, showcasing forward-thinking research and solutions that address:
- Innovative Policy and Practice
- New frameworks for outcome measurement and impact evaluation
- Community engagement strategies
- Emergency preparedness and crisis response
2. Systems, Data, and Technology
- Data analytics and interoperability
- Technology-driven service delivery
- Funding and procurement models
3. Leadership and Culture
- Workforce well-being and resilience
- Collaboration models that drive deep impact
- Leadership approaches that build strong cultures
Submission Guidelines:
- Abstract (250 words max): Clearly state your research question(s), methodology, and relevance to the human services sector.
- Summary (500 words max): Provide additional details on methods, findings, and implications for practice or policy.
- Who Can Submit: Academic researchers, agencies, nonprofits, think tanks, policy and advocacy organizations, philanthropic organizations, private sector/consulting firms, direct service providers, community-based organizations, and students (please note no travel stipends or registration fees can be covered).
- Online Submission: Complete this form.
Note: APHSA reserves the right to cancel the poster session if insufficient high-quality proposals are received.
Recommended Poster Format:
- Dimensions: 48” x 36” (landscape). Printing is the responsibility of the presenter.
- Design: Use clear headings, visuals (charts, infographics, etc.), and succinct text for easy on-site viewing.
- Presence: At least one presenter should be available during the 1.5-hour session for Q&A and networking.
Recognition and Awards:
- Top Innovator Award: Selected by an APHSA review panel for outstanding originality and measurable impact.
- People’s Choice Award: Voted on by Summit attendees during the poster session.
Accepted presenters will also receive recognition in the post-conference highlights.
Selection Criteria:
A team of APHSA staff will review submissions based on the following criteria:
- Relevance and Impact: Direct applicability to human services and potential to improve outcomes for populations served.
- Methodological Rigor: Clarity of research methods, data integrity, and credibility of findings.
- Innovation and Originality: Fresh perspectives, novel approaches, or creative solutions.
- Alignment with Summit Themes: Connection to Innovate, Elevate, Lead: The Future of Human Services.
- Clarity and Feasibility: Well-organized proposal with actionable insights for practitioners or policymakers. Preference will be for research that has been piloted and tested or has a clear testing plan in place.
Join Us!
Make your mark on the future of human services. Submit your proposal by March 15, 2025, and be part of the dynamic exchange of ideas at this year's Summit. Together, we’ll innovate, elevate, and lead the way forward.
For more details or questions, please contact: Lisa Aukward, APHSA Events Contractor at lisa@businessstrategies.com
We look forward to seeing your work at the APHSA National Human Services Summit!
For more information on Summit, visit our website.