Conference Programme

Delegates will be able to choose from a large number of presentations in the conference programme. It will be a great opportunity to hear about, and be part of, the latest developments in the field of AAC.

Sessions

All sessions are categorised into three 'levels' as a guide to the type and nature of the presentation:

• Introductory sessions assume no previous knowledge of AAC

• General sessions assume participants have a knowledge of AAC, probably gained over several years, and the sessions may have more discussion time than an Introductory session

• Specialist sessions assume even greater knowledge and, in some cases, will be more participatory in nature

We have based our topic areas on the three aspects of evidence-based practice, which constitute improved outcomes for all. These aspects are:

• Best Research Evidence (from independent organisations such as education, social or health services and universities)

• Clinical & Professional Service Delivery (presented by health or education professionals or those working for other organisations for AAC users)

• Personal Stories & Case Studies (would include personal experience stories, single case studies and examples of AAC in the wider community).

In addition to platform presentations there will be poster sessions on the Monday & Tuesday and also some more participatory events.

Conference Theme

This year’s conference theme is IDENTITY.

Annual Meeting of Associate Members

Associate Members of Communication Matters can attend the 2025 Annual Meeting of Associate Members. Non-members are welcome to attend as observers but they cannot vote on resolutions or speak to the meeting. Date/time to be announced.

Programme

A Draft Timetable for the CM2025 Conference is now available. Please note this is still only a draft and is subject to change. Download Draft Timetable v1 (PDF).

The Book of Abstracts for the CM2025 Conference will be available to download here a couple of weeks before the conference.

You will be provided with a printed programme when you register in Leeds. The printed programme will include some general conference information and a copy of the final timetable. Please note that the Book of Abstracts is available online only, and we recommend reading this in advance of the conference if you can.

Sunday: The Relaxed Exhibition is open on Sunday from 13.00-15.00 and from 15.00-17.00 for those who have registered for this separate event. The Annual Meeting of Associate Members will take place virtually at 13.00-14.00 on Sunday. 

Monday: Conference Registration opens at 8.00 on Monday. Monday morning starts with a welcome talk at 10.00 and the keynote presentation shortly afterwards. Parallel sessions run all day from 11.15-17.10 with plenty of refreshment breaks and lunch where you can view the exhibition and posters.

In the evening there will be a drinks reception (dress to impress!) from 19.00 at the Armouries, before a beautiful 3-course conference dinner alongside the AAC Awards presentations from 19.30-21.30, followed by dancing until 23.00.

Tuesday: Conference Registration opens at 8.00 on Tuesday. Tuesday sees the plenary presentation at 9.30 with parallel sessions running from 10.35-15.40, again with plenty of refreshment breaks and lunch (where you can view the exhibition and posters) and then tea/coffee is served as a final farewell until 16.15. 

Please note that much work has been done to ensure all the spaces we are using for the conference are accessible. For health and safety reasons, there will be a maximum number of people and wheelchair users allowed in each location. Please note therefore that this may mean you are turned away from a session that you wish to attend, to ensure it is a safe conference for everyone. Thank you for your understanding.

For Presenting Authors

We recommend that presenting authors view our Top Tips for Presenting Video by our past patron, Martin Pistorius.

If you are presenting a Platform, Poster, Workshop, or Lightning Talk, please Download Guidelines.