After its founding in August, 1969, AWP members met annually to plan events at APA conferences, exchange bibliographies and reading lists, and work to maintain the organization.

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​By 1973 however, there was a growing interest in sharing ideas about feminist psychological research and theory on a larger scale. AWP members decided to remain separate from the new APA Division of the Psychology of Women and to hold their own conference of papers and panels. Cathryn Adamsky coordinated the first conference in October, 1973 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

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There have been 49 annual conferences since that time (we skipped 1974, 1982, and 1984) and the locations are shown on the accompanying map. In addition to the discussions, papers, workshops, symposia, and invited speakers, many traditions emerged and mostly persisted over the years (a women’s music concert, a dance with DJ or live band, karaoke, ceremonies of croning and coming out, opening rituals, closing rituals, Jewish Shabbat services, an open Feminist Forum, business meetings, caucus open-houses, activist events, wellness and film sessions, presentations by winners of Distinguished Publication Awards, presentations of AWP awards, a commercial exhibit area of local crafts and books, a new members’ lunch, and, in recent years, a memorial session).

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The linked google map provides information about each individual conference such as the theme, organizers, entertainment and attendance figures. Click on each city to find the details.

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In 2021, the COVID pandemic impacted conferences worldwide. AWP held its first virtual conference, which attracted over 500 participant who were eager for connection and Vitamin F. the theme was “Doing Antiracism Work and Addressing Intergenerational. Trauma.” In 2024, we held our second virtual conference with the theme “Decolonizing Feminist Psychology: Resilience, Healing, and Embodiment.”

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Putting on the AWP conference is arduous and exhilarating. It’s a chance to learn new skills and work with new colleagues. There are unexpected pleasures and catastrophes. It’s a year-long intense labor of love representing uncounted hours of effort. AWP is deeply indebted to the many, many volunteers who devoted their blood and sweat to these magnificent conferences.